Assembly articles from May 2002

Assembly archives from May 2002

Caveat Emptor? (Editorial).
May 1, 2002... The first law of thermodynamics simply says you can't get something for nothing. It's universally applicable; never fails. This came to mind when the Denver International Airport (DIA) recently announced that it will have to spend about $20...

What an adorable PC you're wearing! (Down the Line).
May 1, 2002... Fashion may never be the same again. With-in 5 years, cyber visors, e-vests, memory glasses, wrist computers and other electronic devices are expected to be as much a part of the fashion scene as jewelry or neckties are today. Wearable...

Old polymer, new application. (Down the Line).
May 1, 2002... Inherently conductive polymer (ICP) was invented 25 years ago, but its true commercial potential has never been realized. A recent research study by Frost & Sullivan Inc. (San Antonio) predicts that cutting-edge technologies, such as organic...

Heads up! (Down the Line).
May 1, 2002... Head-up display (HUD) technology is coming soon to a car near you. The technology was originally developed for military aircraft, but is being studied by automakers eager to equip their vehicles with new features ranging from heads-up maps and...

Finger pointing. (Down the Line).
May 1, 2002... Last year's terrorist attacks have sparked new interest in biometric technology. Biometric access controls compare the biological traits of a user with information stored in a computerized file of authorized individuals. The devices read...

Robot eats dirt. (Down the Line).
May 1, 2002... AB Electrolux (Stockholm, Sweden) recently unveiled what it claims is the first automatic vacuum cleaner in the world for domestic applications. The 13.8-inch diameter Trilobite is only 5 inches tall, which allows it to clean under...

GM sees fuel cells in the near future. (Down the Line).
May 1, 2002... General Motors Corp. (Detroit) recently unveiled the first vehicle in the world designed from the ground up around a fuel cell propulsion system. The AUTOnomy concept car also includes x-by-wire technology, which allows steering, braking and...

The ubiquitous cylinder. (X-Y-Z).
May 1, 2002... Pneumatic cylinders are the basis for linear motion throughout most automated assembly systems. Cylinders are used for pushing, pulling, lifting and pressing. They transport parts in and out of fixtures, and they move screwdrivers, welders and...

Hybrid motor drives commercial trucks. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... COLLEGE PARK, MD--In the future, commercial truck drivers may be operating trucks that are the equivalent of today's hybrid cars. Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a super-efficient hybrid electric drivetrain for...

Motoman chief to lead RIA. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... ANN ARBOR, MI--Craig Jennings, president of Motoman Inc. (Dayton, OH) has been elected 2001-02 president of the Robotic Industries Association (RIA). Jennings succeeds Kevin Ostby, vice president of Fanuc Robotics North America (Rochester...

Lincoln Electric and Nesco provide services to Battlebots. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... CLEVELAND--The aim of Battlebots, a Comedy Central television show, is to pit contestants' robots against each other in a battle to the death. Battles take place in a hazard-laden ring, and even the winning robot usually requires repairs before...

Eye injuries are costly to employers. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... WASHINGTON--Each day, an estimated 2,000 workers suffer eye injuries on the job. While devastating to the worker, injuries also cost employers and insurance companies more than $924 million annually in workers' compensation, and nearly $4...

Businesses seek improved security. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... Better facility and personnel security are top priorities for all types of organizations following the Sept. 11 terror attacks and subsequent bioterror incidents. More than eight in 10 businesses have upgraded or bought new security...

Partnership leads to self-profiling oven. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... FLORHAM PARK, NJ--ECD Inc.'s (Milwaukee, OR) Auto-MOLE Xpert System software is now optional with Heller reflow soldering ovens. This relationship will allow the companies to combine instrumentation, board processing equipment and software...

Machine assembles air cell repeatably. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... CINCINNATI--Weldun International Ltd. has developed a machine that automatically assembles air cells used in recuperators for gas engine turbines. The machine was invented by a team of engineers led by Mike Nowak, customer proposal manager...

Loctite receives supplier award. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... INDUSTRY, CA--Intel Corp. has given Loctite Corp. (Rocky Hill, CT) its 2001 Supplier Continuous Quality Improvement (SCQI) award. Loctite supplies Intel with die attach adhesives and underfill materials. Intel presents the award to...

Philips enters Contract Manufacturing market. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS-Philips is broadening the scope of its printed circuit board assembly unit, PCB/Assembly, to offer its services to other electronics companies. The unit expects to generate over 30 percent of its total revenue...

Bosch Rexroth unveils new customer service hotline. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL--A new service hotline provides BOSCH REXROTH customers with 24-hour access to service support. The hotline serves as a single point of contact for all service-related issues, including support, field service repair,...

Flexible manufacturing speeds products to market. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... TORONTO-Chrysler's 2004 Pacifica will be built at the same assembly plant in Windsor, ON, Canada as the Chrysler and Dodge minivans. However, the Pacifica will not be built on the same short or long wheelbase minivan platforms. It will be built...

Advanced Assembly gets new name and address. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... NOVI, MI--Advanced Assembly Group--a manufacturer of transducers, torque instruments and fastening systems--will now be called GSE Tech-Motive Tool. The name change will associate the company more closely with its Tech-Motive Tool brand. ...

Electronics orders increase. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... ARLINGTON, VA--Orders for electronic components increased by more than 30 percent in February 2002 compared with February 2001, according to the Electronic Components, Assemblies & Materials Association (ECA). It is the second consecutive month...

Number of union members remains unchanged. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... WASHINGTON--In 2001, 13.5 percent (16.3 million) of wage and salary workers were union members. This number remains unchanged from 2000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, union membership has fallen from a high of 20.1...

Three safety standards debut. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... MIAMI--The American Welding Society has published three new safety standards: Lens Shade Selector, Specification for Use and Performance of Transparent Welding Curtains and Screens, and Ventilation Guide for Weld Fumes. These documents...

NUMMI creates new cars and jobs. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... FREEMONT, CA--New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI), the joint venture of Toyota Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. (GM), has started producing a new vehicle--the Pontiac Vibe. The Vibe will be produced alongside the Toyota Corolla, which...

Mini-Lasers take chips to light speed. (Assembly Lines).
May 1, 2002... BALTIMORE--Small lasers may soon replace the wiring in computer chips found in many home and business computers. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a process to produce chips that are more power-efficient and up to 100...

Automation meets optoelectronics assembly challenge. (Assembly in Action).
May 1, 2002... Iolon (San Jose, CA) manufactures tunable optical devices for intelligent optical networks. The company has introduced the Apollo line of high-power tunable lasers available with 10 and 20 milliwatts of output power in the C and L bands. Apollo...

Fastener handling system saves time. (Assembly in Action).
May 1, 2002... Traditionally, operators at General Motors Corp. (Detroit) installed Rivnut fasteners into vehicle bodies with a handheld power screwdriver. However, the process was time-consuming. But even though this was such a time-consuming job, General...

Pallets facilitate engine buildup. (Assembly in Action).
May 1, 2002... Technological expertise, speed and flexibility have made DaimlerChrysler (Auburn Hills, MI) a driving force in the automotive industry. More than 28,000 employees work on research and development. The company registers around 2,000 patents...

Modular system saves time and money in production. (Assembly in Action).
May 1, 2002... Eurocopter, a helicopter manufacturer, has accelerated its assembly throughput by using the modular Item MB Building Kit System from Item Industrietechnik und Maschinenbau GmbH (Solingen, Germany) throughout their assembly line. With a...

Wireless remote data collection provides a long memory. (Assembly in Action).
May 1, 2002... Metaldyne Corp. (Plymouth, MI) designs and supplies metal-formed components, assemblies and modules for transportation-related powertrain and chassis applications. Now, when Metaldyne Corp. builds front cover modules for International Truck &...

Spin to win: Rotary friction welding is a cost-effective method of assembling anything from hand tools to hydraulic piston rods. (Welding).
May 1, 2002... If you were ever in the Boy Scouts, you probably learned how to start a fire with a wooden drill and a bow. Rapidly rotating the drill against a wooden hearth, under pressure, generated enough heat through friction to set tinder smoldering and...

Choosing the optimum fastening system: selecting the best tightening system for a bolted joint requires close attention to the factors that contribute to the overall quality and durability of the final assembly. (Fastening).
May 1, 2002... Many factors contribute to the overall quality and durability of a bolted joint. Fastener quality is often considered a given in these days of ISO certification and statistical process control. However, in today's world of cost pressures,...

In a clinch: not every assembly task involving sheet metal is amenable to fasteners or welding. Clinching requires neither and can be a cost-effective method of joining sheet metal parts. (Fastening).
May 1, 2002... When spot welding or fasteners prove to be unsuitable for joining sheet metal parts, assemblers have another alternative. Clinching is a high-speed, mechanical fastening technique for joining sheet metal from a total thickness of 0.1 to 10...

