A driver whose air conditioner has conked out during a heat wave can give new meaning to the phrase “road rage.” So the company that produces shafts for truck air conditioning compressors asked Sterling to develop an automated approach that would assure top quality. There were a few challenges: Provide an integrated unit, support multiple diameters, and keep it simple.

Sterling Engineering and Manufacturing responded by designing a machine that includes a magazine, an escapement, and a cam feed that feeds one length of part per revolution. An alignment mechanism makes certain each shaft is centered as it passes through an induction heating coil and quench. Also, the customer wanted to simplify shipping and installation, so the quench system, power supply and interconnections are all mounted on a common base. We didn’t forget safety. If a part jams or doesn’t feed properly, the machine recognizes the situation and signals the operator before anything serious happens. Are you sweating an automation project? Call us.