Search Results

There is increasing pressure for manufacturers to go “green.” Automotive OEMs are improving their own sustainability practices and demanding environmental accountability from their vendors. Sustainable manufacturing is defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce as the creation of manufactured products using processes that: 1 Minimize negative environmental impacts 2 Conserve energy and natural resources 3 Are safe for employees, communities and consumers 4 Are economically sound Installing low-energy lighting and adding recycling bins have had a positive effect, but manufacturers must take a comprehensive view of sustainability to have a continuing impact. This white paper will address some “out of the box” methods to improve sustainability of automotive assembly.

With Battery-free Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), the production line is no longer held hostage to a slow station, and diverge/converge paths do not require a coupling/uncoupling process. Asynchronous indexing ensures that units move forward when they are ready, enabling the most efficient production paths. Where overhead conveyance is required for ergonomics or engagement with other line paths, it is easily integrated into the Inductive Power Transfer (IPT®) system. A software and controls-driven conveyance, its integrated intelligence allows for seamless inclusion of automated work instructions, error proofing, traceability, Factory Information Systems (FIS) and other elements of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for improved quality. Requiring only two shallow channels cut into an iron-free floor, path changes are quickly made. Gone are requirements for floor pits and drag chains and for hundreds of highly skilled changeover staff during shut-down.