We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Manufacturing

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Assembly Machine?

By B. Turner
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,630
Share

An assembly machine is a type of industrial or manufacturing equipment used to construct a variety of products. Assembly machines take many different forms, from large-scale systems used to build cars, to smaller units designed to assemble computer chips or other microscopic items. The average assembly machine operates under the direction of a specialized computer program that automates the production process. Some assembly processes include human workers, while others are fully automated and rely solely on robotic and machine labor.

The most basic assembly machine design relies on dial indexing, where a rotating disc distributes products or materials around a series of stations. In-line assembly machinery features a belt-driven system to move materials along an assembly line, while platform machines are often used for large-scale assembly or production. Continuous motion machines are the most complex, but also offer the highest degree of customization as well as the most efficient method of mass production.

Most assembly machines must be custom built to the specifications of an individual manufacturer. Some similar manufacturers may rely on standardized models, while others require more customized devices. Each machine also requires a specialized computer program to direct the machine through the production process. This program must be written and installed by a person with advanced software and programming skills to ensure it will operate as intended.

In a basic assembly machine, a series of belts or tubes carry materials from the start of the assembly process to the finish. Hoppers or feeders supply the required parts in the quantities specified by the software program. Vacuum systems, robotic arms, or pneumatic tubes lift or manipulate the object during production, then pack the finished products into packaging for shipping and delivery. Humans may be needed to oversee the process or replenish materials in some applications.

Assembly machine technology allows for rapid production with little labor expense. These machines allow manufacturers to produce a large quantity of materials in a small space, and often allow them to produce a much higher volume than what would be possible with labor alone. Assembly machines also provide precise assembly of very small or delicate items that may be too difficult for humans to work with.

Because of their customized nature, an assembly machine may feature a very high upfront cost that could be out of reach of small producers. It's also possible for materials to get tangled or damaged within these machines in some cases. In some cases, objects may to too difficult or simply not cost-effective to manufacturer with an assembly machine, making traditional human labor a more desirable option.

Share
About Mechanics is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.aboutmechanics.com/what-is-an-assembly-machine.htm
Copy this link
About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

About Mechanics, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.