Press, Fasten, IC Check, and Potting Workstation

Impetus to Invent

Why make several machines when you can make one? At least that is how we think when we invent automation. Our client wanted us to combine what had traditionally been several machines into one. Challenge accepted and delivered!
Across three part number families, our solution validated that the bearing press was done fully through the use of a low-cost air pressure sensor that detected back pressure. Then the operator would screw down the circuit board, and if torque values were reached, the green light to proceed was given. Next, the operator would inject a precise amount of potting material to backfill the circuit board, and only when a sensor detected the potting material squeezing out of one of the holes would the system release the product. Good things happen when "can’t" is not in your vocabulary.

Problem Solved

Combining multiple machines into one

Lessons Learned

Backpressure checks are a great way to see if a bearing is actually seated fully. It succeeds where traditional sensor methods cannot.

What Was Unique 

We made room for the customer to load their screw feeder to speed up the operator's time to load a screw into the automated screwdriver.

What Was Challenging

The sensor to detect potting material was squeezing out of the hole proved to be tricky to align, but we got it!