Manufacturing Projects

Every company that produces a product does so using a unique manufacturing process that is designed to fit their business model and manufacturing needs. There comes a time when the manufacturing process will need to meet higher productivity, reliability, quality, availability, increased performance, and reduced operating costs and defects. Our experienced engineers have the expertise to work with you to design, build, and implement a customized, automated solution that fits your specific production process and budget.

Aluminum Fence Assembly

Building Materials Industry

Key Functions
System was designed to produce two different fence rail products
62 second cycle time per every 15 pickets
Hole tolerance of +/- 0.020”
Light curtain protects operator
“Cycle” button to trigger assembly process
Three screw gun design with dedicated screw feeder per gun
Pneumatic picket clamps to ensure part placement accuracy
Shift production data collects important data
Components
Fence rail fixture system
Two fence fixtures
Two picket locators with clamp units with 32 clamp fingers
Two operator load/unload stations
One automatic four post gantry screw station
Three screw guns with air blown screw feed system per gun
Guarding package with interlocked access door, screw station tunnel guard, safety fence
Allen Bradley Controls package

The Project

Manual assembly processes can be time-consuming and less efficient compared to automated systems. The challenges of increased labor costs, safety and quality issues, a need for increased production capacity, as well as cost & efficiency concerns lead to the development of this project. This assembly system was designed to be operated by one or two operators. The station will directly reduce the number of employees needed to build product; it will increase the speed of production as well as increase quality.

Battery Assembly Line

Battery and Energy Industry

Key Functions

System consists of two separate assembly lines with glide line over under palletized conveyor.
Builds one type of battery pack model.
Assembly status of each pallet tracked using RFID tags.
Mistake proofing sensors used at operator locations where part presence or absence must be verified.
Operator interface units will have screens that can switch between English and Spanish.
Equipment designed to allow for future battery packs to be built minor redesign.
Production capacity is one unit every 14.5 seconds, faster time is available.
Capacity is subject to operator load and unload efficiency. This design requires eight operators.
Line will dispense cells to be assembled with rubber wedges and load frames.
Isolation pads, load cell frame, straps, PCB and foam pads will be manually loaded.
System will weld straps in 1.5 seconds and apply screws in 2.5 seconds.
Thermal adhesive will be applied by the automation.
Negative & Positive straps and soldering automatically.
EOL will be test three packs at one time with 25 seconds test time.
Laser Etching
Side and bottom labels applied
Manual unload

Components

(1) Cell Hopper
(1) Fanuc M20iD/25 with End of Arm Tool
(2) Magswitch AR70 Magentic Gripper
(2) Magswitch AR70 Pole Shoe
(1) 9” x 9” Fixture Plate
(1) Fixed Barcode Reader
(1) 6’-6” Powered Infeed Conveyor
(1) 6’-6” Gravity Conveyor
(1) Guarding
(1) Cell Dispense Unit – rotary tooling on stepper motor
(1) Hioki BT3561A Battery tester with switch mainframe & multiplexer module
(1) Pneumatic Part Stop Cylinder
(1) Pneumatic Reject Chute Cylinder
(1) Pneumatic Test Probe Cylinder
(1) Reject Tote
(8) Part Detect Sensor – cells at end of chute, cell at stop, and reject tote full.
(2) Assembly Fixture
(5) Keyence Vision Sensors
(7) Operator Station Box with (1) “Process Complete” Push Button (PB), (1) “Reject” PB,
(1) 3-Color Indicator
(1) Emergency Stop
(2) 36” Long Belt Conveyor for Loading Cell Frames
(1) Pneumatic pick and place unit with pneumatic gripper fingers.
(1) Cell Frame Magazine
(2) Cell Frame Escapement Cylinders
(2) Cell and Wedge Press Fixture
(2) Pneumatic Overhead Press Cylinders
(2) IAI Linear Press Actuators
(3) Keyence Vision Sensor
(3) Mounting for HF2S/460 High frequency weld inverters and TL088B-EZ Weld Head
(4) Pneumatic cylinder for X and Y weld head movement
(1) Servo controlled rack & pinion for horizontal movement of weld head from cell to cell.
(1) Hioki RM3545-02 Resistance Meter with multiplexer module.
(6) Test Probes
(1) Graco Dispensit 1052 – Meter and Dispense System
(1) Graco Dispensit Cartridge 3A1452EN – 20 oz. cartridge feed
(4) Visumatic integrated screw feed System – holds minimum of 1 hour worth of screws
(3) Desoutter ERSF-M20 DC Electric Drive Spindle with CVIR Controller
(1) Screw diverter
(6) Pneumatic cylinder to adjust PCBA location
(4) Screw load chutes with door flap
(4) Pneumatic cylinder for door flap
(2) Handheld Scanner
(1) Apollo Seiko Terra Controller with Solder Iron Unit – 200 Watt
(1) Apollo Seiko ZSB Solder Feeding Unit
(1) Apollo Seiko SRC-500DC Rotary Tip Cleaner
(1) Purex Fume Extractor
(1) Keyence Vision Camera
(1) Pneumatic Rotary Cylinder
(2) Pneumatic X, Y Cylinder
(1) Protective Cover Pneumatic Cylinder
(4) Battery pack connector
(1) Keyence ML-Z9600 3-Axis C02 Laser Marker Controller
(1) Keyence ML-Z9610 3-Axis C02 Laser Marker Head
(1) Marking Station Shroud
(2) Pneumatic safety doors
(2) Safety Switches
(1) Fume Extractor
(1) Pneumatic Pick and Place Unit
(1) Pneumatic Gripper Cylinder with Gripper Fingers
(1) 36” Reject Belt Conveyor with Cover
(1) Intermec Label Printer
(1) Tolerance Ring sensor
(2) CTM, EPI or Label-Air Label Applicator
(1) Pneumatic Part Gripper and Lift
(1) CTM, EPI or Label-Air Label Applicator

