In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Introduction to Transfer Lines 2. Objectives of Transfer Lines 3. Methods 4. Control 5. Performance. Introduction to Transfer Lines: The first step in factory automation was to automate the transportation of parts between various machines/ stations. An automated flow line or transfer line consists of several machines/work-stations linked by work handling devices [...]
Intelligent robots are third generation robots, broadly termed as adaptive and communicating robots. intelligent robots equipped with one or more advanced external sensors, interfaced with other machines, and communicating with other computers. Interfaced with machine vision, proximity and other sensor systems (i.e. tactile, force, torque) the robot can acquire randomly positioned and oriented work pieces, inspect them for gross defects, [...]
Machining centres are the most versatile machinery, NC controlled, multifunction, tool changer equipped horizontal or vertical spindle machines. NC Machining centres being faster and more accurate are replacing many-single-purpose machines. Structural elements of machining centres are of cast iron so as to provide excellent vibration dampening and rigidity. Axis slide ways are of rectangular cross-section, hardened and finish ground in [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Transfer Machine 2. Arrangements 3. Components and Accessories 4. Advantages of Transfer Machine 5. Disadvantages . Meaning of Transfer Machine: A transfer machine is an automatic machine which indexes or transfers the work piece and its fixture from station to station while many operations are performed on it. It could [...]
Various types of cylindrical grinding machines are described below: Type # 1. Centre Type of Cylindrical Grinding Machine: In this machine, the workpiece is supported between centres. The headstock wheel head, and tailstock (both of which may be swivelling or non-swivelling type) are mounted on a swivel table which itself is mounted on a sliding table that can move to [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Automatic Machines 2. Methods of Automatic Machines 3. Classification. Meaning of Automatic Machines: Automatic machines are those machines in which both the work piece handling and the metal cutting operations are performed automatically. These machines have played an important role in increasing the production rate and have been in use [...]
The principle of working of the sliding head type single spindle automatic machine is explained by the sectional view of old type of machine as shown in Fig. 34.2. However some refinements have been carried out in it, but the working principle remains the same. This machine has been developed for manufacturing quantities of small precision components, and is often [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Turret Automatic Screw Machines 2. Stages of Turret Automatic Screw Machines. Meaning of Turret Automatic Screw Machines: Turret automatic screw machines is a type of automatic lathe is the logical development of the capstan lathe. These are actually automatic bar type turret lathes used for machining external and internal surfaces [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Assembly 2. Objectives of Assembly Process 3. Product Design to Facilitate Assembly 4. Manual Assembly 5. Design Rules for Product Design for Ease of Automatic Assembly 6. Assembly Cell. Meaning of Assembly: Most of the products are formed from a large number of single parts produced at different times and [...]
The following points highlight the twelve main modules for automation of assembly process. The modules are: 1. Handling 2. Feeder Units 3. Handling Equipment 4. Transfer Systems 5. Indexing Mechanism 6. Transfer Equipment 7. Vibratory Bowl Feeder 8. Non-Vibratory Feeders 9. Parts Orienting Systems 10. Screw-Inserting Units 11. Rivetting Unit and a Few Others. Module # 1. Handling: Handling is [...]