Defect-free assembly for critical fuel rails
Keywords Assembly, Automation
Modular Automation have supplied a four-stage assembly process to Aeroquip of Birmingham for assembling automotive engine fuel rails (Plate 5). The system is designed to provide rapid, defect-free assembly for these critical components.
Plate 5 Part of the four-stage assembly system built by Modular Automation for Aeroquip
The first machine in the process accepts the plastic fuel rails directly from the injection moulding operation. It then checks that there is no flash in the bores of the rail, then engraves the component with a unique part number and allows it to stabilise for 15 minutes before progressing through the remainder of the assembly process.
Machine two uses a manual operator to place the inlet and outlet fittings in dedicated tooling. The machine then inserts the end fittings into a tube, which is then inserted into the fuel rail. The tubes are automatically checked for length and any that are not to specification are rejected before insertion. Load cells check that the press force for insertion is correct thus ensuring that "O"ring seals are in position.
The third machine fits the end cap into position and automatically secures a pressure relief valve. The process then continues to form the end cap to provide a tamper-proof method of securing the assembly.
The final machine completes the assembly automatically fitting a regulator valve and retaining clip prior to performing an air pressure decay test to check for air leaks.
The Modular Automation system checks all components at each stage of the operation and rejects components that are not to specification and any assemblies that are faulty are also rejected and not allowed to progress. The cycle time is just 30 seconds.
For further information, please contact William Bourn, Modular Automation,Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HJ. Tel: +44 (0) 121 766 7979; Fax: +44 (0) 121 766 6385.
