Assembly articles from June 2003

Assembly archives from June 2003

Take a big swing. (Editorial).
June 1, 2003... Ever shorter product life cycles mean less time to get new products to market and shorter product lifetimes for earning profits. It also means there is less time to deliberate whether to keep making a product in the face of deteriorating...

Safety takes a curtain call. (X-Y-Z).
June 1, 2003... When assembly equipment must be guarded, the best safety measure is one that provides the most protection with the least affect on normal machine operation. An operator who must constantly open and close "hard" guards to load and unload a...

3M Innovation.
June 1, 2003... 3M Innovation 3M Adhesive Poly- Technologies * Acrylic ABS Nylon carbonate Tapes VHB[TM] Tapes 4941, 5952, 4941, 4941, 4941, 5952,...

Guide covers Inch Fastener Standards. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... CLEVELAND--Newly published technical information is featured in the 7th Edition Inch Fastener Standards reference guide, published by Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI). The guide provides information on fastener grade identification...

Ford debuts translucent concept vehicle. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... DEARBORN, MI--"You can have any color as long as it's black," said Henry Ford, 100 years ago. Now, Ford is taking color to a more intense level, all in the name of safety and user preferences. As part of "National Design Triennial: Inside...

BEI and ThinGap Motor Technologies announce relationship. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... SYLMAR, CA--BEI Technologies Inc. and ThinGap Motor Technologies (Ventura, CA) have agreed to develop, market and produce motors incorporating ThinGap's wireless and slotless electromotive coil technology. ThinGap will use BEI optical...

Flashlight eliminates batteries and bulbs. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... BOCA RATON, FL--It's a dark and stormy night, and right in the middle of your favorite television program, the power suddenly cuts off. You go to the kitchen and search through the cabinets for the flashlight. You finally find it and turn it...

Palomar presents process automation seminars in Asia. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... VISTA, CA--Palomar Technologies is hosting a series of seminars throughout Asia on the latest technologies and equipment for automated component assembly. The seminars explain emerging technologies for automating component assembly with an...

Animatics and Minarik ink agreement. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... SANTA CLARA, CA--Animatics Corp. and Minarik Corp. have agreed to jointly develop, manufacture, market and distribute products using Animatics' technology. The two companies will work together to create new motion control products within 6...

PI to supply actuators and controllers to SALT. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... KARLSRUHE, GERMANY--Physik Instrumente will supply 280 custom nanopositioning actuators and custom multiaxis motion controllers for the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). SALT will be the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere....

Bosch rexroth overhauls order fulfillment. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... BUCHANAN, MI--To improve on-time delivery, reduce average lead times by 5 days and cut inventory associated with custom orders, Bosch adopted a new approach to order fulfillment for its TSPlus assembly conveyors. Supplied as standard...

Ford plans to cut design time. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... DEARBORN, MI--Ford Motor Co. is trying to reinvent its core business in its centennial year. The company is aiming to reduce the time needed to design and produce new vehicles by 25 percent. By sharing designs and technology among similar...

AMT to open service and technology center in China. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... MCLEAN, VA--By the end of 2003, the Association for Manufacturing Technology will open a new service and technology center in China. This center will help U.S. machine tool equipment manufacturers sell their products in he region. It will...

Universal Instruments opens China plant. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... BINGHAMPTON, NY--Universal Instruments Corp. has opened a manufacturing facility in Shekou, China. The facility will include research, engineering, finance and product assembly. The 4,700-square-foot facility will he a base for servicing...

Electric field provides handle to manipulate tiny particles. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... ARGONNE, IL--Intricate patterns formed by granular materials under the influence of electrostatic fields have scientists at Argonne National Laboratory dreaming of new ways to create smaller structures for nanotechnologies. With a...

Asymtek celebrates its 20th anniversary. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... CARLSBAD, CA -- Asymtek has spent the last 20 years providing dispensing and motion control equipment. Founded in 1983 by Robert Ciardella, Alec Babiarz and Philip Maiorca, the company specializes in semiconductor, surface mount and electronics...

SME honors manufacturing leaders. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... DEARBORN, MI -- Anne L. Stevens, vice president of North American vehicle operations at Ford Motor Co., has won the Eli Whitney Productivity Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). The award is given annually to an engineer...

Rofin-Sinar grants Fanuc a license for solid-state lasers. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... HAMBURG, GERMANY--Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of lasers, and Fanuc, a manufacturer of robots and numerical controls, have signed a technical license agreement. This agreement includes the rights to manufacture and sell...

