Ambutech Joiner Operation Design
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Date
2016-12-07
Authors
Hammad, Ahmed
McKay, Connor
McQuarrie, Curtis
Schappert, Anna
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Abstract
Ambutechis a division of Melet Plastics Inc. which manufactures mobility canes. Ambutech provides their customerswitha custom product made ofaluminum, fiberglass, or graphite.Aluminum and graphitecanes make up 93.8% of total sales. The projectfocusedon the joining processforassembling graphite and aluminum canes. The team analyzed Ambutech’s manufacturing process using the 8-step method. Both aluminum and graphite lines are standalone and run in tandem. The takt timefor the cane assembly processis 281 [s/cane] for both the aluminum and graphite assembly lines. Currently the only stages of the manufacturingunder the takt time are the aluminum press and final assemblystageof both canes. The goal of the project was toreduce operator time needed at the joiner process so thattheoperatorcan spend more time at the tape roller, which is the current bottleneckin the assembly line.With anunderstanding of the process, concept generation, and concept selection completed, the detailed designcould begin. The team separated the machine into three sections: shaft delivery, ferrule delivery, and the joiner. Fatigue analysis was completed on parts which experienced high loadsandlarge cycle counts to extend the life of the machine.The final concepts were: vibratory hoppers for theferrule deliverysystem, three shaft hoppers with a capacity of 50 shafts are used fortheshaft deliverysystem,anda shaft rotator with replaceable inserts and an electric linear actuator is used for the joining operation.Consideration was madeto reduce the payback period, maintenance costs, and costs associated with machine downtime. The machine was designed to be identical between the two manufacturing lines, with only the applied force needing to be changed between the aluminum and graphite lines.One machine will cost $ 44 564.28CAD, which includes all materials, components, and labor to assemble the machine, which is within budget.