Custom Machinery
- In-House Engineering and Design
- Ultrasonic Welding Machine
- Manual Glove Box Assembly Fixture
- Weld Plate Tooling
- Handle Latch Assembly Machine
- Clip Installation Table-Top Tooling
- Robotic End Of Arm Tooling (EOAT)
- Clamp Tightening Machine with Interchangeable Tooling
- Clip/Stud Installation Machine
- In-House Panel Design and Build
IN-HOUSE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
We utilize the latest technology in 3D design software to give our customers virtual representations of their machines at the onset of a project. By investing more time and energy early in the design process, our customers are able to make better informed decisions to identify and correct potential problems before they occur. It allows us to provide higher quality products at lower costs. We currently use the latest versions of Autodesk inventor for all mechanical design and modeling, and we utilize MasterCAM to convert our 3D models into precision machined components.
This semi-automatic machine was designed to “weld” two plastic parts together via a single ultrasonic welder. IAI Linear positioning drives were used to control the “X” and “Y” movement of the welder while a pneumatic cylinder indexed the welder into position along the “Z” axis. The operator loads both components, and upon part presence verification, initiates the weld cycle to begin. The components are welded at specific locations and the finished assembly is raised and held above the operator’s working plane for removal once the next components are loaded.
MANUAL GLOVE BOX ASSEMBLY FIXTURE
This manual assembly station was designed to assemble the components of a glove box. The fixture is capable of being spun on the “Z” axis and the “X” axis for complete 360o access to the base part. The operator controls the rotation of the fixture via foot pedals linked to pneumatic brakes that are mounted to the frame. The fixture also has a torque driver suspended on a tool balancer for installing and tightening screws on the part.
This interchangeable tooling was designed for a hot plate welder for plastic components. Each set of weld tooling included both an upper die and a lower die with segmented welding surfaces for adjustability to compensate for part variance. The segmented plates were linked to pneumatic slide assemblies to facilitate easy loading and unloading due to an overhanging neck on the parts to be welded.
This semi-automatic machine was designed to assemble a door latch. The latch assembly consisted of a base, handle, spring, pin, and an ear clip. The machine completely assembles and verifies that all components were properly installed. Pneumatic cylinders and linear bearings were utilized to hold down and secure the base and spring, as well as install the pin and ear clip.
CLIP INSTALLATION TABLE-TOP TOOLING
Designed as a cost-savings alternative to a fully automated machine, this table-top tooling was built to install clips on the underside of a plastic part. This standalone solution is designed with its own PLC and can run off any 110V outlet, allowing for placement virtually anywhere. The tooling utilizes compact pneumatic cylinders to install the various clips and hold down the part. The machine also verifies presence of clips to ensure proper installation. Two-hand-anti-tie down switches were used to ensure operator safety while clips are installed.
ROBOTIC END OF ARM TOOLING (EOAT)
Both this EOAT and loading station were designed to be integrated into a robotic mold loading process. Various washers, tubes, and nuts were needed to be loaded, verified and then retrieved by a robot and subsequently placed into a mold for plastic injection. Custom machined vacuum grippers and standard pneumatic grippers were used to “pick and place” the various components. The EOAT was designed to positively locate and install all components while remaining as light as possible.
CLAMP TIGHTENING MACHINE w/INTERCHANGABLE TOOLING
This manual torque driving machine was designed to tighten a clamp on hoses of varying size and length. The machine allows for rapid changeover of tooling for new parts by simply releasing a pull pin. The machine is also designed to verify presence of required components and will only enable the torque gun if all are present.
CLIP/STUD INSTALLATION MACHINE
The function of this machine is to not only install numerous clips and threaded steel studs, but to also ensure that each component is installed with its corresponding seal. This machine is equipped with an automatic part ejection sequence to improve operation flow. The part ejection tooling also serves to hold down the part during process. Installation of clips and studs is done via compact pneumatic cylinders coupled with linear bearings.
IN-HOUSE PANEL DESIGN AND BUILD
Our engineering department has the capabilities to design, build, and program any new or existing machinery to meet the needs of our customers.