ABB consolidates its Robotic welding and cutting. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... AUBURN HILLS, MI--To focus on the automotive market, ABB Inc.'s Manufacturing and Automotive Industries Group will relocate people from its Fort Collins, CO, facility to its Auburn Hills facility. This move is in conjunction with the opening of...

Auto manufacturers promote safety. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... NEW YORK--Automobile manufacturers together with technical researchers and government agencies are focusing their energy and resources on technologies that promote greater driving safety. And they've come up with an idea that even the Batmobile...

Associated Spring selects SupplyWorks. (Assembly Lines).
June 1, 2003... BEDFORD, MA--Associated Spring (Farmington, CT), a manufacturer of precision springs, has selected Supplyworks Inc.'s SupplyWorks MAX software to automate its procurement operations and maximize supply chain visibility. SupplyWorks will...

Corrections.
June 1, 2003... In the April issue of ASSEMBLY, on page 37, DENSO Robotics' Web site address is incorrect. It should be www.densorobotics.com. Readers interested in robotics should contact DENSO in Long Beach, CA, at 888-476-2689. In the May issue, a...

Manufacturer cuts process time with adhesive dispensers. (Assembly in Action).
June 1, 2003... Helwig Carbon Products Inc. (Milwaukee) designs and manufactures carbon brushes for electric motors. Its carbon brushes are used in small, fractional horsepower motors, as well as huge overhead cranes and power stations. The company's Red...

Self-clinching fasteners help bus bars deliver power. (Assembly in Action).
June 1, 2003... Bus bars help distribute electrical current from power supplies to components. Bus bars are used in the computer, power conversion, telecommunications, energy management, power supply, military, medical, transportation, and automotive...

Pneumatic systems speed up palletizer. (Assembly in Action).
June 1, 2003... When paper manufacturer Australian Paper (Mount Waverly, Australia) needed to speed up its automated boxed paper palletizing system, Robotic Automation (Silverwater, Australia) stepped in to help. Robotic Automation (Silverwater, Australia) is...

Multichip bonder assembles flip chips. (Assembly in Action).
June 1, 2003... Amkor Technology Inc. (West Chester, PA)is a provider of contract semiconductor assembly and test services. It offers semiconductor companies and original equipment manufacturers a complete set of microelectronic design and manufacturing...

Small-scale manufacturer makes large-scale improvements. (Assembly in Action).
June 1, 2003... As a small-scale manufacturer, Ligon Brothers Manufacturing Co. (Almont, MI) was facing increased competition and unacceptable injury rates. In 1997, there were 47 recordable injuries. This signaled a need for a change. In particular, the K-137...

Yachts sail to victory with adhesive. (Assembly in Action).
June 1, 2003... To fabricate its Sinergia 40 racing yachts, Sinergia Composites (Cartagena, Spain) relies on Vantico's (Los Angeles) Araldite 2022 methacrylate adhesive. This adhesive produces longlasting bonds between thermoplastic, composite and metal...

Adhesive helps endoscopy system perform. (Assembly in Action).
June 1, 2003... The Given diagnostic system, a wireless endoscopy system manufactured by Given Imaging (Norcross, GA), has revolutionized the diagnostic process for cancers and other disorders of the small intestine. Rather than relying on invasive diagnostic...

Dispensing system ensures mixing ratios for foam padding. (Assembly in Action).
June 1, 2003... Brock USA (Boulder, CO) has developed a foam bead technology using closed-cell polymer spheres that range in size from 2 to 6 millimeters in diameter. They are encapsulated by an lastomeric coating during the manufacturing process. It produces...

The pulse of tightening: simple in concept, correctly tightening the ubiquitous threaded fastener turns out to be a complex process. (Fastening).
June 1, 2003... Assembly with threaded fasteners is an essential element of modern industrial production, and bolts are among the most common and widely used types of threaded fasteners. Bolts, like all threaded fasteners, are ideal for recycling and conform...

Welding tailights with light beams: laser welding is a cost-effective process for assembling plastic auto parts. (Plastics Welding).
June 1, 2003... Today, laser welding is fact, not fiction. Recent developments in high-power laser diode technology make it a cost-effective method for joining polymers and thermoplastics. Changing market conditions and more affordable welding equipment are...

The beauty of modular profile systems: from building straightforward tables and workstations to frames for automated assembly systems, many assemblers are turning to modular profile systems. (Modular Profile Systems).
June 1, 2003... Modular profile systems offer a wide range of structural components for building virtually any imaginable framework, with plenty of room to develop new ideas. Typically made of aluminum, profile systems offer many benefits. Their strength is...

