Demco Automation Releases Untooled Robot Cell Platform

To continue adding to its offering of automation platforms, Demco Automation has developed an Untooled Robot Cell for Epson Robots. This option provides a turnkey base platform for Epson robot applications.  It is ready for custom fixtures, End-of-Arm-Tooling (EOAT), material handling, and/or other automation components. Complete with system controls, safety guarding, and interlocks the Robot Cell enables quick implementation of robotic assembly, testing, and packaging applications.

For more information on this offering, please see the Untooled Robot Cell data sheet or contact Demco Automation.

Feature Article – Medical Device Manufacturing

Demco Automation is referenced as a cost-effective, modular, and flexible automation solution for medical device contract manufacturers.

Medical Product Outsourcing Magazine, “Putting the Pieces Together –  Assembly and automation operations must be nimble to meet ever-changing client demands and product needs” – by Mark Crawford

Modular Automation

Many contract manufacturers lean toward semi-automated assembly processes that are nimble and scalable so they can work with rapidly changing OEM demands and get products to market faster. Smaller product lots and shorter product life cycles also keep full automation at low priority because of the time involved to validate the larger-scale process, as well as the high cost in machinery and time. “Using modular automated assembly equipment is a good way to reduce the overall cost of production,” said Rudolf Pavlik, product development manager for ASI, a Millersburg, Pa.-based contract manufacturer of OEM healthcare products and single-use systems.

“Demco Automation’s Wedge system, for example, is highly customizable and a relatively inexpensive way to automate lower-volume projects.” This system consists of either tooled or untooled stations with distributed controls that plug into a base chassis (bench-top, rotary dial, inline and walking beam models) for immediate start up. Each station is a tooling plate that is equipped with an on-board controls box that includes a controller, wiring, valve manifold and input blocks; they also come with pinning, tapping and key holes that align with docking stations on the chassis platform. Stations can operate alone as a tabletop station or plug into the base chassis to operate in a manual, semi-automatic or automatic mode. According to Pavlik, Demco’s proprietary Windows-based PLC programming (programmable logic controller; primarily used to control machinery) is easy to operate; stations are programmed by simply checking boxes on a PC screen for a sequence of designated inputs and outputs. – Read the entire article at: Putting the Pieces Together

Demco Automation begins new ERP Implementation

To support the continuous expansion and growth of the company, Demco Automation is in the process of implementing a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System to optimize and streamline current business operations. In cooperation with Enterprise Systems Partners, Inc. (ESPI), and matching funds from Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, system selection has been completed and implementation is underway.

As a leading supplier of reliable, cost-effective and low-risk automated manufacturing systems for technology-based industry sectors, the new ERP System provides additional control of business processes in the areas of purchasing/inventory management, Method of Manufacturing/Bill of Material & Routings, finance, and other aspects of Demco Automation’s corporate operations. Phase I implementation of the new System is expected to be complete by fall of this year.

Demco Automation Sponsors Engineers Week Events

Demco Automation was a Silver Sponsor for the 2013 Engineers Week event in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. On February 22, the Lehigh Valley Engineering Council  (LVEC) hosted the Lehigh Valley Engineers Banquet that coincided with events by the National Engineers Week Foundation. LVEC is an umbrella organization of engineering societies spreading enthusiasm for the profession among future generations and developing opportunities for enhancing the professional development and recognition of area engineers.

This year’s speaker was Mr. Mark Sarkisian, PE, SE, LEED presenting the topic “Civil Engineering and the Future of our Environment”. Awards were presented by the Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers (PSPE) for Engineer of the Year and Young Engineer of the Year.

Also, in order to support the Girl Scouts of  the USA’s S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math) initiative, Demco Automation sponsored an event at their facility for Engineers Week.  Two Girl Scout Troops and 20 girls participated in a plant tour, an interactive talk about Engineering, and a demonstration of engineering experiments.

For more information on the LVEC please visit the Lehigh Valley Engineering Council.

For more information on the National Engineers Week please visit the National Engineers Week Foundation.

State Senator Mensch visits Demco Automation

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania State Senator Bob Mensch (24th Senatorial District) visited Demco Automation before returning to session in January. During the facility tour, topics such as the business climate in the technology and manufacturing sectors, jobs in the region, and how Ben Franklin Technology Partners development programs assist businesses grow in the State were discussed.

During the tour of the production area, turnkey assembly systems were demonstrated showing how Demco Automation is helping various industries increase production capacity and quality in a global economy.

Demco Automation’s Compact 4-Station Dial Base Machine

For cases where manual operations or auxiliary equipment must work in concert with automated processes, Demco Automation has developed the Demco Wedge™ SD-04-Semi-Automatic 4-Station Rotary Dial. The SD-04 chassis is designed to interface with up to two Operators or other equipment or automated cells.

For more information on this offering, please see our Product Platform category or contact Demco Automation.

Demco Automation Develops Servo Dial Indexer Option

Demco Automation has developed a Servo Dial Indexer option for Demco Wedge™ Dial Base Machine
Chassis. This option provides programmable positions instead of the typical fixed position/number of indexes
typically found on cam-based indexers. Possibilities include enabling multiple nest styles on the Dial
eliminating tooling changeover, and a current limiting feature that can replace a mechanical overload clutch.

For more information on this offering, please contact Demco Automation.