Week 3:- BiW Fixture Design Methodologies Challenges

1. What is Design Methodology?

Answer.

design methodology is a sequence of operations to be followed while designing a biw fixture.

Purchase order: A purchase order is essentially a customer's assurance that we are ready to begin work. A purchase order (PO) is a commercial document and the buyer's first official offer to the seller that specifies the types, quantities, and agreed-upon prices for products or services. It's used to keep track of what products and services are purchased from outside vendors. Purchase orders are an important component of an enterprise resource planning system. Indent is a purchase order that is usually placed through an agency (indent agent) and is subject to specific terms and conditions. A purchase order does not constitute a contract in and of itself. If there is no prior contract, the seller's acceptance of the order constitutes a contract between the buyer and the seller. Bought out item (Purchased parts) standards like pneumatic items, toggle clamp, bearing, screw, dowel etc. company information

Input from customer: Inputs from customer are major input that we get from customer. We study those input to what kind of information get out of it.

Designer needs following basic information to start the BIW fixture.

• First and foremost, comprehend the scope of the project. This refers to the customer's expectations. Every customer has its specific requirements and it may have own raw material, electric, pneumatic, cad, design standards. Every customer also gives different inputs and expects output e.g. 2d drawing, process sheet in excels, pdf, CAD format of design, layout format, OLP.
• Bill of material (BOM) of the components to be welded- spot welding.
• CAD panel data or at least 2D drawing of assembly and individual panel data.
• Sheet metal panel thickness plays major role to decide 2 metal or 3 metal welds.
• Spot Detail information like total no of spots and spacing between the spots.
• Weld information clarity from drawing like 2 metal or 3 metal welding.
• PLP (Principle location scheme) of the individual panel and total assembly.
• Cycle time if calculated or can be found out as per manual or robotic welding process.
• Process sheet if Process engineering is done - where loading sequence, no of clamp data and gun data is mentioned.
• All clamping cylinder and fixtures standards.
• CAD -Software guidelines.
• Raw material standards.
• Design guidelines

Percentage Completion Criteria: To complete design in time we have to create schedule or time plan called Percentage Completion Criteria. In this we mention all activities related to design and time required completing that task like concept design, final finished design and 2D of all units in fixture etc.

Design Output: Design Output consist of lots of data like 3D and 2D documents, VMC IGS files, STEP files, gas-cut or laser-cut files in drawing format and BOM, etc. We have to give these data to our customer as design output.

2. What are the inputs required from the customer to start designing a Fixture?

Answer.

Functional requirements: This basically what kinds of function that fixture design have e.g. welding, gluing, fastening, riveting. This kind of information will be given to us in functional requirement i.e. it serve basic or main purpose like it is used for welding, gluing or checking fixture. So from that design concept generate.

Preferred standard: Every industry has its own standard & they follow that standard. In this requirement, preferred standard component is basically what kind of standard component customer already has. An input actually saves lots of time, cost & effort. Because don’t need to design that component. It is purchased from outside from that make.

• Standard like ABB, NAAMS, FAUNC, FESTO, TUNKERS, ZYTRAN, DESTACO, Siemens etc. are used for robot, pneumatic parts, motor & gearbox, electric parts.
• Standard parts like riser, L-block, retainer, pins many other company actually manufacture this.
• Some component like clamp, cylinder, slides, switches, sensors.

Car product: car product include

a). GD&T - GD & T provides information of locating pins, rest clamp, dumps & slide information of each station. Sequence of opening of clamps, dumps & slide stroke information.

b). Part list: Part list is nothing but listing down all parts of assembly. It includes information about the part name, Part number, Tooling revision, Part thickness etc. Assembly is broken down into each & every single part. First assembly has gone between hood inner panels & latch which going to attach next hinge going to attach. So there are different list of assembly we are going to perform. So every assembly will have different fixture unit.

c). CAD file: 3D file of that car product require from customer.

1. d) Clamp plan: It provide information about position of clamp unit, pin unit, rest unit etc. this is major input from customer & it should be never be changed without permission of customer.
2. e) Product assembly process sheet: It gives detail process of the completion of the part from scratch to the finished product assembly. It will give detailed plan of component how they welded as well how product is moving from one assembly to other

Layout: Layout provides information about Flow of parts, Station pitch, Robot stations, and accessories like tool changers, Tip dressers, Platform height, Sub assembly links & loading/Unloading sequence.

