Assembly Automation

Assembly Automation - Are you Presently Assembling a Product Manually?

Photo shows assembly automation equipment, in the form of a Lanco LTS.

If you are presently assembling a product manually, you may be considering automating that process. Automation can save your company both time and money!

Automation can generally:

• Speed up the process
• Reduce the scrap rate
• Reduce worker fatigue
• Reduce accident rates

Maybe the best way to describe assembly automation, is to explain the procedure we follow, at the beginning of every assembly project.

Design the Concept

This procedure is called the "DESIGN THE CONCEPT".

1. Make a list of the assembly sequence.
    
2. Assign a cycle time estimate to each step of the sequence.
    
3. Decide which steps must be manual. (Those which are too difficult to automate, or too expensive)
    
4. Decide if any steps must be duplicated, in order to achieve desired cycle time.

When these 4-steps are completed, you should know:

1. The number of automatic stations, in the system.
    
2. The number of manual stations, in the system.
    
3. The system cycle time.

A Few Words About Cycle Time

For the type of factory automation we are discussing here, cycle times are rarely less than 10 seconds.

If you are contemplating faster cycle times than 10 seconds, you are entering the world of special purpose machines. These systems are a stop then move type of operation - a continuous motion system may be required for very fast cycle times.

Next Look at Transport Methods

The next step, is to take a look at different transport methods, to move the assembly, from station to station. In our experience, there are 3 types, to be considered:

1. If all the stations are manual, then a chute or a conveyor can be used.
    
2. The rotary indexer is probably the oldest of the transport methods used.
    
3. The use of Pallet Transfer Systems or Linear Transfer Systems ((LTS) is the final alternative. Both the Dial Indexer and the LTS, are ideal for mixing manual and automatic stations.

For information on assembly equipment for automation click on the links below:

Vibration Feeders

Adhesive dispense

Automatic screwdriver

Orbital riveting

Laser marking

Assembly Press

The above links, give more information, on units that are usually incorporated into automatic stations.

Many of the manufacturers mentioned, are represented, in Canada, by- Interfaced Technologies Inc.

To find out more about how your company can benefit from assembly automation, please feel free to contact us.

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