Solar Array Assembly Line Conveyor
UTEC Industrial engineered and built an automated assembly conveyor for Lockheed Martin's satellite solar array production, enabling efficient movement through multiple assembly stages with flexibility for various array sizes.
Project Overview
Satellite solar arrays are complex assemblies that require multiple stages of construction — from substrate preparation and solar cell placement through wiring, testing, and final integration. Each stage demands precise positioning and careful handling of delicate components. Moving these large, fragile assemblies between workstations manually introduces risk of damage and limits production throughput.
UTEC Industrial designed and built an automated assembly line conveyor system that transports solar array panels through Lockheed Martin's production facility. The conveyor moves assemblies between workstations at controlled speeds with precise positioning at each stop, ensuring that technicians can perform their assembly tasks without delay or repositioning.
The system was engineered with the flexibility to accommodate various solar array sizes and configurations, allowing Lockheed Martin to produce different satellite programs on the same production line. Advanced automation technologies integrated into the conveyor handle the sequencing, timing, and quality checkpoints that keep production moving efficiently.
UTEC's Role
UTEC provided complete engineering, fabrication, and systems integration for the assembly line conveyor. The mechanical design required balancing structural rigidity for precise panel positioning with the gentle handling characteristics needed to protect delicate solar cells and wiring during transport. UTEC's engineers designed custom fixtures and panel supports that secure assemblies during movement without applying damaging clamping forces.
The conveyor's automation systems were integrated by UTEC to coordinate with Lockheed Martin's production management systems, enabling automated sequencing of assembly stages, workstation indexing, and production data tracking. UTEC fabricated all structural components, drive systems, and fixtures in-house, ensuring tight quality control across the entire system.
Key Specifications
- Automated multi-station assembly line conveyor for satellite solar arrays
- Precise positioning at each workstation for assembly operations
- Flexible design accommodating various array sizes and configurations
- Gentle handling systems protecting delicate solar cells during transport
- Integrated automation for sequencing, indexing, and production tracking
- Custom fixtures and panel supports fabricated in-house by UTEC
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