Assembly articles from January 2009

Assembly archives from January 2009

Failing our future.(Editorial)
January 1, 2009... The good news is that American fourth and eighth grade students improved their math and science scores in 2007 from those in 2003 and 2005, according to the results of the most recent Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. But...

Eight robotic cells assemble engine part: those robots can fly like maniac ninjas.(Automation Profiles)
January 1, 2009... Crimping and press-fitting are not inherently difficult assembly processes--unless you have to complete them in less then 2 seconds and meet a tolerance of 1/50th the diameter of a human hair. That was the challenge faced by engineers at Device...

Valve ensures exact shots.(NEW & NOTEWORTHY)
January 1, 2009... The manual Tip-Seal Kiss dispense valve can be used for dispensing low- and high-viscosity one-part adhesives and sealants. The valve's pistol grip has an electric trigger with a rugged trigger guard and foam grip for operator comfort. The...

Monitor linear and rotary motion.(NEW & NOTEWORTHY)
January 1, 2009... The Rotational Electro-Mechanical Assembly Press (REMAP) combines servo-controlled linear and rotary motion in a single unit for use in a wide variety of assembly and test applications involving both types of motion. The REMAP is especially...

Printer provides speed, precision.(NEW & NOTEWORTHY)
January 1, 2009... The TTM430 thermal transfer printer is durable, compact and well suited for use by medium- and large-volume assemblers. The system's printing sensors ensure accurate starts and stops. This, in turn, allows faster print speeds and less label...

Cordless driver reaches tough spots.(NEW & NOTEWORTHY)
January 1, 2009... The BDA350 18-volt LXT Lithium-Ion cordless angle drill operates at up to 1,800 rpm and delivers up to 121 in.-lb of torque for use in a wide range of drilling and driving tasks in wood or steel. The BDA350 features a compact four-pole motor...

Dissecting the nut factor.(Fastening THREADS)
January 1, 2009... In a previous column, I explained why calculating bolt tension is more difficult than measuring torque. The relationship between the torque applied to a fastener and the tension created from the resulting bolt elongation is usually described by...

New process for molding auto parts uses less resin.(Assembly Innovations)
January 1, 2009... Mazda Motor Corp. (Hiroshima, Japan) has developed a new plastic molding technology that substantially reduces the weight of plastic parts for vehicles. The technology lowers the amount of plastic resin needed to mold bumpers, consoles and...

Mobile robot drills holes in airplane components.(Assembly Innovations)
January 1, 2009... A Spanish engineering team has developed a light, portable robot that precisely drills holes in wing spars and other large aeronautical components during the assembly stage. Traditionally, such components are drilled using large, stationary...

Handheld ultrasonic instrument reads hidden Matrix codes.
January 1, 2009... Data Matrix codes can be read by laser scanners, vision systems and even magnetic sensing equipment. Now, researchers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL) have developed a way to read hidden matrix symbols using a handheld...

Hybrid material combines properties of metal, plastic.(Assembly Innovations)
January 1, 2009... A new hybrid material consisting of a polymer and a nanocrystalline metal alloy can be used to create lightweight components that have the strength and stiffness of metal, while offering the design flexibility and benefits of high-performance...

Coating, heal thyself!(Assembly Innovations)
January 1, 2009... Researchers in Germany have developed a self-healing, nano-scale coating for preventing corrosion in steel and aluminum parts for aerospace, automotive, maritime and energy applications. The environmentally friendly coating is seen as an...

Bolt reports how much load it's applying.(Assembly Innovations)
January 1, 2009... Whether a bolt is tightened by an air tool, a pulse tool or a computer-controlled electric tool, engineers can never be absolutely certain how securely the joint has been fastened. That's because engineers measure torque to assess the tightness...

Vision systems ensure quality of medical devices: one assembler uses machine vision to inspect dialysis filters passing by at 400 millimeters per second.(QUALITY in ASSEMBLY)
January 1, 2009... Medical devices pose a special challenge for inspection technology. They're produced at high volumes--and thus, high speeds--yet every assembly must be perfect. No defects can be tolerated. What's more, the inspections often require precise...

Boeing's 747 freighter also behind schedule.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... EVERETT, WA -- Boeing's 787 Dreamliner program is not the only one behind schedule. The company recently announced that its 747-8 freighter, originally scheduled to go into service at the end of 2009, will now have to wait until the third...

