Automotive & Trucking
The Canadian automotive industry, concentrated primarily in Ontario, is the backbone of the nation’s manufacturing sector. As of 2020, it represents about 10% of manufacturing GDP and 23% of manufacturing trade, with many major auto manufacturers having assembly plants in the country. Notable players include General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and Ford. With our array of advanced electric and pneumatic automation technologies, we ensure unrivalled precision and productivity, offering consistently superior industrial automation solutions tailored for the ever-evolving demands of vehicle and truck manufacturing.
The right solutions for your Automotive & Trucking Systems
- Assembly Lines
- Air Braking & Suspension
- Welding Robots
- EV Battery Assembly
- Stamping and Pressing
- Quality & Inspection
Top Automotive Products
Inspekto
S70 Vision
AirTac
LSD Linear Rails
Humphrey Diaphragm Poppet Air Piloted Valves
AirTac Solenoid Valves Series
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Uses Cases and Ideas in Automotive Manufacturing
01. Pneumatic Components and Equipment
Automakers employ high-precision pneumatic valves to regulate the flow of fluids such as paints and primers. In this case, Humphrey Products’ iDP Valve series is perfect for such an application. These indirect single or double solenoid valves can effectively control fluids, providing the much-needed consistency in painting or coating operations. These valves can be easily integrated into the paint shop’s PLC system to achieve desired coating thickness and finish quality.
The automotive industry employs pressing and stamping machinery to shape body panels and other parts. Here, Fabco Air’s pancake cylinders can provide rapid yet controlled movement, ensuring a high degree of accuracy. Whether it’s the stamping of a door panel or pressing of a heat shield, these cylinders can withstand the high-impact nature of these operations, delivering reliable performance over an extended period.
Modern car manufacturing relies heavily on robotics. AirTac’s compact pneumatic systems, especially the MA series mini cylinders, can be employed to control the intricate movements involved in car interiors or dashboard assembly. For example, these pneumatic cylinders can provide the necessary actuation force for robotic arms when installing infotainment screens or air conditioning vents, ensuring the correct positioning and alignment of parts.
Vehicles with air suspension systems provide enhanced comfort by adjusting the ride height according to the terrain. Pneumatic components like air springs and pressure regulators from AirTac can be a part of these systems. Air springs can effectively absorb road shocks while pressure regulators maintain optimal air pressure in the suspension system, delivering a smooth ride.
02. Electrical Motion Systems
As the trend towards automation continues, the need for accurate motion control becomes paramount. RTA’s X-PLUS series drives can provide effective management of the speed and synchrony of assembly line platforms. These drives, coupled with RTA’s B3 series stepper motors, can control the precise movements of robotic arms, facilitating complex tasks like circuit board installation or component assembly.
Automated tire mounting stations are common in automotive assembly lines. RTA’s TBS series stepper motors can provide the exact rotations needed to align the tire with the wheel hub. Similarly, the RTA’s L series stepper motors can adjust the torque applied during the bolting process, ensuring the wheel is securely fastened.
During the manufacturing process, electrical systems like lights, infotainment systems, and navigation systems need to be tested for functionality. Here, RTA’s M2 series stepper motors can control the movement of the testing rigs, ensuring each system is properly tested.
03. Machine Vision Systems
Quality control is critical in automotive manufacturing. The Inspekto S70 system can significantly enhance the defect detection process. For example, it can inspect car parts like gearboxes, bearings, or bodywork for defects. It can detect irregularities like paint blemishes or misaligned components, sending real-time alerts to the operator for quick rectification.
- Engine Components: Inspecting engine parts like pistons, crankshafts, and cylinder heads for defects, surface imperfections, and dimensional accuracy.
- Chassis Parts: Detecting flaws in suspension components, such as control arms and ball joints, ensuring structural integrity.
- Transmission Parts: Inspecting gears, shafts, and casings for defects that might affect performance and reliability.
- Weld Quality Control: Verifying the quality of welds on metal parts to ensure they meet safety and structural standards.
- Interior Trim Parts: Inspecting plastic dashboard components, door panels, and center consoles for surface defects, proper assembly, and color consistency.
- Exterior Components: Ensuring the quality of plastic parts like bumpers, grilles, and side mirrors, checking for scratches, dents, and color discrepancies.
- Headlight and Taillight Assemblies: Verifying the alignment and integrity of plastic components in lighting systems, avoiding issues with light dispersion and water ingress.
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