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Automated Assembly Equipment

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Assembling products use to be done manually, either at one workstation where everything was done on the same machine or on an assembly line with multiple machines. Because of the high cost of labor and machines, a better way of manufacturing had to be created. This was by use of automation. Whether automation is done by using fixed, programmable, or flexible automation systems, the end result is still automation.

Automated assembly machines were developed to make automation work. Every machine would be set up and configured to handle tasks assigned to it. For instance, one machine may have several stations connected to it where certain components are installed and tested. After this is completed, the machine is programmed to deliver the product to the next machine, where that machine performs a certain task. Depending on the machine and what it is used for, typical applications could be using automatic screwdrivers, riveting machines, welding, and more. Each machine adds another dimension until the last machine completes the assembly of the product and produces a completed product. This is also referred to as fixed automation. Programmable automation techniques are more used in industries where the component-insertion of machines is used like the electronics industry.

Another part of automated assembly machines, but from a different perspective is robots. Robots are used consistently in manufacturing. These operations include material handling, processing operations, and assembly and inspection. You may not think of robots as being in the same category of automated assembly equipment or machines, but they really are since they do contribute toward assembling the product. The three processes as mentioned above are involved in robotics to some degree. Here is more info about these processes:

• Material-handling: Material-handling operations include material transfer, machine loading, and unloading. If using material-transfer applications, this requires a robot to move materials from one place to another so these parts or materials can be used. These movements may include picking up parts from conveyor belts and placing them in open cartons or containers for shipment. If there robot is used for loading and unloading parts, the parts are taken from a storage area and placed at a production machine for using.
• Processing operations: In processing operations the robot takes a tool and performs a process or task on that part. This process may include welding or spray painting. A typical situation like this is at an automobile factory.
• Assembly and Inspection: In this situation, the robot is used to assemble parts into products. This happens because labor is costly for manufacturing facilities, so by using robots to do the assembly work automatically, costs the manufacturing facility’s production costs. And robots are programmable. Therefore multiple assembly work can be done in batches. This is an example of programmable automation.

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