EFD Inc. opens new plant.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... EAST PROVIDENCE, RI -- Precision valve and electronics solder paste manufacturer EFD Inc. has opened a new 116,000-square-foot office, research and manufacturing facility, consolidating the functions that previously took place in four separate...

JLG opening China factory.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... OSHKOSH, WI -- JLG Industries Inc. (McConnellsburg, PA), a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corp., has begun construction of a new plant in Tianjin, China, to produce access and lifting equipment for sale in China and the rest of Asia. JLG also operates...

Robot orders down 19 percent.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... ANN ARBOR, MI -- North American-based robot companies saw new orders from North American manufacturing companies decline 19 percent in the fi rst three quarters of 2008, compared to the same time period in 2007. According to the Robotic...

Staubli Corp. expanding plant.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... DUNCAN, SC -- Robots, automation and quick-disconnect systems manufacturer Staubli Corp. is adding on to its South Carolina manufacturing plant to expand its ability to produce electrical connectors for the rapidly growing solar power market....

Schunk receives machinery award.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... MORRISVILLE, NC -- SCHUNK Inc. CEO Heinz-Dieter Schunk has been awarded the German Machine Development Prize as part of the third German Machine Development Summit in Berlin. The award is presented biannually by the German Machine and Plant...

Jergens acquires Bock Workholding.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... CLEVELAND -- Tooling and work-holding equipment manufacturer Jergens Inc. has acquired Bock Workholding Inc. (Ford City, PA), a company that specializes in the production of twin production vises, locating systems, five-axis vises and other...

NAM applauds Obama education pick.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... WASHINGTON -- National Association of Manufacturers President John Engler says he is pleased with President-elect Barack Obama's choice of Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan to serve as Education Secretary. Describing Duncan as an...

Bombardier closes sale to Ethiopian Airlines.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... MONTREAL -- Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) has signed a contract to purchase eight Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners, with an option on four additional Q400 aircraft, from Bombardier Aerospace, a subsidiary of Bombardier Inc. The...

Harman opens Chinese plant.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... STAMFORD, CT -- Harman International Industries Inc. has opened a new manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China, to produce automotive audio and entertainment systems for export throughout Asia. "This manufacturing and engineering expansion...

Norfolk Southern installs second wind turbine.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... NORFOLK, VA -- Norfolk Southern railroad has installed a 50-kilowatt wind turbine at its rail yard in North Kansas City, MO, to power the yard's wastewater treatment plant. The turbine is the company's second and consists of three 24-foot...

Bosch expanding solar production.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... STUTTGART, Germany -- Bosch Group, in cooperation with its recently acquired subsidiary ersol Solar Energy AG (Erfurt, Germany), plans to invest approximately $740 million to expand its manufacturing capacity for crystalline photovoltaic cells...

Caterpillar cutting costs at all levels.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... PEORIA, IL -- Responding to deteriorating market conditions, Caterpillar Inc. is enacting a number of cost-cutting measures, including laying off some of its hourly workers and making "significant" cuts in terms of compensation for executives...

Hand craft meets high tech in North America.(Assembly Lines)
January 1, 2009... Rimowa Inc. recently opened its first North American production facility in Cambridge, Ontario. Demand for our lightweight polycarbonate luggage has surged in recent years. The new plant will make luggage to supply the Americas. Double-digit...

Award ceremony honors IBM Poughkeepsie.(2008 Assembly Plant of the Year)
January 1, 2009... During a recent ceremony at the Casperkill Country Club in Poughkeepsie, NY, ASSEMBLY magazine presented International Business Machines Corp. with its 2008 Assembly Plant of the Year award. Company officials received an engraved crystal award...

NXP uses automation to remain competitive.(Assembly in Action)
January 1, 2009... NXP Semiconductors (Eindhoven, Netherlands) manufactures nearly a third of all the mobile-phone loudspeakers used worldwide, despite having to compete with an increasing number of companies in China and other low-cost Asian countries. ...

Engine plant saves money on lighting.(Assembly in Action)(Company overview)
January 1, 2009... Founded in 1906, the Waukesha Engine plant in Waukesha, WI, manufactures gas engines that are used in generators, mechanical drives and field gas compressors. A subsidiary of Dresser Inc. (Addison, TX), the company also produces generators and...

Laser welds ensure durable seals.(Assembly in Action)
January 1, 2009... SmarTire Systems Inc. (Richmond, British Columbia) manufactures tire pressure and temperature monitoring systems (TPMS) for aftermarket and OEM applications. The systems ensure that car or truck tires are correctly inflated, promoting long tire...

