Custom Automation Systems
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!