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Global Vehicle Systems (GVS) specializes in the design and build of custom automated systems for Tier One automotive parts suppliers in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. A family-owned business founded in 1999, the company is a turnkey supplier that handles every step of the process from start to finish.
The customer simply provides GVS with the problem or part. They then visualize a concept to fulfill the requirements, develop a quote, and handle everything from electrical design, mechanical design, fabrication, and machining all the way to installation on the customer’s plant floor.
Unique to the company’s value proposition is that every piece of equipment they design is a custom one-off—whether it be a single work cell or a fully integrated production line. This means that GVS has a proven record in problem-solving and innovation.
It’s one thing to design for current vehicle model parts, but there are times when GVS is asked to design systems that can adapt not only for multiple model components but also for potential future design changes. Such was the case with a recent GVS customer request.
Their automotive customer approached them seeking a single testing system that could handle leak and flow testing as well as visual inspection for cam covers across multiple models. The variations in cam cover design were significant enough to require different tooling for each individual model, prompting the customer to request both upper and lower tooling that could move in and out of the test machine quickly and easily.
Global Vehicle Systems developed a single machine design that is manual load/unload but automated from that point forward. The lower tooling platen slides into place on rolling balls, and then the upper tooling comes down to mate with the lower tooling. The challenge was determining how to make this happen quickly, accurately, and safely, as the upper platen weighs over 900 lbs.
The standard solution would be to use heavy-duty bolts, pins, and bushings for securing the tooling, along with sensors for verifying bolt locations. While this approach can work, it relies heavily on manual labor for positioning and hand-securing the tooling during part changeover. This can impact not only efficiency but, more importantly, the repeatability and accuracy of the operation.
Fortunately, GVS had prior experience with the pneumatic Segen Quick-Change System. The Segen cylinder locks are designed to receive and mate with a conical male knob. When locked in a static state, a simple push of a button actuates air pressure to enable the cylinder lock to release or receive the knob.
The cam cover testing system, only 40 inches wide, features two Segen model 438 series sensor cylinder locks on each platen for two- and four-way locating purposes. Each cylinder lock positions the knobs within 0.0002 inches and provides a holding force of 2,700 lbs.—far more than required for the 900-lb. upper platen.
To begin the process, the lower tooling is rolled into place on rolling balls, and then the upper tooling comes down into mating position. With the push of a button, air pressure is actuated to secure the upper and lower platens, allowing them to move as one complete tooling assembly. The system also includes a quick-connect pneumatic and electrical feature to provide power for testing. Once secured, the part is ready for leak testing, flow validation, and visual inspection. After testing, the tooling cassettes can be rolled out together for model changeovers.
Founded in 1982, the Tooling Tech Group has grown organically, and through acquisition, to become the largest tooling provider in the United States with 650+ employees, 4 divisions and over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space across four states.
The depth and breadth of our capabilities is achieved through the combined experience of our company units, with each of these companies being in business for 30+ years, providing both extensive industry experience and financial stability that you can rely upon.
Our unique differentiator is the ability to provide all tooling services from design to engineering to simulation to machining to fabrication to try-out all within one company. This single source ability can help to streamline your business operations and simplify your life. As a vertically integrated company, we maintain tight control over quality and can provide custom services to meet your total program needs. We take full responsibility for quality, delivery, and cost management of each project starting at concept through “on time, every time” delivery.
Together, we have earned a reputation for manufacturing the highest quality tooling for casting, molding, forging and stamping. We also produce secondary automated solutions to transform parts into assemblies and functional products used around the world. We accomplish this by applying our expertise along with the latest technology, techniques, and CNC equipment to design, engineer, manufacture and test your tooling.
