Assembly articles from February 2005

Assembly archives from February 2005

Technology and obsolescence.(Editorial)
February 1, 2005... One of the hallmarks of the modern world is that technology marches ever onward. Every day, new products are created that we didn't know we needed until they hit the market. Then we find them indispensable, like the cell phone and Apple...

Harmonic drives provide high torque without backlash.(X-Y-Z)
February 1, 2005... When the Hubble Space Telescope turns its solar panels to the sun, it uses the same motion control technology that enables a six-axis robot to perform a series of spot welds quickly, accurately and repeatably. That's because the robot and...

Battelle researcher "revolutionizes" weld fatigue prediction.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... COLUMBUS, OH -- Battelle researcher Pingsha Dong has developed a method for predicting fatigue life in welded structures that he says has the potential to save billions of dollars in the aerospace, automotive, bridge construction, shipbuilding,...

Electronics Expo set for this month.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... ANAHEIM, CA -- APEX, IPC Printed Circuits Expo, the IPC Designers Council Summit and the Electronics Circuits World Convention are all taking place in one location Feb. 22-24. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sponsored by IPC-Association...

Graco acquires Liquid Control.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... MINNEAPOLIS -- Graco Inc. has acquired Liquid Control Corp. (North Canton, OH) and all its affiliated companies, including Decker Industries (Palm City, FL), Liquid Control Ltd. (Wellingborough, UK) and Profill Corp. (North Canton, OH). ...

Chinese cars coming to U.S.?(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... NEW YORK -- Visionary Vehicles LLC, an international automobile import and distribution company founded by Malcolm Bricklin, has announced an agreement with Chery Automobile Co. (Wuhu, China) to import a new line of low-cost vehicles to North...

Industry helping tsunami victims.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... TROY, MI -- Manufacturers and assemblers around the world are donating both money and materials to help victims of December's tsunami disaster in Southeast Asia. Specific companies range from industry giants like Honda Motor Co., which is...

Staubli acquires Bosch Rexroth robotics.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... FAVERGES, FRANCE -- Staubli Robotics has purchased the robotics division of Bosch Rexroth AG (Lohr am Main, Germany), subject to the agreement of European cartel authorities. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] According to Staubli, the company is...

Government, Big 3 automakers join forces.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... SOUTHFIELD, MI -- The U.S. Department of Commerce's Technology Administration and the Big Three U.S. automakers have signed an agreement establishing a partnership to promote technological research and policy analysis focused on improving...

Caterpillar buying Chinese equipment maker.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... PEORIA, IL -- Caterpillar Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Shandong SEM Machinery Co. (SEM, Beijing), one of China's key construction loader manufacturers. According to Caterpillar, the acquisition is the latest step in a multiyear...

JAL chooses Boeing 7E7.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... SEATTLE -- Japan Airlines Corp. (JAL) has selected Boeing's 7E7 as its next generation midsized twin aisle aircraft. JAL has agreed to 30 firm deliveries and 20 options, with deliveries beginning in 2008. The jets, which are still in...

Japan automakers have record 2004.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... TOKYO -- Japan's three largest automakers--Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co., and Nissan Motor Co.--all experienced record U.S. auto sales in 2004, with Toyota coming out on top with just over 2 million sold, a first for Japan's No. 1...

Team creating quiet snowmobiles.(Assembly Lines)
February 1, 2005... MONTREAL -- When it comes to snowmobiles, people either love them, or hate them. Aficionados say there are few things more satisfying than zooming through a winter wonderland. Detractors, however, find the noise and gas emission levels...

'Brain drain' not the problem.(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2005... Over the last few months I have read several articles expressing the concerns found in "Brain Drain Hurting U.S." (p. 15, Dec. 2004 issue). I find the concern odd. I would contend that the U.S. is not experiencing "an exodus of its creative...

Proximity sensors.(ASSEMBLY SPEC SHEET)
February 1, 2005... Looking for proximity sensors? Complete this form and fax it to your potential suppliers! [GRAPHIC OMITTED] Supplier Contact Information Balluff Inc.--Fax: 859-727-4823 Banner Engineering Corp.--Fax: 763-544-3213 Baumer...

Robotic dispensing puts hush in SUV.(Assembly in Action)
February 1, 2005... The Durango HB sport utility vehicle from DaimlerChrysler (Auburn Hills, MI) is built with acoustical dampening foam in several body cavities to lesson road and engine noise. Typically, this foam is dispensed manually, using a heavy dispensing...

