"StaticsJason" wrote in message
news:WFxag.20174$9c6.53@dukeread11...

"Tom Gardner" wrote in message
. com...
I just recieved a mandate to automate a fastening opperation. We have to
drive two #10 x 1-3/4" SMCs to hold this handle. This has become a
full-time job, so it's a high priority and high budget because the job is
menial and high risk of repetitive motion injury.

http://www.bettymills.com/shop/produ...FS4067600.html

Hi Tom,

I've worked on several projects with very similar requirements for a door
and window making client.

As mentioned elsewhere - be sitting down when you get quotes back with
bowl feeders and auto screwfeed systems. We used Weber systems. All the
screws driven were phillips head sheetmetal screws into either aluminum or
wood. Expensive, German, Nice. The client specified Webers and had
several hundred of them in use. Had some problems with them only once
regarding promised delivery dates on a custom setup. Having said that, we
bought several different systems from them and the only one that was late
was a custom version of their newest product offering. Would still
recommend them. IIRC I have some additional info in my bound book from
those projects if you would like more...

High production with low operator fatigue/chance of injury are very
attainable.

Another manufacurer that serves the industry is Atlas-Copco. Haven't used
them but they have a good reputation. I know of an automotive
transmission manufacturing plant that uses higher end Atlas-Copco
fastening systems throughout and maintains exhaustive records of every
single fastener installed, including torque and some other (to them)
important details. All digital, no hand tracking. Crazy expensive but
worth it to them for quality purposes. I have a catalog at work with info
on their line ranging from standalone screwdrivers with hand fed screws to
the digital output versions. Will look up contact info if you are
interested.

As yet another option, you might look at the "Stickscrew" system if you
haven't already. I wish I'd had the chance to use them on a project. No
such luck but it might be a fit for your application. Uses scews that are
made from barstock and are still attatched end to end when you load them
in the gun. Eliminates the bowl feeder (a $10k-18k option) and the
feeding lag time. www.pemnet.com I see Gunner posted the same link - ya
beat me to it! Sure looks cool...

As mentioned by George elsewhere in the thread, Deprag seems to be a big
player as well (if their level of advertising in Assembly magazine is any
indicator) but I have no experience with their product to comment on.

hth,
StaticsJason


Thanks, I see enough to present a proposal to start the process of tackling
this problem. I know it's going to cost big bucks but the pay back is
there.