Pressac uses modular assembly for accuracy and traceability

Citation

(2001), "Pressac uses modular assembly for accuracy and traceability", Assembly Automation, Vol. 21 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2001.03321caf.008

Pressac uses modular assembly for accuracy and traceability

Pressac uses modular assembly for accuracy and traceability

Keywords: Automation, Assembly, Robots

Pressac Inc. of the USA has taken delivery of its seventh automatic assembly system from the leading UK automation supplier, Modular Automation. This latest system combines high accuracy with comprehensive electrical testing for long-term field diagnosis and statistical process control (see Plate 8).

The system assembles horn switches for the new range of Toyota, Chevrolet and Pontiac cars. At each point in the process the system checks automatically the integrity of the assembly. This information ensures the rejection of faulty components, the elimination of unnecessary work on rejected items and provides the data for long-term statistical analysis.

Plate 8 The latest Modular Automation machine for Pressac Inc.

The machine uses a large indexing table to perform the assembly operations. The process starts with the manual loading of two electrical harnesses which are automatically checked, using colour sensors, for polarity. These harnesses are then transported to the horn switch membrane loading station. Here, the membranes are presented, using conveyor-based pallets, and are loaded on to the indexing table by a Sony Scara robot.

Once in position the membranes and harnesses are riveted together using tiny 4mm, bowl-fed rivets, which are transferred, pressed through and formed by a pneumatic press.

After riveting, the completed switch assembly is transferred to a pair of automatic testing stations, where it is electrically checked and the effort required to operate it is also measured, thus ensuring that it meets with the operational criteria. Once tested, the switch is unloaded by another Scara robot and, if good, it is passed over an ink jet printer, which adds unique identifiable information. Any rejects are now marked and are segregated into a reject container. The machine is linked to a PC which records all of the relevant assembly and test information for historical archiving and SPC purposes.

Modular Automation has vast experience of developing innovative assembly systems using a modular approach and trusted technology. By approaching its business in this practical way it claims that its systems are realistically priced, effective and utterly reliable.

Contact William Bourn, Modular Automation, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HS, UK. Tel: +44 (0)121 766 7979; Fax: +44 (0)121 766 6385; E-mail: bourn@modular.co.uk