Automating high-mix, low/mid-volume assembly
July 26 2024
In the July issue of ONDrug Delivery Magazine, SHL Advantec's senior mechanical engineers Colby Chen and Ian Chang introduces the SMART assembly machine – a fully automated modular assembly system that enables fully automated assembly operations in the low-to-medium volume range.
The rapid growth in demand for various self-injection drug treatments has propelled both autoinjector and manufacturing equipment solution providers to expand flexibility in manufacturing requirements while still maintaining high and consistent quality standards. The differing demands in production volume also have SHL expanding its range in assembly equipment, from fully automated assembly machines to manual or semi-manual assembly lines and to the most recent SMART line, the semi-modular automatic robot track.
The article details the many features of SMART, including how the modularity in its hardware and software increases flexibility in production, and how quality inspection is done in real time with assembly operations. For example, the SMART features an extendable linear track of movable stations with an array of robot arms executing pick-and-place tasks on components from both sides of the linear tracks. The use of robot arms performing sequential assembly actions keeps the dynamic strength of manual assembly, while the interchangeability of the stations and robot grippers enables quick changeovers for different assembly projects.
Designed with versatility at its core, the SMART showcases SHL’s ability to close the gap between traditional assembly systems and fully automatic mass assembly productions, giving us the edge to offer a wide range of assembly solutions to customers.
This article was originally published by SHL Medical and has been updated to reflect SHL Advantec's independent operations.