Assembly cells to the fore at ATExpo

Universal Instruments will highlight its Polaris and Polaris Junior assembly cells at ATExpo 2005.

Universal Instruments will highlight its Polaris and Polaris Junior assembly cells at ATExpo 2005.

In addition, the corporation will demonstrate its enabling Lightning placement head technology on the celebrated AdVantis platform, alongside a productivity-boosting offline setup station featuring Dimensions line level software for rapid product changeover.

The Polaris assembly cell is a key component in Universal's line-wide platform philosophy, extending it beyond surface mount applications with common interfaces, software and standard tooling for final assembly processes.

Polaris is modular and reconfigurable, performing multiple operations on a single cell including dispensing, vision, screw driving, pick and place, bare die attach, bar code reading and labelling applications.

Featuring up to three quick-release independent tool modules, it provides efficient automation of traditional light mechanical and end-of-line assembly processes to deliver cost, quality and throughput improvements.

Polaris Junior is targeted at single process, low price point assembly.

It offers an impressive portfolio of over 20 tool modules and can be configured as a single, double or triple servo axis system - and these can be either servoelectric or pneumatic actuated.

Polaris Junior is ideal for repeatable pick and place applications, ink jet marking, point-to-point soldering, test head loading and unloading, and also for low-cost mechanical assembly.

It is the perfect solution for lower-end robotic and nonrobotic assembly tasks.

The four fundamentals of Universal's platform philosophy are robustness, modularity, scalability and flexibility.

Polaris is no exception such that Polaris and Polaris Junior cells can be easily moved, added to an existing process line, enhanced with new tooling or scaled by operating in line with other Polaris cells.

All configurations deliver the flexible and modular advantages of custom automation on a proven, standard and rugged platform designed to adapt to new production challenges.

Universal Instruments will also demonstrate new standards of speed, flexibility and uptime enabled by its unique 30-spindle Lightning placement head.

Lightning can be seen in action on the single-beam AdVantis AC-30L platform.

This system delivers up to 30,000 components per hour for true high-speed placement performance combined with flexible fine pitch capability, all within the small footprint and capital investment required for just one platform machine.

Lightning technology addresses components from 01005 to 30mm square on the same machine to simplify scheduling, optimise capital investment and deliver rapid returns.

Low-maintenance features include lubrication-free design and patented, variable reluctance motor technology that translate to very high uptime.

Also on show at ATExpo will be Universal's Dimensions line level software.

Dimensions is available in two independent, interoperable components.

Dimensions Line Programming module facilitates easy optimisation of component assignments when creating new machine programs to reduce programming time.

Dimensions' line control module provides changeover assistance, component consumption tracking, traceability, feeder and reel management, and performance monitoring to maximise line utilisation.

Visitors to the Universal Instruments Booth 1123 at this year's ATExpo can also discuss the distinct commercial benefits of Universal's Optima Plus full line solutions.

Optima Plus marshals best-in-class equipment for every automated assembly application, configured to meet the exact requirements of individual customers, by drawing on the extensive skill set, enabling technologies and unparalleled knowledge base within Universal.

Optima Plus minimises complexity and maximises utilisation and operational efficiency with the added business benefit of a rapid buying cycle and easy ownership that comes from working with a single capital equipment partner.

The Assembly Technology Expo takes place at the Donald E Stephens Convention Centre, Chicago, Illinois from 27th to 29th September 2005.

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