High-Speed Assembly of Valve Actuators

HAHN Automation Group enables scalable Actuator Production

For the production of complex electronic valve actuators, the HAHN Automation Group developed a multi-site solution combining injection molding, precise assembly, and high-efficiency end-of-line testing.

With a 50% cycle time reduction and seamless coordination between locations, the project sets a new benchmark for flexible, scalable automation.

#Automotive #Electronics #Actuator #AssemblyLine

 

  • Advanced Joining & Testing Technologies
  • Assembly across two HAHN Sites
  • Full-automatic Assembly Line

 

Challenge

The customer required a solution for assembling electronic valve actuators with a wide range of integrated processes: injection molding of stator components, pre-assembly of housings, greasing, screwing, plastic laser welding, and end-of-line (EOL) testing. 

A key challenge was the division of responsibilities across two production sites, each with unique process capabilities. Additionally, EOL testing needed to be optimized to achieve a 50% reduction in cycle time—without compromising on quality or throughput.

 

Developing a Solution

To manage this complexity, HAHN Automation Group implemented a coordinated twosite concept. Injection molding and stator processes were carried out at the Diepenau site, while final assembly and EOL testing took place at the headquarters in Rheinböllen. The system architecture allows for scalable production (up to 128-up IMM setups) without duplicating downstream stations.

Core technologies such as in-mold technology, PCB joining, precision greasing, and laser welding were tightly integrated, supported by AGV systems and buffer/cooling for 4,300 parts.

 

Process Overview

  1. In-Mold Technology
  2. PCB Joining & Plastic Laserwelding
  3. Greasing Dosing Technology
  4. Connection to AGV-System

Cycle time: 5.5 seconds per part

Results

Results

Through a smart split-site strategy and strong internal collaboration, HAHN Automation Group delivered a scalable, high-speed production solution for complex actuator systems. The cycle time was reduced to just 5.5 seconds, while process reliability and test coverage remained uncompromised. Leveraging deep expertise in molding, dosing, and EOL testing, the solution offers both flexibility and performance—ideal for future production scaling.