Case:
SAAB Aerostructures
High-Level and Lateral Transport
The aerospace industry is one of the world’s most high-tech industries, with high demands for precision, efficiency, and cleanliness. SAAB Aerostructures commissioned OCS to develop a conveyor system for transporting aircraft components between assembly stations and an NC machine.
Need
OCS had worked with SAAB before, which meant the customer was already familiar with the benefits of our clean and quiet overhead conveyor systems. However, the new production solution placed different demands than previous installations.
The challenge was to create a safe and efficient flow for heavy jigs between the assembly stations and the NC machine. The system needed to transport the components both vertically and laterally, and return each jig to the correct assembly station after machining.
Flexibility was also important. The solution needed to be adaptable to future changes in production without requiring the entire system to be rebuilt. The project therefore began with close collaboration, where Saab defined the process prerequisites, technical parameters, and requirements for the finished installation.
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Solution
After a process involving sketches, technical calculations, and drawings, OCS developed a solution based on a Heavy Duty system. OCS was responsible for the development, manufacturing, and installation of the conveyor system.
The components C-rib and Lever are positioned and assembled in a jig at each workstation. The jig is then automatically transported to the NC machine for machining and then back to the assembly station it came from.
Transport takes place above the production area. An OCS transfer trolley handles the lateral movement, while a frequency-controlled hoist manages the up-and-down motion. This combination makes it possible to transport the large and heavy jigs between the stations and the machine in a continuous flow.
Solution at a glance
– Number of assembly stations: 16
– Transport height: 6 meters
– Maximum load: 1,500 kg
– Transport routes: Vertical and lateral
– System type: OCS Heavy Duty
Benefits of the solution
– Automated flow between assembly stations and NC machine
– Safe transport of jigs with loads up to 1,500 kg
– Clean and quiet friction-based transport
– Flexible solution that can be adapted to future changes
– Efficient use of the space above production
Results
Saab Aeronautics received a new production solution where the transport of jigs between the assembly stations and the NC machine is automated. The system handles both vertical and lateral movement and ensures that the jigs return to the correct station after machining.
The result is a cohesive and flexible material flow for large and heavy aircraft components. At the same time, the overhead solution meets the aerospace industry’s requirements for a clean, quiet, and efficient production environment.
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