The machine shown here is one of the latest models of this type of machine. It has been designed to have a small footprint with unitized construction so that it can be moved as a unit with a single fork truck.

The machine has a 32 station dial index table that handles all assembly and test operations. They are:

1. 1. Manual part loading
   
   2. Automatic probe and rotate
   
   3. Automatic ball loading
   
   4. Automatic needle loading
   
   5. Camera inspection for needle roller presence
   
   6. Automatic assembly of snap ring and retained ring
   
   7. Automatic pull test to verify snap ring and retainer ring
   
   8. Manual part unloading

400 pieces per hour can be produced when operating at 100% efficiency. This translates into an impressive 3-second cycle time.

This machine automatically feeds a caged bearing out of a bulk hopper, orients the bearing and presents it to the press station. The press station then presses a caged bearing on each of the three trunnions and checks for proper press load.

The sequence of operation includes:

1. Operator loads unassembled spider into load chute (loads 40 parts at a time)

2. Shuttle advances one part to the transfer pick-up point.

3. Lift-and-carry transfer lowers, picks up and grips one unassembled spider at load station and one finished spider at press station.

4. Lift-and-carry transfer advances to next position, lowers and loads unassembled spider into press station fixture and finished spider into unload chute.

5. Grippers release and return to home position.

6. Table indexes to first position.

7. Bearing press loads bearing on post and checks for proper load force.

8. Tables indexes and presses second bearing.

9. Table indexes and presses third bearing.

10. Defective press load parts rejected through a separate reject chute.

The cycle time for this machine is 8 seconds, with a total output of 450 pieces/hour at 100% efficiency.