Dial Automated Swage Cell offers modular flexibility.

Press Release Summary:




With max cycle time of 6 sec, Dial Automated Swage Cell performs deflashing, gauging, testing, and sizing operations on vibration control bushings. Cell, requiring 80 ft² of floor space, is assembled in modular arrangement and comprised of sub-assemblies. Dual dial, precision-synchronized indexing tables transfer bushings from station to station, and standard bushing size ranges from 1 in. dia x 1 in. tall to 3½ in. dia x 4 in. tall.



Original Press Release:



Dial Automated Swage Cell Improves Productivity



MARION, IN, September 23,2004 - Computer Age Engineering, Inc. has recently developed a Dial Automated Swage Cell for finishing and sizing vibration control bushings. "Fast cycle time, flexible processing, high reliability, and a small footprint are advantages of this new cell," said Mike Bartrom, President of Computer Age Engineering, Inc. "These cells have been installed in multiple North American automotive supplier facilities."

The Dial Automated Swage Cell performs deflashing, gauging, testing, and sizing operations on individual bushings at a maximum cycle time of six seconds. The entire cell is assembled in a modular arrangement and is comprised of standard sub-assemblies that can be mixed and matched to meet most requirements. The footprint of the cell requires only 80 square feet of floor space.

The heart of the cell is the dual dial, precision synchronized indexing tables that transfer the bushings from station to station. The tables include air-actuated grippers to securely hold the bushings as the various operations are performed. On the first table, parts are gripped on the outer surface to expose the ends and inner metal for the required operations. Typically, the first table is where the end and ID deflashing is completed and options such as bond test and ID gauging take place. The second table utilizes grippers that engage the inner metal, allowing access to the outer surface for deflashing. At the OD buffing stations, independent gear motors engage the bushings and turn them in the opposite direction of brush rotation, ensuring contact with the entire outer surface. Bushings are transferred from table to table automatically during the machine cycle. Quick change tooling for the grippers minimizes part changeover time.

To perform the sizing operation, bushings are removed from the second table using a rotary actuator and placed into a swage press. The swage press incorporates cartridge-type segments that are pre-set to match the required part diameter. The cartridge-type segments ensure the most accurate and quickest changeover from part to part. Once the sizing is complete, the rotary actuator returns the bushings to the second table where the finished size is verified. A Dial Automated Swage Cell can be arranged to meet a wide range of bushing sizes and geometries. The standard bushing size ranges from a minimum bushing size of 1" diameter x 1" tall to a maximum of 3-1/2" diameter x 4" tall.

Computer Age Engineering specializes in manufacturing equipment for the automotive sealing and vibration control markets. For information, call Tim Anger at 765-674-8551, email info@caeweb.com, or log on to www.rubbermachines.com

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