Lambda 3: Flexible entry-level solution for semi-automatic cable assembly
Technology & Innovation
With the new Lambda 3 series, the Komax Group has developed an efficient platform that can be equipped with customer-specific modules, enabling flexible expansion of the entire process line. The Lambda 3 is ideal for customers who are confronted with small batch sizes, frequent product changes or short-term adjustments in their day-to-day production, who want to automate their production step by step and are looking for low investment costs. Whilst maintaining the highest quality standards. Julia Weny, the product manager responsible, explains where the Lambda 3 is produced and why it can be delivered quickly.
The Lambda 310 with individual module configuration. The system's processing modules can be customized for all common connector systems.
Are you looking for more flexibility in the production process because you are confronted with small batch sizes, changing requirements and short-term adjustments on a daily basis? Or do you need to maintain the highest quality standards despite small quantities or experimental productions and are dependent on precise processing and complete traceability? Are you aware that more automation in your company would generate considerable efficiency gains, but need to keep the investment volume low due to uncertainties? Then you will be delighted with the new Lambda 3 series: With it, the Komax Group presents a state-of-the-art platform for the semi-automatic assembly of data cables, which is characterized by its modular design. Process modules can be individually configured so that a wide range of applications - from automotive Ethernet to coaxial connector systems - can be covered. Thanks to the Lambda 3 series, it is possible to react quickly to market changes, specific customer requirements or changing production volumes. Without any loss of quality.
Eliminate expensive conveyor concepts
The Lambda 3 has a manual infeed that is decoupled from the shuttle transfer, thanks to which the cycle time can be reduced to up to 8 seconds, depending on the process. While the system is producing, the machine operator can manually add any piece connectors, such as the fixing element of the MATEnet system, which means that expensive conveyor concepts can be avoided. In addition to high productivity and low production costs, the Lambda 3 also offers advantages in the changeover process: light barriers enable simple process accessibility, and a pull-out device ensures convenient material reel changes and minimized downtimes.
Every cable of the highest quality
The compact Lambda 3, which only requires 1.5 x 1.5 meters of space, is suitable for production facilities with limited space and can be easily integrated into existing production lines. It acts as an ideal backup system and has been specially designed for small batches, laboratories or ramp-up productions where fast changeovers, efficient processes and quality are crucial. It therefore offers a comprehensive package of quality assurance methods that are specially tailored to the requirements of modern cable assembly.
Electrical and mechanical tests as well as statistical control methods ensure that every cable meets the highest quality standards. All test results can be documented and tracked. The Lambda 3 is equipped with interfaces for integration into higher-level quality management systems and enables the use of OPC UA communication standards. Relevant productivity data can be transferred to Visualizer systems via WIRE Insights, a cloud-based service which supports transparent and traceable production. And should you ever want to fully automate your production, you can simply integrate the process modules of the Lambda 3 into one of its bigger sisters, the Lambda 4 or 5.
We asked Julia Weny, Lambda 3 Product Manager at Komax SLE in Grafenau, Germany.
Julia Weny, the Lambda 3 series follows on from its fully automatic predecessors, the Lambda 4 and 5 series. Where is the Lambda 3 produced?
Within the Komax Group, synergies between the various locations are used to avoid redundancies in terms of technology, infrastructure and expertise. We work in cross-location teams and thus ensure that experience from different markets is incorporated into product development. This is also the case with the Lambda 3: a large proportion of the process modules and the base frame of the Lambda 3 are developed and produced in Grafenau, Germany, while all elements specially designed for semi-automatic production are produced in Belgium.
What specific customer benefits does the Lambda 3 provide thanks to the use of synergies?
Thanks to standardized process modules, we can guarantee short delivery times for the Lambda 3, although it obviously depends on the extent to which customers require special modules tailored to their needs. Because the Lambda 3 series is based on the proven technology of its fully automatic siblings, it can also be easily integrated into existing production lines without the need for additional training. The uniform operation across all models in the Lambda series also reduces the time required for maintenance work.