The Project

Future proofing your battery manufacturing process is a key element of any automation project. This project required Alliance Automation to assemble and test battery packs on two separate lines. The customer was not certain of the future of the specific battery, so Alliance developed a design that would allow the customer to alter the type of battery packs that would run on the line and could also reduce the number of operators need to operate it in the future. This system also offers English and Spanish text, ensuring that no matter who operates it they can read the screens.

Battery Assembly and Inspection

Battery and Energy Industry

Key Functions

Processes 7 CMA configurations and split CMA
System will assemble a top and bottom cell holder and collector plates, cells, two sleeves
Weekly volume of 7,500 pieces
Machine cycle of 30 seconds part to part
System capacity set for five days per week, two shifts, 7.5 hours per shift
Will hold parts to build 60-90 units
Equipment requires one material loading operator
Floor space will be 48’ long X 18” wide

Components

(5) Six station rotary index table – rotary nest hold 27 parts or 60 parts
(10) Pick and Place Unit
(1) linear actuator
(1) pneumatic vertical cylinder
(1) 90° rotate cylinder
(2) pneumatic grippers.
(8) Inspection Sensors
(3) Reject Tote with High Level Sensor
(1) Cell dispense magazine – holds 150-200 cells
(2) Hioki Battery Tester
(2) Test probe
(9) Cell waterfall holders
(4) Cell polarity test using probes and pneumatic cylinders
(1) Fanuc M2iA/3A six axis delta robot with vacuum suction cup pick
(1) Fanuc M20iD/25 six axis robot with End of Arm Tool – (2) Magswitch, (2) Magswitch shoes, (2) Insulator Lid Grippers
(1) Scrap Bin for Empty Cell Box and Insulator Tops
(3) Vibratory bowl feeder – with vibratory inline, part escapement and sound enclosure
(1) Inspection Camera.
(3) Fanuc SR-12iA SCARA Robot w/R30iB Compact Plus Controller
(2) Glue Dispense Controller
(6) Glue Dispense Valves
(4) Glue Tip Linear Actuators
(2) 5 Gallon SS Pail
(1) Glue Purge Station
(2) Air Accumulation Tank
(1) Twelve station rotary index table – for plate assembly.
(1) Cognex In-Sight D905 Camera with Vidi Starter Kit 201
(1) UV ring/area light
(1) Keyence Laser Unit
(2) Laser enclosure
(2) Pneumatic actuated doors
(2) Safety interlocked door switches
(1) Air Knife
(2) Fume Extraction – Fumex Model FA1
(2) Fuse/Bond machines
(4) Pneumatic actuated rotating clamp cylinders
(4) Clamp tooling
(1) Reject Belt Conveyor
(2) Part Present Sensors
(1) Fanuc M710iC/20M Robot with IR Vision
(2) Dunnage Stations
(1) Layer Divider Station
(1) Dual End of Arm Tool – pneumatic grippers to pick CMA, suction cup unit to pick layer dividers.
(1) Guarding – free standing wire mesh guarding with (1) safety interlocked access door.
(6) Two Strand Conveyor – 5 meter sections
(2) End Transfer Units
(8) Motor with Variable Frequency Drive
(35) Pallets, 240mm x 3200mm
(20) Lift and Locate Units
(35) Pallet Stops – Dampened
(1) Allen Bradley Compact Logix Safety PLC
(1) High Volt Electrical Disconnect Enclosure
(1) Low Volt Electrical Enclosure
(3) Operator Interface Units (supplied by Briggs & Stratton)
(3) Ignition Software
(3) RFID Badge Reader
(19) Remote Input / Output Modules
(5) Safety Interlocked Access Doors
(2) Battery Test Probe
(2) Battery Test Probe Cylinder

