Here at AIM Joraco we’re no strangers to branching out and developing unique presses for unique challenges. A leading manufacturer of utility winches came to AIM Joraco with a press fitting project, The press application was straightforward, press fitting a bushing into a casting, but requirements for detection of inserted washer quantities and integration with the customer's PLC provided a unique challenge. After meeting with our engineers, it was decided AIM Joraco would use our Direct-Aire® press with a custom slide tray and laser measurement system to get the job done.
The customer had come to AIM-Joraco with some prerequisites: The press had to incorporate a method for identifying the quantity of washers inserted before pressing the bushing onto the assembly. The press must utilize a customer-specified PLC and HMI. The press must also accommodate existing customer fixtures for part holding. Additionally, the bushing must be capable of being pushed onto and securely held by the ram-mounted press tool without falling into the casting.
With the requirements established, our engineers had suggest using our Direct-Aire® 400T Press Model. Having solidified the base, we developed a solution that elevated the operator experience and quality
The press-fitting application was developed through an iterative design, fabrication, and testing process. A slide tray was designed to allow for efficient part loading using the customer's part holding fixture. To maintain precision some parts of the slide tray were completed after an initial assembly so they could be sized and positioned to match the actual alignment of the assembled components. A laser position sensor system was used for detection of washer quantities. Our engineering team conducted geometric analyses to establish location requirements so the sensors could accurately detect assembly stack up height and effectively count components. The tight fit between the press tool, bushing, and casting also needed to be considered when tooling we designed to ensure parts could be easily removed after being pressed.
The Direct-Aire® 400T press with the slide tray and position sensors allowed for the press fitting process to be performed while meeting all of the customer's requirements. The completed press-fitting system also incorporated a spring-loaded ejector pin to remove the casting assembly from the ram as it retracts, improving part removal and cycle operation. The press was delivered with the necessary inputs to support a programmed pressing sequence with integrated quality inspection.
For an in-depth look at this project, check out our white paper! Bushing Press Fitting
See this press in action: Bushing Press Fitting
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Joraco Press Company has been an innovator in the pneumatic press industry since 1947. The trademarked TOGGLE-AIRE® Series has been the core product of Joraco Press for over 60 years, having been installed in thousands of manufacturing facilities all over the world. The past 20 years have seen Joraco Press expand its benchtop pneumatic press products to cover more applications and more force ranges than ever before. Joraco Press Company is a division of Automated Industrial Machine, Inc located in Smithfield, RI. Our products are designed, fabricated, and assembled at the AIM headquarters. Head on over to our website www.joraco.com for all your press needs!