Perfect bodies
July 1st 2006

The handling system designed and built by Excel Automation for Aston Martin's DB9 final assembly line integrates many differing conveying and transfer techniques.

Car bodies are carried into the trim and final assembly area by AGVs where they are transferred onto a jig-slat conveyor. Prior to final assembly the door and front-end module are removed to allow easier access. The doors are placed in carriers and conveyed by Excel standard belt driven 500UB Series powered roller conveyor through the door assembly process prior being buffered. The frontend module is placed on a transfer trolley, also buffered, and recalled at the final assembly stage.

The Excel installation also included the power train assembly and marriage system where the appropriate drive-train, is assembled, with the engine, gearbox, rear sub-axle and front suspension all being aligned on a specially designed fixture trolley.

More articles from Excel Automation Limited: