Automated Assembly Solutions
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Avdel® Automation
Technology
 Avdel® offers a wide range of semi and fully automated installation equipment
to suit all our customers’ requirements. All Avdel® automation equipment
is tailored to meet the specific demands of a particular environment whether
it be a small semi-automated feed system or fully-automated assembly line
for a large Automotive OEM.
In times of strong cost pressure these machines offer important benefits
due to optimized assembly processes and the associated potential savings.
Avdel® approaches the whole assembly, because there is the largest potential
for rationalisation. In fact the actual fastener cost has only a relative
small part in the total cost of the assembly.
Contact your local Avdel® representative
to discuss our Automated Assembly Solutions.
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Total Cost of
Assembly
The cost of any assembly consists of the cost of the consumable components
and the cost of the process itself. In most cases the process costs far outweigh
the piece part fastener costs – often with a ratio as high as 4:1. Choosing the most appropriate installation system allows for the optimisation
of the process by focussing on:
Elimination of secondary operations
Using the most effective system can reduce the amount of necessary labour
or eliminate the need for it altogether; using ergonomically designed
workstations can also improve operator efficiency and hence reduce problems
related to error or fatigue.
Improved quality
Automated systems are ideal for maintaining consistency and repeatability
and reducing process variation, rework and scrap. Using integrated sensing
and process monitoring allows Avdel® equipment to verify that the fastener
has been installed every time.
Increased throughput
Automated assembly can be used to dramatically increase process throughput.
This has the benefit that our customers are able to grow their businesses
without by increasing capacity without the addition of extra resources such
as labour or floor space.
Assembly System
Design
In helping the customer select a system our application engineers have a
wealth of experience to draw upon.
In general, the key factors in the selection are:
Process speed
The rate at which components need to be assembled will determine the type
of equipment and the number of stations needed. Ergonomic design of these
workstations, component handling systems and in built fixturing can all improve
process throughput as can the introduction of robotics and linked cells.
Flexibility
Assembly automation is not only suited to continuous flow production of a
single product type. Our systems can be designed with in built flexibility
to allow for changeovers with the minimum of unnecessary downtime. Avdel®
also offers an extensive range of handtool based solutions which offer the
greatest level of flexibility.
PLC control and monitoring
In many cases, modern manufacturing demands an increased level of process
monitoring and control. Sensors, counters and mechanical locks, tied in to
a PLC control system, give the user an increased level of confidence in the
assembled product quality. Systems can also be designed to help with preventive
maintenance regimes as well as troubleshooting any potential problems –
these can significantly the overall cost of ownership and increase the equipment
life.
Types of Assembly
Systems
Avdel® offers different levels of automation to match the operational
requirements of the customer. These are developed using modular design principles
to:
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Improve maintenance and serviceability
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Reduce implementation times
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Increase flexibility for equipment modification and extension
The types of automation are categorised as follows:
Hand tools and simple workstations
These are off the shelf systems for simple installation into the assembly environment. They are highly flexible and cost effective.
Workstations
Avdel® workstations are designed for use with or without an operator. Workstations are normally customised to meet the exact requirements of the application and the assembly process. Avdel® workstations tend to be viewed as a component in a wider assembly system.
Complete assembly systems
Avdel® can offer complete assembly solutions consisting of multiple workstations linked by transfer lines. Avdel® offers a complete process design through to installation and commissioning service for these turnkey solutions.
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