Automation Solution for the Hygiene Industry
A manufacturer in the hygiene industry with expanding operations had a soap pump assembly machine capable of forming one type of pump, and they were interested in upgrading it to produce pumps in three different configurations. Because of the machine's modular design, TCA was able to perform a retrofit and upgrade it to handle more sophisticated operations.
The new, more complex, assembly machine consists of a 16 station mechanical indexer with two build nests per station. Operated using an Automation Direct operator interface with a data logging PLC, parts nests are built on a 1" thick, 60" diameter dial table. The components move through each of the 16 stations for assembly and bonding, alternating with inspection and testing, throughout the entire cycle. Safety features include floor mounted perimeter guarding with nine vertical hinged doors.
TCA's engineering team successfully designed the retrofit to effectively handle multiple soap pump configurations with minimal changeover. Our technicians disassembled the existing machine, reassembled it with new components we had fabricated in-house, and then adjusted all the electronics and wiring. All operations were fully tested before delivery to the customer location, where our technicians were on hand for the installation, start-up, and training.