The Data Courier
Omron RFID application stories

Episode 8: Unit discrimination and control of processes for engine assembly lines

The problem exists that engine assembly lines using mechanical flags and bar codes for model discrimination and process instructions often have the production line stopped because of mechanical failures or other factors. The most common fault not being able to read the bar codes because of oil or coolant.

There is a second difficulty in that although mixed production lines can be handled there is an increasing diversification of client needs which has led to further increases in the number of different models. This switching between different types of operation must be performed with even greater efficiency and stability than ever before.

The solution is simple, mount data carriers (ID Tags) to the pallets or jigs and write model information and process information to them. Then read the information at each process station and based on this information, switch the operation type if necessary to re-programme the processing functions.
After completing a process ‘enable’ the processing completion flag for that process.

The benefits of this system are threefold; first line stoppages and process errors due to mechanical failure or reading errors are eliminated. Next the model information written in the data carriers is read automatically and so the time required to switch between different types of operation is dramatically reduced and production efficiency is increased accordingly. Thirdly the history for each process can be written to the data carriers straight away thus ensuring stable progress management and much-improved trace-ability.

The salient features of the components used are stable communications are possible even if oil or coolant adheres to the data carrier surface. The excellent stable communications are also possible in environments with high noise levels. Because the flags are intelligent it allow systems to be constructed with only a small capital investment and are ideal as substitutes for mechanical flags or for limited model discrimination applications. The data carriers can hold an impressive 8 Kbytes of information allowing management of work instructions, process histories, and inspection information for other processes

Micromech is the systems integrator for Omron RFID systems, if you wish to find out more contact Stirling Morley on 01376 333311 or stirling@micromech.co.uk

‘Micromech, keeping track with Omron’