End-of-line Systems

Whether it's the front, middle or end of the line, HPT has the right system to ensure that you make the most of your capital equipment. The end of the today's stamping line poses the greatest challenge in improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and a place where HPT has proven a reliable ally.

HPT's end-of-line automated systems are some of the most advanced, reliable and cost-effective solutions in the world. We have extensive experience in manual pack-out to fully automated, vision-based racking solutions for class-A parts of varied geometries for a range of press applications. We manufacture new and rebuild existing systems of all types and sizes.

Some of the styles of stacking systems that HPT specializes in:

Pack-out Systems: HPT is well versed in determining the best means of applying just the right amount of automation to enhance a manual racking operation. The term "pack-out" system, coined by Ford in the mid-90's, describes any number of configurations of a series of conveyors and/or shuttling conveyors that break-up the continuous flow of finished panels by distributing them to a number of manual racking stations. The key to a sound pack-out system is in making economical use of the available floor-space while providing a reliable means of reducing the duty-cycle on any given station, thus allowing the people doing the racking the time to properly rack parts in an ergonomically-friendly means; all while maximizing the throughput capability of the stamping line.

Run-out Conveyors: In simple terms, a run-out conveyor does just what its name connotes. It indexes parts away from the last forming operation and accumulates them as the parts move closer to the racking operation, where typically people place the finished parts into shipping containers. In some situations, such as in the case of some progressive line operations, the parts may simply drop off of the end of the conveyor into a bin.

Vision-based Robotic Racking: RapidRacking™ system, an intelligent vision-guided robotic solution for unloading and racking a mixed series of automotive panels. To unload a formed part at the end of the line, the RapidRacking system indexes and positions the part underneath cameras, which are stationed at the index conveyors. The system collects information relative to the parts position on the conveyor and is then fed as positioning instructions to the robots where the program tells them how they need to adjust their motion paths to collect and rack the parts. The RapidRacking systems offers a level of flexibility that humans take for granted in manual racking operations, but provides enhanced productivity at a level of speed, repeatability and stamina that only a robot can deliver.