English (UK) 
简体中文 Heck, are you still having a headache over which conveyor line to choose in your automotive plant? A conveyor line can determine the production efficiency of the factory? Today let's talk about the most common automotive assembly plant in the vernacular!Accumulation chain, friction line, plate chain lineThese three big diamonds - what is the doorway of them in the end? How to choose so as not to step into the pit? Come on, sit tight, the old driver to take you on the road!
🔧 I. Accumulation chain: cheap and durable, but a bit "noisy".
structural principle::
To put it bluntly, the accumulator chain is like a conveyor belt that "stops" on its own. The chain runs with the trolley, and the trolley hangs on to the body. Bodies can be queued up on the line (the term is "accumulation") without blocking traffic.
Where is it used?::
- Body storage lines (PBS lines)
- Chassis line (favoured by Japanese and Korean car companies)
- Subassembly line (tyre, seat handling)
vantage::
- 💰simple structure: 30% cheaper than friction wire!
- 🛠️Simple maintenance: The structure is not complicated, the master can repair it smoothly.
drawbacks::
- 🔊noisyChains rattling. Talking in the workshop is a matter of yelling.
- ⚡high energy consumptionThe motor has to be on all the time, and the electricity bill is going up.
- 🛢️greasy and dirtyChains need to be lubricated with oil, the floor gets dirty easily.
case studies::
A heavy-duty truck factory with a accumulating chain.Annual electricity bill of $880,000; after switching to friction wire, the electricity bill dropped directly to64,500, saving 92%!
🤫 Second, friction wire: quiet and power-saving, but expensive!
structural principle::
Relying on the motor to turn the rubber wheels and friction the trolley chassis pushes the body along.No chain, so no noise., runs like a thief and is quiet.
Where is it used?::
- Interior trim line (workers work standing up for fear of noise)
- Chassis line (a favourite of European and American car companies)
- New energy battery assembly line (positioning accuracy ±5mm)
vantage::
- 🔇Noise <70dB: Half as quiet as cumulative chain
- 🔋low energy consumption: The motor only starts when there is a car, saving power!
- 🔧Maintenance savingNo oil dripping, clean workshop.
drawbacks::
- 💸your (name): A set is 40% more expensive than a cumulative chain.
- 🛞afraid of slipping: Friction wheels slip on oil and need to be changed regularly.
Look here for data control::
After using friction lines for chassis lines in a factory, theBreakdown rate reduced from 5 to 1 per monthThe workers don't swear anymore.
🚶 III. Plate chain line: sturdy and resistant to manufacturing, but not flexible enough
structural principle::
The ground is paved with steel plate chain, and the body is towed directly on it. Single plate chain, double plate chain, wide plate chain.Carries pressure like a tank track..
Where is it used?::
- Interior lines, final lines
- Drenching line, testing line
- Heavy-duty scenario (veneer load capacity 800kg/㎡)
vantage::
- 🏋️♂️load-bearing: pulling an SUV without even taking a breath.
- 💰Medium cost: Cheaper than friction wire, more expensive than accumulating chain
- 🔒stable operation: No shaking of the body, high assembly precision
drawbacks::
- 🚧Trouble with maintenance: The chain is hidden underground, so you have to dig for it.
- 🧩poor flexibilityHalf a line has to be torn down to change a workstation.
updated version::
Plastic plate chain line (less noise, corrosion-resistant), but the price is doubled, the tycoon at will!
📊 Three major conveying line parameter PK table (white second version)
| parameters | cumulative chain | friction line | plate and chain line |
|---|---|---|---|
| static (in a signal) | >85 dB 🔊 | <70 dB 🔇 | 75 dB |
| position accuracy | ±10mm | ±5mm✅ | ±30mm |
| tempo | 0.5-15m/min | 0-30m/min🚀 | 0.5-25m/min |
| energy costs | High 📈 | Low 📉 | Medium ➖ |
| Applicable production speed | <40JPH | 60-80 JPH | 40-60 JPH |
❓ IV. Soul torture: how on earth do you choose?
Q1: What can I do on a tight budget?
→ Selectcumulative chain! You'll save enough money on the front end investment to buy two robots. But remember to have earplugs on hand.
Q2: Want to be quiet and save power?
→ Close your eyes and enterfriction line! New energy factories are using it, battery fitting accuracy ±5mm, AGV can't even catch up.
Q3: The production line changes models every day?
→Friction line + plate chain lineMix and match! The interior carries the heavy lifting with plate and chain, and the chassis is accurately positioned with friction lines.
Q4: Want to get into automation in the future?
→ Leave the AGV interface in advance!Roller conveyor lines are being replaced by AGVsDon't spend money on backward technology.
💡 Exclusive advice for veteran drivers (tapping the table to get to the point)
- Don't just look at the price.! Accumulated chain electricity bills eat up the difference in 5 years, theLearn from Tesla and use friction wire to save enough electricity to build charging posts⚡.
- New energy production line must see the positioning accuracy! The battery fits together 5mm short of leaking coolant.The friction line is the bottom lineDon't save that money.
- Plastic plate chain is the trend! After a factory changed the plastic chainMaintenance costs down 60%And there's no need for rustproof paint yet.
- The layout determines life and death.U-shaped lines save ground with friction lines, and L-shaped lines expand well with accumulating chains.Drawings before selection.
🌟 The last big truth.
Choosing a conveyor line is like finding a date -There is no best, only the most suitableThe Japanese factories love the leather of the accumulating chain, the German factories chase the delicacy of the friction line. Japanese factories love the leathery nature of accumulating chains, German factories chase the delicacy of friction lines, and guess what?Toyota's new plant mixes three lines togetherIt's time to save and spend! Remember that the next time you plan a production line."Technology becomes obsolete, demand is always changing, and flexibility is king."🤝.
(Source: Automotive Manufacturing Network/Heavy Truck Plant Energy Consumption Report/2024 Final Assembly Technology White Paper)
