Assembly articles from December 2005

Assembly archives from December 2005

Jobs--a conundrum.(Editorial)
December 1, 2005... In its Labor Day Report 2005, the National Association of Manufacturers (Washington) warns that manufacturing will employ fewer and fewer people in low-skill jobs. Tomorrow's manufacturing jobs will be for those with education in science,...

Delta robot excels at pick-and-place tasks.(X-Y-Z)
December 1, 2005... With its spindly black arms and fast, coordinated motion, a delta robot resembles a giant spider attacking its prey. However, the only thing that's scary about this four-axis robot is just how quickly it performs pick-and-place operations. ...

Boeing: Asia will spend $770 billion on airplanes.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... CHICAGO -- The Boeing Co. is predicting that airlines operating out of Asian and Pacific Rim countries will purchase about 7,200 new airplanes worth $770 billion over the next 20 years, making it the largest market outside North America for new...

Assembly adds news section to web site.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... BENSENVILLE, IL -- The manufacturing world is moving faster than ever. Events from around the globe now have an immediate impact on business decisions and assembly practices at home. To help you stay abreast of all these changes, we have...

Automatica set for May 2006.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... MUNICH, Germany -- Following up on its successful launch in 2004, the 2nd International Trade Fair for Automation Assembly, or Automatica, will take place May 16-19, 2006, at the New Munich Trade Fair Center. The event, which focuses on...

Get a grip on robots.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... MORRISVILLE, NC -- Robots have fascinated mankind for decades. In fact, the term "robot" is derived from the Czech word "robota," used to describe the part of a hardworking slave in the 1921 play "Rossum's Universal Robots," by Karel Capek....

Honda expanding auto production in Brazil.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... SAO PAULO, Brazil -- Honda Automoveis do Brasil Ltda. (HAB), the Brazilian automobile production and sales subsidiary of Hondo Motor Co. (Tokyo), is expanding its assembly plant in Sumare, Brazil, in response to local demand for the company's...

Devcon, Permatex rolled into one.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... DANVERS, MA -- Plant and equipment maintenance products manufacturer Devcon is merging with the industrial products group of Permatex Inc. (Hartford, CT), a producer of gasket cements, threadlocking adhesives, lubricants and hand cleaners for...

Automakers, government work to recycle old cars.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... ARGONNE, IL -- Although recycling an automobile curbside like old newspapers and glass bottles is unlikely to ever become a common household practice, U.S. automakers, government researchers and private industry are all looking at ways to reuse...

Maytag to close laundry facility.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... NEWTON, IA -- Maytag Corp. has announced that it will close its Florence, SC, laundry plant in early 2006. The shutdown will impact approximately 60 employees. "Closing a plant is never an easy decision," says Steve Ingham, Maytag senior...

Introducing P. Kay MS2[TM] molten solder surfactant. At last--a product that actually eliminates dross.(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... UNLIKE CONVENTIONAL powders, oils, mechanical separators and even nitrogen blankets, MS2[TM] molten solder surfactant, a technological breakthrough developed by P. Kay Metal, with U.S. and foreign patents pending, doesn't just reduce or inhibit...

Leica Geosystems expands Midwest presense.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... WICHITA, KS -- The metrology division of Leica Geosystems is relocating its Midwest Service Center to a new, 4,000-square-foot facility in Wichita. The new center will employ service technicians, application engineers and technical sales...

Katrina boosts shelter sales.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... RIVERSIDE, CA -- Recreational vehicle and manufactured housing producer Fleetwood Enterprises Inc. is reporting that, although recent RV sales have been down, the company received a boost in sales for temporary shelters, thanks in part to...

Minnetronix expanding plant.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... ST. PAUL, MN -- Medical device contract design and manufacturing business Minnetronix Inc. will more than double its current manufacturing facility with a 24,500-square-foot expansion, expected to be complete by mid-2006. "Minnetronix'...

Special rates on robotics courses.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... ANN ARBOR, MI -- The Robotic Industries Association is offering in-house safety training seminars at 2005 rates for the first half of 2006--if you sign up by Dec. 31. Training includes risk assessment, compliance with the R15.06 Safety...

