Combination of suspended and plate chain lines: Guide to automotive assembly lines
For most small and medium-sized auto parts manufacturers, automated car production lines often mean high investment and complex maintenance. In fact, through reasonable planning and optimized design, the combination of traditional suspended conveyor systems and plate chain lines can meet more than 80% of production needs, while maintaining low investment costs and maintenance difficulties.
1. Spatial Layering Model
In cases where workshop space is limited, a ‘upper hanging, lower slat chain’ three-dimensional layout can be adopted to fully utilize the vertical space. For example:
- The upper hanging system is responsible for the long-distance transportation and storage buffering of workpieces.
- The lower slat chain line is responsible for specific assembly and processing operations.
- The connection between the upper and lower layers is achieved through elevators or transfer mechanisms.
2. Operation segmentation model
According to the characteristics of different processes, the automobile assembly line is divided into multiple sections, and the most suitable transportation method is adopted respectively:
- The pretreatment and cleaning processes use plate chain lines to facilitate setting up loading and unloading points and treating wastewater.
- The spraying and drying processes use suspended transportation, which is conducive to comprehensive and uniform processing of workpieces.
- The final assembly process uses plate chain lines to facilitate workers to operate and install auxiliary equipment.
3. Batch and flexible combination model
For the needs of multiple varieties and small batches, the automobile production line can adopt:
- The suspended conveying system is used for the continuous production of large-scale, standardized products.
- The plate chain line is designed as a flexible unit that can be quickly replaced and handles customized or small batch orders.
- Collaborative production of the two systems is realized through a shared loading and unloading area.
