Keywords
Citation
(2006), "Copley Motion Systems selects prism for precision", Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, Vol. 18 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ssmt.2006.21918cab.012
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copley Motion Systems selects prism for precision
Copley Motion Systems selects prism for precision
Keywords: Precision engineering, Electrical components
Precision manufacturing capability has led St Ives-based contract electronics manufacturer Prism Electronics to secure an initial £50,000 contract to produce electro-mechanical assemblies for an innovative industrial linear actuator.
The linear actuator has been developed by world-leading motion solutions provider Copley Motion Systems LLC. It has been designed for food and drinks manufacturing where the production trend is increasingly towards producing short runs of custom labelled and packaged products.
The device is used in cutting, coating and positioning processes on production lines. It can reduce downtime significantly compared to traditional systems that require the reconfiguration of production lines between product changeovers. Precision operation and alignment of the device during these processes is a key feature.
The ability of the linear actuator to position itself accurately relies on the precise alignment of two sensors on the electro-mechanical assembly. Prism was awarded the contract because of its ability to produce these components accurately.
Prism produces two variations of electro-mechanical assembly which include high density circuit boards fitted with surface mounted components. To ensure precise alignment the sensors are positioned by hand.
Delivery of the assemblies is integrated into Copley Motions' kanban production system. Initial batches tested by the company were fault free.