Ergo data: This data given when any manual operation involves. Ergonomics refers to study of human behaviour & movements during the assembly work. It provides data regarding loading height, working safety zone of the operator etc. as per standard that company follow.

Weld study: It include information of weld gun detail, weld matrix & weld points. There are two types of weld points geo weld point & respot weld point. Geo weld points defines the geometry of part & respot do all other remaining weld points also add strength to geo weld points.

Standard detailing template: Detailing is 2D representation of 3D part. Customer has standard detailing template. These detailing formats are used for drafting of part.

What is the input we get from "Car Products"?

Input from car products is

a). GD&T - GD & T provides information of locating pins, rest clamp, dumps & slide information of each station. Sequence of opening of clamps, dumps & slide stroke information.

b). Part list: Part list is nothing but listing down all parts of assembly. It includes information about the part name, Part number, Tooling revision, Part thickness etc. Assembly is broken down into each & every single part. First assembly has gone between hood inner panels & latch which going to attach next hinge going to attach. So there are different list of assembly we are going to perform. So every assembly will have different fixture unit.

c). CAD file: Customer must provide a 3D file of that automotive product. The customer provides the 3D model file for the automotive part to be studied.3D modelling software is used to create the automobile part. We can obtain a general understanding of how to construct a fixture from this. The model will serve as the foundation for the fixture design. As shown in the diagram below.

1. d) Clamp plan: It shows the location of the clamp, pin, rest, and dump units, among other things. This is a critical piece of consumer feedback, and it should never be changed without the client's permission. The pins, rest, and clamp are all precisely located in the clamp plan. It goes into greater depth. It specifies the exact location in X, Y, and Z coordinates, allowing you to begin designing.
2. e) Product assembly process sheet: The product assembly process sheet is a sheet that contains the following information.

• The order in which the parts are assembled
• Operation sequence
• Time for a cycle.

It describes the process of completing a part from start to finish, from scratch to finished product assembly. It will provide a precise plan of component welding as well as how the product moves from one assembly to the next? & this process strategy should not be altered without the customer's agreement. As shown in the diagram below.

3. What is the input we get form "car product"?

Answer.

Inputs we get from car products include:

• GD&T
• Parts lists.
• 3D cad file.
• Clamp plan.
• Product assembly process sheet.

Geometry Dimension and Tolerancing:

It provides information of locating pins,rest,clamp,damp & Slide unit information of each sttation.

Also includes the information of sequence of openings of Clamps,dumps & slide stroke information.

Part List:

Part list gives thee information of parts in a unit.it consists of part number,part name which helps to ientify the part easily,number of parts required and its thickness.this list helps to check all the parts and its dimensions and required number of quantities.

CAD files of the car part:

CAD files of car parts gives the simulations of those 3D models and their analysis.It is also used throughout the engineering process from concptual design and layout of products through strength and dynamic analysis of assemblies to definition of manufacturing methods of components.

Clamp plan:

This is the clamping plan while doing the operation.We cannot complain without permission of the customer.It is very important input from the customer.It provides location of pins,rest,clamps,dumps,etc.

If the clamp is nearer to the weld spot,one should not chang the clamp position without consulting it even it appears to damage the clampor the tool.Design should not change without consulting with superior.

Product Assembly Process Sheet:

It gives detail process of the completion of the part from scratch to the finished product of the assembly.

Product assembly process sheet gives complete assembly of a unit.Different parts in a unit are assembled by geo weld first.Then the weld parts are assembled by re-spot welding.Similarly,every small parts of a product or unit is assembled first and these small parts are welded together to get a final product.

Hence,these are the inputs we get from car products.

4. What is the Clamp plan?

Answer.

Clamps are a device or component that is used to securely hold or clamp a job in a fixture. Clamps can be manual, hydraulic, or pneumatic, depending on the needs of the customer. The location of clamps in which the component will clamp is mentioned or given in the C lamp plan. We can't move the clamp location without the permission of the customer, so we must first obtain permission from the customer. Clamp plans also show where the pins, rest, clamps, and dumps are located.

5. What is the purpose of a Layout?

Answer.

The purpose of the layout is to understand the information about where the fixture & robots are been placed, working area covered by the robot, what are the fixtures assigned for the robots to do the process, etc. layout shows the entire assembly plan to understand the process.

The swept area of the particular robot is shown by the circle surrounding the robot, which indicates the robots' reachability, notably with the confine circle.

