Modular Automation masters cable assembly for detonator manufucture

Citation

(2002), "Modular Automation masters cable assembly for detonator manufucture", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322baf.002

Modular Automation masters cable assembly for detonator manufucture

Keywords: Assembly, Explosives

Modular Automation has used proven technology to design and build a new detonator assembly system for Sasol Mining Initiators in South Africa. The system overcomes the many difficulties associated with assembling cables, to improve productivity and provide a high quality product for the company (Plate 2).

In South Africa today there are some 400,000 mining explosions every day. Many use pyrotechnic detonators, however, the highly sophisticated electronic units, assembled by the new Modular Automation system, are recognised as being safer and easier to handle. Manufacturing the product in sufficient quantity requires automation; and automating wire handling and soldering operations is notoriously difficult.

However, Modular Automation has mastered the assembly process that includes seven wire-soldering operations on components that were originally designed to be assembled by hand.

Plate 2 This new system from Modular Automation overcomes many of the difficulties associated with assembling cables to improve productivity and quality for SASOL Mining Initiators in South Africa

The process begins with two cable feeder stations, each cable with a white and a blue core wire. Each end of the cable is clamped to create a loop, a vision system then identifies the different coloured core wires then turns them to the correct position. Further stations then strip the insulation from the ends of the wires and form the ends into the correct shape. A transfer station then brings one loop to join the adjacent one, and two twist stations connect the wires together.

Plugs and sockets are then bowl-fed and pick-and-place units position them in nests. The cables are positioned in the plugs and sockets, circuit boards loaded and the entire assembly soldered together.

Finally the system performs a continuity test, folds and tapes the complete assembly and unloads.

This is the first machine Modular Automation has made for Sasol Mining Initiators, although it does have considerable experience in designing similar machines for the South African market.

Enquiries: William Bourn, Modular Automation, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham, B1O OHS. Tel: 0121 766 7979; Fax: 0121 766 6385; E-mail: bourn@modular.co.uk