Assembly - February 2009 - (Page 8) Automation Profiles System Assembles Family of Car Latches A photoelectric sensor performs two checks at once. any manufacturers mistakenly believe that high-speed automated assembly systems are inherently inflexible. In fact, with the right layout and some clever engineering, automation systems can assemble families of similar products relatively easily. A case in point is an asynchronous system designed by Eastern Automation Systems (Farmingdale, NJ). The system automatically assembles a family of 13 automotive interior latches. A pallet-transfer conveyor, configured in an 8-foot by 20-foot loop, shuttles assemblies through 13 stations. A manual station is also included to handle future styles that cannot be accommodated by the automatic feeders. In this profile, Scott Bellows, CMfgE, president of Eastern Automation, describes how the system works. For more information, call 732938-2002 or visit www.easternautomation.net. What are the dimensions of the latch? 5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 2 inches tall. What are the parts made of? The four plastic pieces are glass-filled nylon. The shock bumper is rubber. There are two metal parts. One is a compression spring; the other is a headed steel pin. What feeds the parts? Seven vibratory feeders. All the feeders are equipped with vibratory, inline feed tracks, and five have vibratory M Each pallet holds one latch assembly and carries a small, passive RFID tag. A read-write head at each station updates the status of each assembly. If an assembly fails a check at any station, it will pass subsequent stations without receiving any more value. Photo courtesy Eastern Automation Systems GREAT CARTS. GREAT CART ENGINEERS. GREAT FLOW RACKS. GREAT FLOW RACK ENGINEERS. Need a cart? We have thousands of designs. Need one specially designed? We have great cart engineers who can design just the right one. Click “Structures” on our new website for great cart ideas. We have thousands of flow rack designs for light, medium or heavy-duty applications that will probably meet your needs. If not, we have a team of engineers who can design one just for you. Click “Structures” on our new website for great flow rack ideas. www.creform.com 800-839-8823 www.creform.com 800-839-8823 8 ASSEMBLY / February 2009 www.assemblymag.com http://www.easternautomation.net http://www.creform.com http://www.creform.com http://www.creform.com http://www.creform.com http://www.assemblymag.com
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