Air International footplate and steering shaft assembly machine

A three station PLC controlled assembly machine for the partial assembly of steering column units was designed, manufactured and commissioned. Station 1 press assembles a sealed bearing into the rubber moulded footplate, a mounting pad for the column to the car firewall, using a controlled spray of water as a lubricant. Station 2 presses the footplate onto the universal joint shaft to a preset position with a load cell continuous force monitor, the push-on rate being controlled by an adjustable hydraulic damper. The part is then automatically transferred to station 3 for assembly of a plastic cover. The machine is pneumatically operated with sensors to detect the presence and correct orientation of components prior to assembly. Operator interface is via a touchscreen for all automatic and manual operations. Assembly values and setting variables are set via the touchscreen.