Toyota marks 10 millionth U.S. engine.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... ERLANGER, KY -- Toyota Motor Co. has now produced more than 10 million engines in its four engine plants and three casting plants in North America. These plants are located in Kentucky, West Virginia, Missouri, Alabama and Ontario. In all, they...

Bombardier to make aircraft parts in Mexico.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... MONTREAL -- Bombardier is establishing a plant in Queritaro, Mexico, at a cost of approximately $200 million over the next 7 years. The plant will be implemented in phases starting in May 2006, when it will begin assembling wire harnesses for...

Meeting tomorrow's challenges today.(Assembly Lines)
December 1, 2005... Assemblers today are confronting globalization, leap-frogging technology, demand for instant service and expectations of the very best quality. These business challenges will only become more daunting tomorrow. Globalization, for example, has...

Brazing equipment.(ASSEMBLY SPEC SHEET)
December 1, 2005... Looking for brazing equipment? Complete this form and fax it to your potential suppliers! [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Supplier Contact Information Abbot Furnace Co.--Fax: 814-781-7334 CyberTech International--Fax: 386-257-6527 EFD...

Santa's robotic helpers sort sweets.(Assembly in Action)
December 1, 2005... Founded in 1906, Spangler Manufacturing Co. (Bryan, OH) employs more than 600 people in the United States and Mexico making an assortment of lollipops, circus peanuts and other goodies. Among the company's leading products are candy canes--the...

Laser trackers ensure accurate assembly.(Assembly in Action)
December 1, 2005... The Airbus Consortium (Toulouse, France) plant in Bremen, Germany, manufactures wing components such as landing flaps, producing approximately 2.5 million metal parts annually for the entire range of Airbus aircraft. It also performs wing...

RFID streamlines vehicle production.(Assembly in Action)
December 1, 2005... Ford Motor Co.'s (Dearborn, MI) production center in Cuautitlan, Mexico, produces between 300,000 and 400,000 cars and trucks each year. It uses modern production approaches such as just-in-time-supply and is one of the company's largest...

Workstations, track system smooth assembly.(Assembly in Action)
December 1, 2005... Faced with increased demand for its switch-cabinet cooling units, heat exchangers, heaters and filter fans, Pfannenberg GMbH (Hamburg, Germany) had no choice but to take stock of its assembly processes in an effort to weed out inefficiencies....

Spending to hit 10-year high: despite rising energy costs and increased foreign competition, U.S. manufacturers are poised to make significant investments in assembly technology in 2006.(Capital Spending Survey)(Cover Story)
December 1, 2005... What kind of poker player are you? Do you bet aggressively with a few good cards in your hand, or do you take a wait-and-see attitude? Either way, the results of ASSEMBLY magazine's 10th annual capital equipment spending survey should give...

Implementing dispensing robots: robots are not without their limitations, and they must be implemented intelligently for manufacturers to reap their full benefits.(Dispensing)
December 1, 2005... When implementing a robot into a dispensing line, there are many issues a manufacturer may face. These must be addressed, whether integrating robotic dispensing into an existing manufacturing line or designing an entirely new manufacturing line...

Ensuring quality in implantable electronics: although implanted medical devices aren't subjected to temperature extremes or shocks, the risk of long-term failure must be considered.(Electronics Assembly)
December 1, 2005... Implanted electronic medical devices face an unusually benign environment in many respects. However, mechanisms still exist by which circuitry may degrade and even fail in service. Because of the extreme financial and ethical liabilities...

The true cost of snaps: while snap-fits may reduce assembly costs, the cost of designing the parts may wipe out the savings unless manufacturing volumes are very high.(Plastics Assembly)
December 1, 2005... Snap-fit assembly has many advantages over assembly with loose fasteners. Snap-fits can decrease product cost by reducing the overall part count and lowering labor costs. However, these savings are best realized with high-volume products that...

Is brazing better? New technology and emerging applications boost brazing.(Joining Techniques)
December 1, 2005... Brazing and soldering are the sibling rivals of the manufacturing world. While both joining processes are similar, brazing tends to be the more introverted process that's often overlooked in favor of more popular fusion methods. ...