Set up for success: challenged by high-mix, low-volume assembly, electronics manufacturers are setting up their lines to minimize changeover and maximize efficiency. (Electronics Assembly).
June 1, 2003... During the past few years, U.S. electronics manufacturing service (EMS) providers have seen their businesses change from high-volume, low-mix assembly to high-mix, low-volume assembly. There are many reasons for this shift, including mass...

Aerospace prepares to soar again: today's gloom will evolve into tomorrow's boom. (Industry Watch).
June 1, 2003... This month, the international aerospace community convenes for the Paris Air Show. The biannual event is a showcase for the latest technology and cutting-edge designs. Unfortunately, the usually festive atmosphere will be more somber this year....

DFA transforms computer chassis: dell updated its computer chassis by using design for excellence methodology and design for assembly software. (Assembly Design).
June 1, 2003... When Dell Computer Corp. (Round Rock, TX) envisioned a new chassis design for its desktop and workstation computers, the company had ambitious goals. It wanted one family of chassis to serve its Optiplex, Precision and Dimension product lines....

Placement machine has high-res camera. (Products).
June 1, 2003... The GSM pick-and-place machine is equipped with a high-resolution machine vision camera that can capture ball grid arrays, quad flat packs and other large components in a single field of view. The camera's resolution is 1,024 by 1,024 pixels....

Nylon fasteners. (Products).
June 1, 2003... Combination-drive binder head screws are made of nylon 6/6 for electrical insulation, vibration and abrasion resistance, chemical and corrosion resistance, and low thermal conductivity. These nonmagnetic fasteners have a high strength-to-weight...

Thermal transfer printers. (Products).
June 1, 2003... The A series of thermal transfer printers can be connected to a shop floor network and send e-mail alerts to an engineer's computer Model A3 has a print speed of 200 millimeters per second at a resolution of 203 dots per inch (dpi) or 150...

Automatic cable stripper. (Products).
June 1, 2003... The AirStrip 2940 automatically cuts and strips thick cable at a rate of up to 1,300 pieces per hour. The device handles cable ranging from 0.19 to 0.625 inch thick. Eubanks Engineering Co. www.eubanks.com 626-357-7011 Reply...

Handheld dispenser. (Products).
June 1, 2003... The 752SYS dispenser applies neat, controlled heads of low- to medium-viscosity adhesives. The lightweight, handheld dispensing valve is connected to a pressurized 1-liter tank with a flexible feed line. The flow of adhesive is determined by...

Adhesives bond needles. (Products).
June 1, 2003... A new line of adhesives has been formulated to bond cannulae to hubs in needle assemblies. The line consists of 18 adhesives in three chemistries: light-cure acrylics, light-cure cyanoacrylates and one-part, heat-cure epoxies. They cure...

Gravity-feed Hopper. (Products: Parts Feeding).
June 1, 2003... The Ropak Hopper Bottom gravity-feed container dispenses small, uniformly shaped parts, such as caps or closures. Containers are available to hold 25.3, 34.8 and 37 cubic feet. When empty, the container collapses to a fraction of its assembled...

Trays hold components. (Products: Parts Feeding).
June 1, 2003... These adjustable matrix trays hold high-reliability ceramic packages, metal case hybrid packages and other components for which standard Jedec trays are unavailable. The trays consist of an aluminum base with a series of moveable supports that...

Pump with suction cup. (Products: Parts Feeding).
June 1, 2003... In the VGS 3010 gripper system, the vacuum pump and suction cup are integrated in a single unit. The system requires less energy and delivers quicker and more reliable work cycles than centralized pump and cup systems. The system can operate at...

Small suction cups. (Products: Parts Feeding).
June 1, 2003... The OC series of small oval vacuum cups have snap-on fittings and nonrotating suspensions. They are molded from FDA-approved, non-marring silicone or nitrile. Cup lengths range from 0.39 to 3.94 inches. Cup width can be as large as 1.38 inches....

Automated assembly cell. (Products: Assembly Machines).
June 1, 2003... The Xcel is a reusable, reconfigurable automated assembly cell for electronic products. Its pick-and-place system can be equipped with vision guidance and force sensing. The cell can be linked with factory information systems and includes a...

Heat-staking machine. (Products: Assembly Machines).
June 1, 2003... This two-position, rotary-indexing heat-staking machine allows an operator to load one set of parts while another is being assembled. Indexing speed is adjustable. Tooling on the heat staker and the dial plate have quick-change releases. A...

Rotary indexer. (Products: Assembly Machines).
June 1, 2003... The Toggle-Aire Model 1011 RT pneumatic rotary indexer has a ram-to-station accuracy of [+ or -]0.00 15 inch and a press stroke repeatability of [+ or -]0.001 inch. The machine can be equipped with four to 24 indexing stations, bowl feeders,...

