Posted to News on 9th Mar 2008, 00:00
Flexible components build low cost, precision system
ACI-ecoTec has launched a new pallet based transfer system for miniature to medium sized component assembly. The simple and low-cost eco-Trans pallet transfer system is based upon a wide range of standard modules that allow maximum flexibility to build, expand or reconfigure complete multiple product assembly lines from single manual operator workstations to semi or fully automated multi-station manufacturing cells.
Available in the UK with full application and design support from ACI-ecoTec's UK Representative Office, the eco-Trans transfer system employs a plastic coated motor driven chain drive with magnetically coupled pallet and guide plate assemblies that are firmly supported by lateral and horizontal low-friction guide rollers. The entire system is extremely robust and very easy to maintain with no need for chain tensioning and has a typical motor power of just 180W for a 25m assembly line.
Pallets may be positioned above or to the side of the guide plates and are available in three standard sizes (80 x 80mm, 120 x 120mm and 160 x 160mm) with the work-piece mounting plate easily adapted to suit customer-specific component fixturing. With maximum horizontal loads of up to 5kg and a positioning precision up to +/-0.02 mm, transport speeds range from 6m/min to 18m/min. This translates to a station-to-station changeover time of less than one second, depending on track speed, stopper control and pallet size. Different sized pallets and thus any combination of components may be may be freely mixed on the assembly line, ensuring maximum efficiency and adaptability for small production runs with improved levels of product diversity for fast-changing product manufacture.
With its large flat tabletop and low profile pallet design, the durable and modular eco-Trans transfer system benefits from complete accessibility from above and at all sides of the work-piece allowing straightforward integration for automated processing equipment and manual operator stations. The modular and ergonomic system can be adapted to round, oval or U-shaped assembly lines in almost any combination and if additional processes or reconfiguration is required, the use of standard components makes assembly line extension or alteration a straightforward task.
