Ricardo Campa Vaquera

Industrial Automation Engineer with over 9 years of experience specializing in the design, programming, and implementation of advanced manufacturing systems. Expertise in robotics programming (FANUC), PLC programming (Allen Bradley), HMI development, vision system integration, and mechanical design for automated cells. Proven ability to lead complex automation projects across multiple countries, contributing to manufacturing efficiency, cost reduction, and technological innovation

Developing a Flexible Robotic Coating System

Faced with the challenge of developing a flexible coating system that could handle different part numbers and be easily scaled to meet production demands.

I engineered a solution using a line of 1 to 12 robots programmed working inline to process parts at varying conveyor speeds. The system was designed with flexibility, allowing additional robots to be integrated as production needed to grow. The system became the main coating system in all global plants due to its flexibility to manage different part numbers and its scalability. In one of the plants, it successfully handled up to 30 different part numbers for five different clients. Moreover, the system effectively reduced costs by eliminating the need to create a new cell for each coating project.

Automation of Variable Extrusion Process

I oversaw developing a system capable of performing variable extrusion, specifically creating a notch in the lip of the extrusion that would be centered and skived and be flexible enough to be integrated with any extrusion line.

I programmed a system that could be easily mounted on the headers of the extrusion lines and was continually fed back by encoders along the entire 120m length of the line, taking averages of the total length of the extrusion and adjusting the skive length automatically.

The system is currently operational in two company plants and being implemented in others. This system has eliminated the post-extrusion notching process, representing a reduction in equipment cost, labor cost, and production variables. When implemented across the company's 14+ plants, this solution could lead to an estimated annual savings of 15% in labor and equipment costs.

Automation of Process Cells in Manufacturing

Tasked with automating process cells where operations like trimming, notching, molding, and heating were performed manually by six operators per cell due to a labor shortage.

I designed and led the automation of these process cells, incorporating a centralized Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) that connected each machine in a cell. To handle parts processing, I integrated Fanuc robots and introduced Cognex cameras equipped with a deep learning feature. This advanced vision system proved crucial in accurately identifying defective components by distinguishing between missing components, poorly curved parts, bad trims, overheating, inadequate notching, and scratches, which was particularly challenging considering the black rubber material.

This automation significantly reduced required manpower from six operators to just two per cell, representing a 67% reduction in labor costs. This approach was implemented across five cells, resulting in a total workforce reduction of 20 operators. The manpower was successfully redeployed to other cells experiencing labor shortages. Moreover, the incorporation of the deep learning vision system considerably improved the accuracy of defect detection, thus enhancing overall output quality.

• Henniges Automotive, Maintenance Planner, 02/01/14, 08/31/14, Provide a safe operating environment by planning the installation, maintenance and repairs of machines, tools, equipment and utility systems, Knowledge of TPM, Schedule maintenance programs, Evaluation of replacement parts and place orders, Managing maintenance data collection and information, Personal management, Management of suppliers, Design and implementation of the Poke-Yokes
• Henniges Automotive, Maintenance Engineer, 08/31/14, 10/31/15, Responsible for the continuous running of equipment and machinery as well as Installation of New Cells, Knowledge of Hydraulic & pneumatic equipment, Molding and extrusion process experience, Presses experience, Extrusion lines experience, Finishing cells installation experience, Start of new projects experience, Troubleshooting
• Henniges Automotive, Control Engineer, 10/31/15, 01/31/17, Providing technical support for manufacturing departments in plant facilities focused on programmable controls, PLC programming Allen Bradley RS Logix 5000 and 500, Work closely on new launches from start to finish, Troubleshooting/de-programming and testing/evaluating equipment, Work with engineering design and implementation of robotics, conveyor systems and extrusion lines, Robot Programming (Fanuc Robots), Wire and routing electrical Panels
• Henniges Automotive, Technical Support Engineer, 01/31/17, 06/30/21, Providing technical support for Henniges plants on robotic systems installation, Launch of different robotic systems using Fanuc robots, Debugging and testing equipment, Remote Support for Troubleshooting, Support on Presets adjustments, Coating Testing and Primer, Support on Robotic Cells Improvements
• Henniges Automotive, Senior Automation Engineer, 06/30/21, 12/31/23, Work with the AME Team on the Design and development of automated processes for Henniges plants, Design and installation of different Automated Lines, Control design and cost estimation, PLC Programming, Robot programming, Support on different Plants with automation solutions
• Henniges Automotive, Senior Control Engineer (At Plant), 01/01/24, Present, Identify opportunities for automation to optimize processes and reduce costs, Provide support for daily production needs, Implement continuous improvements in existing automation cells, Mentor and develop engineers in the department

• Robot Programming, Aguascalientes, Mexico, 08/01/15, FANUC
• Handling Tool Operation and Programming, Aguascalientes, Mexico, 09/01/15, FANUC
• Paint Tool Operation and Programming, New Haven MO, USA, 09/01/15, Henniges Automotive
• Electrical Maintenance with R-30iA Controller, Aguascalientes, Mexico, 10/01/15, FANUC
• Advance TPP Programming, Chicago IL, USA, 11/01/15, FANUC America
• IR VISION- 2D R30ib plus, Huntersville NC, USA, 04/01/22, FANUC America

• Vasco de Quiroga High school, Lerdo, Durango, 2006-2009
• Mechatronics Engineer, Tecnologico de la Laguna, Manufacturing Process

• Age: 33
• Date of Birth: 09/15/91
• Marital Status: Married
• Place of Birth: Durango