Mobile phone assembly Single Axis robot

Case Study: Hiwin Single-Axis Robot for Mobile Phone Assembly Line

Background

Due to the large volume of devices produced daily, the mobile phone industry demands high precision, speed, and efficiency. Automation is critical in maintaining quality and reducing costs, especially in assembly lines. Hiwin, a global leader in linear motion products, offers a range of single-axis robots designed to meet the specific needs of automated manufacturing.

Challenge

In mobile phone manufacturing, tasks such as component placement, screwing, and dispensing require high accuracy and repeatability. Manual labour is often inconsistent and can result in defects, causing delays and increased costs. The challenge is to integrate an automated solution that is flexible enough to handle various assembly tasks and compact enough to fit into existing production lines without extensive reconfiguration.

Solution: Hiwin Single-Axis Robot

Hiwin’s single-axis robots (such as the KK or KA series) were chosen for integration into the mobile phone assembly line. These robots offer several advantages:

• Precision: The robots are equipped with high-precision ball screws and linear guides that ensure consistent accuracy, crucial for tasks like screw placement and component insertion.

• Compact Design: The single-axis robots are compact, making them easy to integrate into tight spaces, which is typical in mobile phone assembly lines.

• Customization: Hiwin robots are versatile and can be configured with different lengths, speeds, and load capacities to handle various tasks.

• High Speed: The robots can operate at high speeds, significantly increasing the throughput of the assembly line.

• Durability: Designed for industrial applications, Hiwin’s robots are built to withstand the rigors of continuous operation in high-demand environments.

Implementation

The Hiwin single-axis robots were integrated into the assembly line at multiple stages:

1. Component Placement: The robot was programmed to pick and place small components such as screws, sensors, and buttons onto the phone assembly with precision.

2. Screw Tightening: The robot was fitted with a specialized end-effector to handle screw-tightening tasks, ensuring consistency and reducing the likelihood of human error.

3. Dispensing: For tasks involving adhesive application, the robot dispensed exact amounts of adhesive with precision, improving quality control.

The robots were connected to the factory’s control system, enabling seamless communication with other automated equipment, such as conveyors and vision systems.

Results

• Increased Productivity: Implementing Hiwin single-axis robots reduced the cycle time of the assembly line, allowing for higher output without compromising quality.

• Reduced Defects: The robots minimized defects that previously occurred due to manual errors by performing consistent and precise operations.

• Cost Savings: Automation reduced labour costs and the expenses associated with rework and scrap due to defects.

• Scalability: The modular nature of the Hiwin robots allowed for easy expansion of the automation system as production demands increased.

Conclusion

Integrating Hiwin single-axis robots into a mobile phone assembly line proved to be a successful solution for improving efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. By automating repetitive and precise tasks, the assembly line became more reliable and productive, enabling the company to meet the growing demands of the mobile phone market.

This case demonstrates the value of leveraging advanced robotics technology to enhance manufacturing processes, particularly in industries where precision and speed are paramount.