AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

colorbox_move

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

As an experienced systems provider, DELU supplies means of transport for flexible, group-based production

In the automotive industry too, highly flexible final assembly lines for the manufacturing of cars, trucks, buses and construction machinery can be set up with air cushion technology. The traditional line configuration in production is replaced by almost stationary assembly, i.e. a combination of stationary and inline workstations. This embedding of assembly stations into traditional line production enhances flexibility and minimises time losses. The first vehicle on the assembly line now no longer has to be the first one to leave the line again.

Such flexibility can best be achieved with the aid of air cushion technology. Its consistent use at all stations not only improves flexibility and productivity, but also creates a clean and ergonomic working environment. Another benefit is that the air cushion devices offer a considerable degree of user-friendliness.

Examples of applications include the conveyance of heavy components such as engines, axles, wheels and windscreens.

In addition, the air cushion devices allow the assembly system to be changed over quickly and easily in the event of a change in the production process.

Other areas of application include air cushion-borne tool change devices, crash test units, presentation platforms and equipment stands for prototype manufacturing.

 

other benefits:

  1. High flexibility and simple adaptation to new products and production processes
  2. Investment costs are reduced, productivity boosted and lead times shortened
  3. Transport system can be operated conveniently by one operator by remote control
  4. Load can move freely in all directions and rotations around the axis, ensuring best possible utilisation of the space available
  5. Floating load allows precise positioning
  6. Low maintenance expense
  7. Environmentally friendly technology without waste gases or noise
  8. Can also be used in explosion protected zones and clean rooms
Motor vehicles of up to 20 t transported on air cushions in final assembly
Allowing flexible assembly concepts
The air cushion transporter was designed to be particularly narrow, so it fits snugly between the wheelbase of the bus, which is resting on a support frame. Load capacity 12 t.
A pivoting centre section allows the load surface of the air cushion to be enlarged. This ensures that the load is kept stable and cannot tip over.
At the transfer station the bus is lifted free up by four elevating platforms that can sink into the floor, allowing the journey to be continued on its own wheels.
Air cushion transport system for city buses, comprising two manually operated pallet transporters. Load capacity 2 x 6 t.
The trucks can be driven directly onto the flat air cushion platform and then moved along the turntable assembly line without producing any exhaust gases.
Transporting a truck in the pilot hall.
Underfloor assembly work
Mobile high stations with air cushion running gears
A coach on an air cushion high station. Load capacity 12.5 t.
Before assembly, the coaches are deposited on high stations that move on air cushions so that the steering, hoses, brackets, valves, etc. can be fitted.
As the time required for these steps is similar for all coach types, they are performed in an assembly line.
The high stations are equipped with air cushion running gears that enable a time saving of approx. 50% compared with traditional crane transport.
Front and rear axle assembly
Mobile scissor lifts with air cushion running gears
Elevating platforms on air cushions are used for the assembly of heavy components such as engines and axles.
The components are taken by air cushion equipment from preassembly to the final assembly point, where they can be quickly installed.
Air cushion lifting truck for front axle assembly.
Air cushion lifting truck for rear axle assembly.
Instead of the coach body being deposited on the axles, it remains on the high station and the parts to be assembled are raised. The air cushion allows them to be positioned precisely.
This method is much safer and more ergonomic than traditional overhead assembly, in which the coach is suspended from a crane. The time saving is about 25%.
Rear axle assembly for a car by means of an air cushion elevating platform.
Engine transport and assembly
Mobile scissor lift with air cushion running gear and tipping device
Special elevating platform on air cushions for transporting and installing engine blocks. Load capacity 2 t.
Here the heavy diesel engine is taken to the marriage station on air cushions.
The scissor lift lifts the engine to the correct installation height.
The tiltable platform and the unrestricted freedom of movement of the lift allows the engine to be positioned very easily, so that it then only needs to be bolted into place.
Manually controlled air cushion pallet transporter for commercial vehicle engines. Load capacity 5 t.
Manually controlled air cushion pallet transporter for truck engines. Load capacity 2 t.
Wheel assembly
By multi-spindle screw machine on air cushion
Multi-spindle screw machine for heavy bus and truck tyres. Load capacity 400 kg.
The wheels are taken on the air cushion device directly to the vehicle and can be mounted immediately.
This application again demonstrates the considerable ergonomic benefits of air cushion technology.
Windscreen assembly
On mobile air cushion lifting platforms
Mobile elevating platforms are used for windscreen assembly. Load capacity 800 kg.
The work platforms can be moved quickly and easily. The large load surface ensures stability, even with the platform fully extended.
Other applications
Air cushion technology opens up a wide range of different applications
Air cushion turntable for a trade fair presentation.
Air cushion planks for car transport.
Air cushion planks for car transport.
Air cushion transporter as a test sled change system for a crash test facility.
LPT-15 transporter for a tool change system.
Air cushion platform for presentation purposes.
Transport frame for car assembly. Load capacity 4 t.