The Project

Due to the increased demand of batteries, companies are looking to Alliance Automation to develop innovative designs to overcome assembly challenges. Mistake proofing the assembly process is paramount to the assembly cells, quality is king in battery production and testing. Assembly cells must increase speed of production, reduce scrape, improve throughput efficiency, and allow for minimum operator interaction. To reduce floor space, each cell will assemble multiple configuration types to be ran on the same equipment with a fast change over. Scanning and collecting test data from production is readily available.

Dial Table Assembly & Test Cell

Consumer Goods Industry

Key Functions

Gripper inspects proper part orientation/flips if correction needed
Silicone spray station onto part
Ultrasonic Welding
Inkjet date code printing to part
Vacuum Pick and place
Part Testing
5 different part types

Components

6 Station Index Ring Dial Table
Manually loaded/unloaded part conveyor belt
Automated Assembly of 2 Different Part Types
Laser Inspection Sensor
Vision/Inspection cameras for potential defects
Two Position walking beam with gripper orientation function
6 Hard Chrome Plated Part Nests with empty nest detection
Poka-yoke sensors
Silicone Spray Application
X,Y,Z Linear Actuation Placement
Pneumatic Vacuum Pick and Place
Inkjet Date Code
Pad Print
Reject Chute
Horizontal & Vertical Press Cylinders
Ultrasonic Welding
Data Storage
3D Printed Part Sleeves

The Project

Alliance won the AAV Assembly machine project because we could resolve the four manufacturing challenges; condense floor space, reduce labor, increase rate speed, and finally remove the bottle neck at the leak test station. The original process used 4 operators in 2 separate stations to produce two separate sized products at a rate of 350 parts per hour. Alliance was able to provide a single assembly cell that would accommodate both sized parts using different nests. One operator was able to operate the machine and pack-out the products all while producing 720 parts per hour. This increased rate was achieved by putting all key functions in one machine and having the parts on a dial table.

Extruded Deck Board Stacking System

Consumer Goods Industry

Key Functions

Multiple unload/load bays  2-axis gantry
End of arm tool consists of (4) 48-inch-long x 3.5-inch-wide vacuum gripper pads Capable of picking and placing a single layer of 8 boards in 2.5 minutes
Stack height of 12 layers with the following board specifications:
Length: 12’ to 20’
Width: 5.5”
Thickness: 1”
Weight: 2.3lbs/ft
Temperature: 135℉ – 150℉

Components

2-Axis Gantry System
24’ x 16’ Gantry Frame
End of Arm Tool with (4) 48”L x 3.5”W Joulin Vacuum Gripper Pads
5.3’ Y Axis Movement, 20” Z Axis Pneumatic Actuation
Regenerative Blower
Cart Dock Station with (2) Docking Pins
(2) Cart Present Sensor
(1) Allen Bradley Control System

The Project

Manually stacking extruded deck boards is a repetitive job that requires strenuous labor and operator’s full attention. This stacking system is designed to allow for multiple unload/load bays and uses a 2-axis gantry. By implementing two of these gantry systems, our customer was able to free up multiple material handlers which allowed them to add value to other areas of the business.