Radial riveter. (Products: Assembly Machines).
June 1, 2003... The Model RA radial riveter accommodates rivet sizes from 0 to 16 gauge, with a shank length to head diameter ratio of 3-to-l or greater. The rivet is automatically fed, oriented and delivered to the point of load, where it is presented in the...

Optical alignment system. (Products: Fiber Optics).
June 1, 2003... The Fast 6 is a six-axis optical alignment system for assembling and testing planar wave guides, laser diodes, modulators and other fiber optic components. The linear axes have a resolution of 5 nanometers. Maximum travel lengths are 50...

Optical fluid. (Products: Fiber Optics).
June 1, 2003... SL-5267 is a nonvolatile, nontoxic, radiation-hardened optical fluid for optical coupling and light transmission in photonics, display and high-power laser applications. It is optically clear from the blue-green to the near infrared spectra and...

Fiber optic cables. (Products: Fiber Optics).
June 1, 2003... Multimode fiber optic cable assemblies can take tight bends. These glass-glass-polymer cables can be customized with any combination of FC, SC, ST or LC on any end. The cables have glass cladding that measures 125 microns in diameter, and a...

Self-contained inspection system. (Products: Sensors & Vision).
June 1, 2003... The Adept Vision SAVI is a compact vision inspection system that uses contour detection technology to identify objects and patterns based on their geometric shape. This enables the system to inspect objects despite clutter, lighting variations,...

Sensor control unit. (Products: Sensors & Vision).
June 1, 2003... The Model 462M41H31 central control unit monitors four safety sensors and emergency stop buttons. With interface modules, the microprocessor-controlled device can monitor 32 safety sensors. The unit issues a warning signal when no sensor has...

Tiny sensors. (Products: Sensors & Vision).
June 1, 2003... The W2 subminiature photoelectric sensor has a laser-like light spot for detecting very small parts at a range of 0.6 to 1.2 inches. A background suppression function eliminates interference from moving or reflective background objects. The...

High-resolution camera. (Products: Sensors & Vision).
June 1, 2003... The MegaPlus ES 1020, a high-resolution digital camera, can capture mega-pixel images at 48 frames per second. Electronic shutter exposure times are as short as 35 microseconds. It is suitable for semiconductor, electronics inspection,...

Stable light for inspection. (Products: Sensors & Vision).
June 1, 2003... The Model 21 DC fiber optic illuminator provides intense, stable, cool illumination for machine vision. Light output is stable to +/-1 percent, and won't fluctuate with variations in line voltage. Light intensity is adjustable from 0 to 100...

Vision guidance for robots. (Products: Sensors & Vision).
June 1, 2003... MC3D is a multicamera, 3D vision system for guiding robots in applications involving large parts with a mixture of visual landmarks. The system can be used to guide robots during welding, dispensing, inspection and automotive glass assembly....

Custom gaskets. (Products: Fasteners).
June 1, 2003... Precision one-piece gaskets can be custom-made in any shape and thickness. Maximum size is 60 inches square. Stock materials include cork, graphite fiber fabrics, neoprene, rubber, Kevlar and Teflon. Digital Die Cutting Ltd. ...

Blind threaded inserts. (Products: Fasteners).
June 1, 2003... The A-R Series threaded insert is for use in plastics and thin-gauge sheet metal applications requiring increased pull-out resistance. When installed, the slotted body of the insert folds into four segments, gripping the backside of the parent...

Patch secures fasteners. (Products: Fasteners).
June 1, 2003... The True Blue self-sealing and self-locking patch is permanently bonded to the threads of a fastener. When mating threads are engaged, the tough nylon patch is compressed, creating a counterforce that increases metal-to-metal contact and...

Spring for bearings. (Products: Fasteners).
June 1, 2003... This single-turn wave spring is suitable for preloading hearings. The spring preloads the bearing through its outer race and prevents sliding between the rolling elements. Smalley Steel Ring Co. www.smalley.com 847-537-7600 ...

Laser welders. (Products: Welding).
June 1, 2003... The JK401 and JK501 Nd:YAG laser welders have a "Super Modulation" feature that momentarily doubles the laser's output intensity. This feature allows engineers to control weld penetration, heat-affected zones, cooling rates, kerf quality,...

Miniature stud welder. (Products: Welding).
June 1, 2003... Model 2200IND is a miniature capacitor-discharge stud welder. It produces surface welds between small diameter studs and base parts as thin as 0.005 inch thick. Studs range from 0.0 18 to 0.25 inch in diameter and up to 2.5 inches in length....

