Automated Buffer Cell for Engine Crankshafts

A manufacturer of automotive combustion engine components needed a system that would buffer crankshafts in an in-line machining operation. To help the client achieve throughput goals and ergonomic improvements, Blue Arc designed and fabricated a custom solution capable of holding 42 crank shafts, along with an overhead part nest and part reject area.

Application:

The buffer cell uses a bucket conveyor to store crankshafts that are waiting on a particular machining process. When needed, an overhead gantry will add or remove parts from the buffer conveyor. The parts will then be placed into the appropriate machining center. An operator will remove reject parts with an overhead crane and manipulator for further inspection. We were asked to provide 88 total cells for two different engine plants.

Benefits:

  • All components of the cell are mounted to a heavy duty one-piece frame that the installation crew can pick up with a fork truck and place in the correct spot at the plant. This saves time during the install portion of the project and gets the line up and running quicker.

  • Part rejects are actuated by timing belt driven, linear actuators for a long, maintenance free life.

Specifications:

  • Each buffer conveyor has the capacity to store (42) crankshafts. Conveyor buckets are attached to a C2082H chain.

  • Conveyor chains are powered by a 3 hp SEW Eurodrive gearmotor.

  • Each gearmotor is controlled by a SEW MoviMot VFD for precise control of parts.

  • Safety features: Mesh Guarding is installed to protect operators from moving shuttles and the overhead gantry robots.