Screwdriver Power Slides. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Assembly Automation has introduced a new line of Screwdriver Power Slides. Models with 3 inches of bit stroke weighing less than 10 pounds are available. These are ideal for robotic use and may be adapted to most electric or pneumatic tools....

LINK conveyor. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Automated Conveying Systems Inc. is proud to announce its newest conveyor in its LINK Series. The LINK 1000's frame profile is less than 1 (1/4) inches and is available with 2-, 4-, 6-, 8- and 12-inch belt widths. The conveyor can be used with...

Innovation in video measurement. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... VideoGage brings innovation to video measurement, allowing greater productivity by using edge detection, image processing, power zoom and a 12 by 8 by 6 inch stage travel. With optics in a horizontal format, VideoGage eliminates the use of...

System requires no guide rails. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... The new MP-System Chain Transporter from Meto-Fer[R] Automation provides cost-effective, dependable, trouble-free performance. The uniquely designed plastic chain eliminates the need for guide rails, requires no return units and operates with...

Low maintenance marking system. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... MicroMark[TM] spray system produces uniform spots and stripes without overspray or clogging, dramatically reducing downtime on automated and semiautomated production lines. High transfer efficiency and fast cutoff improve part appearance and...

Screwfeeding machines. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Our new 2.5-liter large-capacity handheld screwfeeding machines allow the feeding of screws with a head diameter of up to 14 millimeters (0.55 inch) and a shaft length up to 40 millimeters (1.6 inches). The feeders are designed as single units,...

Assembly workstations. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Arlink Optoelectronic assembly workstations achieve excellent vibration isolation at the worksurface while providing users with all the advantages of Arlink's Definite Positioning System. The system's design helps minimize vibrations from floor...

Cordless Pistol drivers. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Bosch EXACT Cordless T-Grip and Angle Pistol drivers feature our patented accurate, repeatable shut-off clutches (CMK of less than 2 at a tolerance of [+ or -]10 percent), best battery run times per charge, optical and audible battery and joint...

ESD products--continuous monitors. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... * AEI 9201D Monitor--Single Operator Device * AEI 9202D Monitor--Operator & Bench Device * AEI 9203D Monitor--Dual Operator & Bench Device. Latest solid state design for high reliability audible and visual alarms. The solution...

CNC-riveting machines. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Our standard CNC-riveting machines can be used to combine separate riveting operations into one cycle. The Model RR1 - 12 NCD incorporates two CNC-axes and one either four- or two-position rotary indexing table. A special feature is the...

Marking systems. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... RMI Laser Div. designs and manufactures laser sources and laser marking systems. The turnkey systems feature diode-pumped, solid-state [YVO.sub.4] technology with ultra compact size and air-cooled operation. RMI's LE-100S Series operates at 110...

Tailor-made hybrid cables. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Cablemaker elocab offers tailor-made hybrid cables for optimum performance in cable tracks, high-speed assembly lines and robotics. Integrating many individual components (i.e. copper conductors, fiber-optics, hoses or tubes), compact hybrid...

AccuRing[TM]...The new revolution in Rotary Tables. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Flexible, precise and programmable define the AccuRing Rotary Table by Centricity. Its open center design, digital drive system and programmable position control system allow the AccuRing to meet and exceed the demands of today's automation...

I.D. parts handling systems. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... New technology for feeding, escaping and conveying of parts. New from Centricity Corp., the introduction of Feedscape, a unique and powerful method of handling parts is now available. The Feedscape allows for positive parts control through a...

Don't Guesstimate! Simulate--SimCAD Pro 5.3. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Whether you are building a conveyor system, designing new flow or integrating a new robot, SimCAD Pro will help you make the proper changes to improve efficiency, minimize WIP and maximize profits. By creating a virtual copy of your operation,...

New DataMyte Auditor improves productivity. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... The new DataMyte Auditor pen tablet computer interfaces with all types of gauges, including torque transducers, gap and flush, and serial gauges. Graphic work instructions on a large, color touch screen help increase productivity and reduce...

Cartesian robot. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... APS Robotics & Integration introduces low cost, high-quality cartesian robot!! Model RPD166 capabilities: screwdriving pick-and-place, dispensing, etc. Features: open on two sides/front; 16- by 16- by 6-inch working envelope, load weight up to...

Modular assembly system. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... TEAMOS 2 is a revolutionary modular assembly platform that enables you to adapt your assembly line to changes in product specifications and volume increases in record time. Individual modules arc programmed and tested offline and then...