Parts flow, station pitch, robot stations, accessories such as tool changers and tip dressers, sub assembly links, plat form height, and loading/unloading sequence/height are all provided by layout.

ovement of parts: This diagram depicts the flow of parts/panels in an assembly line or on a shop floor, such as how components travel from one station to the next once a process is completed.

Pitch of the station: Station pitch refers to the distance between two stations. It depicts the space limits that exist between the two stations, which are reflected in the layout.

Robot stations: It depicts the location of the robots and their accessories, as illustrated in the diagram.

The link between the assembly fixtures and the main assembly line is known as the sub assembly link. It depicts the connection between the sub assembly fixtures and the main assembly line.

The fundamental goal of the layout is to comprehend the overall assembly line structure.

The layout utilised to comprehend the working process of the robot provided the aforementioned information such as part flow, station pitch, robot stations, and so on robots, what fixtures have been allocated to the robots, space constraints, and so on.

6. What is Ergo data?

Answer.

Productivity is a great weapon for raising people's living standards and improving the quality of their work lives (QWL). Ergonomics is the study of man and his working environment. Ergonomics strives to provide comfort and better working circumstances in order to channel workers' energy and skills into continuous work. This contributes to better productivity, safety, and fatigue reduction.

Ergo data is provided when a manual operator is involved in an operation, and this information is provided in relation to their ergo data standard. Ergo data includes information such as loading height, working safety, and operator zone, among other things.

The final assembly of an automobile entails a number of difficult jobs. These are the processes that are least likely to be automated. With the help of a modest level of automation, manual labour is best suited for assembly tasks. All processes must be continuously improved in order to minimise costs and increase productivity.

To complete the assembly task, the workers assume various postures, exert force, and work constantly in cycle time. The monotony of working on an assembly line for automobiles is unmistakable.

Ergonomic data is examined in order to discover and quantify ergonomics working postures that contributed to the serious development of muscle skeletal injuries, as well as possible contributory factors. The illustration below depicts an ergonomically suitable sitting position while working.

7.What do you understand by Weld study?

Answer.

WELD STUDY: Weld study is one of the most essential customer contributions.

It includes information on the type of weld gun we use the number of places to be welded, the welding sequence, and the location of the weld in the components.

In a nutshell, a weld study includes information about the weld gun, the weld matrix, and the weld spots.

Weld points are usually expressed as spheres.

The Geo spot weld points are shown by the red sphere, while the Respot weld locations are represented by the green sphere.

The weld spots are categorised as follows:

1. Geo weld points: The Geo weld points are the points in the Geo fixture that are designed.

These welds will determine the panel location based on the data in the drawing.

In the weld study inputs provided by customers, the geo weld points are represented by a red sphere.

2. Respot weld points: The respot tool is used to plan the respot weld spots.

The strength/stiffness of the panel/components will be determined by these welds.

In the weld research inputs provided by customers, the Respot weld locations are represented as green spheres.

8. What are the criteria for percentage completion in the designing stage? Explain it in detail

Answer.

The Criteria for Percentage Completion in the Designing Stage:

In the design and dispatch stages of welding fixtures, the % completion criteria are followed. This percentage completion criteria is used to determine whether the project meets the promised deadline for handing over the projects to the customer.

It also aids us in identifying project stages, such as how much of the project has been finished and what stages need to be completed, allowing us to complete projects on schedule and on budget. To determine the proportion of work completed, the percentage completion criteria are separated into four steps. The following are the four steps of percentage completion criteria:

• Input & concept design.
• Concept approval & simulation check.
• Design freezing & detailing.
• Check & final dispatch.

Input & concept design:

If the project is still in the input and concept design stage, the percentage completion criteria will be between 0 and 25%. After the input and concept design stages are completed, the project will proceed to the concept approval and simulation check stage, which is the second level in the % completion criteria.

Concept approval & simulation check:

If the If the project is in the stage of Input & concept design then the percentage completion criteria of the project will be between 0 – 25%. After the completion of input & concept design then the project will be moved to concept approval & simulation check which is the second stage in percentage completion criteria.

Project is in the concept approval and simulation check stage, the project's percentage completion requirement will be between 25% and 40%. The project will be advanced to design freezing and detailing, which is the third stage in the percentage completion criteria, after concept clearance and simulation check.

Design freezing & Detailing:

If the project is at the design frozen and detailing stage, the project's percentage completion requirements will be between 40% and 85 present. After design freezing and detailing are completed, the project will be moved to check and final dispatch, which is the fourth and last stage in the percentage completion requirement.

