Aug 20 2013
Evana Automation Specialists, a subsidiary of Phillips Service Industries (PSI) and leading Systems Integrator and builder of custom, automated assembly and test systems, recently delivered a compliant pin press system to a Tier 1 automotive manufacturer of vehicle safety products.
Compliant pin press technology, also known as a press-fit pin technology, allows for the assembly of a terminal or electrical lead via the plated-through hole (PTH) on a printed circuit board (PCB) in such a way that an electrical connection is created and maintained without the application of solder. Automotive manufacturers utilize press-fit pin technology in control modules, switch assemblies, fuse receptacles, junction boxes, hybrid inverters, motion, pressure sensors and connector assemblies, as well as other engine and passenger compartment applications. For this particular application, the press-fit pin technology is supporting a tire pressure sensor.
The Evana compliant pin press system is a two station, semi-automated, stand-alone synchronous assembly system capable of producing 180 sub-assemblies per hour. Each sub-assembly contains two multi-pin connectors, an antenna, shield and a PCB. An operator loads the components into the part nest. A vision system detects that the parts are properly seated in the nest. Once this step is completed, the operator presses the optical touch button, which triggers the camera to inspect the assembly a second time and obtain the serial number from the barcode. The PLC will send the serial number to the network database to check whether the part passed the previous step. Once the PLC receives a pass from the network, the dial will index. From there, the parts nest transfers to the press and anvil, where the parts are pressed and checked via vision systems to ensure all pins have been pressed through the printed circuit assembly (PCA). When the inspection is complete, the operator receives a signal that the assembly system is ready to cycle. Next, the operator exits the light curtain and swipes a finger switch. The dial will rotate the un-pressed parts into station number two and return a completed assembly to the operator at station number one for off-loading.
“This is the second compliant press pin system that Evana Automation has designed and built for this automotive supplier,” said Randy Wire, General Manager of Evana Automation Specialists. “It’s a terrific indication that we are helping this customer achieve their goals.”
Evana utilizes diverse technologies to specialize in motion control, robotics integration and system architecture by linking production equipment, material handling systems, data collection, networking, and computer software and hardware into flexible, unified technology. Test equipment can be integrated into assembly systems, stand alone systems for automatic testing, or manual test benches. Overall, Evana’s custom assembly and test solutions improve efficiency for manufacturers all over the world in industries like automotive, aerospace, defense, healthcare and alternative energy.
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