Advanced automation for Foundry Operations

Manual handling in foundry operations — characterized by high temperatures, dust, and heavy parts — is not only inefficient but also risky.

To overcome these challenges, Comau’s robotic automation delivers a fully automated solution designed to enhance:

This video demonstrates a complete automated robotic line developed by Comau for foundry operations.
Using two Comau NJ-290 Foundry robots, the solution automates part unloading, cleaning, painting, heat treatment, and palletizing with high accuracy and reliability.

Controlled by a Siemens TIA Portal PLC, the line ensures precise coordination and seamless integration—boosting efficiency and consistency while reducing exposure to hazardous conditions.

At a major foundry facility, Comau deployed a robotic solution to manage the entire flow—from sand-forming to palletizing—improving safety and process reliability.

The automated line features two Comau NJ-290 Foundry robots designed for harsh environments.

  • The first robot unloads parts from the sand forming machine, brushes and cleans them, then dips them into a paint tank for coating. After painting, the parts are placed onto a conveyor for heat curing in an oven.

  • The second robot picks up the cured parts and palletizes them into multi-level racks, which are manually placed by the operator.

  • The system is fully controlled by a Siemens TIA Portal PLC, ensuring seamless coordination between robots, oven, and safety devices.

To handle different part types, the robots are equipped with automatic tool changers, and safety fences open and close automatically, ensuring safe operation while maintaining high productivity..

A Comau NJ-290 Foundry robot unloads hot metal parts directly from the sand forming machine.
It brushes the pieces, dips them into a paint tank for coating, and places them on an oven load system for heat-curing. An automatic tool changer allows the robot to adapt to different part types.

After curing, a second NJ-290 robot picks up the painted parts and palletizes them in multi-level racks positioned by an operator. This setup ensures space optimization and a smooth transition to the next production phase.

The entire system is managed through a Siemens TIA Portal PLC, enabling real-time coordination between robots, ovens, and safety devices over Ethernet/IP.
Safety fences open and close automatically, maintaining productivity while ensuring operator protection.

With over 50 years of experience, Comau is trusted worldwide for its expertise in automating complex environments like foundries.
Our systems are engineered for durability, consistency, and safety, even under extreme production conditions.

The Comau NJ-290 Foundry version is purpose-built to operate in dusty, high-temperature environments.
Its 6-axis flexibility allows for precise handling of diverse parts, while its robust design ensures longevity and minimal downtime.

Comau’s robots are designed to integrate effortlessly into fully automated lines, handling everything from material preparation to final palletizing.
The system is modular and adaptable, ensuring scalability and fast deployment.

No two foundries are the same. Comau designs flexible, customizable solutions that align with your part geometry, space availability, and throughput goals, ensuring maximum ROI and long-term performance.

Founded in 1987 and located near Turin, Italy, Olivero SRL specializes in the design, construction, and integration of industrial plants for a wide range of industries. With expertise in mechanical, electrical, and automation engineering, Olivero delivers turnkey solutions tailored to the evolving needs of both national and international clients.