The solid modelling of part orienting tracks for automated assembly

SUMMARY

Part orienting tracks used for feeding component parts to an automated assembly system are conventionally designed and fabricated manually by increasingly small numbers of skilled operators. It is time-consuming, labour-intensive and hence results in expensive tooling cost and long manufacture lead time. A new approach based on solid modelling has been developed to facilitate efficient track design and manufacture

This paper presents the methodology adopted in the development and implementation of the CAD system. It describes the conceptual model of an orienting track, discusses the overall data structure of the system, and outlines the method used in modelling tracks. The paper concludes with an example demonstrating how an orienting track can be designed using the CAD system.