We first automated this station with a single tightening process in 2022. Later, in 2023, two additional bolting operations were added to the station on both the left and right side of the customer parts.

Although this station looks very cramped, it performs a critical step in the assembly of a rear axle for an automotive client. The station has the added functionality, that all the equipment can be moved and rotated out of the way for part manipulation inside of the station, making rework processes much faster.

The station includes custom designed sockets using special tool steels and hardening processes, to withstand the high torque demands of the tightening operations, along with 3D printed polyurethane sleeving. Enclosed with safety fencing, and highly rated safety and access controls, this automated facility runs side-by-side with other manual operations on the production line.