Automated assembly solutions at MachineBuilding.South

When automation meets fastening and bonding, the result is smarter systems for smarter factories. Cobots, for example, can provide a simple means of automating a highly repetitive processes, streamlining assembly lines and ensuring ensuring efficient and precise manufacturing.

A number of cobot suppliers will be exhibiting at MachineBuilding.South. You could talk, for example, to LG Motion (Stand 46), which says TM robot external positioners can unlock complex part handling and increased productivity. External positioners are motorised devices (1-axis or 2-axis) designed to rotate or tilt workpieces during robotic operations. When integrated with TM robots, these positioners enable synchronised motion, allowing the robot arm to operate on complex surfaces with enhanced precision and flexibility.

Typical applications include: welding - seamlessly rotate or tilt parts for complete weld coverage without repositioning manually; dispensing - achieve consistent coating or adhesive application over complex geometries; and assembly - access hard-to-reach angles by moving the workpiece instead of the robot.

Another exhibitor with experience in automated assembly is HepcoMotion(Stand 101), which worked with AVK Plastics when the company needed an actuator to ensure accuracy, repeatability and stability in its automatic screwdriving system in the manufacture of synthetic surface boxes and pallets.

A central part of the system, the actuator is responsible for moving an automatic screwdriver horizontally in order to fix 3 x screws (spaced 300mm apart) into a pallet. Precision and repeatability are key here as the screwdriver needs to be precisely aligned in order to fasten the screws into the screw holes. In addition, the unit also needs to offer high stability due to the precision and accuracy required. AVK Plastics turned to HepcoMotion after the previous actuator could not provide the high stability required, causing them to need a replacement.

For fastening and joining components, Essentra Components(Stand 6) offers a huge range of nuts, washers, rods, screws, rivets and panel fasteners, along with an extensive machine automation hardware portfolio. And Rotor Clip (Stand 68) will be highlighting its ranges of retaining rings and wave springs.

Then there is the importance of quality control in joining operations. IDS (Stand 50), for example, can highlight the use of its intelligent cameras as part of an image processing system with AI to inspect the glue joints on multilayer parquet flooring.

There is much to learn, too, from the adhesive companies who are exhibiting at MachineBuilding.South. LOCTITE (Stand 37) has extensive automation capabilities, helping manufacturers accelerate production while maintaining precision and quality. Ask, too, about the comprehensive process audits offered by LOCTITE, which identify cost-saving opportunities through tailored, on-site assessments, complete with actionable reports and expert recommendations.