Check and final dispatch:

The percentage completion criteria of the project will be between 85 and 100 percent if it is in the stage of check and final dispatch. After the inspection, the project will be successfully shipped to the customer.

9. Brief about "Output" in design?

Answer.

Many types of data are included in the Design Output, including 3D and 2D documents, VMC IGS files, STEP files, gas-cut or laser-cut files in dwg format, and BOM, among others. These data must be sent to our customer as a design output. 3D models and 2D drawings of the fixture are the primary outputs. The following are the categories of output:

1. Unitised Tool: This tool is made up of two different types of sheets:

The location of each unit in the fixture is indicated or shown on the key sheet.

Layout Sheet: A layout sheet is a detailed representation of a specific fixture unit.

2. Tools that aren't unitised: These tools don't require a key sheet. Stands and tool changers, for example. Details in the layout sheet and stand-alone tools.

10. What do you understand by structuring a design tree? How does it reduce errors during the design process?

Answer.

While designing a fixture, it is critical to structure a design tree because it aids in the identification of all manufactured parts in the entire fixture.

Each customer firm has its own set of standards. This will aid us in avoiding errors throughout design, manufacture, and inspection.

If we don't structure a design tree, it will be difficult to grasp the design and there will be many faults in the fixture.

Steps to structuring a design tree:

Step 1: Click OK to create a new product (by clicking ok now you will enter into a product window)

Step 2: Right-click the product in the structure tree, goes to properties, and renames it in part number (since we made a product, we need to include the fixture's entire assembly name) and click ok.

There are several conventional protocols for naming assemblies, parts, and units, which I have clearly outlined below.

The title of the fixture is the product name. P001 Z03 ST09 00 00 R P001 – indicate the project name in the renamed titled.

Z03 is the name of the zone.

In some cases, the name of the panel will be mentioned.

ST 09 – The name of the station / J03 – The name of the jig will be mentioned on occasion.

00 denotes the name of the unit.

00 – This is the part number.

R/L denotes the right and left sides of the panel, respectively.

H1L 19A – Project name; H1L 19A RRFRA JG3 00 00 R – Other renamed title; H1L 19A RRFRA JG3 00 00 R – Other renamed title; H1L 19A RRFRA JG3 00 00 R – Other

RRFRA is the name of the panel.

JG3 is the name/number of the jig.

00 – the number of the unit

00 – This is the part number.

R — denotes the right side.

11. What are Units? Mention 5 types of units.

Answer.

A unit is a device that performs a certain job, usually as part of a larger mechanism. A welding fixture is an assembly of various elements. The varied units will only be shown in the unitized tool, as the name implies. A unit is divided into two categories:

A basic unit: The integration of these different parts can be observed in a simple welding setup.

• Unit for rest.
• Units with fixed pins.
• Pin units should be retracted.
• Unit with a rough locator.
• Sensory device.

This is the starting point.

Complex units: These complicated units, in addition to some of the simple units, will be seen in a complex welding fixture.

• Slider unit.
• Dump unit.

12. Describe Fixed Pin units & their purpose?

Answer.

A fixed pin unit is a device that uses pins to locate a car panel. The unit pin is already fixed and cannot be moved, and the following are various parts of the unit in general. Pin, pin retainer, shims/ spacers, block, blade, or adaptor plate is the main components of a fixed pin unit. That pin is held in place by a pin retainer.

Purpose of fixed in unit

The installation of two pins helps to arrest the 6 degrees of freedom (4 axial & 2 radial motions) according to the 3-2-1 locating principle, whereas the remaining 6 degrees of freedom are arrested by introducing at least three supports. Typically, locating pins are used to locate a body part in a location that is exact enough to carry out a welding procedure. A series of correctly locating pins constrains the body part; therefore complete constraint by locating pin should be entirely limited at all times to prevent any movement.