Important news from leading suppliers!(2005 SUPPLIER SHOWCASE)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2005... Advances in assembly technology, equipment and tools help manufacturing companies like yours stay competitive and profitable. This special section showcases assembly equipment and technology that is advancing the state-of-the-art in product...

Apply adhesives, sealants to bores.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The RotoCoater is a noncontact dispenser that applies sealants or adhesives to a bore. Consisting of an air motor, spinning dispersion cup and a "Sureshot" dispensing valve, the unit can be used in single-bore applications or as part of a...

DC motor quiet and smooth.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Pittman-brand Series 14000 brush-commutated DC motors and gear motors feature 11-slot skewed armatures that enhance performance by minimizing magnetic cogging. The motors offer quiet and smooth operation for a wide range of power applications,...

Photoelectric sensors offer many options.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The XMT series of mini photoelectric sensors is available in 11 models. Options include diffuse reflective, focalized, polarized retroreflective, retroreflective-for-transparent and through-beam performance. Sensing distances range from 0.2...

Create lean workstations fast.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The MPS Manual Production System includes modular aluminum framing and a wide array of ergonomically tested workplace components to create workstations incorporating lean production principles such as one-piece flow, line-side parts stores and...

Conveyor provides gentle handling.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Conveyor chain is easy on fragile products, and offers efficiency and long service life, even in environments where dust and particulates are a problem. The chain features smooth link interfaces for gentleness and minimum dust generation in...

Ultrasonic sensors work in tight spaces.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Ultrasonic proximity sensors generate a highly focused beam of sound that can access very tight spaces and openings. Measuring 0.5-inch in diameter and 3.5 to 4 inches long, these sensors can be used in confined-space applications in...

No more running on empty.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Noncontact level sensors can be used with closed or covered nonmetallic containers to determine low reservoir level and eliminate the possibility of accidentally running dry and allowing air into a dispensing system. Indicators can include a...

Avoid marring product surfaces.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Apex Free-Spin cover protects painted, plated or polished surfaces from marring due to incidental contact with sockets and extensions during assembly. The cover, which is made with nylon, requires no special tools and takes only seconds to...

Motor is compact and sturdy.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Linearstep rotary stepper motor is available in two sizes, with outside dimensions of 25 and 35 millimeters. In addition to a sturdy case, the motors feature a proprietary thread spec and enhanced Neodymium magnet rotor to improve...

Terminal doesn't use tubing.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Fully insulated, low-profile F-crimp flag disconnect terminals eliminate the need for heat-shrinkable tubing. Enclosures are made from fire-retardant nylon, accept #18-#14 AWG wire and mate with 0.187 to 0.25 inch tabs. [ILLUSTRATION...

Workcell bases include enclosures.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Work-Cell Base line comes in 36-, 48- and 60-square-inch sizes. Cells include a 36-inch-high base and a 40-inch-high modular steel enclosure. Flush-mounted panels with removable access panels provide a cabinetlike appearance. The 0.75-inch...

Heatstaker offers parameters control.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The MX600 benchtop heatstaker incorporates advanced closed-loop system controls, and can be used in heatstaking and insertion applications that require exceptional process repeatability and precision. The system heatstakes by distance or force....

Inspect SMT components with ease.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Inspection kit offers an economic means of checking for coplanarity and lead pitch in fine-pitch surface mount assemblies. The kit is made with a pair of inspection mirrors that allow the operator to look at one or two sides of a two-sided...

Pinch pen dispenses fluids.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The 700TPCW pinch tube dispensing pen can be used for manually dispensing continuous beads or small amounts of low- to medium-viscosity fluids, such as solvents and cyanoacrylates. Disposable tubes are easy to change. The pinch tube is the only...

Kaizen gets mobile.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Portable Kaizen Work Shop can be used to create material handling and storage structures for companies implementing lean manufacturing processes. It is available in two configurations. The first includes a 4-by-8-foot workbench with storage for...