Locking nuts with ease.(Assembly in Action)
February 1, 2005... Hendrickson Trailer Suspension Systems (Canton, OH) is a division of Hendrickson International, the world's largest supplier of air-ride trailer suspensions. Like many manufacturers, engineers at the Canton plant are concerned with fastener...

Navy cuts costs with board tester.(Assembly in Action)
February 1, 2005... The U.S. Naval Air Systems Command's (NAVAIR, Patuxent River, MD) mission is to ensure the U.S. Navy has the very best in equipment and technology. Specific areas of activity include everything from aircraft to weapons systems to surveillance...

Electric press inserts sleeves into blocks.(Assembly in Action)
February 1, 2005... As systems integrator Johann A. Krause Maschinenfabrik (Bremen, Germany) was putting together an automated assembly line for car engines, one station quickly emerged as a potential trouble spot: the station where centering sleeves are pressed...

Printer increases yield and throughput.(Assembly in Action)
February 1, 2005... Located in the Tianjin Free Trade Zone, HEG OEM Electronics (Tianjin, China) operates 21 automatic insertion machines, seven fully automatic surface mount technology lines and nine manual assembly lines. With this level of investment, the...

Running interference: bushings, bearings, pins and other parts are often assembled with an interference fit.(Assembly Presses)
February 1, 2005... Back in the day, Larry E. Stockline, president of Promess Inc. (Brighton, MI), was a machinist. As he set up a lathe to cut a shoulder into a shaft, he'd wonder, "Why is that feature necessary?" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The answer, of...

Lean workstations: organized for productivity; Operators need to get parts efficiently and find tools quickly.(Lean Manufacturing)
February 1, 2005... Pull production is a basic tenet of lean manufacturing. In a pull environment, downstream activities, such as assembly, signal their needs to upstream activities, such as material handling. The same principles apply to a lean workstation;...

No-compromise linear modules: speed, precision, and load capacities.
February 1, 2005... Conventional wisdom says that you can't achieve high speeds, precision, and high load capacity at the same time in pick-and-place or positioning systems. To increase one, you trade off the performance of others. In managing such tradeoffs,...

Robot dos and don'ts: there's a right way and a wrong way for every robotic assembly application.(THE ROBOTICS INDUSTRY)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2005... Using robots for assembly applications has never been easier, thanks to a new breed of software, sensors, controls and machine vision systems. But, even with the most advanced technology, mistakes still occur and problems arise when using...

Intelligent robotics: the next step; With machine vision, robots can accurately manipulate parts, regardless of how they're positioned.(THE ROBOTICS INDUSTRY)
February 1, 2005... Henry Ford provided the first quantum leap in modern manufacturing: the assembly line. A half century later, automation brought manufacturing another giant step forward. But, even though automation has improved considerably over the years, the...

Taking your pick: tool changers allow robots to fulfill their flexible potential.(THE ROBOTICS INDUSTRY)
February 1, 2005... One of the main selling points for robots is their flexibility. Unlike conventional automation systems, robots can be programmed to perform any number of tasks--either in sequence as part of a single production cycle, or when assembling...

Leak testing with hydrogen: compared with other methods, leak testing with hydrogen has many advantages.(Test and Inspection)
February 1, 2005... Leak testing is an essential part of quality assurance testing for a wide range of industries. In fact, for many suppliers to the automotive industry, leak testing is an integral part of production: 100 percent of their parts are tested against...

Lead-free limits on reflow: tests reveal some of the parameters for successful lead-free printed circuit board assembly.(Electronics Assembly)
February 1, 2005... As lead-free (LF) grows in importance, manufacturers are coming to grips with the reflow process and the challenges posed by surface mount assembly. The differences in melting points between traditional tin-lead, or eutectic, solders and LF...

I/O is modular, adaptable.(Products)
February 1, 2005... The SynqNet SQIO product line is comprised of a SynqNet interface device (SQID) and flexible analog and digital add-on boards that provide machine builders with modular, high-count I/O. SQIO can be integrated to work with existing machine I/O...

Inspect adhesives in real-time.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Sealant.IQ machine vision system can identify over-dispensing, under-dispensing, bubbles, gaps and incorrect material usage. Pass or fail of parts is based on predefined bead location, bead width or bead skips. The system inspects the bead of...

Plastics welder is portable.(Products)
February 1, 2005... The Ultracell mobile ultrasonic welding workstation comes in two sizes--800 by 800 millimeters and 800 by 1,200 millimeters. Both sizes include rubberized, lockable casters for easy transport. The workstation accommodates a wide range of...

Thumb nuts lock tight.(Products)
February 1, 2005... New line of thumbscrews is comprised of 2024 aluminum-threaded bushings and plastic knobs, creating a thumbscrew with internal threads. Nuts are available in nine thread sizes ranging from 4-40 to 5/16-24. The plastic knob portion of the...