13. What are the different parts of a fixed unit?

Answer

1. Risers: Risers might be L-shaped, welded, square tube, or frame-shaped. These are manufactured pieces that are utilised to give assembly height.
2. Blades are plates that are fastened to the riser. Other components, such as the cylinder and arms, are mounted to the blade. The purpose of the chamfer is to reinforce the blade. To secure the blade to the riser, a two-dowel four-hole configuration is used.
3. L-Blocks: The L-Block is only used to provide shimming for adjustment. We should check bolting access while installing an L block because there is already a bolt to tighten the pin. As a result, the L block should provide a clear hole.
4. Shims/spacers: Tolerance is provided in the fixture for each part that is largely fabricated. Those tolerances tend to accumulate and reflect one another. To avoid this, we utilise shims, which we can simply change after assembly, so whatever stacks up there will be corrected with shims. Shims are available in various thicknesses, such as 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5.
5. Pin: The panel's placement is determined by this pin. Standard pins should be utilised as much as feasible, and pin lengths should be kept to a minimum. Pin diameters should be cylindrically ground to keep their dimensions correct. Two locating pins are usually sufficient to accurately position the work item on one plane. Locating pins come in a variety of styles that can be used in a design. We'll go over the structure and demonstrate how each style can be used. The following are the several varieties of Standard Pins:

• Round Pins: For prototype builds only, these can be screwed (PNRS), grub screwed (PNRG), or threaded (PNRT). A stepped pin with a small or large head is one of the most frequent pins.
• Diamond Pins: The Diamond Shape is a significant feature that aids in the reduction of machining inaccuracies and the smoother operation of the locating process. When two round head pins are inserted on one plate, the spacing between two mounting holes must be quite accurate, and even then, the work piece will not be as easily positioned on the base as if a diamond shape pin were used. For prototype builds only, these can be Screw fastened (PNDS), Grub Screw secured (PNDG), or Thread secured (PNRT).
• Pin retainer: This pin is supported by a pin retainer. The Pin Retainer is utilised to keep the pin in place while also acting as a rest for the pin. A counter hole is drilled into which the pin will be inserted.

14. What is the purpose of making a Rest unit & describe its parts?

Answer.

Rest unit: A rest unit is a support unit for a car panel made of Mylar/NC block/rest. There is no upper clamp or force applied to the component; it is just resting. Because there are fewer pieces to build and the goal is merely to rest the car panel, it is the simplest unit to design.

The rest unit is integrated with other units to minimise the overall project cost due to its simplicity.

It can be used in conjunction with a clamp device to both clamp and rest the automobile panel. It can be used in conjunction with a locating equipment to both locate and rest the automobile panel. To save money, the finding, clamping, and resting units might be merged into one unit.

It does not have a cylinder attached to it. It includes the rest Mylar, blade, and riser, as well as various elements of the rest unit. Simple support units, numerous support units, and retractable support units are all types of rest units.

Parts of a rest unit are

• Mylar/NC blocks/Fingers: These are the elements that hold the panel together. They're known as Mylar over the world. Clamping Mylar is on the top side, and resting Mylar is on the bottom. There should be resting Mylar for every clamping Mylar. It is of the jaw kind. It prevents the panel from deforming during the welding process. It has been toughened to boost its wear resistance.
• Risers might be L-shaped, welded, square tube, or frame-style. These are manufactured pieces that are utilised to give assembly height. It is merely machined at the mounted ends to save money.
• Plates positioned on the riser are known as the blade. Other components, such as the cylinder and arms, are mounted to the blade.
• Shims/spacers: We provide tolerance to each part that is mostly manufactured in the fixture. These tolerances tend to accumulate and reflect one another. To avoid this, we employ shims, which allow us to simply adjust after assembly, so anything stacks up there will be corrected using shims. Shims are available in various thicknesses such as 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5.

15. What are the basic fundamentals to design a Sensor unit?

Answer.

Sensor unit: An electrical sensor is used to sense the automobile panel. The sensor's signal will be transmitted to the PLC, and the next procedure will begin. Sensor units are used to detect if a panel is present or not, or whether a certain component is present. If 9 pars are required for assembly, we must have at least that number of sensors. When an operator manually assembles a complete component, they perform tasks such as fastening and gluing. If a component is present, the sensor will indicate it, and if it is not, an error will be displayed.

Fundamental of sensor unit design:

Each signal has a loose panel that is being welded in the tool. Depending on the size of the panel, one to two sensors should be used to sense it, with the diagonal opposite ends of the panel being recommended. In general, each sensor should be positioned in three directions that can be adjusted. IFM, Pepperi-Fuchs, SICK, OMRON, and other significant sensor manufacturers are only a few examples.

Types of sensor used in general.

Proximity sensor - It has sensing range 5 to 6 mm. It is based on magnetic field principle. A proximity sensor is a sensor able to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact.

A proximity sensor often emits an electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation (infrared, for instance), and looks for changes in the field or return signal

Laser sensor: It has a longer detection range than a proximity sensor. A photoelectric sensor is a piece of equipment that uses a light transmitter, usually infrared, and a photoelectric receiver to determine the distance, absence, or presence of an object. They're commonly found in industrial settings. As shown in the diagram below.

