Why a Little Lubrication Goes a Long Way in O-Ring Installation Machines
July 25, 2025
AIS & Fralo at Design2Part
September 8, 2025Solving Dual O-Ring Installation Challenges for Manufacturing Customers
O-Ring Installation, Inspection, and Marking by AIS
In manufacturing, even small errors can have big consequences. Installing multiple O-rings at different depths on a part can be tricky, and missing or misaligned rings can halt production or create costly defects. One of our customers faced exactly this challenge—and AIS developed a custom solution to address it efficiently and reliably.
The Challenge:
The customer needed to:
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Install two O-rings at different depths on a single part consistently.
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Inspect each part to ensure both O-rings were installed correctly.
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Reduce labor and errors, while keeping production running smoothly.
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Maintain flexibility to adapt the process for future automation.
Manual installation and visual inspection were slow, prone to mistakes, and impacting throughput.
How AIS Solved It:
AIS designed a system tailored to the customer’s specifications, combining our ASP-1 dual-position shuttle with a camera-based inspection station:
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Dual O-Ring Installation: The ASP-1 shuttle installed two O-rings at the required depths accurately, removing variability from manual installation.
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Automated Inspection Using Keyence Cameras: Each part was inspected immediately after installation to verify both O-rings were present and correctly positioned.
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Sorting and Marking: Parts that met the specs were marked and sent down the line, while any parts with missing or misaligned O-rings were automatically diverted, preventing defective assemblies from reaching the next stage.
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Flexible Operation: The station was hand-operated initially, giving the customer control over their process, but it can be adapted for full automation if desired.
The Outcome:
This custom solution allowed the customer to:
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Eliminate installation errors and ensure consistent quality.
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Streamline inspection with automated verification and sorting.
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Reduce labor and rework, freeing staff for higher-value tasks.
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Maintain flexibility to scale the solution for future needs.
AIS doesn’t just make machines; we solve real-world manufacturing challenges. By designing systems tailored to customer specifications, we help manufacturers achieve precision, reliability, and efficiency—even in complex O-ring installation scenarios.