Switch for PCB use is affordable.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Lo-Carb switches are right-angle miniature pushbutton switches for use with printed circuit boards. Recommended applications include toys, consumer electronics, audio systems and medical devices. The switch features nonshorting contacts, low...

Digital meter fits in pocket.(Products)
February 1, 2005... The PM series of ultracompact, digital multimeters features units 3/8 inch thick, weighing less than 3 ounces and fitting easily in your pocket. Three models include up to nine different functions, including measurement of AC and DC voltage,...

Adhesive is versatile, aggressive.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Metal Welder adhesive is a nonsagging 10-to-1 methacrylate with tiny glass beads throughout the activator to improve adhesion by ensuring a consistent gap between bonded surfaces. Working time is 5 to 6 minutes at 72 F. Functional cure takes 1...

IGrippers are light, strong.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Robotic grippers with carbon fiber tubing shafts can be used for high-speed production runs requiring lightweight tooling and high strength. By reducing component weight, the carbon fiber tubes reduce wear on robotic arms. Weight savings varies...

Digital acuators offer precision.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Portescap 20DAM series digital linear actuators provide linear step resolution of 0.001, 0.002 and 0.004 inch, and 2.5 watts of power. Actuators are available in captive and noncaptive versions, with unipolar or bipolar construction and...

Conveyors avoid the straight and narrow.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Heavy-duty modular plastic belt curve conveyors transport products around corners while maintaining product orientation. Conveyors can have multiple turn sections, with incline or decline sections, all the while using a single drive motor....

Profile your products for quality.(Products)
February 1, 2005... The Efector Dualis inspection sensor uses infrared light to provide pass-fail contour evaluation. When in use, an infrared light source illuminates the component being evaluated, and the sensor then analyzes its silhouette, comparing it with a...

Panel cutter works manually.(Products)
February 1, 2005... The K3000 linear blade depanelizer incorporates a circular top blade, which is manually operated to separate printed circuit board panels. An adjustable front and back table can be tilted so that separated panels slide automatically onto a...

Transfer film works for general bonding.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Unifilm UJ504 is an unsupported acrylic adhesive transfer film that can be used in general industrial bonding applications. It offers chemical, heat and humidity resistance, and performs over a wide temperature range. Recommended uses include...

Monitor assemblies in-process.(Products)
February 1, 2005... The PC-AMS is a multichannel monitoring system that performs on-line quality evaluations of press-fit insertion, staking and crimping operations. It consists of a microprocessor-based unit that monitors signals from force and position sensors...

Cart is big and collapsible.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Material cart features a wire frame that allows it to be knocked down to save space during storage. A vinyl liner attaches to the frame using a Velcro strap and works for containing textiles, plastic and other low-density products. Volume is 12...

Station helps organize organization.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Kanban station can be modified to meet specific application requirements for companies developing lean manufacturing strategies. Incorporating a series of plastic dividers and spacers, the station helps operators organize cards containing the...

Sensors measure material thicknesses.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Selcom SLS 5000 noncontact sensors have an integrated sensor within the head and a built-in processor for data averaging and filtering. A feedback loop allows accurate measurement of material thicknesses, regardless of speed, ambient light...

Laser detects tiny movements.(Products)
February 1, 2005... The DS-80 micro laser interferometer detects tiny movements, enabling it to measure surface differences in semiconductor wafers and hard disk drives, and side action variance in bearing systems and X-Y stages. Resolution is 0.08 nanometer. ...

Measure heavy-duty positions.(Products)
February 1, 2005... The R10 rod-style line of linear displacement transducers deliver positioning accuracy of 0.0001 inch and can withstand continuous pressures of up to 5,000 psi, with a shock rating of 2,000 G. Transducers can be used to monitor the position of...

Double-coated tapes offer options.(Products)
February 1, 2005... Double-coated 4351M and 4352M tapes bond on their exposed sides to a variety of foam materials, including urethane and Low Perm urethane. The liner side of 4351M adheres to surfaces such as talc-filled polypropylene and high density...

10-32 UNF Quick Disconnects.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... The 10-32 UNF Quick Disconnects are available in three barb configurations: straight, elbow, and tee. Depress the latching pushbutton to remove the barb; reinsertion of the barb locks it into position. Barbs can be provided for 1/16", 1/8", or...

FREE 2005 NI measurement and automation catalog.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... The National Instruments 2005 catalog is the leading virtual instrumentation resource for engineers and scientists seeking the most productive customer-defined software and hardware tools. You will find everything from new product information,...

