Midwest Engineered Systems Designed a fully automated multi-station press for flywheels. Our Customer’s part rate decreased to 1 assembled part ever 50 seconds.

The Challenge

The machine must automatically load:

• Flywheels (from part washer)
• Timing gears (must be oriented)
• Bearing Race
• Snap Ring
• Lee Plug
• Parts must then be automatically assembled for manual unloading into dunnage

The Solution

The following methods, components and technologies were implemented and integrated to provide a comprehensive solution:

• Two strand chain conveyor integrated to parts washer conveyor for automatic flywheel introduction
• Vision system used to orientate flywheel TDC (top dead center)
• Magazine escapement loading bearing races
• Vibratory bowl feeder loaded timing gears
• Vision system used to orientate gear by timing mark
• Vibratory bowl feeder loaded lee plugs
• Magazine loaded snap rings
• Individual hydraulic pressing stations using Promess force load monitoring system for press verification feedback
• Automated snap ring installation
• Automated lee plug installation

Impact to the Customer

• Part rate of 1 part assembled every 50 seconds or less
• Parts are automatically assembled
• All pressing is verified using Promess force load monitoring technology
• Bad parts are automatically identified

For more information on this equipment or other web handling needs please contact MWES.