Pick-to-Light for Manufacturing and Assembly
Light Guided Assembly for Lean Manufacturing
Pick-to-light systems support lean manufacturing initiatives. By reducing the risk of human error in production and assembly processes, pick-to-light is an ideal solution for poka-yoke (error-proofing).
Pick-to-light devices visually guide operators to pick the correct parts, in the right quantities and the proper sequence. This reduces errors and defects and increases productivity by eliminating a common source of wasted time like checking and re-checking instructions.
Manual assembly often requires multiple parts and steps to complete, and at each step, there is a risk of human error. An incorrect part may be picked out of a part bin, or parts may be put together in the wrong order. However, accuracy is critical to ensure a high-quality final product. Also, manufacturers need assemblies completed quickly to maximize throughput. The challenge is to increase assembly speeds while maintaining quality.
To improve efficiency and accuracy in assembly applications, it is essential for the assembler to be able to quickly and easily identify the next pick location. A pick-to-light solution identifies the correct bin for the assembler to pick from, detects that the pick has been made, and then notifies the assembler of the location of the next pick.
Flexibility gives users the choice to align with their preferred operating procedure. Technology is adaptable to your processes.
A Feature-Rich Solution for a Complex Process
Errors are common when parts are manually assembled, and there is a demand for a variety of different parts. Similar components and hard-to-follow instructions may lead to a human error during production which then slows down the entire process and introduces defects.
Using pick-to-light sensors at multiproduct assembly stations lessens the number of inaccuracies, speeds up build time, and makes training simple and easy.
In this application, a pick-to-light device with an LED indicator, optical sensor, and alphanumeric display provide the guidance necessary to complete complex assemblies quickly and accurately. When a part is needed, the LED indicator lights up, and the display shows the required quantity. The optical sensor then recognizes when the operator has picked the pieces. Once each step is complete, the next pick in the sequence can light up.
A WIreless Pick to Light System
Due to consumer demand for a wider variety of products, manufacturing processes have become more complex. Providing manufacturers with the ability to reconfigure and move assembly stations easily can have real benefits for production efficiency and space utilization.
In this application, wireless K70 pick-to-light devices are deployed across bins on a portable parts rack. A DXM100 wireless controller executes the selection sequence by illuminating the green LED indicator on the K70 corresponding to the part that should be selected. The operator selects the part and touches the K70 to confirm the action. The K70 turns red if activated out of sequence and yellow to confirm the correct process.
The wireless connection allows the assembly station to be moved or reconfigured without rewiring.
Visual Feedback Helps Assemblers Maintain Pace
In addition to guiding picks, LED indicators can also be used to indicate takt time in assembly processes. This visual feedback can help keep an assembler on track and aware of how much time has elapsed without having to look away from work.
Takt time is important to manufacturers because it represents the rate of production that is needed to match demand. Keeping production rates by the estimated takt time is a simple way to maximize profits.
Using the IO-Link compatible K50 Pro touch button is an easy way to ensure that operators are maintaining takt time. Sequence mode is included with IO-Link models and can be used as a timer. The bright LED indicators are easy-to-see and installed directly in an assembler's sightlines for increased efficiency and less distraction from the task at hand.
Wireless Touch Buttons
밝게 빛나는 무선 K70 표시등은 여러 색상으로 빛나는 70mm 표시등으로, 통신 가능성을 높이고 매우 다양한 용도로 배치할 수 있습니다.
- 30mm 장착 베이스가 있는 70mm의 직경
- 모델에는 하나의 장치로 최대 5가지의 색상을 사용할 수 있음
- 내구성 강화, 방수 IP65K 하우징
- 12~30V dc 작동
- 깜박임 입력 제어
- 베이스에 내장된 SureCross 무선 노드
- 900MHz 및 2.4GHz 무선 옵션
- 게이트웨이에 쉽게 바인딩
- 입력 와이어를 외부 장치에서 보조 소싱 입력 또는 20Hz, 32비트 이벤트 카운터로 구성 가능
