Designing assembly machines should begin with considering production volume, delivery schedule, and cost as the most critical factors. There are different ways to automate an assembly process, which include:
- Standalone cells that combine automated and manual processes
- Asynchronous systems that are constructed around factors like production volume, delivery timeline, budget, floor space, and cycle time
- Synchronous systems that are based on linear or rotary indexers
The most significant influence on starting the design process is the product. What does the thing look like? How many parts are there? How many steps are involved in the manufacturing process? When you start building machines, everything that comes next is there to support the proper and quick construction of the parts or product. Faster cycle times are favorable for indexing assembly systems rather than overpower-&-free systems. If working with smaller products, rotary indexing dials are ideal. Larger parts and products are better suited on linear systems. Products that have few pieces to them can be assembled (economically) on rotary indexers. For products with multiple components, linear systems are recommended.
Cycle times are also important factors. Vastly different approached to can be made depending on the demands of production. Does your product need to be made every five seconds, or every thirty-five seconds?
Will your system need to make a variety of products or just one? We build machines that allow customers to produce variants of similar products.
We can help you design automated assembly machines based on your exact needs. We even add in leak testing to ensure optimal quality control for final parts.
Related Reading:
- Designing Automated Assembly Machines: PT 2
- Why is Leak Detection Essential
- Automated Assembly Machines Allow for Part Tracking
