Built-in flexibility gives Black & Decker two designs in one

Built-in flexibility gives Black & Decker two designs in one

Keyword: Automation

Modular Automation has designed, built and installed a completely new 40-station platen line machine to assemble orbital sander armatures for Black& Decker (see Plate 10).

The assembly process handles old and new design components on a single machine and gives the company the flexibility to switch production to the appropriate design to meet demand.

Plate 10 The new Modular Automation assembly machine for Black & Decker assembles orbital sander armatures and can be switched to handle old and new models

One feature of the machine is the eccentric bush and counter-balance assembly that provides the sander's oscillating motion. The counter balance must be positioned accurately within two degrees relative to the bush to achieve the correct effect. This is achieved with sensors that locate flanges on the counter-balance to achieve the correct orientation. The eccentric bush is fed from a bowl feeder which is engineered to use the asymmetric weight of the bush to feed it into the correct position; grippers then press it into place.

When fully commissioned this machine will produce components at twice the speed of the existing system and provide the flexibility to switch instantly between two different designs.

All enquiries to William Bourn, Modular Automation, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 1HJ. Tel: +44 (0)121 766 7979; Fax: +44 (0)121 766 6385.