Moving loads on Air. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... This year Airsled [R] Inc. is celebrating 20 years of solving load movement problems using innovative designs. Airsled [R] is the worldwide leader in design, production and sales of low-pressure air film products for moving heavy and unusual...

Interactive workstation. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Apogee Interactive Solutions workstation is designed for manual, multi-step assembly procedures. This ergonomic assembly station interactively guides employees through assembly processes with displayed images, instructions and indicators....

New 1-2-1 System adds flexibility and versatility. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... The new, no-weld, 1-2-1 Universal Upright System from Aero-Motive is entirely modular and adjustable. Holes in the sides of the uprights make it easy to reassemble in many different configurations. The uprights and horizontal units are...

"Swift-Fit" universal fitting. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Our "Swift-Fit" Series 87 is designed to fit various types of inch and metric ports. This fitting is compatible with NPTF, BSP, BSPT, ISO 228 and ISO 7. No Teflon tape or compound is required with the reusable and replaceable thread seal on all...

Bonding fasteners-maximum strength. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Rotaloc bonding fasteners are a unique selection of male and female threaded fasteners secured to large-flange, low-profile perforated baseplates. They provide high load-distributing anchorages for many substrates and assembly applications....

Rapid robust reliable RF identification Tags. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Identify products through assembly stations, write to them during processes and carry real time data. RF Tags are available in many packages, withstanding extreme temperatures, grime, operating while submerged in liquids, and do not require...

Simple robot vision. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Looking for an easy to use, fully integrated robot vision system? Vision Guide, EPSON Robots' PC-based vision system, is what you want. Camera-to-robot calibration is quick and easy. 'Programming" is as simple as clicking on a vision tool,...

Conveyor improves profits, productivity. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... VarioFlow[TM] a new, side-flexing, singlestrand chain conveyor from Bosch Rexroth, gives manufacturers new options in assembly, packaging and material handling. The economical VarioFlow conveyor offers fast transport speeds and high-capacity...

Dyna-Set[TM] automated blind threaded insert assembly. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... The Dyna-Set[TM] automated insert assembly system is designed to meet high volume insert production assembly requirements to maximize output and reduce labor. The patent-pending spin-pull technolgy verifies the crimp force, crimp dimension and...

Tool mounting platform. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Assembly Automation has introduced a multi-spindle TS-9000 platform for mounting pneumatic or electric tools on close centers in a blowfeed system. Head stroke and bit stroke are provided by activating one valve. This design also allows easy...

Leak test system. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... ViCATS (Visual Control And Test System) is a PC-based leak test system that integrates with a soft PLC running on it when machine control is required. This simplifies design and reduces cost when compared to traditional approaches to automating...

Try before you buy. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... End users benefit from direct link to source of electric screwdrivers. Delta Regis offers torque adjustable electric screwdrivers ranging from 0.2 to 88 in/lb. Available in 30V DC, 120V AC direct plug-in, rechargeable or certified ESD safe...

The Flexcell-S automated assembly cell. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... A new version of Mikron's proven Flexcell concept. Designed to be more compact, flexible and faster. Consistent with the Flexcell, the Flexcell-S is also available with standard configurations such as palletizing and depalletizing, cam or NC...

Electro-Servo press. (Product Review).
May 1, 2002... Available in modular or as a complete lean turnkey work cell, BalTec servo presses offer unparalleled repeatability and accuracy for any cold forming or assembly application. Available in four press force sizes (3, 12, 40 and 100 kilonewtons),...

Guidelines help reduce ergo confusion: The lack of black-and-white answers can make ergonomic implementation a frustrating task for engineers. (Ergonomics).
May 1, 2002... There is no such thing as "average" in the ergonomics world. All people are unique, especially when it comes to arms, backs, elbows, fingers, hands, necks, shoulders and wrists. In fact, industrial ergonomics is full of variables. A...

Separation anxiety: depaneling machines separate circuit boards by bending, pinching, punching, routing, sawing or shearing. (Electronics Assembly).
May 1, 2002... Small circuit boards are often assembled several at a time as part of one big panel. This strategy boosts throughput, but assemblers are still left with the tricky task of separating the now highly valuable boards without damaging them. ...

Wood + Water = Speed: before World War II, wooden speedboats were a common sight on the nation's lakes and rivers. (Assembly Then & Now).
May 1, 2002... The Roaring Twenties fueled a huge demand for speed in America. Daredevils such as Malcolm Campbell raised the land speed record to more than 200 mph. In the air, barnstormers such as Jimmy Doolittle continually pushed the envelope. For...

