Assembly articles from April 2006

Assembly archives from April 2006

Workforce paradox.(Editorial)
April 1, 2006... As Yogi Berra famously observed, it's deja vu all over again. One year ago we noted that despite rhetoric about a "jobless recovery," the available data showed that as the United States emerged from recession, the economy was also recovering...

New PLC technologies improve information flow.(X-Y-Z)
April 1, 2006... Oddly enough, programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and I have a few things in common. We're both over 40 years old, and we've both increased our intelligence to handle a greater number and variety of tasks. OK, perhaps that latter...

Bosch marking 100 years in U.S.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... FARMINGTON HILLS, MI -- Automotive parts, power tools and automation equipment manufacturer Bosch Group (Stuttgart, Germany) is celebrating 100 years of doing business in the United States. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since founding its...

Robot builders had a record 2005.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... ANN ARBOR, MI -- In 2005, North American robotics companies received more orders than ever before, surpassing the industry's previous high, set in 1999. According to the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), North American manufacturing...

Self-cleaning nanotech bathrooms?(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... SYDNEY, Australia -- Researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) are using nanotechnology to develop coatings they hope will be used for self-cleaning surfaces in hospitals and homes. Led by professors Rose Amals and Michael...

Last call for the 2006 Assembly Plant of the Year.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... BENSENVILLE, IL -- There's still time to enter the 3rd annual Assembly Plant of the Year award sponsored by ASSEMBLY magazine. Any assembly plant in the United States is eligible. The goal of the Assembly Plant of the Year award is to...

Learn to think visually in the workplace.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... PORTLAND, OR -- In the rush to cut costs, speed delivery and increase quality, companies can overlook the need to sustain gains and align the workforce. In her new book, Visual Workplace-Visual Thinking, Gwendolyn Galsworth, Ph.D., shows...

International to build military prototype.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Army has selected International Military and Government LLC, a subsidiary of International Truck and Engine Corp. (Warrenville, IL), to build a prototype next-generation tactical utility truck as a possible replacement...

'Made in Singapore' TV show?(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... SINGAPORE -- Like the United States, Asian economic powerhouse Singapore is worried about its fading manufacturing sector. But, the diminutive nation-state isn't giving up. Recently, the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) broadcast a...

GM to upgrade 5 Michigan plants.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... DETROIT -- General Motors Corp. will invest $545 million in five of the company's Michigan assembly plants. The investments will include $163 million to retool the company's Pontiac truck plant for production of next-generation Chevrolet...

North American-bound Mazda SUV rolls off line.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... HIROSHIMA, Japan -- Mazda Motor Corp. has begun production of its all-new Mazda CX-7 crossover SUV, which is designed specifically for the North American market. The CX-7 is being built at Mazda's Ujina Plant No. 2, near the company's global...

Boeing reaches parts-supply agreement.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... CHICAGO -- Boeing Co. and aviation parts supplier Avio-Diepen (Atlanta) have signed a long-term agreement integrating Avio-Diepen as part of Boeing's Integrated Materials Management (IMM) initiative, an effort that cuts maintenance costs for...

Machine tool consumption up in 2005.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... ROCKVILLE, MD -- U.S. machine tool consumption totaled just over $3 billion in 2005, up substantially from 2004. "December orders for machine tools increased an impressive 31 percent over November, bringing total year-over-year growth of...

Ford Focus to race in China.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... CHONGQING, China -- Look out Daytona. Ford is going racin' in China! Changan Ford Automobile China Corp. (CAF), a joint venture between Ford Motor Corp. (Dearborn, MI) and Changan Automotive, has announced that it is setting up a new...

Innova Holdings acquiring CoroWare.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... FORT MYERS, FL -- Automation technology company Innova Holdings Inc. is acquiring mobile service robot company CoroWare Inc. (Bellevue, WA). According to Innova Holdings CEO Walter Weisel, the move will help Innova--which specializes in...

