Automated Label Application Machine

This is the front view of the machine. The customer had requested an IBM compatible PC which can be seen on a hinged array that an operator can swing around for better viewing when setting up the machine. The "pullout" work surfaces are suspended on a trolley system for effortless operation. One of them has been fitted with a sliding storage unit for the keyboard. All work surface tops are 1½" with ESD laminate tops.

PROBLEM:

A manufacturer required four (4) each of a machine capable of placing multiple bar-code labels on various sized printed wiring boards (PWB’s) that would later be separated into individual units. The specifications were limited to a very few specific functional requirements leaving the integrator a good deal of conceptual latitude. The customer’s original expectation, and ours as well, was basically an X-Y Table under the specified label applicator.

SOLUTION:

OSCO was awarded the contract for the project. The first business at hand was to provide approval drawings. It was during this process we at OSCO discovered that by mounting the LabelAir Applicator overhead on an X-Y Table a cycle time reduction could be realized that almost doubled the productivity potential of the machine and it was safer. The equipment was delivered, hooked up and it went to work.

This is a view of the Operator Panel of the machine. Zero pressure optical pilot devices were selected to initiate the "Start" and "Resume" functions. These are an excellent choice when a frequent repetitive motion such as this is required.

FEATURES:

• Extruded, Anodized Aluminum Frame
• Precision Crossed Roller Bearing X-Y Table
• Microstepping Drive and Motors
• Drive Controller Card and Pascal Based Software Running in Windows 3.1
• 486DX2/66 PC, keyboard, mouse and VGA Monitor
• Label Placement ± .0005 in. (Spec. was ± .0025 in. )
• Laser Bar-Code Scanner for Label verification
• Safety Light Curtain Array
• Lexan Windowed Machine Guards Interlocked with Keyed, Defeat Resistant, Fail-to-Safe Safety Switches
• Emergency Stop Switch
• Electrical Lockout with Tagout Provisions
• Pneumatic Lockout with Tagout Provisions
• ESD Work Surfaces
• Crowder/Indexing Mechanism for Precise Product Placement and Retention During Application Cycle
• Zero Pressure Optical Pilot Devices Instead of Pushbuttons for Ergonomic Considerations
• Complete Documentation Including Electrical and Pneumatic Schematics, Panel, Terminal Layouts and Bill of Material and Operator and Maintenance Instructions including All Operator Screens and Source Code

Not a huge issue in the scheme of things, but "attention to detail" is something in which we take pride. In this photo the penetration of the work surface has been fitted with a trim. The Safety Light Curtain is mounted with vibration isolators to avoid nuisance trips.

This is a view of the machine showing the Lockout/Tagout provisions for electrical and pneumatic services. The exhaust ports of the equipment were moved from the inside of the label applicator to this location to reduce audible noise for operator comfort.

This is a view of the label applicator tamp pad and laser scanner. The scanner is cabled to the decoder which is connected via RS232 to the PC. This provides label placement verification and an "enable" for the X-Y table to proceed to the next position.

Last modified: April 07, 2010

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