JLR STICKS WITH HACS TECHNOLOGY FOR SEATBACK ASSEMBLY

The equipment destined for JLR is to produce seat back assemblies which comprise of four main components: a polypropylene backboard, map pocket, anti-squeak pad and carpet panel. The individual items are assembled and secured with twenty one separate stake points within the floor-standing machine, which is used to produce both left hand and right hand seat variants. The fully automatic system, designed and manufactured by Telsonic at its Poole facility, uses a motorised fixture table to transfer the seat back components between the operator load/unload position, heating area and staking station. The presence of each component is confirmed using sensors before each cycle begins, to verify that the correct hand of seat has been loaded and that the correct number of metal clips are present. Each hot air unit has its own separate temperature controller, ensuring a consistent heat profile across the twenty one separate staking points and repeatable results on each part. The machine operates on a fifty second cycle and provides an effective solution that balances production volumes, number of stake points and capital cost. Machine control, including the setting and adjustment of the temperature for the individual heat units, is achieved via a touchscreen unit, and operator safety is assured by light guards at the load/unload station. Now in full production, this compact machine is providing an efficient and cost effective solution to the application. The decision to use Telsonic UK for this project was based upon a number of factors including: Telsonics' proven track record on the previous HACS assembly system, customer references and a partnership approach to determining the optimum solution. Telsonic UK offers a comprehensive range of ultrasonic modules and systems for a variety of plastic welding, sealing, food cutting, textile cutting, metal welding and cleaning applications.