Lockheed Martin completes first F-35.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... FORT WORTH, TX -- Lockheed Martin Corp. (Bethesda, MD) has completed assembly of its first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which must now undergo an intensive period of ground testing. First flight for the F-35--a supersonic fighter intended to...

Gulfstream announces major expansion.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... SAVANNAH, GA -- Gulfstream Aerospace, a subsidiary of General Dynamics (Falls Church, VA), is embarking on a $300 million, 7-year expansion of its manufacturing and service facilities in Savannah. The move will create approximately 1,100 jobs,...

DaimlerChrysler investing $1 billion in Mexico.(Assembly Lines)
April 1, 2006... TOLUCA, Mexico -- Daimler-Chrysler (Stuttgart, Germany) is investing $1 billion to modernize and retool its manufacturing facilities in Mexico, and to create a pair of new industrial parks for suppliers. The investment, the bulk of which will...

Correction.(Correction notice)
April 1, 2006... In the feature article, "Outsourcing Design," published in the March issue, the web address for Envision Engineering (Austin, TX) is incorrect. It is www.envisionengineering.com. We regret the error.

CAD Configurator facilitates machine design, assembly.(Assembly in Action)
April 1, 2006... Farris Automated Systems LLC (Stoughton, WI) manufactures custom, turnkey automation systems for use throughout North America. The company specializes in pick-and-place and assembly applications for the plastics, packaging and automotive...

Automated system monitors quality.(Assembly in Action)
April 1, 2006... Clutch, brake, drive train and filter manufacturer Hilliard Corp. (Elmira, NY) is an independently owned company that has traditionally worked in low volumes with a small product mix. However, a recent surge in orders for automotive...

Conveyors, workstations boost throughputs.(Assembly in Action)
April 1, 2006... Digital Monitoring Products (DMP, Springfield, MO) specializes in the design and manufacture of network security systems, like those used in bank ATMs and retail stores. A privately held company, it is one of the last electronic control panel...

Software smoothes testing process.(Assembly in Action)
April 1, 2006... At its Baltimore plant, Allison Transmission, a division of General Motors Corp. (Detroit), employs a rigorous battery of tests to assure critical product tolerances are met for the plant's transmission bodies. These tests--which take place on...

Controller simplifies automated machine assembly.(Assembly in Action)
April 1, 2006... Electric and electronic connector company Harwin Inc. (Salem, NH) manufactures an extensive range of standard and custom products for the military, aerospace, medical, automotive and consumer electronics industries. Recently, the company...

Software reduces design times.(Assembly in Action)
April 1, 2006... Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A. (Milan, Italy) manufactures transmission and engine control components for automakers around the world. Customers include companies like Renault, Ford Motor Co., Audi, DaimlerChrysler and Toyota. Specific...

Liability and leak testing: there is a difference between leak testing auto parts and leak testing inhalers, pumps and other medical devices.
April 1, 2006... A superficial consideration of which methods to use for leak testing medical devices might suggest that there is no difference between, say, testing a pump to deliver insulin and testing a pump to deliver motor oil. In fact, the business...

Moisture-sensitive devices: humidity control is more important than ever.(Electronics Assembly)
April 1, 2006... In addition to dexterity, moisture is a key ingredient of any successful magic trick. In fact, many magicians moisturize their fingertips to improve their ability to perform sleight-of-hand tricks involving cards, coins and other objects. ...

Putting it all together in the Northeast: the latest in assembly technology and methodologies will be on tap at this year's Assembly East, NEPCON East and Electro.(ASSEMBLY EVENTS)
April 1, 2006... Succeeding in today's competitive manufacturing environment requires two things: smarts and cutting-edge technology. And both will be found in abundance at this year's Assembly East and NEPCON East-Electro trade show, May 10-11 at the new...

