Integrated Production Systems
Givens Automation & Machine proudly offers integrated production systems or one-off automated machinery for manufacturing and production facilities. Control panel wiring, PLC programming, mechanical design, fabrication, painting and installation are all handled in-house at Givens Automation & Machine’s production plant, ensuring that quality and lead time is controlled from project conception to completion.
We deliver automated machinery that is operated pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically or a combination of the three. Specially designed equipment to work in conjunction with your existing production systems.
We provide custom solutions that rely on automation to improve process functions or to replace obsolete processes throughout your production facility, including:
- Robot EOAT
- Torque systems
- Lift Platforms
- AGV Dollies/Carts & gates
- Fixtures (assembly, welding, inspection)
- Dynamic racking
- Material handling systems
- Automated overhead cranes
- Inspection systems
- Testing Systems
Automated G-RailTM Cranes
Automate your warehouse or work station movements with G-RailTM cranes. By adding PLC controlled electric tractor drives, we can automate the movements of the bridge and hoist to deliver materials between work stations without the need for production associates to follow or push the hoist. With several benefits of automated cranes or tractor drives, we can ensure they can;
- Reduce injury and strain exposure
- Repurpose indirect labor (traveling) to value added direct labor
- Reduce fatigue from traveling
- Free up floor space by eliminating the need for AGVs
Project Highlights
Steering Gear Tie Rod Assembly
A semi-automated machine was developed to install and torque tie rod ends onto vehicle steering racks. The system employed electric conveyors as well as pneumatic elevators to move and lift the fixture pallets that hold the steering racks in an over-under configuration. The machine used torque guns to automatically tighten jam nuts and tie rod ends. The machine’s 3D printed carbon fiber socket aligned the tie rod ends, presetting the vehicle’s alignment.
After torque completion, the fixture pallets were released for part unloading by an operator and then the empty fixture returned automatically to repeat the cycle. Incorporating safety measures like light curtains, the machine halted operation if an operator reached into it, enhancing safety and efficiency compared to the previous system. This innovative solution improved cycle times and reduced the manual workload for the operator, all while creating a more repeatable assembly to be installed on the vehicle.
Engine Transfer Crane
The engineered crane was tailored to lift finished engine assemblies from a moving fixture and transfer them onto stationary AGVs. It featured a compact platform for the operator, enabling ergonomic access to the lift points on top of the engine.
Operated by a wireless pendant, the crane automatically positioned itself over the moving engine, descended for easy attachment to the lift points, and then lifted and moved to position the engine over the AGV. The operator controlled the final descent manually, ensuring secure placement onto the vehicles sub-frame.
With minimal headroom available, a specialized carriage maximized the crane’s working height. Additionally, in the event of a breakdown, a second duplicate bridge and hoist could be moved into place to continue production, minimizing downtime.