16. What is a Rough locator unit & what are the basic fundamentals to consider while designing it?

Answer.

Rough locators are typically employed in the loading and unloading of certain parts. It can also be used as a guide. The rough locator unit is meant to assist the operator in correctly locating the car panel on the pins. They have an adjustable slot. A standard component or mate part can be used to make a rough locator. It can also be used as a pokayoke.

Rough locator design fundamentals:

• Rough locators should be positioned at the edge of the car panel that has to be guided. By using locating pins, the entire car panel may be readily restricted.
• Rough locator must be set at the same angle as the car part edge and at least 2.5 mm away from the edge of the car component to avoid damaging the panel.
• Before 10 to 15 mm from the start of the pin engagement, rough locators should be used to guide the panel.
• In general, rough locators should lead the panel in a pin arresting direction.
• Rough locators should have two mounting slots for ease of adjustment.
• The slot should face the car panel guiding direction.

17. What is a Base unit and describe its parts?

Answer.

A base unit is the unit that is used to mount the entire tool's other units (clamp, pin, and rest units), as well as any additional parts that are required.

For a tool like a pneumatic valve box, the trucking cable path will also be installed on the base unit, and the parts listed below are some of the base unit's general components.

1. a) Base Plate: A base plate is a machined steel or aluminium plate with a thickness of 25mm to 40mm on which holes are drilled to mount various units such as rest units, clamp units, pin units, and so on.

b). Pedestal is a portion or assembly (welded construction) that connects the base plate to the floor plate. Depending on the size and height of the fixture, the pedestal can be a standard or custom element. Standard pedestals come in a variety of heights. Different inclinations of pedestals are also available. The number of pedestals for a fixture might vary depending on the size of the base plate for load distribution.

1. c) Pneumatic valve box: A pneumatic valve box has a solenoid valve that feeds air to pneumatic cylinders and coils. A group of valves is sometimes referred to as a valve blank.
2. d) Trunking channel: A base-mounted trunking channel is utilised to direct all electrical cable and pneumatic pipe. The entire fixture unit is supported by the base. Trunking Channel is a duct that transports all of the tool's electrical and pneumatic connections (wires and pipes). It is only a few millimetres thick.
3. e) Eye bolts: These are used to elevate the complete base unit, as well as the pedestal and the base plate.

f). Floor plate: They are used to install the complete unit, and a levelling arrangement is provided to the base unit, such as a levelling bolt and pad, to level the entire unit.

18. What is a Dump Unit and what are its functions?

Answer

If you have a time limitation, you can assemble components in a dump unit. Clamp and pin units will be attached here, and the panel will be constructed. As a result, if you have a certain limitation, you won't be able to build normally.

Dump units are used in a variety of ways. It features a dump cylinder and a complicated construction. It has a dump cylinder that performs the clamping and unclamping of automobile panels. To conduct such an activity, a dump unit can have many cylinders. The first cylinder deposits the clamp milers and pins assembly, which then conducts the essential operation. In this unit, we need ensure that we can remove the panel when it is in the open position. The dump unit is seen in the diagram below.

19. What is a Slide unit? Mention where Slide units are commonly used.

Answer.

The sliding unit is made up of sliding cylinders. It moves back and forth between open and closed positions. It features a shock absorber at the end and a hard stopper beyond that. It comes with a guiding rail. It makes use of a sliding mechanism. It also features a position locking device for maintenance purposes, which prevents the entire unit from being moved, as well as a sensor unit to detect whether or not the full component has been reached on either side, or a stopper block to control movement. When the cylinder opens, the panel is unlocked by the position locking mechanism. Using a frictionless guide block, the entire panel is then moved to the open position. The guide block must be greased on a regular basis.

Sliding units are typically used in areas where there is a limited amount of space. There are sometimes too many little panels close together, and there isn't enough room because each panel requires resting, two-pin placement, clamping, and sensing. When the panel is at an angle, this becomes even more challenging. To tackle this difficulty, a slide unit uses guide rails, guide blocks, a cylinder, locking mechanism, stop blocks, and sensors to attach a rest, clamp, or pin unit, or all of them, on a slide. When a certain panel needs to be welded, this slide slides forward, fixes the panel, and then returns to its original place after the process is completed. Similarly, other panels are treated in the same way.