Hub connection system eliminates downtime, maintenance issues.(Assembly in Action)
January 1, 2009... GBR Systems Corp. (Chester, CT) manufactures paper-handling equipment used by printers, marketers and direct mail companies to cut, fold and stitch their printed materials. Recently, one of its machines began having problems because of the...

Robots improve insert molding processes.(Robotics Notebook)
January 1, 2009... Molding International and Engineering Inc. (MIE--Temecula, CA) is a custom insert-molding company that serves the automotive, telecommunications, electronics and medical industries. It specializes in producing precision components incorporating...

Joining joints: orthopedics is one of the fastest-growing medical market segments.(Medical Device Assembly)
January 1, 2009... Human bones constantly undergo severe stress and strain. If you live long enough, chances are that you'll eventually need to replace one or more joints due to injury, general wear and tear, or arthritis. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Demand...

Keeping screws tight: preventing screws from loosening requires the right combination of thread design, torque specification and fastening tool.(Screwdriving)
January 1, 2009... The worst Thanksgiving in John Souza's memory happened more than 20 years ago, back when he was an engineer for the now-defunct Digital Equipment Corp. in Maynard, MA. Days earlier, the company completed assembly of a multimillion-dollar...

A Sunny disposition: to help curb costs, solar panel manufacturers are increasingly employing robotics as much as possible.(Automated Assembly)
January 1, 2009... Decades after the energy shocks of the 1970s first introduced Americans to the idea of using direct sunlight as an alternative to coal and oil, solar panels are finally becoming a legitimate contender in the marketplace. Long relegated to...

Dispensing cyanoacrylates: the key to cost-effective bonds with these adhesives is putting the right amount in the right place.(Adhesives)
January 1, 2009... Cyanoacrylate adhesives (CA) quickly form tough and durable bonds with a wide variety of substrates including plastics, metals, ceramics and glass. Furthermore, no mixing, refrigeration or special handling--other than respecting the caustic...

Plastic welding by numbers: today's ultrasonic plastic welders offer unprecedented control over the joining process. But what exactly do all those settings mean?(Ultrasonics)
January 1, 2009... These days, every cell phone has a tiny digital camera. Welding the camera's clear plastic lens to the case is tricky. There's not much room for tooling, the seal must be watertight, and the process window is very small. What's more, a cosmetic...

Press offers a large work envelope.(Products)
January 1, 2009... A-7000 Series pneumatic presses employ a welded, powder-coated frame providing a working area that is 12.5 inches deep, 16.25 inches wide and 7.25 inches high. The system features a low deflection rating, even when providing a maximum force of...

Let a robot do the dispensing.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Long Stroke (LS) series robotic dispensers automate the messy and tedious job of applying RTV, epoxy, lubricants, adhesives and potting materials. The system's built-in motion processor with CF memory card, and digital syringe and valve...

Microscope simplifies surface analysis.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The Keyence VK-9700 color 3D laser-scanning confocal microscope combines the capabilities of a scanning electron microscope and noncontact profilometry with the ease of use of a conventional microscope. The VK-9700 provides 18,000x...

Servomotors fit the bill.(Products)
January 1, 2009... MCG brand ID Series brush-commutated DC servomotors incorporate higher inertia armatures to provide improved motor-to-load inertia matching capability for medium to high reflected load inertias. The motors' low cogging torque and simple brush...

Access screws more efficiently.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Precision screwfeeder features a fully adjustable rail system that can accommodate 11 different screw sizes from 1 millimeter to 5 millimeters. The system's minimal vibration at the pickup point makes it easier to capture screws for...

Ensure correct pinning of connectors.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The Pin-Sight assures correct pinning of electrical connectors during wire harness assembly. Its high-res CCD camera and video monitor guide the operator by electronically superimposing a target circle around the correct cavity based on wire...

Speed up tooling changes.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Segen Quick Change cylinder locks enable fast tooling and mold changes. The locks provide an alternative to traditional nuts and bolts, and save time by accurately and repeatedly locating and locking components in place without the need for...

Torque test stand is modular.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The Model TSTM-DC motorized torque test stand has a capacity of 100 in.-lb and can be used in a wide range of applications, including closure torque testing and fastener torque testing. The system's modular design allows it to be configured for...

Ensure consistent light curing.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The ACCU-CAL 50V radiometer offers repeatable measurement of visible light when determining whether a light curing system is providing sufficient intensity levels for successful curing. The system can measure visible light energy emitted from...

