Christiani Industry Model Flexible Process Line
with 3 Machine Tools

The model Flexible Process Line simulates a flexible manufacturing line with three correlating machine tools, as used for example in serial production of metal cutting industries, which is automated in a large degree.

The flexible process line consists of three conveyor belts, three machine tools and a pusher to bring parts into the system. The simulated process shows a work piece being provided at a lay-in-station, then being brought into the manufacturing line by a pusher, getting machined by the three machine tools and finally being brought out to a discharge station:

After putting the part onto the lay-in-station, the pusher brings it to the first conveyor belt. A one way light barrier controls the correct transfer of the work piece to the manufacturing line. The conveyor belt brings the part to the first machine tool, a vertical milling machine. The spindle starts rotating and gets moved along its -Zdirection to initiate a machining sequence. After this, the spindle is brought back into its starting position and the part gets transferred to the second conveyor belt in order to be transported to the jig drilling machine, the three spindles of which being arranged as a turret head. Each of the spindles simulates a machining sequence, similar to the first machine tool. To change the spindle during the complete manufacturing step, the turret is moved along its +Z-direction and executes a 120-degree turn. After this second step of manufacturing is completed, the unfinished work piece is brought to a vertical boring and milling machine. This machine tool simulates the last machining sequence by movements in Y- and Z-direction and acting the spindle. The complete work piece is brought out to a discharge station, where it is recognized by a one way light barrier, by the third conveyor belt afterwards. The positions of the part on conveyor belt are in each case indicated by inductive proximity switches.