Component handling system details

With EMC's automatic component handling systems, companies can increase productivity by running their machines un-manned, outside normal working hours.

The systems can also be used to deliver controlled batches of components to assembly lines, and can also be used to pack components directly into cartons etc (with no intermediate handling).

The EMC system automatically collects parts from any type of production machine and keeps them in controlled batches. Each batch can be defined by the number of components, weight, or running time - and is collected into a separate container. Once a container is full, the next automatically moves into place.

Quality Assurance and Traceability

Controlled batches of components support quality assurance and traceability, as well as improving housekeeping and protecting delicate and expensive parts from damage. From a health and safety perspective, these units free the work area from obstructions and mean that operators no longer need to lift heavy boxes full of components.

Line Feeding

The reverse of filling up the boxes, is or course emptying them - which is why the unit can be equally effective for line feeding. The unit can be filled with the days' required number of parts, either from stock or directly from a production machine, and simply wheeled to the assembly line. They can be programmed to present an operator with a new container of parts after a specified interval, or on demand. The operator no longer has to lift heavy loads and empty boxes are stored within the unit, so there is no clutter around the line.

Bespoke Design

Each system is tailor-made to the application, and customers can specify the number and size of the containers (with a capacity up to 80kg per individual container) as well as the colour of the whole unit. If required, the system can be designed to work with the customers existing containers, and can also act as a 'setters mate', holding all of the tools that an operator may require. Inspection and/or worktops can also be included.

The units are based around PLC technology, simple to program and easily moved around the workshop. This means that, in contrast to dedicated part collectors, they provide a flexible resource that can be used across a number of machines - depending upon the current requirement. To collect batches containing a specific number of parts, the PLC communicates with the mother machine via a simple plug-in connection. Alternatively, the batches can be defined by programming the unit with the running time or the weight of parts in each container.

See an online video of one of our machines in action here

This is just a small sample of our machine installations - please click on each image to see an enlarged view ...