In the series production of camshafts, rotationally symmetrical machine components measuring up to 320 mm in length and weighing 1.6 kg must be fed automatically into a robotic cell.
The aim was to develop a conveyor system based on a circulating chain conveyor that would allow manual loading outside the safety zone and automated unloading at 20-second intervals.
Conveyor system for camshafts
Client project
Key technical specifications
| Conveyed material | Camshafts on workpiece carrier |
| Measures | Diameter 40 mm x max. 320 mm |
| Weight | max. 1.6 kg / workpiece |
| Conveying direction | lengthwise |
| Cycle time | 20 s |
| Installation site | dry operation in closed rooms |
| Ambient temperature | 15 °C – 40°C |
Conveyor system solution for feeding camshafts into robotic cells
Circular chain conveyor with a workpiece carrier system in a closed material circuit
Background and objectives
Feeding via a recirculating chain conveyor
The empty workpiece carriers are conveyed to the loading station via a swing flap fitted with a safety roller switch. Once loaded manually, the workpiece carriers are automatically fed into the robot cell on the circulating chain conveyor.
A dedicated stop and separation unit ensures the camshafts are positioned precisely for robot-assisted removal.
Closed-loop system for continuous material flow
Once the robot has removed them, the empty workpiece carriers are guided via a deflection mechanism onto the underside of the circulating chain conveyor. There, they pass through a swing flap once more and return to the loading station. The circulating chain conveyor thus forms a closed material circuit, ensuring a continuous supply to the robot cell.
Among other things, the solution enables:
Automated feeding of camshafts using a recirculating chain conveyor
Rate-stable feeding and discharge at 20-second intervals
Clear separation of manual and automated areas
Closed workpiece carrier circulation
Compact integration into existing production lines
Gallery
Pictures of the construction of the circulating chain conveyor, taken directly in our production facility.
Components of the system
The complete system – planned, designed and manufactured by TEGEL-TECHNIK – includes, amongst other things:
Circulating chain conveyors
Workpiece carriers with prisms
Swing flaps with safety roller switches
Control cabinet construction
Customised conveying solutions with chain conveyors
Are you planning to automate the feeding of machine components into a robotic cell, or would you like to optimise existing workpiece carrier systems? TEGEL-TECHNIK develops conveyor and material flow systems that are precisely tailored to your cycle times, component geometries and safety requirements. From the analysis of your production processes through to the design phase and commissioning, we support your project with a holistic and practical approach.
Talk to us about your requirements. Together, we will develop a conveyor system with a circulating chain conveyor that reliably supports your production processes.
Phone
+49 7322 9611–0FAQ – Loop chain conveyors in robotic applications
A circulating chain conveyor is a closed conveying system in which workpiece carriers or components are transported continuously on a circulating chain. It is particularly suitable for automated production processes with defined cycle times.
Circulating chain conveyors enable the precise positioning of workpiece carriers within the robot cell. The closed circuit ensures a continuous flow of material.
Circulating chain conveyors are frequently used in the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and automated mass production involving workpiece carrier systems.