Expert transfer equipment selected for automatic floor and underbody assembly

Citation

(1999), "Expert transfer equipment selected for automatic floor and underbody assembly", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.03319aaf.002

Expert transfer equipment selected for automatic floor and underbody assembly

Expert transfer equipment selected for automatic floor and underbody assembly

Keywords Assembly, CAM

Leading mechanical positioning and assembly line equipment supplier, Expert UK Ltd has won orders worth more than £450,000 to supply transfer systems for the assembly of the recently-launched Jaguar "S" type saloon.

Three custom-engineered lift and transfer lines, developed specifically to match the capabilities of state-of-the-art automatic welding equipment, have been supplied by Expert for installation at Jaguar's Castle Bromwich assembly plant.

A five-station Expert system is used for the construction of front floor assemblies, while an equivalent eight-station unit is employed for production of the vehicles' rear floor pans. In addition, a 13-station line capable of automatically loading pre-assembled engine compartments is used to manufacture the new vehicles' underbodies complete. Each line incorporates a "soft touch" pick-up feature to eliminate the risk of panel damage, while smooth acceleration and transfer characteristics are achieved using the latest version of Expert's proven cam-based drive system.

The order, which was won in the face of stiff international competition, follows the successful installation of similar transfer equipment at other leading automotive manufacturers including GM, VW, Peugeot, Renault and Porsche.

"We are delighted to have won such a prestigious high profile contract", says Expert UK's general Manager, Angelo Luciano. "It underlines the proven reliability and performance of our equipment and paves the way for further high value automotive sector contracts in the future."

Expert UK is a leader in the design, development and application of precision indexing drives. The company also supplies first and second tier automotive suppliers, as well as machine tool manufacturers and automated system builders. Its has grown consistently since opening its first branch office in 1991 and today is headquartered at the heart of the UK's communication network, in Coventry.

Expert's 200-strong international customer base includes "blue chip" OEM companies including Ford, Vauxhall, Rover, Jaguar, Toyota and ABB.

For further information contact: Angelo Luciano at Expert UK Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1203 717566;URL: http://www.expertuk.ltd.uk/expertuk