Integrating printing and assembly
Connect feeding, printing, curing, inspection and assembly in one product flow. Understand how the handovers and time available at each station affect the complete machine.
Explore system integration
Printing and assembly expertise
Bring product handling, printing and assembly into one production flow. Explore the choices that shape the machine, the finished print and everyday operation.
Explore the guideFrom the component to a complete production process
Printing and assembly automation combines product handling, printing, ink setting, inspection and assembly within a coordinated system. Each operation must fit the component and leave it ready for the next step.
AAE develops printing and assembly systems and uses sample printing and Proof of Principle testing to investigate process choices. For engineers and production teams, the first questions concern the product, its artwork and what counts as an accepted part.
Explore AAE AutomationDesign the system around your product
Product geometry and the next assembly operation shape the complete line. Start with how each component is fed, supported and transferred.
Product handling and positioning
Keep the component in a repeatable position through pickup, printing and transfer. Review orientation, gripping surfaces, fixture support and the timing of each handover.
Explore product positioningPrinting on cylindrical plastic parts
Roundness, taper, thin walls and protruding features affect print access and support. Consider rotation, the image seam and access for treatment, curing and inspection around the part.
Explore cylindrical printing
Choose the print process for your production mix
The artwork, material and frequency of product changes all matter. Compare the printing method together with its tooling, controls and setup requirements.
Inkjet, pad printing or dry offset?
Compare the methods against the actual component and artwork. Product shape, print detail, campaign size and the surrounding equipment help determine which process is suitable.
Compare printing technologiesFixed artwork and variable data
Repeating one image has different requirements from changing batch details or individual identifiers. Consider how artwork selection, product tracking and inspection keep the correct information with each part.
Explore artwork and variable dataProduct changeovers
An artwork change, a different component and a new ink each require different work. Plan the tooling, cleaning, process settings and checks needed to release the next accepted product.
Plan product changeovers
Develop adhesion and curing together
Print appearance, attachment to the substrate and resistance in use need separate attention. Evaluate the actual material, surface preparation and ink-setting conditions.
Ink adhesion on plastic parts
Surface condition, ink compatibility and curing can all contribute to adhesion failures. Use the failure pattern and production records to decide which variable to investigate first.
Investigate ink adhesionCorona, plasma or flame treatment?
Compare treatment access, coverage, heat input and the interval before printing. Confirm that the selected preparation works with the intended ink and preserves the component.
Compare surface treatmentsUV LED or mercury curing?
Match the light source to the ink formulation and the complete printed surface. Include exposure, product geometry, cooling and the condition required before downstream handling.
Compare UV curing options
Define quality and prepare your specification
Agree what an accepted product looks like and what its print must withstand. Connect each requirement to a test or inspection method before the machine concept is fixed.
Testing adhesion and durability
Tape, scratch, abrasion and chemical-resistance tests assess different properties. Choose relevant methods and define the sample condition, procedure and acceptance criteria for each.
Explore print testingInline vision inspection
Cameras can check visible features such as print presence, position and image defects. Review lighting, product motion and reject handling alongside the additional tests needed for adhesion and resistance.
Explore inline inspectionSpecifying a printing and assembly system
Bring together the drawing, material, artwork, output, variant mix and acceptance requirements. Use representative samples and process trials to investigate uncertain steps before committing to the full system.
Prepare your system specification