Case Study #156: Automotive Exhaust Assemblies

Problem: Two styles of exhaust assemblies are manufactured in batches. The weld fixture has clamps to hold the assemblies and the shipping racks have cradles to support the assemblies. Each rack holds ten assemblies arranged in two rows with each row containing five assemblies. Assemblies in front row are orientation 180¼ to the assemblies in the back row.

Application: Automotive exhaust assemblies are removed from a weld fixture and transferred to shipping racks. Assemblies are always horizontal.

Solution: Pneumatic balancer with 120 lbs. lift capacity, 80″ of vertical lift and dual balance circuit. Mechanical hook end-effector with stabilizer pad to maintain the exhaust assemblies in a horizontal position, as the lifting hook is not on the payload center of gravity.