There are two types of equipment connections in automated production lines: rigid connections and flexible connections.
Rigid Connections:
In rigid connection automated lines, there are no material storage devices between processes, and the processing and transfer of workpieces follow a strict rhythm. If one piece of equipment malfunctions and stops, the entire line will stop. Therefore, high reliability is required for all equipment in rigid connection automated lines.
Flexible Connections:
In flexible connection automated lines, material storage devices are installed between processes (or sections). The cycle time of each process does not need to be strictly consistent. When one piece of equipment pauses briefly, the material storage device can play a balancing role for a certain period, thus not affecting the normal operation of other equipment. Flexible connections are commonly used in integrated automated lines, assembly automated lines, and long combined machine tool automated lines.