The Challenge

A firm came to Midwest Engineered Systems looking to design a fully automated multi-station rotor assembly machine. The machine must automatically:

• Accept machined rotor shells (multiple types and sizes)
• Automatically load magnets (multiple types and sizes)
• Apply two-part epoxy to shell and magnets using positive displacement dispensing system
• Provide magnet bonding with individual bonding force feedback and control
• Part cure storage and process control
• Individual part inspection
• Parts must then be placed on a transfer station to be shear tested and magnetized

The Solution

MWES designed and built a Robotically Loaded Custom Automated System. The customer’s cycle time decreased to one assembled part every 50 seconds. The following methods, components and technologies were implemented and integrated to provide a comprehensive solution:

• Dual manually loaded magnet part slides
• Robotic part handling (magnets and rotor shells)
• Automatically loaded magnet holding tooling
• Automatic positive displacement glue dispensing on each magnet
• Individual part servo-controlled bonding axis’
• Individual part force feedback bonding axis’
• Robotically controlled cure rack
• Part Inspection using laser line generator and Cognex Vision System

Impact to the Customer

The automation system that MWES provided this customer brought about the following improvements:

• Part rate of one part assembled every 50 seconds or less
• Parts are automatically assembled
• All magnet pressing is verified using individual axis load cell feedback
• All parts are 100% inspected and verified
• Bad parts are automatically identified

Midwest Engineered Systems has a wide range of experience in building custom automation systems. If you’re looking to improve your automation throughput, we have the knowledge and experience to make the project a success.

Contact us to learn about how Midwest Engineered Systems can automate even your most complex and challenging operations today!