HAN-TEK's Machined-Parts Conveyor System Allows U.S. Auto-Parts Maker to Remain Competitive

In order to fulfill contract requirements to produce a new component for front-wheel-drive cars, a longstanding HAN-TEK customer needed a customized, labor-efficient system that would reliably move parts to and from machining, inspecting, washing and painting machines.

In response, HAN-TEK designed, engineered, manufactured and installed a durable, customized system that integrates several machines and conveyors with a series of handshakes to move a raw forging through nine operations. Without automation, this process might require some 12 operators on two shifts.

Key to the HAN-TEK solution is the smooth flow of parts between machines that perform operations with varying cycle times. At each machine, a pneumatic stop and escapement system, controlled by photo-eye sensors, allows parts to accumulate until the machine is ready, and then delivers one part at a time. Currently set up to produce 180 parts per hour, the HAN-TEK solution can be expanded to produce 320 per hour.

To ensure product integrity, HAN-TEK designed guarding, covers and locked access to prevent the incorrect introduction of parts. The solution also features automatic rejection of parts automatically inspected by the system.

The HAN-TEK Machined-Parts Conveyor solution features:

• Labor efficiency.
• Reliable throughput.
• Safety.
• Product integrity and quality control.
• Integration with customer’s machines.
• Turn-key convenience and easy maintenance.
• Durability.
• Expandability.