Adhesives for mobile electronics: new adhesives aid assembly of cell phones and other portable electronic devices.(Adhesives)
April 1, 2006... You can find a lot of cutting edge technology stuffed into cell phones, handheld computers, MP3 players and other pocket-sized electronic devices. Ironically, you can also find an assembly technology that dates back to the Stone Age--adhesives....

RAST and IDC: coming to a washer near you? Already nearly ubiquitous in Europe, RAST standardization and IDC wire terminating are poised to enter the U.S. appliance market as well.(Wire Processing)
April 1, 2006... It started in Europe as a means of eliminating mistakes in the final assembly of appliances. It ended up bringing together connector manufacturers, machine builders and wire harness makers in a new set of standards and an assembly technique...

The forefront of automation: CASG is a diverse group with a common thread.(Cover story)
April 1, 2006... The Custom Automated Systems Group (CASG) consists of companies that serve the automation needs of U.S. manufacturers by producing custom-built assembly and test systems, material removal systems, and material forming and joining systems. The...

ACRO Automation Systems Inc.(Company Profile)
April 1, 2006... Founded in 1936, ACRO Automation Systems Inc. is a 70-year-old manufacturer of specialized automated welding and assembly machines and systems. The company is comprised of three independent strategic business units, each with a specific product...

Assembly & Test Worldwide.(Company Profile)(Company overview)
April 1, 2006... Assembly & Test Worldwide Inc. (ATW, Dayton, OH) is a global leader providing automation systems and solutions fundamental to the manufacturing, assembly and testing of a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. Operating a family of...

Automation Tool Co.(Company Profile)(Company overview)
April 1, 2006... Founded in Cookeville, TN, in 1977, Automation Tool Co. (ATC) is an ISO 9001:2000 certified company that designs and builds custom assembly and test equipment for a wide variety of industries throughout the world. Our customers include leading...

CL Automation.(Company Profile)
April 1, 2006... CL Automation designs and builds custom assembly automation equipment for all phases of in-process, subassembly and final assembly and testing of automotive, heavy equipment, aerospace and commercial components and assemblies. Our comprehensive...

Mikron Assembly Technology.(Company Profile)
April 1, 2006... Mikron Assembly Technology specializes in developing precision assembly and test systems. We are a full service systems integrator serving the assembly market for the small parts that fit in your hands. We integrate a wide variety of manual and...

sortimat Technology.(Company Profile)(Company overview)
April 1, 2006... Established in 1959, sortimat Technology custom designs and builds world-class assembly machines. We specialize in machines for the precision assembly of inhalers, complex pen needles, diagnostic kits, sophisticated auto-injectors and other...

Swanson Erie Corp.(Company Profile)
April 1, 2006... Agile Assembly consists of a comprehensive set of precision, dimensionally warranted, cast ductile iron building blocks that have 10 times the vibration dampening of steel or aluminum. All elements of Agile Assembly are rigidly locked together...

Wes-Tech Automation Solutions LLC.(Company Profile)(Company overview)
April 1, 2006... Wes-Tech Automation Solutions designs, builds and implements factory automation solutions consistent with best practices in manufacturing and automation. Founded in 1976, the company has 30 years of demonstrated experience in developing and...

Servos drive friction welder.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The FWS-30 friction welder is servo-controlled, with a weld head that accepts parts with a footprint up to 30 millimeters. The system can be used as a standalone machine, integrated into a work cell, or as part of an automated processing line....

Material dispense valve delivers exact shots.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The 2600-035 Tip-Seal high-volume dispense valve opens and closes the material passage at the tip of the nozzle to precisely regulate material flow and prevent oozing when dispensing medium- to high-viscosity adhesives and sealants. The system...

Slide works with several motors.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The belt-driven Voyager Series VB1 slide features lengths up to 3 meters and speeds up to 5 meters per second. Multiple slides can be combined to make two- and three-axis systems for use in a variety of applications, such as dispensing,...

