Flexible assembly cells

Citation

(1999), "Flexible assembly cells", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.03319aad.013

Flexible assembly cells

Flexible assembly cells

Keyword Assembly

The Flexifactor system provides the foundation for high output assembly systems for various applications in the automotive, electrical, and medical device industries. Modular in concept and highly standardized in its execution, the Flexifactor makes use of a pallet for transporting the product being assembled, and autonomous assembly cells called Flexcells. The cells' overall dimensions are common for the entire Flexcell family, as are a majority of the components. Systems can thus be expanded and tooling added in a logical, step-by-step fashion.

Based primarily on mechanical, cam driven technology, Flexcells come in a variety of sizes and with a number of standard configurations. The Flexcell T, for example, is used for carrying out long cycle time test or process operations directly in line with the assembly circuit. Now Mikron has added a new member to the Flexcell family; the "numerically controlled", or NC cell (see Plate 13).

The NC option replaces cam drive with computer numeric control, allowing for cycle by cycle changes in working unit strokes and positions. NC units can replace some or all traditional cam driven units, depending on the application. NC controlled palletizing integrated directly into the cell is also available. The Flexcell NC complements the Flexifactor range.

Plate 13 Flexcell NC cell, the principal element of the Flexifactor system

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