The simplification of automated systems has become
a more requested option as small to medium sized
manufacturers look to keep costs down and maintenance
as simple as possible.
Of course, PLC control offers much in the way
of adaptability for future changes on the equipment.
Still, on a dedicated system like this, all of
the customer goals were successfully achieved
using 'old technology'.
The system consists of two vibratory
feeder bowls designed to feed the 'male' and 'female'
half of the buckle assembly, two gravity tracks
(stainless steel, with lexan covers), machined stainless
steel guide tooling and Delrin receiving nest and
insertion tooling.
Also included were variable speed
controls for each bowl with fibre optics for full
gravity track shut-off ('on demand' bowl operation),
and stainless steel and Lexan guarding with integrated
safety stop.
This machine currently snaps together
20 assemblies per minute, which will supply sufficient
quantities of this style of buckle for the current
production schedule.
As so many manufacturers want to
speed up production, increase quality, reduce repetitive
injury risks and generally become more efficient,
Action Feed Systems is currently leaning toward
'small automation' as a logical addition to its
part feeding design and fabrication activity.
In an extremely competitive market,
automation is the key to reaching productivity goals.
In fact, many manufacturers would simply have been
driven out of their markets by cheaper imports,
had it not been for the productivity gains afforded
by the of automating manufacturing processes. The
choice to automate should be, of course, ...a snap!
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