Inserts eliminate confusion.(Products)
April 1, 2006... PNP case inserts ensure positive component identification and protection for the industrial, medical, military, automotive, and shipping and packaging industries. Part numbers are located at the bottom of each tool or component silhouette...

Reader enables parts tracing.(Products)
April 1, 2006... DataMan 7500 corded and DataMan 7550 cordless handheld ID readers provide fast, reliable decoding of printed linear barcodes and 2-D codes marked directly on parts. The readers are suitable for use in part traceability applications in a wide...

Eight-pin connector fit for rugged use.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The eight-pin M12 eurofast connector can be used with incremental encoders in strenuous factory applications, such as material handling, conveyor systems, process control and web control. The cordset has three LEDs housed in a translucent...

Clamps resist vibration, movement.(Products)
April 1, 2006... New-generation Toggle-Lock Plus manual clamps maintain an over-center toggle position in applications where there is movement or vibration, for example, in transfer lines. This feature can also come in handy when moving a fixture from point A...

Sensor incorporates laser measurement.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The ZS smart measurement sensor combines 2-D CMOS imaging with precise laser measurement to create a high-speed, high-sensitivity inspection system. The ZS features modular plug-and-play installation as well as separate sensing heads and...

Framework creates possibilities.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Multipurpose frame makes it possible to customize a workstation without tools and have everything within easy reach. A wide range of accessories is available, including dividers, work lamps, light-duty arms, lamp adaptors and shelves. ...

Adjustable case sealer.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The 3M-Matic 110a automatically seals up to 30 cases per minute. The machine can be adjusted to accommodate cases ranging in size from 3.5 inches high and 6 inches wide to 22.5 inches high and 22.5 inches wide. The conveyor handles cases...

Indexer for assembly, inspection.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The Toggle-Aire multistation rotary indexer can produce up to 1,600 assemblies per hour. The indexer is pneumatically powered and PLC-controlled. Suitable for pressing inserts, swaging, broaching and crimping, the indexer can be equipped with...

Vision sensor is fast.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The PresencePlus P4 Area vision sensor can perform multiple analysis functions simultaneously at speeds up to 10,000 parts per minute. The 1.3 megapixel model has a resolution of 1,280 by 1,024 pixels. It has both BLOB and gray-scale tools to...

Electric lift truck.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The ETV C20 electric lift truck can lift a maximum load of 4,400 pounds to a maximum height of 24.3 feet. It can navigate aisles as narrow as 9.3 feet wide. Three-phase AC motors provide power for traveling, lifting, steering and braking. To...

Conveyor links to wave solder machines.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The Hump-Back conveyor handles hot circuit boards as they exit from wave-soldering machines. Its static-dissipative snap-link belt has full surface ribs to help cool the boards. The conveyors have three stages. The first is an inclined section...

Linear motor drives actuator.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The Lirax-M-LD linear axis can move a maximum payload of 45 pounds. The device consists of a linear motor and aluminum profile with integrated roller guides. The maximum stroke length is 2,000 millimeters. A single-drive model generates a force...

High-temperature wire joints.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Sta-Kon high-temperature wire joints are used in automotive wiring harnesses, lighting fixtures and other applications where the temperature might reach 150 C. With a brazed copper sleeve and a molded, one-piece nylon housing, the wire joints...

Programmable magnetic encoder.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The MSK 1000 is a high-resolution, low-power programmable magnetic encoder for linear and rotary applications. The resolution is programmable to 0.2 micron, and the device is accurate to [+ or -]10 microns over 2 meters. The encoder is...

Blind threaded inserts.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Atlas SpinTite blind threaded inserts are suitable for blind attachment applications where only one side of a workpiece is accessible. They are installed from the accessible front side and enable final attachment of components using a single...

No-mix laminating adhesive.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Flex Bond thin-set structural adhesive is for laminating sheets of ABS or aluminum to a polystyrene core. It produces nonshrinking, flexible bonds on metals and plastics, and it fills gaps as wide as 25 mils. Although it has two components, the...