Pallet Stacking System

Automotive Industry

Pallet Stacking
Key Functions

Part sizes of 27.5” by 24”
60 second part to part cycle time
Operator fed pallets onto infeed
Pallets are lifted and stacked six high before being ejected
Minimum of one stack position in each system
Manually drops outfeed pallet stop and moves pallets to cart

Components

Four station pallet stacking system
Declining rollerball gravity infeed conveyor with a pallet stop
Scissor lift pallet stacker with attached chain conveyor
Pallet stops to datum pallets against before lifting
Declining rollerball gravity outfeed conveyor with a pallet stop

The Project

This single operator pallet stacking system was designed to replace a very manual system. Alliance Automation has worked with the customer to ensure a 60 second part-to-part cycle time to stack specific pallet sizes that works with the existing plant machines and equipment. In addition to automating this existing station, Alliance removed the existing equipment, installed and integrated the new equipment, and finally programmed the system onsite for the customer. Automation means different things to different company’s, give us a call to discuss your challenges that may benefit from being automated.

Automated Panel Saw

Consumer Goods Industry

Key Functions

11,000+ variations available
20 seconds or less
Target speed of 40 fpm
System adaptable for larger arbor sizes
Cuts a maximum of 15” from leading edge
Minimum cut of .5” to 1” from leading edge
Makes two cuts along and wide section
Transfer conveyor
Saw assembly
Product stop & hold assembly
Vacuum system
Controls integration with MES system

Components

(2) Chain Driven Live Rollers, 31.5’ L x 36” W x 33” H, 2.5” diameter rollers, 9” roller centers
Saw Motor, 7.5HP, 460VAC, 3 phase, Nameplate RPM 3,490
20” (500mm) Diameter Blade with .70 (18mm) Arbor
7.5HP Variable Frequency Drive with Brake for Saw Motor
Saw Stop Motion Monitor
(3) Allen Bradley Kinetix Servo Motor and Drive
(3) Gearbox with Pinion
(13) Bearing Block
Saw Enclosure
Extruded Aluminum Frame with Clear Lexan Panels
Access Door
Solenoid Locked Safety Access Switch
220 CFM, 5.5HP Vacuum Unit, 2” Inlet, Continuous Rated Duty Cycle
55 Gallon Drum with Separator
Funnel Tooling Under Saw Enclosure
2” x 10’ Flexible Hose
(2) Safety Light Curtains
(2) Safety Interlocked Access Doors
Allen Bradley Programmable Logic Controller
Keyence Wireless Handheld Scanner
Label Printer, 2D (QR Code)
Card Swipe Interface
Opto Touch Start Button

The Project

This system was installed to ensure accuracy in cuts and to make the operation safer for employees. By having the operator load the panels and scan each product label the system takes over the dangers part of the process and automatically adjusts the saws for a perfect cut every time. The operator does not have to do anything further until the system sends the completed product to the unload area where it is physically removed from the line.

Planetary Machining

Consumer Goods Industry

Planetary Machining
Key Functions

Two duplicate lines allowing for 2 parts every 10 seconds.
Line was designed to process two different part types.
Parts loaded into the system for longer run times.
Robotic pick and place of parts into machining center.
Parts are drilled and dual head reamers use coolant thru spindle air mist system.
Bowl feeding of bushings and shafts.
Press force detection and distance feedback.
Parts visually scanned for quality.
Vision used to locate and orient part tray for auto load of parts for pack out process.
Chip removal vacuum system

Components

Automated part loading system with iRVision motion package and four part presence sensors.
DCS position & speed check machine tending.
Part machining center with servo driven hause drill units and chip removal vacuum system.
Bushing Press System with force/distance feedback and bushing shuttle and bowl feed system.
Shaft Press system with force/distance feedback and shaft shuttle and bowl feed system.
10′ Tray load conveyor feed system.
Guarding and safety system package with access door and light curtains.

The Project

The Planetary Machining project aimed to develop a comprehensive robotic solution to focus on automating key steps of the process such as cross drilling, reaming, bushing & shaft pressing, and tray handling. By automating the stages of the process, the project increased production throughput, improved product consistency, and reduced reliance on manual labor. The modular design allowed for versatility in handling different bushing assembly styles. The integration of advanced automation technologies and the user-friendly HMI interface contributed to the project’s overall success in enhancing efficiency and quality in blender production.

