Posted to News on 19th Feb 2016, 14:57
Demand heats up for Telsonic HACS Technology
Telsonic's Hot Air Cold Staking technology (HACS) is fast becoming the process of choice for multi-point joining applications on automotive components. With Telsonic systems already in use for a variety of interior trim assemblies within UK Tier 1 suppliers, it comes as no surprise that the technology has been selected yet again, this time to produce seatback assemblies for SUVs.
Telsonic's HACS system is used to produce seat back assemblies typically comprising four main components: an ABS / PC / Nylon hybrid material backboard, map pocket, carpet panel and metal clips. The individual items are assembled and secured with 21 separate stake points within a floor-standing machine, used to produce both left-hand and right-hand seat versions for two different vehicle model variants, plus air con and non-air con versions.
The fully automatic system, designed and manufactured by Telsonic at their Poole facility, uses a servo-driven power slide table to transfer the components between the operator load / unload position, heating area and the staking station. The presence of each component is confirmed using sensors before each cycle begins, to verify that the correct variant and hand of substrate and carpet components have been loaded, and that the correct number of metal clips are present. The sensing systems have also been designed in such a way that they will cater for forthcoming product variants or specification enhancements.
Each hot air unit has its own separate temperature controller, ensuring a consistent heat profile across the 21 separate staking points and repeatable results on each part. The machine operates on a 45 second cycle and provides an effective system that balances production volumes, number of stake points and capital cost. Machine control, including the setting and adjustment of the temperature for the individual hot air units, is achieved via a touchscreen unit, and operator safety is assured by light guards at the load / unload station.
Now in full production, this compact machine is providing an efficient and cost-effective approach to the application. The decision to use Telsonic UK for this project was based upon a number of factors, including Telsonics' proven track record on previous HACS assembly systems, customer references and a partnership approach to determining the optimum system.
For more information about Telsonic's Hot Air Cold Staking technology (HACS) please visit www.telsonic.com.
