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#160 Production Technology Improvement Course for Machine Designers - 30: In-mold Assembly Style Low Cost Automation - 1

Category : Automation elements technology
June 7, 2013

In-mold Assembly is a method to process high precision fabrication and assembly within the same line or process step by utilizing the assembly fixtures and simplified automation devices conceptually designed within the mold designs.
Here, an example of an in-mold assembly LCA (fixtures and simplified automation devices) structure unit is explained.

(1) Units constituting an in-mold assembly LCA

In-mold assembly LCAs are composed of the following units.

a) Linear motion unit (Up/Down direction)←
b) Linear motion unit (Fore/aft direction)
c) Crimp / Swage / Press unit
d) Positioning unit
e) Linear actuator
f) Post

(2) Example of a linear motion unit (Up/Down direction) structure

(1) Up/Down direction press unit with linear bushings
-This is a structure that can achieve stable sliding accuracies and a certain degree of rigidity at a low cost by adopting two linear bushings.
-Adoption of flanged linear bushings increases the linear bushing mounting structure reliability.
-By selecting the long type linear bushings with lubrication units lightens the maintenance workloads.

(2) A simplified press unit with Guide block and Slide block

Used for short stroke press fitting and swaging that does not require high speed continuous operation.

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