May 2013 Archives

There are a variety of processing technologies organized into production lines. In order to automate these many types of processes, one must approach with good understanding on the characteristics of each individual processing　technologies. Here, the explanation is shown with the press fabrication as an example.

(1) Characteristics of Press Fabrication method

	a)	High production speed
	b)	Dimensional accuracies are relatively stable
	c)	Suitable for mass production
	d)	Light weight materials
	e)	Possible to perform precision processes

Therefore, the automation of press fabrication must be able to utilize the above process characteristics.

(2) Characteristics of press fabricated products

	a)	Lubricants are attached
	b)	Easily overlapped
	c)	Many of the products are small and light weight
	d)	Characteristics of cut sections such as burrs

Since the press fabricated products are typically of thin sheet metal, they are generally not subject to human hand handling immediately after the fabrication. High production efficiency is achieved through devising fabrication processes with little burrs, and easy to align methods.

(3) Points on Press Fabrication Automation

(1) Points on spot welding automation

-	For spot welding automation, a) Stabilization of the quality, b) High speed processing ability, and c) High reliability are required.
-	High precision formed thin sheet steel plates with complex shapes are high quality/speed spot welded by application of localized pressure without causing deformations.
-	In order to position the spot welding electrodes quickly and to apply stable pressure, rolled ball screws (EX. MISUMI BSST, [Fig.1]) and/or a 2-stage slide mechanism comprised of a combination of a long stroke air cylinder and a short stroke compression spring are used.
-	Hinge pins are used for Open/Close mechanisms of the positive and negative electrode arms.
-	To obtain high torque and high positioning reliability for the drive mechanism, deceleration mechanism with timing pulley/belt is also used.
-	In order to realize the above welding processes in a harsh environment where welding sputters fly, the high degree of detailed completion such as the cover configuration and plumbing design reliability and maintainability are taken to high levels.