Hot-Air staking machine. (Assembly Products).
May 1, 2002... This machine assembles thermoplastic components by reforming pegs, ribs or collars molded into one of the parts. Hot air brings the plastic to molding temperature, then a cold tool is used to clamp, form and cool the component into the new...

Bonding fasteners. (Assembly Products).
May 1, 2002... Bonding fasteners consist of a nut, bolt or threaded collar welded to a perforated base plate. The baseplate can be molded directly into a plastic part, or it can be bonded, welded, riveted or screwed onto plastic, metal, wood or other...

Cut, strip and terminate. (Assembly Products).
May 1, 2002... The CrimpCenter 12 automatically cuts, strips and terminates single-conductor wire in sizes 10 to 26 AWG. The machine handles both open- and closed-barrel terminals, as well as vertical doubling operations. Its two, 3.5-ton presses accept most...

Automated inspection machine. (Assembly Products).
May 1, 2002... The EZVision inspection machine automatically inspects nonfixtured parts. It includes a machine vision camera, lighting, optics and inspection software. Material handling options include conveyors, feeder bowls, robots and part positioning...

Leak tester for short cycles. (Assembly Products).
May 1, 2002... The Bruck 700 leak tester has digital pressure sensors and high-speed digital processors for fast cycle times. A large, color touch-screen display eases setup. All parameters necessary for a complete pressure decay test are input through four...

Machine marks parts. (Assembly Products).
May 1, 2002... The CN 110p Micro-Percussion marking machine indents serial numbers, date codes, text, logos and other information onto parts. The machine includes the control unit and software, enabling it to be easily integrated into semiautomatic and fully...

Nanopositioning stage. (Assembly Products).
May 1, 2002... The P-527 is a single-module, three-axis nanopositioning stage for use with optical microscopes and near-field scanning microscopes. This low-profile stage is available with an aperture of up to 8 by 8 inches. Travel ranges up to 200...

Laser marking system. (Assembly Products).
May 1, 2002... This marking system uses a high-powered yttrium vanadate laser to perform deep etching and standard marking applications. This compact system can mark alphanumeric text, codes, images and graphics. Etchable materials include steel, brass,...

Laser engraves codes. (Bar Coding & Auto ID).
May 1, 2002... The X2 Super Speed uses two laser beams to engrave multiple lines of codes or text simultaneously. The work area measures 32 by 18 inches. Universal Laser Systems Inc. www.ulsinc.com 800-859-7033 Reply 108

RFID system. (Bar Coding & Auto ID).
May 1, 2002... The V720 radio frequency identification system consists of a controller, antenna and paper-thin tags that can be attached to an object or embedded in it. The controller enables access to a single tag, multiple access to several tags, selective...

Scanner verifies codes. (Bar Coding & Auto ID).
May 1, 2002... The D4000 laser optic bar code scanner analyzes newly engraved and printed bar codes for defects. It checks for quiet zones, ratios, mod check calculations and average bar deviation. It tells how much of the code can be read, and it gives each...

Shrink-Tube printer. (Bar Coding & Auto ID).
May 1, 2002... The Label Shop 2001 XLST is a resin thermal transfer printer for shrink tubes used as wire markers. The machine prints vertical or horizontal text. It can print eight lines in two type styles and seven sizes. It also prints six bar code...

RFID tracks containers. (Bar Coding & Auto ID).
May 1, 2002... This radio frequency identification system tracks returnable and reusable containers. The RFID tag is part of a permanent placard that adheres to the container and acts as a label holder. The tag has 48 bytes of memory and a range of 6 to 22...

Numbering machine for hot stamping. (Bar Coding & Auto ID).
May 1, 2002... The Model 250P is an automatic numbering machine for hot stamping applications. Used in conjunction with a press, the device brands a colored numbering sequence into the product. Numberall Stamp & Tool Co. Inc. www.numberall.com ...

Software generates codes. (Bar Coding & Auto ID).
May 1, 2002... The software, B-Coder 32 Pro Version 4.0, generates ID and 2D codes for Word documents and labels, Access, Quark, Corel Draw or any other Windows-based software that supports graphic images. TAL Technologies Inc. www.taltech.com ...

Machine applies labels. (Bar Coding & Auto ID).
May 1, 2002... The 2111 HS can apply 1,000 pressure-sensitive labels per minute. The machine retains the label by vacuum on a honeycomb applicator grid. At the moment the product passes under the grid, the label is blown onto the product. Sensors detect...