Automation of the assembly line
Are you considering the move from manual to automated assemblies in your factory? Planning to integrate new robots into your production lines? Congratulations! This transition can significantly enhance your production efficiency and consistency.
HOWEVER, as you embrace automation, it’s crucial to reassess the components used in your assembly processes, particularly the O-rings and seals.
Feeding seals into the robot (a critical step in the process)
Understanding the Challenges
Manual assemblies offer a degree of flexibility and adaptability that can compensate for the tolerance differences in gaskets and seals. In a manual setup, workers can visually inspect and adjust the placement of each component, ensuring proper fit and function. This hands-on approach simplifies the handling of O-rings and seals, which are often prone to minor variations and issues that robots might struggle with.
Manual assembly in the factory
The Importance of O-Ring Placement in Automation
In an automated assembly line, the precision and control of O-ring placement become critical. Automation requires a harmonious integration of various parts, typically involving a vibratory bowl that separates O-rings, feeds them down a track, and positions them for a robotic gripper to pick and place accurately. This intricate process demands careful consideration of several key factors, each one of which might jeopardize the smooth work of your assembly robot:
- Vibration and Particle Separation
Vibrations in the feeder might cause tiny particles to separate from the O-rings, leading to potential contamination and assembly issues. To address this, we at Techno Ad can implement additional cleaning processes after production or use high-density compounds that minimize particle separation. - Sticking Issues
O-rings and seals might stick together in their packaging, a problem easily managed by manual workers but challenging for robots. There are several solutions to this challenge. A practical solution is to powder the parts. If the parts are talced, it may cause contamination of the feeder. - Deformation of O-rings
Sometimes, you find that the o-rings get deformed in their packaging. In manual assembly this is not an issue since the worker can easily handle this. The automatic robot can get stuck. In order to avoid such cases, consider different packaging. For example, putting them in sleeves or a special tray. - Mechanical Properties Consideration
Do not forget to check the important properties that enable proper assembly: during assembly, the stretch applied to O-rings should ideally be between 15% and 20%. Stretching beyond 25% is not recommended, as it can compromise the integrity of the seals. It is important to correctly plan the force that the robot exerts in stretching the gasket during the assembly phase - Adjusting the Assembly Line to the Dimension of the Part
In planning the assembly line, the nominal dimensions of the O-ring, including the tolerances, must be taken into account. We recommend using the provided data from our website: https://www.technoad.com/engineering/tolerances/.
Conclusion
Transitioning to automated assemblies offers numerous benefits but also requires careful planning and adjustments, particularly concerning O-rings and seals. By addressing the challenges outlined above and implementing best practices, you can ensure a smooth and successful shift to automation, enhancing both the efficiency and reliability of your production processes.
Techno Ad is your comprehensive supplier for all sealing solutions. From standard O-rings to a wide range of standard seals, as well as custom molded parts based on your design and rubber-to-metal bonded seals, we have everything you need. Contact Techno Ad today to discuss your specific needs and find the perfect sealing solutions for your production line.
For further details on our products and services, and to see how we can meet your specific application needs, contact us: https://www.technoad.com/contactus/.