Challenge
A major electrical manufacturer needed an automated leak test station for a wide range of part models, lengths and volumes. These parts go into critical infrastructure, so every one has to be leak tested.
Parts that passed needed to be marked. Parts that failed needed to be locked in place for a supervisor to inspect. Toolless, quick-change fixtures had to let the cell take on new tooling in the future without a new machine. The customer asked for a turnkey project.
Solution
We designed, built and integrated the machine in-house, taking it through our full process: discovery, conception, proposal, kickoff, mechanical/electrical/pneumatic engineering, machining and fabrication, assembly, programming and run-off.
Results
The 16-week project delivered a turnkey machine that runs cycles under 30 seconds. Any or all of the four nests can be bypassed and run independently.
- An intuitive HMI makes operation and diagnosis easy at a glance.
- Leveling casters make the machine easy to position and level.
- Linear actuators raise and lower the height-adjustable base 10".
- Guarding gives easy access to critical areas for maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Front and rear light curtains give operators quick access to the marking system and nests for loading.
- Failed parts are clamped in the nest. A supervisor logs in with credentials to unlock the part for further inspection.
The machine lets our customer keep its promise to deliver quality, leak-free parts.
