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Variations
Transfer lines falls
into the category of hard automated systems. However, to meet the
demands of the free-economy and mass-consumption markets, changes
in the design of the products are necessary for improved product
performance as well as for changes in style.
Therefore, the following
developments are occurring in the transfer line systems:
- Production machine
modules:
The machines
are constructed from basic building blocks or modular units that
accomplish a function rather than produce a specific part. They
are called self-contained power-head production machines. Such
devices are then connected by automatic transfer devices to handle
the material.
- Programmable logic
controllers:
The incorporation of PLCs and feedback control devices have made
these machines more flexible. These devices are rugged, reliable,
easy to program, and economically competitive with any alternate
control device. PLCs allow for mathematical algorithms to be included
in the closed-loop control system and are being widely used for
single-axis, point to point control as typically required in straight-line
machining, robot handling, and robot-assembly applications. PLCs
are used on transfer lines to handle complex material movement
problems, gaging automatic tool setting, on-line tool wear compensation,
and automatic inspection, giving these systems flexibility that
they never had before.
Source: DeGarmo,
Black, and Kohser, Materials and Processes in Manufacturing.
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