Partially automated manual workstations – Assembly and testing facility for ball valves

Workpiece:

Ball valves in different versions

Task:

The assembly and quality inspection of ball valves in various variations is to be partially automated or automated.

Solution:

Ergonomically designed assembly line with 3 stations and adapted level of automation.

Station 1: Upstream, ergonomically designed and height-adjustable workstation for manual small parts assembly.

Station 2: Partially automated station for O-ring assembly, applying adhesives, oiling the ball, and screwing in the inserts. Special features: Sensory monitoring of adhesive application, monitored screwdriver unit.

Station 3: Fully automated quality inspection. Internal and external tightness as well as breakaway and operating torques of the lever are tested.

Customer benefits:

• Partially automated pre-assembly with high functionality, adhesive application with sensor monitoring, monitored screw-in process
• High ergonomics: height-adjustable work areas, easy-to-grip provision of small parts, reduced assembly times due to short gripping distances
• Fully automated test area with torque and leak tests
• High operator safety due to soiling by means of light grid
• Short amortization period due to individually adapted level of automation