Non-synchronous assembly allows buffering in slower task work areas, while maintaining continuous flow on the main production line.

In nonsynchronous conveyors where products mount to a workpiece carrier or "pallet," the pallet lifts, rotates, diverts, stops, and reroutes with conveyor modules and accessories. Such pallets frequently contain data "tags," which sensors read at different processing stations. This intelligence, combined with modularity, routes products efficiently and even allows multiple products to be manufactured or packaged on a single conveyor system.

What are the main challenges when implementing motion in a conveying process?

Proximity sensors and switches monitor this nonsynchronous conveyor, which moves pallets tagged with product-related information to various stations. When necessary, pallets transfer products to a cycle-independent spur line for additional work.

Eliminating unproductive time: Transferring products must be bulletproof, and products should be delivered to stations at the pace necessary to meet customer or station demand. Neither manual assembly workers nor automatic processing stations should wait for products to arrive. This means that any motion systems involved in transferring, routing, or positioning should function predictably, quickly, and smoothly. For example, pneumatic cylinders that raise and lower conveyor segments to transfer parts from one level to another must provide reliable and repeatable cycles.

In more sophisticated systems, careless programming can stop an entire automated assembly line.