Controller offers ease of use.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The MAP 4000 Series process monitor and controller features programmable input selection and multiple mathematical functions as well as up to four limit switches, and analog outputs. It can perform up to 40 measurements per second. The system's...

Index drive available overnight.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The 601RDM index drive is now available via next-day shipping. It features four, six or eights stops and a standard drive package than includes an R180 30:1 reducer and D-1-RH mounting; a 1/3 hp AC motor; an IM-pAC AC drive; and a cycle cam and...

Conveyor well suited to accumulation applications.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The XLR Quickdraw slip roller accumulation conveyor features multiple adjacent rollers across the full conveyor bed, making it an ideal material handling system for multi-lane accumulation. XLR conveyors can handle randomly oriented,...

Gripper configured for packaging.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The LEG long-stroke electric gripper has is specifically configured for use in lightweight packaging applications, providing flexible strokes and weighing just 8.8 kilograms. When operated with a single servomotor, the system delivers a...

Wafer lifter is ready to go.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Electromechanical semiconductor wafer lift subassembly is ready to install as a single component, helping tool builders lower costs, streamline their supply chain, and reduce engineering expenses. The system employs a size 15 Ball Rail with a...

Jets enable precise, fast dispensing.(Products)
January 1, 2009... DispenseJet DJ-100 piezo-electric noncontact dispensing jets combine high speed with exceptional accuracy and process control. The systems are suitable for use with a wide range of fluid types and viscosities. In operation, the jet flies over...

Senssors ignore background clutter.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Series 3131 diffuse background suppression photoelectric sensors measure 30 by 30 by 15 millimeters and have sensing distance of 200 millimeters. The systems' background suppression function can be adjusted in small increments down to 15...

Presses include anti-rotation features.(Products)
January 1, 2009... DJ Series benchtop presses are now available in a DHS configuration, which includes a ram equipped with a number of anti-rotation features to maintain consistent die alignment throughout the pressing cycle. All DJ Series hydraulic and...

Encoders can take the abuse.(Products)
January 1, 2009... MagRes Hermetic series magnetic absolute multi-turn encoders feature sealed, rein-forced housings, which allow them to with-stand exposure to aggressive contaminants, impact, vibration, long-term submersion and intensive cleaning procedures....

Stages are robust, accurate.(Products)
January 1, 2009... ANT-LX nanotranslation crossed-roller linear stages incorporate direct-drive technology and provide the robust, accurate and high-speed positioning necessary for mass production of precision devices. The stages provide 2-nano-meter linear...

Interchangeable insert ratchet wrenches.(Products)
January 1, 2009... GN 316 series interchangeable insert ratchet wrenches with reversing levers are made of steel and available in metric sizes for use in assembly and repair work, as well as in fixed applications on machinery and equipment. Each wrench housing is...

Coating reduces friction in linear motion applications.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Kerkote and Black Ice TFE coatings eliminate the need for external lubrication in linear motion products. The coatings are especially effective in those applications where traditional greases are not appropriate, such as areas where periodic...

Carts serve as portable workstations.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Utility Carts can be used wherever technicians have to move tools around a large area, like the floor of an assembly plant. Measuring 46 inches high by 39 inches long and 23 inches wide, each cart is actually a rolling toolbox and workstation...

X-Y tables feature composite bases.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Ready-engineered linear stepper X-Y positioners can help increase productivity in a wide range of machinery applications and feature a honeycomb-structured composite material in the system's base. The bases are available in seven standard sizes...

Create more powerful control cabinets.(Products)
January 1, 2009... C65xx series industrial PCs (IPCs) can be installed in control cabinets or in the rear panel of a control-console housing to create a powerful "all-in-one" PLC and motion control system. Each C65xx IPC features an integrated heat sink for...

Secure your work with magnets.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Magnetic workholders are available with both permanent magnetic blocks and electro-permanent magnets. The holders provide access to five sides of a work-piece, enable quick and easy setup, and provide a powerful holding force for use in both...

Crimper makes operators' lives easier.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The Y46OEM11T crimping tool is mounted at an angle to make it easier for operators to insert and remove connectors. A number of accessories are available, including a clear protective guard and a terminal locator guide to ensure fast, safe...

Organizer is ESD safe.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The 35874 workstation organizer includes six cells that can be used to hold dispensing bottles, solder spools and a variety of smaller tools. Each organizer is approximately 9 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep and 7 inches high. It is made of...

