Common Machine Parts Used in Manufacturing Automation

Automation has radically changed how we manufacture parts, allowing for machinery to undertake various tasks without the need of a human operator. Through energy, motion, power, and force, industrial automation machine parts can increase efficiency, profits, and quality while reducing cost, risk, and energy consumption. While industrial automation may come in a variety of forms, the most common components include those that are structural, mechanical, field level, control, or communication based.

The structural components of automation machinery often serve as the support framework for all other assemblies. Generally, structural components are designed with high amounts of precision, ensuring that they can take on loads, minimize vibration, reduce friction, and more. The frames of machinery are also designed for specific environments and tasks, and support and safety elements can be implemented based on application and construction. Frames are often made from steel, and corrosion-resistant additives may be implemented to further protect structures. If the frame is to be stationary, bolting may be used to secure the assembly to the floor.

Fasteners are also paramount to the construction and overall functionality of manufacturing automation equipment, allowing for industrial automation machine parts to be secured together. Fasteners can come in many forms, and common types include rivets, bolts, nuts, washers, screws, hinges, and clips. Generally, fasteners should be chosen based on the intended assembly and its requirements such as present loads, environmental factors, etc. To avoid damage to systems due to vibration and other forces, fasteners should regularly be checked for their tightness and integrity.

While the structure is important to housing and protecting assemblies, the mechanical devices and mechanical machine parts themselves are vital for the functionality of such equipment. Shafts are common components that often come in the form of a stem or pole. Within automation machinery, shafts serve to transmit power between parts or machines. In more heavy-duty applications, shafts may be paired with bearings and lubrication to facilitate their operation. Bearings are also critical for a number of operations as they are hardware components that reduce friction between moving parts and control motion. When transferring power and motion, gear systems also serve as useful industrial automation machine parts due to their simplistic tooth design that can drive other gears and systems efficiently.

As tasks are carried out and materials need to be moved along an assembly line or to another area, conveyors are relied upon. Conveyors are mechanical material handling devices that utilize belts, rollers, or wheels alongside a driving force to transfer materials across surfaces. With a variety of construction and powering types available for conveyors, such equipment can be configured in many ways to accommodate a given application or need.

While mechanical and manual force can be used to drive and operate some machinery and systems, electrical components are often relied upon to assist in power transmission and other functionalities. For electronics and their related devices to function, power needs to be efficiently governed and transferred across an electrical circuit. While circuits may vary based on their intended use, the key components that make up such devices include capacitors, resistors, transducers, diodes, and transistors. With the use of sensors, switches, relays, line reactors, and other small electronic components, control over current and machinery can be better achieved.

For any machinery relying on electrical power, circuit protection devices are crucial for the safety of operators and sensitive components. With equipment such as circuit breakers, electrical faults can quickly be detected and contacts will be separated to stop the flow of current. Disconnect switches are another common circuit protection device, and they may be used to fully de-energize a circuit before servicing is conducted.

Beyond such components, a number of industrial safety products, control devices, cabling systems, fluid power devices, and more may be used to achieve the benefits that industrial automation equipment can provide. At Industrial Automation Parts, we are your sourcing solution for top quality industrial machine components and more. Peruse our offered listings at your leisure, and our team of industry experts are readily available 24/7x365 to assist you through the purchasing process as needed. Get started today and experience how Industrial Automation Parts can serve as your strategic sourcing partner.