Strips are longer than ever.(Products)
December 1, 2005... CCS drive strips are available in 4-meter lengths, which can be butted together for even longer travel. Each strip includes a ceramic coating on a steel substrate and can be mounted via double-faced tape, mounting holes or a clamping spar. ...

Lift tables work longer.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Super Cycle extended-duty lift tables can be used for up to 200,000 cycles, thanks to modified parts that allow for regreasing and preventive maintenance. Welded, cold-rolled steel wear strips have also been added to increase operating life....

Stepper stages in four models.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Linear stepper motor stages travel at speeds up to 80 ips, with stroke lengths up to 144 inches and 1G acceleration. Stages can be used in pick-and-place applications, and for wire bonding, parts transfer, inspection and semiconductor wafer...

Automated device programming system.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The PS588 is a high-speed, offline production programming system for high-volume, high-mix assemblers. The system enables throughputs of up to 1,400 devices per hour. An auto-teach feature automatically finds the center of a device, simplifying...

Hold fasteners in place.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Nystay-brand fasteners provide a temporary locating patch that holds fasteners in place during transport. The patch can be applied to both threaded and unthreaded fasteners, allowing manufacturers to temporarily secure placement of components...

Rack secures parts from theft.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Security rack features metal sides, and retractable front and rear shutters, creating a totally enclosed structure for light security. The rack is constructed from 16-guage steel tubing. Shelves are height-adjustable and made of steel so they...

Press offers quality assurance.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The NCF press allows for continuous quality assurance in precision pressing applications. The electrically driven servo spindle is available in 10-, 25-, 35-, 50-, 80-, 100- and 120-kilonewton configurations, with nominal strokes of 130 and 180...

Slides don't need adapters.(Products)
December 1, 2005... DLM Directconnect mini ball-rail slides include mounting patterns that allow them to be mounted directly to other modular automation products without the use of adapter plates. Recommended automation applications include those requiring...

New workstation accessories.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Expanded workstation accessory line includes 80 different accessories in eight product categories covering all standard module widths. Specific options include variable-angle packing bench shelving; switchable bulb lamp fixtures; reversible...

Encapsulant works with lead-free.(Products)
December 1, 2005... Hysol FP4548FC liquid epoxy encapsulant features a low coefficient of thermal expansion and low shrinkage for use as an under-fill in surface mount flip-chip applications. When fully cured, the material creates a rigid, strong, low-stress seal...

Crimper includes many features.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The UniCrimp 200 delivers 3.7 tons of crimping force and will accept most mini-style applicators. Standard features include a retracting safety shield; a quick release applicator base for easy changeovers; a tool-less crimp height microadjust...

Placer is fast and accurate.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The AdVantis XS uses VRM linear motors to ensure accurate, repeatable surface mount assembly. The system is accurate to [+ or -]9 microns with 25 percent greater feeder capacity than its predecessor, the GSMxs. It is also 15 percent faster and...

Seat swings out of the way.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The 1Y Series stool can be swung out from a wall or from under a conveyor to stations on either side of a production line. It moves easily, until a person sits on the seat, thereby putting the seat base in contact with the floor. Height is...

Measure clear coating thickness.(Products)
December 1, 2005... LT-9000 series laser confocal displacement meters provide 0.01-micron thickness measurements on transparent objects using a single sensor head--even when target surfaces are wet, angled or irregular. The system's 2-micron-diameter laser is...

Monitor splice parameters.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Ultrasplice 2032 and Ultrasplice 2050 are both full-range ultrasonic wire splicing systems that produce high-quality splices at minimal cost. Splice parameters such as splice width, pressure, amplitude and energy are automatically adjusted....

Flux with precision.(Products)
December 1, 2005... The Century C-730 flux jetting system provides automated, precise application of solder fluxes for advanced semiconductor and board assembly applications. Parts can be fluxed at a rate of over 2,000 units per hour. Dies as large as 2-by-3...

Manage by activity.(Uncommon Sense)
December 1, 2005... Too many organizations believe that being customer-focused means never saying "no" to a customer request. That is a sure way to have too many customers, too many products, and too little control over your manufacturing operations. This leads to...