Wireless system offers powerful tether option.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The Cleco LiveWire precision wireless production tool system is now available with Vmax, a tether option that facilitates 83 percent more speed without sacrificing either accuracy or durability. The Vmax option accommodates the same 10 tools to...

Wire stripper is adjustable.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The bench mounted BTS1 thermal wire stripper can be used to strip solid and stranded wire and cables with an outside diameter of up to 0.5 inch. The temperature of the stripping elements can be adjusted anywhere up to 1,400F. The system's...

Find, measure leaks fast.(Products)
January 1, 2009... MS-60 Series helium mass spectrometer leak detectors make it possible to accurately locate and measure leaks in objects, such as power plant condensers, automobile air bags and medical devices, at the push of a button. The systems use dual...

Sensor line provides options.(Products)
January 1, 2009... New capacitive sensor line for proximity and level detection applications includes approximately 250 models encompassing a wide variety of body styles, sensing ranges, harsh environmental ratings, and advanced functionality. Level-control...

Tool changer handles heavy loads.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The QC-1210 heavy-duty robotic tool changer can accommodate payloads of as much as 2,650 pounds. The system features three separate fail-safe locking mechanisms to ensure high-moment capacity and strength. Its modular construction facilitates...

Use hydraulics to secure work.(Products)
January 1, 2009... New hydraulic vise column work-holding system includes a swivel coupling that saves operator time by eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect the system's two hydraulic hoses as it rotates. Each vise can be independently operated to...

Lifter employs standard shop air.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The VPFL4 compressed air vacuum lifter runs on 72 psi to 90 psi dry, clean shop air, and can be operated from any overhead hoist for moving loads up to 1,500 pounds. The system features a vacuum pad attachment that provides 12 inches to 18...

New locating pin style.(Products)
January 1, 2009... A new line of bullet-nose locating pins offers machinery and equipment builders an alternative to the popular North American Automotive Manufacturing Standards (NAAMS) style pins. The new pins are different from NAAMS-style pins in a number of...

Feeder employs robotic arm.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The DS1100 parts feeder includes a seven-axis articulating robotic arm for loading and unloading trays and conveyors. The system features a compact footprint and can accommodate a wide range of tray types, including those used in clean rooms....

Lift trucks can cross rough surfaces.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Three-phase AC-electric ETV C16/C20 reach trucks feature elastic tires and a high ground clearance so that they can be used on both smooth warehouse floors and bumpy, uneven outdoor surfaces. The trucks are available with an optional...

Marker is fast, versatile.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The XF500 stand-alone marker can be used to mark all types of materials and shapes up to a hardness of a 62 HRC. The system features an integrated control unit that operates without a computer interface. Designed to be hand loaded, the XF 500...

Slides are clean, low maintenance.(Products)
January 1, 2009... DryLin slide tables are fully assembled prior to shipping, thereby saving engineers both time and money when manufacturing custom assembly equipment in-house. The slides require zero maintenance and are extremely low cost when compared to ball...

Lift and rotate small parts.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The Pneumati-Cam series of lightweight lift-and-rotate part handlers is well suited to small-component part transfer applications where a full mechanical or pneumatic pick-and-place device is not suitable. The system employs an AC motor and a...

Disconnect switch enhances safety.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The MD50 motor disconnect switch helps prevents process interruptions by cutting power whenever necessary to a motor without affecting the main circuit. The system's IEC 60309-compliant technology increases safety on a plant floor by making it...

Marking fixture rotates.(Products)
January 1, 2009... Rotating fixture can be used for marking cylindrical or multi-sided parts. The system's modular construction features a base with an adjustable headstock and tailstock. A hand-operated chuck requires no tools and is removable for special...

Motors are fast, precise.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The Megatorque PS series of motors offers high speed and high-resolution movement in a compact design for use in applications in the semiconductor, medical and machine tool industries. PS series motors incorporate an absolute position sensor...

Torque sensor includes USB interface.(Products)
January 1, 2009... The TFF400 reaction torque sensor features a USB digital interface and 16-bit resolution. The system provides torque measurements ranging from 5 in.-oz to 500 in.-lb. It uses metal foil strain gage technology and includes an overload protection...

Damper line is maintenance-free.(Products)
January 1, 2009... New line of maintenance-free, self-contained hydraulic dampers includes dampers with body diameters ranging from 15 to 40 millimeters and stroke lengths of up to 800 millimeters. Travel speed is easily adjusted and remains constant throughout...