Instruction Manual

4-2 Operation
4.4.2 Loader
The operator installs one or more full magazines onto elevator table. The loader waits for a SMEMA
“Load-Machine Ready” signal before activating the vertical elevator to move a magazine into the loading
position*. The shuttle moves the magazine/frame sensor into position to identify the next available frame.
When a frame is located, the shuttle aligns the conveyor section to the carrier. Frames are carefully
pulled from the magazine and through the system by a soft-touch gripper and active pinch wheels. When
the carrier is positioned on the shuttle, the shuttle moves to the aligned output position and transfers the
carrier to the downstream equipment. The operator is prompted to replace magazines when all
magazines are empty.
*Exception: when “staging” mode is selected, the part is loaded onto shuttle regardless of SMEMA signal
state.
4.4.3 Unloader
The operator installs one or more empty magazines onto the elevator table. The unloader waits for the
SMEMA board-available signal before moving the shuttle into position at the aligned input position. The
conveyor transfers the carrier onto the shuttle, which then moves the magazine/frame sensor to search
for an empty slot. Once a slot is found, the shuttle moves the carrier into the unloading position with the
magazine. The conveyor activates and transfers the carrier into the empty magazine. The pusher
activates to fully unload the carrier into the magazine. The operator is prompted to replace magazines
when all magazines are full.
4.4.4 Same-Side Loader
The same-side loader combines loader and unloader functionality into a single machine. Full and empty
magazines are installed on the elevator table in either ‘zone’ or ‘alternating’ arrangements (see 4.10
Running Production). When the SMEMA ‘Load-Machine Ready’ signal activates, the load sequence is
used to transfer the carrier from the initially ‘full’ magazine into the adjacent dispenser. When the SMEMA
‘Unload-Board Available’ signal activates, the unload sequence is used to transfer the carrier from the
dispenser into the next available slot in the initially ‘empty’ magazine. The operator is prompted to replace
magazines when all parts are transferred from the full magazines to the empty magazines.
The flowcharts in Figure 4-1, Figure 4-2 and Figure 4-3 outline a typical sequence of operations.
Depending upon application requirements and system configuration, your specific operation may vary.