Common Issues and Variables with Manual Drive Axle Assembly
Issues we see with manual drive axle applications
- Challenges meeting production demand due to production increase and labor
- Generally requires multiple operators at stations
- Complex assembly and part variants with higher torques
- First-time quality decreased without consistently trained operators
- Rework and operator onboarding costs are increasing
- Complex parts and joints
Variables that we see with drive axles
- Manual and Automatic (stop station, moving line, pallet, and AGV)
- Hand and fixtured tools and trombone backup tooling
- Various fastener sizes (6-18mm and torque range 10-200Nm)
Discover How Automation Has Helped Our Clients
Productivity
Productivity
Quicker cycle time to meet increases in demand, less unscheduled downtime, and flexibility allows for product variability.
Quicker cycle time to meet increases in demand, less unscheduled downtime, and flexibility allows for product variability.
Labor Utilization
Labor Utilization
Automation allows for employee time, resources, and freedom to be reallocated while also helping when labor shortages are present.
Automation allows for employee time, resources, and freedom to be reallocated while also helping when labor shortages are present.
Product Variation
Product Variation
Built for flexibility, robots, when paired with vision, can accommodate deviations.
Built for flexibility, robots, when paired with vision, can accommodate deviations.
Complexity in Fastening
Complexity in Fastening
No matter how complex the application, robots are built for consistency. Automation can be a key solution for complex applications.
No matter how complex the application, robots are built for consistency. Automation can be a key solution for complex applications.
Quality & Rework
Quality & Rework
Automation is a type of error-proofing solution. By eliminating human error, you can guarantee quality, and when paired with data-collecting software, rework issues can be eliminated.
Automation is a type of error-proofing solution. By eliminating human error, you can guarantee quality, and when paired with data-collecting software, rework issues can be eliminated.
Shortened Product Lifecycle
Shortened Product Lifecycle
With the ability for re-deployment automated solutions can be repurposed as product
lifecycles continue to be shortened
With the ability for re-deployment automated solutions can be repurposed as product
lifecycles continue to be shortened
Cost
Cost
The initial investment for automation solutions may be high, but in many instances we are able to show a fantastic ROI by reducing the number of operators, training required, and potential rework.
The initial investment for automation solutions may be high, but in many instances we are able to show a fantastic ROI by reducing the number of operators, training required, and potential rework.
Partner with Us
Partner with Us
Speak to an expert to find out how you can leverage Atlas Copco's automation solutions for your business.
Speak to an expert to find out how you can leverage Atlas Copco's automation solutions for your business.
Atlas Copco's APC - Your Partner in Automation
The APC's Premier Customer Experience
The Application Center is a one-stop shop for automated solutions. Our automation services team takes complete project responsibility with a broad level of in-house expertise. They will identify key areas of improvement for a process to ensure improved production and increased profitability for each solution they implement. They will also manage and support the early phases of designing, building, and runoffs, all the way to installation, commissioning, and post-support service. This equates to fewer resources needed from our customers and incredible results as we have the same team on a project from open to close!
Why Trust Atlas Copco for Automation?
- Longstanding experience supplying automation as a strategic partner at all levels
- In-house fastening, vision, and screw feeding technologies
- Global standards applied locally
- Complete in-house expertise (design, integration)
- Synergies with the existing assembly tooling and processes
- Extended service coverage available on complete assembly solutions
- Compatibility with most popular robot brands and integrators
If You Can Imagine It, We Can Automate It!
We are industry leaders in innovation and development. Below are some examples of areas we can migrate to an automation process.
Brake Sensor
Upper control arms
Head to housing
Wheel Hubs
Brake lines
Dust shield
Cover plates
Caliper Bolts
Brake back plate
Lower control arms
Proven Atlas Copco Drive Axle Solutions
Drain Plug
![Drain Plug Assembly Automation]()
Drain Plug
60 sec TAKT time with 1 or 2 secures
50-100 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
50-100 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 1 or 2 secures
50-100 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
50-100 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 1 or 2 secures
50-100 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
50-100 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Tube Housing Bolt
![Tube Housing Bolt Assembly Automation]()
Tube Housing Bolt
60 sec TAKT time with 4, 6, or 8 secures
55 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
55 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 4, 6, or 8 secures
55 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
55 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 4, 6, or 8 secures
55 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
55 Nm available
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Tie & Sway Bars
![Tie & Sway Bars Assembly Automation]()
Tie & Sway Bars
60 sec TAKT time with 4 secures
<45 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
<45 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 4 secures
<45 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
<45 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 4 secures
<45 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
<45 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Cross Member
![Cross Member Assembly Automation]()
Cross Member
60 sec TAKT time with 4 secures
Can handle up to 75-100 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Can handle up to 75-100 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 4 secures
Can handle up to 75-100 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Can handle up to 75-100 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 4 secures
Can handle up to 75-100 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Can handle up to 75-100 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Control Arm
![Control Arm Assembly Automation]()
Control Arm
60 sec TAKT time with 4 secures
Can handle up to 75-120 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Can handle up to 75-120 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 4 secures
Can handle up to 75-120 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Can handle up to 75-120 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time with 4 secures
Can handle up to 75-120 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Can handle up to 75-120 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Cable Cover, Speed Sensor Bracket
![Cable Cover, Speed Sensor Bracket Assembly Automation]()
Cable Cover, Speed Sensor Bracket
60 sec TAKT time
10 bolts, 2 sockets, 10-22 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
10 bolts, 2 sockets, 10-22 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time
10 bolts, 2 sockets, 10-22 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
10 bolts, 2 sockets, 10-22 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
60 sec TAKT time
10 bolts, 2 sockets, 10-22 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
10 bolts, 2 sockets, 10-22 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Cover to Housing
![Cover to Housing Assembly Automation]()
Cover to Housing
150 second TAKT time
9 & 12 secures, 625 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
9 & 12 secures, 625 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
150 second TAKT time
9 & 12 secures, 625 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
9 & 12 secures, 625 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
150 second TAKT time
9 & 12 secures, 625 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
9 & 12 secures, 625 Nm
ROI avg: 7-12 months
Request an Evaluation Today
Request an Evaluation Today
Let one of our experts observe your processess and help identify where automation can improve efficiencies!
Let one of our experts observe your processess and help identify where automation can improve efficiencies!
Interested in Getting Started?
Want to learn more? Here are the next steps in partnering with Atlas Copco's Automation team:
- Request an evaluation by filling out the form on this page.
- An Atlas Copco representative will contact you regarding a site visit
- Atlas Copco Automation team members will conduct a field evaluation to gather all pertinent information, process data, specifications, and station layout.
- The Atlas Copco team will create a proposal
- A cost justification will be established using part and variant information, labor and rework costs, and production rates/shifts.
- A simulation may be created to validate proof of concept before moving forward
Contact Us
Need help finding the perfect automated solution? Speak to an automation expert today!