In the ever-evolving world of manufacturing, efficiency, precision, and speed are more critical than ever. Dixon Automatic Tool, Inc. understands this, offering innovative solutions like Part Placers, essential tools designed to automate the insertion or placement of pieceparts across various production environments. But what exactly are Part Placers, and how can they enhance your assembly processes? Let’s dive in.
Understanding Part Placers
Part Placers are Auto-fed automated assembly machines designed to quickly and accurately insert or place small components into larger assemblies or workpieces. They eliminate the slow, error-prone process of manually placing fasteners or other small parts, enhancing consistency, precision, and productivity across your production line.
At Dixon, our Part Placers are built to handle a diverse range of parts—from metallic and plastic components to specific fasteners like pins, balls, bushings, and more—catering to industries including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and general industrial applications.
How Do Part Placers Work?
Dixon’s Part Placers utilize different feed methods—primarily track-fed and blow-fed systems—to deliver parts efficiently. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Track-Fed Part Placers (AP-100 Series)
Track-fed part placers, such as our AP-100 Series, use vibratory bowls or rotary hoppers combined with hardened steel tracks to orient and feed parts to the placement head. Each placement head features custom-machined jaws to grip and precisely align components before inserting them into a workpiece. These units are exceptionally versatile, delivering pressing forces up to 175 pounds, with cycle rates of up to 80 placements per minute. Built-in verification sensing confirms accurate placement, ensuring quality and reducing downtime.
Blow-Fed Part Placers (EDE Series & LP Series)
Blow-fed systems employ a vibratory feeder bowl combined with air conveyance tubes, using compressed air (blow-feeding) to transport parts to the placement jaws swiftly. Dixon’s EDE Series handles fasteners with diameters ranging from 7mm to 24mm, offering rapid cycle times and integrated punch strokes that significantly enhance productivity.
Similarly, our compact LP Series blow-fed placers are ideal for metallic or plastic parts that can be blown through tubes, providing precise and reliable performance with minimal physical footprint—perfect for production lines where space is limited but accuracy and speed are paramount.
Key Features and Specifications
Dixon’s range of Part Placers offers several advanced features designed to boost your assembly operations:
- Pressing Force: Customizable, ranging of pressing forces.*
- AP-100 Up to 175 lbs.
- LP Up to 75 lbs.
- EDE Up to 92.5 lbs.
*Depending on the model and application demands.
- Jaw Tooling Head Stroke: Adaptable to 25mm, 50mm, or 70mm strokes, catering to different component lengths and assembly configurations.
- Placement Verification: Built-in sensors to ensure each piecepart is correctly placed, minimizing errors and rework.
- Customizable Systems: Dixon provides tailor-made tooling and bowl sizes, determined by the specific geometry and size of your pieceparts.
Versatile Applications Across Industries
Dixon Automatic’s Part Placers caters to a wide variety of industrial applications, including but not limited to:
- Automotive: Precisely placing fasteners and bushings in vehicle components, improving assembly consistency and safety.
- Electronics: Efficient insertion of delicate electronic components that require precise, gentle handling.
- Consumer Goods: Automating assembly processes for a range of consumer products, enhancing throughput and product quality.
- Medical Equipment Manufacturing: Ensuring precise placement of components in your manufacturing processes.
Advantages of Integrating Part Placers into Your Production Line
Switching to Dixon Part Placers offers significant production enhancements:
- Increased Productivity: Automating component placement speeds up assembly rates and minimizes downtime, boosting output.
- Superior Accuracy: Precision tooling and placement verification reduce the risk of defects, ensuring consistent quality.
- Labor Efficiency: Automating repetitive, manual tasks allows your skilled workforce to focus on more critical functions, improving overall operational efficiency.
- Enhanced Safety and Ergonomics: Automated systems lower the risk of repetitive stress injuries and other workplace hazards.
Getting Started With Dixon Automatic
Whether you are operating a single workstation, pallet transfer lines, rotary dial machines, or robotic assembly platforms, Dixon Automatic Tool’s Part Placers can integrate seamlessly into your production setup. Our experienced team is here to help you select, configure, and install the right solution tailored to your specific assembly requirements.
Ready to elevate your assembly processes with Dixon’s innovative Part Placers? Visit our Part Placers page or contact us today for more information and personalized advice.