Inductive proximity sensor.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Square and rectangular inductive proximity and position sensors are small for use in robotic, conveyor and material handling applications. Lengths range from 4 to 20 millimeters, and heights range from 0.25 to 0.5 inch. Rectangular sensors have...

Workstation unaffected by vibration.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The MK26 workstation prevents external vibrations from adversely affecting the operation of sensitive equipment. The workstation is equipped with vertical isolators that use stiff springs and negative-stiffness mechanisms to achieve a low net...

Device Verifies codes.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The Quadrus Verifier analyzes, measures and reports the quality of Data Matrix codes according to criteria established in ISO/IEC 15415, AS9132 and MIL STD 130M standards. All items supplied to the Defense Department must have a unique item...

Workbench has many drawers.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The Automotive Technician's Center provides a work surface and plenty of drawers and cabinets for storing tools and equipment. It can be custom-configured with any combination of cabinets, drawers or compartments for hose reels and cords. It...

Workstation is modular.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The Arlink 8000 modular workstation can be configured in a variety of heights and lengths. The workstation's Definite Positioning System makes relocating or adjusting work surfaces, storage, shelving, lights, power beams and footrests fast easy...

Work system maximizes storage efficiency.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The Mtech system can be customized to maximize workspace storage and efficiency. It can be reconfigured quickly as needs change and includes a wide range of components. Cabinets are available with drawers and slide-out shelves for secure...

LED cures adhesives safely.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The 7703 handheld LED light delivers safe, efficient, immediate cure of Loctite 3552 and Loctite 3553 visible light cure adhesives. Measuring 9 by 1 by 3/4 inches, the portable device can be powered with batteries or an AC adapter. It can be...

Bearing handles heavy loads.(Products)
April 1, 2006... CARB toroidal roller bearings can be used as nonlocating bearings in large electric motors of 125 hp and higher, thanks to their ability to accommodate very heavy radial loads and compensate for misalignment. The bearings adjust for axial...

Centrifuge purges bubbles from thick fluids.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The ProcessMate 5000 centrifuge eliminates bubbles and air pockets from medium- to high-viscosity fluids, such as epoxies, greases and silicones. Bubbles and air pockets can affect shot-to-shot consistency in pneumatic dispensing processes. The...

System powers ultrasonic plastic welders.(Products)
April 1, 2006... GX-series microprocessor-controlled ultrasonic power systems are available in 2,200-, 1,700-, 1,200- and 700-watt sizes. All GX units have automatic frequency tuning and a user-friendly keypad. Welds can be performed according to time, energy...

Collar safely attaches items to pipes.(Products)
April 1, 2006... Universal mounting collar can be used to attach items to a tube or pipe, without damaging either surface. The collar is machined from stainless steel with a smooth bore and countersunk tapped hole that accepts a screw for attaching virtually...

Tray handler for heavy parts.(Products)
April 1, 2006... DS1200 tray handler feeds trays of heavy parts destined for automated assembly operations. The machine can handle trays on carts, dollies or side-by-side roller conveyors, eliminating the need for an operator to manually load the trays. The...

Linear actuator.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The GL-N linear actuator has two caged-ball guides for rigid, precise, quiet motion. Its maximum speed is 5 meters per second, and its maximum acceleration is more than 5 g. The balls reside in a resin cage, which cradles each ball and keeps...

Linear motor drives slide.(Products)
April 1, 2006... The Linear ServoSlide is driven by a brush-less, low-cogging linear servomotor. A double-rail bearing system is integrated into the slide to support the moving carriage, provide dynamic stiffness, and ensure precise, straight travel. A linear...

Missed opportunity.(Leading Lean)
April 1, 2006... Before everyone called it lean, that collection of practices and ideas, mostly adopted from Toyota, was commonly referred to as just-in-time manufacturing. Books like Robert "Doc" Hall's Attaining Manufacturing Excellence, published in 1986,...