Keywords
Citation
(1999), "Automation the only option for Honda piston assembly", Assembly Automation, Vol. 19 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.1999.03319daf.007
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Automation the only option for Honda piston assembly
Keywords Assembly, Automation
Two new machines from Modular Automation have recently been delivered to Honda in Swindon for the assembly of cylinder heads and pistons for the famous VTEC engine (Plate 7). The new machines make a significant difference to the efficiency and precision of the manufacturing process.
Plate 7
Heating during assembly means that this piston can only be assembled using
automation
The first machine uses a 10 metre, up and over conveyor system to facilitate the manual fitting up of the complete cylinder head assembly. This machine was designed, built and tested by Modular Automation in Birmingham and then installed, on time, during annual shutdown.
The second machine fits connecting rods to pistons for Honda Accord engines. Honda have recently changed the piston design requiring the piston to be heated to 130°C to allow the gudgeon-pin to slide into position. This heating required the process to be automated as the close proximity of the heating element precluded traditional manual assembly techniques.
An operator loads the components to a rotary table, and then induction heating is used to raise the temperature of the aluminium piston from ambient to 130°C in just ten seconds. The machine then automatically inserts the gudgeon-pin and fits upper and lower retaining clips. Automatic sensors check to make sure that the assembly is complete.
The entire operation, including the heating process takes just 15 seconds.
For further information, please contact: William Bourn, Modular Automation, Talbot Way, Small Heath Business Park, Birmingham B10 0HZ. Tel: +44 (0) 121 766 7979; Fax: +44 (0) 121 766 6385.