Projects
Spoke wheel assembly
Fully automated assembly, testing and traceability
- Industry
- Mobility
- Solution
- Assemble
AGS developed an assembly line approximately 15 metres long for the assembly of pre-tensioned spoked wheels. Identification, alignment, screw fastening, profile measurement and brake disc assembly are linked in a continuous, traceable process and connected to the customer's production system.
Project highlights
- 15 m long assembly line
- RFID and DMC detection for component identification
- Four robots with automatic screwdriving systems
- Laser, camera and profile sensor technology
- Automatic tool change during type changeover
- Brake disc assembly and quality inspection in flow-through
- Connection to the higher-level production system
Application & machining processes
- Alignment of rim and hub and writing of the RFID tag
- Simultaneous screwdriving of spokes with four robots
- Optical measurement of vertical and lateral run-out
- Storage of test results for component IDs
- Automated assembly and bolting of the brake disc
- Automatic tool and program change during type changeover
Operating & control concept
- RFID- and DMC-based component identification
- Recipe control and feedback to the production system
- Camera-based adjustment and sensors for tolerance compensation
- Fully automated screwdriving strategies with test report
- Visualisation with operator guidance
Safety concept
- Protective enclosures at the process stations
- Access-controlled areas
- Light barriers and safety interlocks
- Safety PLC with release and acknowledgement logic
Result
- Seamless automation through to the quality-tested wheel
- Fewer manual assembly steps
- Traceability of every component
- High output with high variant capability
- Transparent and maintenance-friendly operation
Insights | Process
Conclusion
The assembly system combines assembly, quality inspection and traceability into a continuous process for different types of spoked wheels.