Inverter for robotic welding. (Products: Welding).
June 1, 2003... The Power Wave F355i is a digitally controlled, 350-ampere inverter power source for use with Fanuc robot controllers. The power source communicates with the controller directly through the Lincoln ArcLink communications protocol, eliminating...

Automated guided vehicle. (Products: Robots).
June 1, 2003... The FlexiMate is a battery-powered automated guided vehicle. Its memory stores 17 routing tracks concurrently. An optical guidance system follows routes marked on the floor with stainless steel foil. The vehicle carries a maximum load of 3,300...

Thermal processing ovens. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... This informative booklet includes a wealth of information needed to select the proper heat processing equipment for your application. Subjects discussed include construction issues, operating temperatures, airflow, safety, heat uniformity,...

IAC workstation solutions. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... Your most comprehensive selection of workstations, workbenches and related productivity accessories is in our 192-page full-color master catalog. From simple to sophisticated, the selection also includes, LAN stations, clean room products,...

Automation solutions. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... POWER Engineers' Automation Group pro 7 vides complete systems automation, integrating manufacturing plant floor controls with enterprise business systems. POWER is a leading provider of engineering services, including instrumentation and...

Service & technical information at your fingertips! (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... All Web inquiries receive a response within 24 hours! AIMCO's new, improved site offers online technical support: trouble shooting guides, maintenance instructions, torque adjustment guides, service center listings, product specifications and...

Brazing and soldering automation. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... Find ideas for automating your brazing and soldering application at Fusion's Web site. View complete line of filler metals and fluxes with compositions and temperature ranges. Automatic paste alloy dispensers and machine concepts for rates from...

Imagelite Model 21AC fiber optic illuminator. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... StockerYale's Model 21AC, 150-watt halogen illuminator has been designed specifically as a cost-effective, high-quality, rugged industrial fiber optic light source for use in both inspection and assembly applications. The innovative V-port...

Radial rivet-forming. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... AGME introduces the new radial riveting machine, model RR-14. This size riveter is available either as a stand-alone, tabletop riveting machine, a riveting head for integration, or as a component used in our CNC-riveting machines. The RR-14...

Robohand introduces the next generation parallel gripper. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... A compact robust design with unique, unrivaled features and options. Features include synchronous and non-synchronous operation, spring assist in either open or closed position, magneto resistive or inductive sensing in up to four positions,...

Robotic end effectors. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... Literature describes ATI's line of robotic end effectors engineered to improve your bottom line. Extensive tool changer line is reliable and includes Adept models. Force and torque sensors verify part placement. Crash protection devices promote...

www.efd-inc.com. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... For answers on how to apply assembly fluids, from thin cyanoacrylates to thick sealants, visit the EFD website or call 800-556-3484. Manufacturers worldwide depend on EFD expertise for reliably bonding electronic assemblies, coating motor...

New! 3D CAD model configurator. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... Robohand's popular, value-added addition to its Web site gives you "hands-on" experience with our complete suite of automation products! Configurable with product options and accessories, Has programmable positioning in 2D or 3D formats....

New assembly equipment and technologies. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... Assembly Technology Expo Events will help you reduce costs, eliminate waste, improve quality and productivity--and a whole lot more! Register today on-line at www.atexpocom for: Assembly East, June 10 to 11, 2003, Boston, MA; Assembly...

Wire processing changeover in seconds....not minutes! (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... The Zeta fully-automated system is ideal for small batches. It holds as many as 36 different wires ready for immediate use (from AWG 24 to AWG 10). Five workstations handle wire marking, crimping, seals, sleeves, testing, and more (expandable...

Robotic crash protection device. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... The Protector[TM] is ATI Industrial Automation's patented crash protection device designed to prevent costly damage to robotic end-effectors resulting from robot crashes. The Protector's features include: automatic reset, high repeatability,...

Eliminate loose screws. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... The StickScrew[R] System combines alight weight driver and "sticks" of up to 110 serially connected hex-head screws. The self-contained system eliminates loose screws for improved productivity and quicker attachment of components. Each screw...

Second generation EC-Screwdriver Spindles. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... The EC-Screwdriver Spindles are available with four different closed-loop tools to cover a range from 9 to 212 in./lb at 350 to 800 variable RPM. The EC-Spindles are similar to the DEPRAG size-3 pneumatic spindles in size, weight and...

Advanced bonding technologies. (Literature/Website Reveiw).
June 1, 2003... No matter what kind of substrates or assembly you have, we've got adhesives that can hold them. In fact, the variety of products and technologies we offer is unrivaled. We also have 50 years experience meeting the demands of engineers who want...