Industrial Factory Automation

Kurt Manufacturing is in the process of delivering USD250,000 in automated custom workholding fixtures to a tier one automotive manufacturer. The initial order calls for 10 custom workholding fixtures to be integrated with robot arms into existing automated transfer lines. A second follow-on order is underway. The newly equipped transfer lines will precision machine an automotive bearing housing. The machining consists of two mating pieces produced from 10 x 8 x 5in cast iron and requires a flatness tolerance of 15 micron across the mating surface. Jeff Lenz, business unit manager of Kurt Engineered Systems, said: 'The need for consistent quality along with increased production levels was the driver behind this order. 'The customer's existing machining fixtures were not capable of clamping the parts without distorting them. 'Problems occurred when the assembly distorted the bearings, causing abnormal operating noise and premature wear. 'These problems were compound...

Kurt will unveil a range of workholding and high-productivity products at Westec 2010, to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry. Applications include automated workholding systems, multi-chuck clamping systems, cast caged tombstones and custom-engineered workholding. Kurt's automated workholding fixtures load and unload parts with a robot arm, and have pre-load features that centre and clamp parts securely. Pressure and proximity sensors communicate wirelessly with the robot and machining centre. Workholding setups can be designed for 24/7 operation, eliminating the need for operator interaction. Kurt has capabilities for designing and building automated cells that include assembly and gauging functions to form a complete system. Another Kurt workholding option for improving productivity and precision is the Leader Multichuck MMY product line. This system consists of two- and three-jaw manual self-centering static workholding modules, in four sizes from 80 to 150mm. They ar...