Overhead view of a complex automated machine used in manufacturing or assembly. The machine features a large, circular rotary indexing table with multiple workstations arranged around it.

Automated Wick Assembly Machine

Automated Wick Assembly Machine

SDC’s expertise in automated assembly systems spoke for itself when a new customer found themselves in need of a new custom machine. With modifications to their current product, this machine needed to be fully automated and equipped to feed its own parts to maintain a consistent run rate.

Technical Components & Technologies

Allen-Bradley PLC
OSHA safety requirements
SDC servo-driven indexing dial
4 Bellco vibratory bowl feeders with part hoppers
Networked SMC valve banks
4 AMCI stepper motors for wick insertion
Panelview 5000 HMI
High-angle shot of a robotic manufacturing machine used in an industrial setting. The machine consists of a circular, metal base with a rotating component and several robotic arms positioned around it.
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High-angle, close-up shot of an intricate automated assembly machine. Dominant metallic gray surfaces are contrasted with black metal components and bright blue tubing.
High-angle shot of a robotic manufacturing machine used in an industrial setting. The machine consists of a circular, metal base with a rotating component and several robotic arms positioned around it.
Overhead view of a complex automated machine used in manufacturing or assembly. The machine features a large, circular rotary indexing table with multiple workstations arranged around it.
High-angle, close-up shot of an intricate automated assembly machine. Dominant metallic gray surfaces are contrasted with black metal components and bright blue tubing.
High-angle shot of a robotic manufacturing machine used in an industrial setting. The machine consists of a circular, metal base with a rotating component and several robotic arms positioned around it.
Overhead view of a complex automated machine used in manufacturing or assembly. The machine features a large, circular rotary indexing table with multiple workstations arranged around it.

The Solution:

The SDC team customized a high-speed automated assembly machine to manufacture wicks for use in fragrance products. Although the product consisted of two parts, it required precise component insertion.

This parallel processing machine was built on an SDC indexing dial. Our team designed the dial to be double sided, with two wicks assembled simultaneously on the dial. Two vibratory feeder bowls on each side of the machine feed the part components through a linear track.

The assembly process starts with a collar positioned in the nest. Once placement is verified, the machine indexes and a wick is inserted. Part presence and height specification are verified by sensors. Properly assembled products are ejected into a good parts output bin while rejected product is ejected to a reject bin, completing this machine’s automated assembly process.

Machine Rate: 140 parts per minute