An existing customer of TF, Pegler Yorkshire approached the design team to automate a manual handling process which had issues with quality, consistency and reliability as well as being slow and labour intensive. TF designed and manufactured a fully automatic assembly and test machine incorporating five bowl feeders and three stations. The five part assembly focuses on improving quality standards and product consistency as well as increased output and reliability.
An exemplary example of automation engineering, the five components are automatically bowl-fed into the machine where 100% testing is carried out. The only operator input is to supply the machine with components and remove the completed assemblies (1 assembly per 5 seconds).
To complement the assembly process, parts are vision inspected by a Cognex camera and Smac electric actuators which record force and distance of key parts and the completed assembly. Any failures are automatically quarantined within the machine and live results are displayed on the operator HMI screen which also collects and stores historic data.
Pegler Yorkshire is well known and respected as one of the leading manufacturers of advanced plumbing, heating and engineering products in the world. It’s a reputation earned through a total dedication to quality, innovation and customer service that’s been the hallmark of the company since it was established in the 1890’s (originally trading as Pegler Ltd and Yorkshire Fittings Ltd).
TF Automation are specialist engineers, who design and manufacture process automation solutions supporting manufacturers across a wide range of industries using the latest technologies. Focussing on consistency, improved production efficiency, precision and quality, TF Automation continues to deliver projects using a wide range of disciplines including robotics, pneumatics, automated assembly and linear drives.
