Tabletop Assembly Machine Tackles Tight On-Center Spacing

An electrical products manufacturer was struggling to maintain production numbers without adding labor. This application required two screws to be driven to depth into a metal electrical connector. The screw installation points were only 7/8″ apart, creating an exceptional challenge for automated fastening.

Due to the customer’s workflow demands, Visumatic chose a flexible tabletop design approach, to allow for quick deployment. It has a part fixture and a two-spindle VPD Power Driver all tied together by a weldment and base plate. The feeder unit is on a separate base plate, and is connected to the drive spindles by some hoses and cabling. The customer can pick one or both pieces up and move them anywhere their operation requires.

We incorporated an offset joint system due to the on-center spacing, with each drive spindle functioning independently. As the drive cycle progresses, often one screw may get ahead of another and it’s important to allow both spindles to float independently to allow a consistent joint formation.

This straight forward controls platform has a simple PLC and basic operator interface. Our modular design keeps the customer in control of their process flow. A Visumatic tabletop assembly machine is a very affordable option for high-volume, flexible assembly.