Slitter Table

Consumer Goods Industry

Slitter Table
Key Functions

System is preset with recipes upon delivery from Alliance.
An engineer login screen is available for adding additional recipes.
Allen Bradley Compact Logix Safety PLC.
Keyence safety light curtains.
Safety guarding for the system.

Components

Powder Coat Painted base frame.
Poly Roll handling system with stainless top, lift changeover system, carbon brush static control system, in-feed encoder system.
Non shuttling style cutter support frame with poly bearings carriage guide rails.
Servo driven carriage timing belt.
Optional “Hinge style” weigh table or “Hatch-Back” style weigh table. Both offer top skirting to prevent air disruptions to the scales.

The Project

Engineered with a paramount focus on safety, the automated SMC slitter table has maintained its operational efficiency for over 15 years with minimal maintenance. Equipped with dual safety light curtains, pneumatic pilot-operated check valves, a safety PLC, and safety-wired fasteners, the system ensures the well-being of your team while minimizing potential damage to molds. The utilization of servo motors within a closed-loop feed control system results in rapid and precise cycle times without compromising accuracy. The innovative quick change-cutting system integrates standard utility knife blades, obviating the need for costly cutting wheels that require frequent sharpening. Enhanced by a recipe-based PLC, the system offers precise and flexible data recording capabilities. Its compact footprint enhances facility versatility and is bolstered by the industry-leading service department of Alliance Automation.

Wire Whip Hub Machine

Consumer Goods Industry

Wire Whip Hub Machine​
Key Functions

Parts feed to a bowl feeder using a pre-feeder holding 30 minutes of parts
Automatic loading onto indexing dial table
Spot facing operation
Pneumatically controlled drilling units
Detection system to verify tools are not broken
Coolant system to provide a constant wash of the machining process to remove chips
Vision system to confirm key orientation

Components

Pre-Feed System
Hub Bowl Feeder
Sound Proof Deadening Enclosure
Pick and Place System
3 Position Indexer Dial Table
Tooling Nests
Vision System
Precision Link Conveyor System
Chip debris trough
12 Small Pneumatic Drill Units
4 Large Pneumatic Drill Units
Tote Pack Out System
Central Vacuum System
Coolant Wash System

The Project

Alliance won the AAV Assembly machine project because we could resolve the four manufacturing challenges; condense floor space, reduce labor, increase rate speed, and finally remove the bottle neck at the leak test station. The original process used 4 operators in 2 separate stations to produce two separate sized products at a rate of 350 parts per hour. Alliance was able to provide a single assembly cell that would accommodate both sized parts using different nests. One operator was able to operate the machine and pack-out the products all while producing 720 parts per hour. This increased rate was achieved by putting all key functions in one machine and having the parts on a dial table.

Consumer Goods - Wire Whip Hub

Manufacturing Automation Opportunity Areas:

  • Assembly
  • Inspect
  • Palletizing
  • Packaging/Shipping
  • Testing
  • Material Handling

Companies need a partner they can trust to install robotics, vision, laser inspection, sensors, and part testing into their production lines. Whether it is a fully automated line or specific tasks, automated equipment is ideal for completing repetitive tasks like moving parts across stations, applying sealants, and joining materials.

Who We’ve Worked with in the Manufacturing Industry

Is Manufacturing Automation Right for your Business?

  • Is your current manufacturing process struggling to meet quality standards?
  • Do you have a new product or change to a product that needs added to your production process?
  • Is it time for your company to bid for new business opportunities and gain assistance?
  • Have you struggled with labor requirements for production?
  • Are your current customers requesting new functions or testing to be integrated into production?

Why you should Join the Alliance

When you partner with Alliance Automation you're getting more than just a robotic solution.

Alliance Automation is here to design, build and install a custom solution to fit your exact needs. Our products will solve your business challenges. How? We follow the Alliance Proven Process. Alliance Automation doesn’t just sell you a product; we get to know your business and find solutions to help you reach your goals.

 What we offer:

  • Project Review
  • Risk Analysis and Risk Assessments
  • Budgetary and complete project proposals
  • CAD Designers
  • Fabrication
  • Toolmakers
  • Machinists
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Controls Engineers
  • Project Managers
  • Full Implementation teams