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Automobile Assembly Line—Key steps in delivering the Automotive Assembly Line solution to clients—How to set an Automotive Assembly Line?

Automobile Assembly Lines are suitable to Produce 4 wheelers, Cars, Sedans, SUVs, Automobiles, EVs, Mini Vans, Hybrid Models and so on. (Sometimes, suitable for the production of pickups.)

Phase 1: In-Depth Requirements Analysis & Strategic Planning

This is the foundation of the project, determining the technical direction and investment scale of the entire line.

  1. Product Engineering Analysis:
    • Platform & Models: Determine whether it’s for a single model or mixed-model production (flexibility). Understand the platform architecture, body materials (steel, aluminum, composites).
    • Product Data: Obtain complete vehicle BOM, 3D models, 2D drawings, especially critical assembly dimensions for the chassis, powertrain, and interior/exterior trim.
    • Lifecycle: Understand the vehicle model’s lifecycle and whether the production line needs to allow for future upgrades or new models.
  2. Manufacturing Strategy & Capacity Planning:
    • Production Takt Time: This is the absolute core. Calculate the second-level takt time based on annual production volume and operating schedule.
    • Operating Schedule: Determine the number of shifts, working days per year, and required equipment uptime.
    • Process Planning: Collaboratively define the boundaries of the four main shops (Stamping, Body Shop, Paint Shop, General Assembly). The focus is typically on the Assembly area.
  3. Capacity & Lean Production:
    • Line Balancing: Analyze the operation time at each station, optimize task allocation, eliminate bottlenecks, and bring each station’s time as close as possible to the takt time.
    • Logistics Plan: Plan the material delivery mode from suppliers to the line-side (sequencing, kanban, call systems, AGV/AGC, etc.).
  4. Automation & Intelligence Level:
    • Define which stations must be automated and which are suitable for manual work.
    • Define requirements for Smart Manufacturing and Data Traceability: Is an MES system needed? Are critical torques 100% recorded and traceable? Is an ANDON system required?
  5. Site & Infrastructure:
    • Conduct a detailed survey of the plant conditions: area, ceiling height, floor load-bearing capacity, and utilities (power capacity, compressed air, network).

Phase 2: Detailed Solution Design & Engineering Development

Transform the strategy into executable, detailed technical blueprints.

  1. Process Solution Design:
    • Line Layout: Use CAD/3D software for detailed plant layout design, planning the material flow and spatial relationships between the main lines (Interior, Chassis, Final), sub-assembly lines (Doors, Cockpit, Engine Front Axle), and test lines (Wheel Alignment, Headlight Test, Roller Test).
    • Process Sheets: Develop detailed work instructions for each station, including operation content, tools, materials, and quality requirements.
  2. Automation Solution Design:
    • Mechanized Equipment: Design the conveying system, determining the drive and control systems.
    • Robotic Applications: Plan robotic workstations, perform simulation to ensure reachability, cycle time, and safety.
    • Special Purpose Equipment: Design non-standard automated equipment.
  3. Control System & IT Design:
    • Electrical Control: Design the PLC network architecture, electrical schematics, and control panel layouts.
    • Data Collection & Traceability: Design systems using RFID, barcodes, etc., for automatic vehicle identification and data collection at key stations, integrated with the MES.
    • ANDON System: Design systems for material, quality, and equipment calls to enable transparent production management.
    • HMI Design: Design user-friendly interfaces for operators and maintenance personnel.
  4. Logistics & Auxiliary Facility Design:
    • Design line-side supermarkets, racks, and containers.
    • Plan the placement and management of tools.

Phase 3: Procurement, Manufacturing

Transform the design blueprints into physical equipment.

  1. Supply Chain Management:
    • High-quality components and custom fabricated parts.
    • Strictly manage supplier delivery schedules and quality.
  2. Production:
    • Perform machining, structural welding in-house or at partner facilities.

Phase 4: On-Site Installation, Commissioning

Assemble the “parts” into a “living” production line at the customer’s plant.

  1. Site Preparation & Equipment Move-In:
    • Ensure the customer’s civil works and infrastructure are ready.
    • Unpack, move, and position equipment.
  2. Mechanical/Electrical Installation:
    • Install frames, conveyors, robots, platforms, etc.
    • Complete all cable laying and pneumatic piping connections.
  3. On-Site Commissioning & Integration:
    • Individual Equipment Commissioning: Power up and test basic functions of each device.
    • Line Integration Commissioning: Integrate the entire conveying system for no-load operation.
    • Commissioning with Vehicles/Carriers:
      • Slow-Speed Debugging: Run with vehicle bodies or process carts at speeds lower than the takt time to verify all equipment works together.
      • Takt Time Debugging: Gradually increase speed until the design takt time is reached, continuously optimizing.
    • MES/Traceability System Integration Debugging: Verify the correctness and integrity of the vehicle data flow.
  4. Trial Run:
    • SOP: Support the customer through low-volume trial production, producing the first saleable vehicles using real parts.
    • Production Ramp-Up: Assist the customer in gradually increasing production speed from low rate to full capacity at the design takt time.

Phase 5: Training & Long-Term Support

Ensure the customer can operate the production line independently and efficiently.

  1. Comprehensive Training:
    • Provide tiered training for operators, maintenance engineers, and production supervisors.
    • Training content covers safe operation, daily checks, troubleshooting, and program backup.
  2. Documentation Handover:
    • Deliver a project documentation, including: operation manuals, maintenance manuals, spare parts lists, etc.
  3. After-Sales & Continuous Support:
    • Provide quick-response service during the warranty period.
    • Supply spare parts and offer remote technical support.

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