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Final Acceptance Test Fixture
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Nastech Europe Ltd
Formerly The Torrington Company Ltd, Nastech is a first-tier supplier of steering columns to Europe’s major car makers. In May 1996, Nastech invited add2 to collaborate with Bartling Designs Ltd - mechanical engineers of Sittingbourne, Kent - to design and build a Final Acceptance Fixture for ‘intermediate shafts’ for Jaguar Cars Ltd.
An intermediate shaft consists of two coaxial tubes, one a sliding fit inside the other. The outer tube is staked to prevent separation and the assembly is fitted with a universal coupling at each end, a rubber seal to prevent the ingress of dirt between the tubes and a bulkhead seal or gaiter situated midway along the outer tube. Six versions of the assembly are currently in production corresponding to LHD and RHD variants of three basic models.
The purpose of the test fixture is to verify the phasing of the universal couplings; check for the presence of the seals and gaiter; measure the pre- and post-stake slide loads and do the staking and verify and attach the appropriate self-adhesive label - blue for LHD, white for RHD.
Based on a Siemens S7-214 PLC, equipped with 38 input channels for proximity sensors and opto-switches and 26 output channels for solenoid valves and indicators, the complete system - including all necessary power distribution, safety interlock and motor control circuits - was constructed in accordance with BS EN 60204-1. The control panel itself was designed, built and programmed in Regent’s offices at Lichfield. It was then transported to Sittingbourne where it was installed and commissioned all within a period of two and a half days.
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