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41 www.drivesncontrols.com October 2021 MACHINE BUILDING n immediately after a process that positions an outer cover or enclosure, both space and capital budgets can be reduced. However, moving workpieces backwards along a production line to achieve this is not easy using conventional conveyors. Streamline workpiece handling Another aspect of traditional conveyors that can slow production and hinder attempts to boost productivity is the fact that workpieces must usually be removed from the belt and placed in a holder such as a tray, chuck or vice, before any process can be performed. This can be done by hand or by an automated pick-and-place mechanism. The workpiece must subsequently be returned to the conveyor to move to the next process. Arranging this sequence of pick, place and replace actions adds to the cost of automation as well as line cycle times. One advantage of using indexing tables is that this is usually not necessary. However, indexing tables can be subject to the limitations already described. Active alternative An alternative approach is to use linear conveyor modules that allow workpiece transport to become an active aspect of the assembly sequence. Compared to conventional conveyors, these modules allow higher transit speeds and smoother, faster acceleration and deceleration, as well as greater positioning accuracy, finer tolerances and increased rigidity. Their high precision and flexibility makes linear conveyor modules a viable alternative to rotary indexing tables that allows production to be scaled more quickly and easily. For companies seeking to cut cycle times, the smooth servo-controlled acceleration and deceleration, higher maximum speed, and repeatability of linear modules allow workpieces to be delivered more quickly to the desired positions. Linear conveyor modules have allowed manufacturers of high-value products such as smartphones to cut cycle times and increase efficiency by eliminating line stoppages to fix problems such as broken pallets and displaced workpieces. Introducing new products, or reconfiguring and scaling the line to build new products Complete safety gate solution with access permission Are you looking for an individual solution for securing safety gates? At the same time, should only authorised personnel have access to your machinery and be able to execute commands? With our modular safety gate system, we offer you an individually combinable solution that can be ideally tailored to your application. From safety gate sensor, suitable door handle modules and escape releases to pushbutton units with integrated access permission and the diagnostic system and evaluation unit – the complete safety gate solution from Pilz. Scan the QR Code to find out more about our Modular Safety Gate System Pilz Automation Technology ◆ Telephone: +44 (0) 1536 460766 ♦ Email: sales@pilz.co.uk ♦ Website: www.pilz.co.uk AD_D&C_Safety Gate_190x130_2021_10.indd 1 11/10/2021 11:17:25 and increase capacity, has also become faster. The modular design allows line layouts to be changed quickly and easily and all slider stop positions can be reprogrammed as needed. By enabling bidirectional movement, linear modules also give the flexibility to move workpieces forwards as well as backwards between processes on a line. Duplicated processes can be handled by a single workstation without interfering with other inline equipment upstream or downstream. The capital cost and footprint of the line can thus be optimised to suit the available budget and factory floorspace. Saving space, cutting cycle times, enabling process sharing, and eliminating avoidable picking and replacement of workpieces are four ways that linear conveyor modules can help to boost manufacturing productivity. In addition, independent slider control with programmable parameters such as stop positions and speed promote flexibility and scalability to meet changing market demands and accelerate new- product introduction. Linear conveyor modules are also an ideal companion to industrial robots, permitting centralised control for ease of use and efficiency. n