New online catalog.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... R & I announces new Catalog pages on www.rimfg.com. Complete technical information including 2D drawings & 3D solid models also available. R & I offers a complete line of high quality Precision Placement Devices for the automatic assembly...

Wiha adjustable TorqueControl Screwdrivers.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... Whether it's TorqueVario or TorqueFix--Wiha has an adjustable or preset torque driver to cover almost every application. All Wiha Torque Vario-S models have an integrated window scale that displays the torque value--a completely new design,...

Brazing and soldering automation.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... Find ideas for automating your brazing or soldering application with Fusion's 16-page capabilities brochure. Review rotary index and fixed station, "Braze Mate" machine types. Paste dispenser concepts and heating methods discussed, including...

Crimp, twist, flux and tin ultra-thin wire.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... The Gamma 255 from Komax is a flexible crimping machine that can process both ends of a wire from 16 AWG to 36 AWG--fully-automatically. The operator can leave the crimping press in place as a changeover is made to twisting, fluxing and tinning...

Adhesives for OEM assembly.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... Website presents Devcon's adhesives for OEM assembly: high-strength epoxies; advanced methacrylates for bonding plastics, composites, and metals; fast-curing cyanoacrylates; and chemical-resistant threadlockers. Site also discusses Devcon's...

Radial rivet-forming.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... AGME introduces the new pneumatic radial riveting machine, model RR-18. This size riveter is available either as a stand-alone- or tabletop riveting machine, a riveting head for integration, or as a component used in our CNC-riveting machines....

Expansion to 2nd Generation EC-Electric Screwdriver Spindles.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... DEPRAG has again expanded the 2nd Generation of EC-Screwdriver Spindles, by adding a driver with an extreme high torque capability. The EC-Spindles are similar to the DEPRAG stationary pneumatic spindles in sizes (smallest major [empty set]...

Assemble it faster, better, for less.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... Find the new technologies and ideas at Assembly East. May 4-5, 2005 Boston, MA www.assemblyeast.com Assembly East is the leading event in the Northeast where manufacturing professionals go to source new products and learn...

Linear assembly system.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... Palletized transfer system with cam operated locking stations. Smooth acceleration/deceleration of workpiece carriers which are accessible from above, underneath, and side. High accuracy with fast index times. Modular design; minimal...

Edmund Optics releases new January 2005 catalog.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... Edmund Optics' new January 2005 optics and optical components catalog contains over 7,000 products to assist in your demanding applications. Over 200 new products to this catalog include Near-IR Neutral Density Filters, RazorEdge[TM] Longpass...

Machine vision seminar.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... Understanding and Applying Machine Vision * Learn how vision sensors work * See how applications can be set up quick and easily * Find out how to reduce production costs * See live demonstrations, including the new Checker...

EFD, Inc.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... For answers on the best way to apply assembly fluids--cyanoacrylates, epoxies, silicones, and UV-cure adhesives in precise, repeatable amounts--request a free copy of EFD's product catalog CD. The CD contains helpful white papers, details on...

Linear Motion and Assembly Technology catalogs and CAD files DVD.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... The new DVD from the Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies business unit of Bosch Rexroth Corporation contains all the product information you need on one user-friendly disk. Review catalogs and CAD files for the complete range of Rexroth...

Free design software saves time.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... FMSsoft[TM] design software version 7.0 from Bosch Rexroth Corporation works with AutoCAD[R] 2000 and later versions to design factory structures and equipment in 3-D using current Rexroth aluminum framing, ergonomic workstation, or conveyor...

$18K leak detection.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... For $18,000 you get a full-featured Heliot 700 helium leak detector with a multiple valve design for a sensitivity of 10-12 Torr-l/s and color touch screen featuring onscreen maintenance and troubleshooting capabilities. [ILLUSTRATION...

COBRA LED line lights for assembly and inspection.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... StockerYale announces a new product family, the COBRA LED line lights, for PCB inspection and other machine vision and linescan applications. COBRAs are the most powerful LED lines available, producing illuminance of 220,000 lux. They come in...

Electrical/optic seals.(Hot Website & Literature Review)
February 1, 2005... Standard and custom hermetic designs. Low or high pressures or vacuums. Any cable type or pin connector may be specified. Circular or rectangular seals including micro D-sub. Design flexibility, low cost, compact sizes, high corrosion...

Dueling paradigms.(Uncommon Sense)
February 1, 2005... Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma have both been trumpeted as potential saviors of U.S. industry. Each has its share of documented successes, but many companies seem to struggle with which approach is best. In my view, neither lean nor Six Sigma...