Door Handling and Accumulation

The custom automation system provides material handling, accumulation and assembly of refrigerator doors.  Sub-assemblies are delivered from upstream operations, and proceed through auto-fastening and bar scanning, before being transferred, via conveyor, to a tower accumulation system.

When operating conditions require accumulation, assemblies are servo-transferred onto the tower’s load shelf, for placement into one of 15 temporary storage positions.  All transfers feature conveyor belts with no sliding action, thus minimizing the risk of damage to cosmetic surfaces.

After leaving the tower accumulation system, doors are flipped and loaded into an external process.  Upon leaving the process, doors are transferred to one of a variety of pallet fixtures, which have configurable components to allow for quick set-up and changeover for handling a range of door models.  Final assembly of door hardware occurs while on the pallet fixures.

System Features

• In-line inspection
• 1 minute cycle time
• Multiple models/parts handled
• Semi-automated
• Handling techniques to minimize product damage

System Technologies

• PLC controlled integration with auxiliary equipment
• PLC communication to operator interface units
• Servo-positioning