Workpiece carriers for precise and secure component placement

A workpiece carrier, also known as tray, is a handling and transport system for components used in manufacturing and assembly. It securely holds a workpiece, ensures precise positioning and transports it reliably through various process steps.

Workpiece carriers are used particularly in automated production systems, but they also support manual manufacturing processes. The shape, material and design of the workpiece carrier are adapted to the geometry, weight and specific requirements of the respective component as well as production process.

Workpiece carriers are used to securely hold, transport and precisely position components within a production process. Typical applications include manual and automated manufacturing, machining, cleaning and the temporary storage of workpieces.

Workpiece carriers ensure repeatable processes and facilitate the transfer of components between machines, robots, cobots, conveyor systems and manual workstations. Depending on the design, workpiece carriers can also be stackable, washable, codable, ESD-compatible or suitable for high-temperature applications. This enables them to support an efficient and continuous material flow.

Workpiece carriers are used wherever components need to be moved or processed safely, precisely and, wherever possible, in an automated manner. Typical industries include:

• Automotive manufacturers and suppliers
• Mechanical engineering
• Electronics and lighting technology
• Tool and equipment manufacturing
• Medical technology and the pharmaceutical industry
• Food and beverage industry
• Sanitary and fittings industry
• Aerospace
• Agricultural engineering and agriculture
• Logistics and intralogistics

Yes. Workpiece carriers are an important component of automated manufacturing and assembly processes. They hold components highly accurate in their defined and position, enabling robots, cobots and automated handling systems to safely pick up, machine, inspect or assemble them.

A workpiece carrier is precisely adapted to the geometry of the component and the requirements of the intended process. Factors taken into account include dimensions, weight, centre of gravity, external and internal contours, sensitive surfaces, support areas and the required position of the component.

Existing systems are also incorporated into the design, including grippers, robots, conveyor technology, washing systems, inspection stations and assembly equipment.

The development process consists of several stages:

• Analysis and needs assessment: Evaluation of the component, process, material, design and mounting type
• Design and engineering: Creation of a digital model based on drawings, CAD data or other specific requirements
• Rapid Prototyping: Production and testing of an individual sample of your component as a true-to-scale prototype
• Sample and prototype development: Manufacturing of the workpiece carrier from the defined target material
• Trail run: Testing of handling, positioning, washability, material suitability and potential interference points together with the component and peripheral systems
• Batch production: Manufacturing of the workpiece carrier in the required quantity following successful testing and approval

This structured development process identifies potential risks at an early stage and ensures that the workpiece carrier is optimally designed for its intended application.

Even after successful production, BLOKSMA provides support with consulting, modifications, repairs and further service solutions.

Yes, especially flexible workpiece carriers are suitable for these applications. Their interchangeable inlets can be adapted to different components and component variants, making them ideal for small and medium-sized production runs as well as frequent product changes. The base of the workpiece carrier can be reused and reconfigured quickly, which can help reduce investment costs and changeover times.

Fixed workpiece carriers with permanently installed holding elements are mainly used for stable series and mass production involving consistent components. The most economical solution depends on factors such as production volumes, the number of variants and the frequency of product changes.

The design and material are selected according to the individual application, component geometry, weight, level of automation, cleaning process, exposure to temperature and operating environment.

Suitable designs include:

• Sheet-metal workpiece carriers for precise and complex contours
• Tube frame workpiece carriers for large or heavy components
• Wire-sheet combinations for high precision and excellent cleanability

Depending on the application, materials such as steel, stainless steel or aluminium can be used.

Workpiece carriers can be combined with other BLOKSMA solutions to create a continuous and efficient material flow.

• Trolleys enable the ergonomic internal transport of workpiece carriers and can be equipped with centring brackets, brakes, drawbars or additional features.
• Lifters are used for lifting, lowering, tilting, rotating and therefore for ergonomically presenting workpiece carriers.
• Portal wagons, transport pallets, transport racks and supermarkets support the safe transport of workpiece carriers and components between different areas of the plant, as well as their storage and provision.

This creates a holistic solution for holding, positioning, automation, transport, storage and the provision of components, tailored to your individual production and logistics processes.