Assembly articles from November 2003

Assembly archives from November 2003

Recovering jobs.(Editorial)
November 1, 2003... The phrase "jobless recovery" has been much in evidence as the U.S. economy works its way out of a recession. As usual, whether the employment picture is rosy or bleak depends on a person's employment status, and also on which economist one...

Clearing the air about FRLs.(X-Y-Z)
November 1, 2003... For compressed air to be safely and adequately delivered to pneumatic equipment, it must pass through a filter, a pressure regulator, and in some cases, a lubricator. Often packaged together, these devices are collectively known as FRLs. ...

K&S opens China manufacturing operation.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... WILLOW GROVE, PA -- Kulicke & Soffa Industries Inc. has opened its 13.500-square-meter facility in the Suzhou-Singapore Industrial Park, near Shanghai, China. Operating as Kulicke & Soffa Suzhou Ltd., the facility will produce various...

Sweet-toothed bacteria generate power.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... AMHERST, MA -- Researchers at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst have persuaded mud-dwelling bacteria (Rhodoferax ferrireducens) to generate electricity from sugar. The new "microbial fuel cell," an early prototype, cannot generate...

CIP leaders expand internationally.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- A biannual survey from Grant Thornton reveals that 53 percent of middle-market companies in the consumer and industrial products industries are expected to pursue international opportunities. "This is positive evidence that these...

Uptick occurs in U.S. hiring forecast.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... MILWAUKEE -- According to the latest Manpower Inc. Employment Outlook Survey, U.S. employers expect to strengthen their hiring activity in the fourth quarter of 2003. When the seasonal variations are removed from the data, the survey results...

LMI promotes global identity.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... VANCOUVER, BC, CANADA -- LMI Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of laser-based 3D machine vision sensors, has changed the names of its global business units to better reflect the identity of its global operations. The company's units in Sweden...

Sandia engineers develop high-voltage power.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... LIVERMORE, CA -- Engineers at Sandia National Laboratories have designed a miniature power supply device that could be used in drug delivery systems, medicine, portable detection and analysis. The device, including the circuit board...

Spending increases in August.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- A July MfgOutlook survey of 500 buyers of manufacturing services reveals that 58 percent of respondents will spend more money in August on manufacturing services than they spent in July. According to this survey, the Internet is...

Associations join forces for trade show.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... DEARBORN, MI -- EASTEC Advanced Productivity Exposition, traditionally a manufacturing and metals trade show, draws 800 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees each year. But after polling many of its members, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers...

IMA commends Bush's recognition of manufacturing's importance.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... OAKBROOK, IL -- The Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) praised President Bush's decision to appoint a high-level government post to nurture the creation of manufacturing jobs, and warned that recent moves by Illinois government are...

July machine tool consumption above 2002.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... ROCKVILLE, MD -- According to the American Machine Tool Distributors Association (AMTDA), July U.S. machine tool consumption totaled $157 million. This total was up 8.2 percent from the total of $145 million reported for July 2002. "This...

DEK tests pastes with enclosed head.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... FLEMINGTON, NJ -- DEK Printing Machines has developed a test to determine if a solder paste can be applied with the company's ProFlow enclosed transfer head. Over the last 6 years, DEK has tested 150 materials, including lead-free pastes,...

Lista acquires Ergomation line.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... HOLLISTAN, MA -- Lista International Corp. has purchased the Ergomation product line of adjustable height workbenches and accessories from Aero-Motive Co. The Ergomation product line features operator height-adjustable workbenches,...

Variability and fatigue can be reduced.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... EAST PROVIDENCE, RI -- Many companies still apply assembly fluids with squeeze bottles, hand syringes and other manual tools. These provide only minimal control. The repetitive movements also contribute to hand fatigue and other hand ailments....

Manuals provide hoist information.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... CHARLOTTE, NC -- The Hoist Manufacturers Institute, an affiliate of the Material Handling Industry of America, has released two new manuals: Manually Lever Operated Hoist Inspection and Hoist Maintenance Personnel and Manually Lever Operated...

Chicken feathers become state-of-the-art technology.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... NEWARK, DE -- Chicken processing creates a lot of waste--most notably chicken feathers. But Richard Wool, a University of Delaware chemical engineering professor, has round some novel uses for these leftover chicken feathers. Low-weight...

SME and Boeing collaborate at WESTEC 2004.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... DEARBORN, MI -- The Society of Manufacturing Engineers and The Boeing Co. are collaborating on a conference program tot WESTEC 2004. Titled "New Frontiers in Manufacturing Technology." the conference will cover advanced materials and...

New book tells how to say "no".(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... ST LOUIS -- During slow economic times, every dollar counts. Right? Actually, no. Too much "yes" can be a problem. According to the new book The Positive Power of No: How That Little Word That You Love to Hate Can Make or Break Your...

Hybrids can be cheap to make.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... TOYOTA CITY, JAPAN -- Not long ago, many leading automakers questioned the benefit of developing hybrid cars, arguing they are merely an interim solution before zero-emission fuel-cell vehicles take over. And both Toyota and Honda Motor Co....

Capital spending increases in 2003.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... CLEVELAND -- Nearly one half of metalforming companies plan to increase their capital spending in 2003 compared to 2002. According to the "Capital Spending Report" from the Precision Metalforming Association, major factors that motivate...

Robotics industry posts gain.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... ANN ARBOR, MI -- North American robotics suppliers have had their best start since 1999. The Robotic Industries Association (RIA) reported first quarter gains of 48 percent in robot units. A total of 3,500 robots valued at $219.5 million...

DEK International wins award.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... WEYMOUTH, DORSET, U.K. -- DEK International GmbH has won Intel Corp.'s Preferred Quality Supplier (PQS) award. The company was awarded for its efforts in supplying Intel with printing machines. The PQS awards are part of Intel's supplier...

IPC and HKPCA reschedule exhibition.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... NORTHBROOK, IL -- Due to the SARS virus, IPC-Association Connecting Electronics Industries and Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA) rescheduled the International Printed Circuit and Electronics Assembly Fair. The event will be held...

Joining technologies to distribute PowerWeld.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... EAST GRANBY, CT -- Joining Technologies, a precision welding shop, has been named as the primary North American distributor of the Trumpf PowerWeld. The PowerWeld workstation handles welding operations in the mold and tool making industry....

Regional manufacturing expands.(Assembly Lines)
November 1, 2003... CHICAGO -- The National Association of Purchasing Management-Chicago business barometer rose to 52.2 from 47.6 in April. A reading above 50 signals an expanding regional manufacturing sector. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the May...

Flexible engine assembly system aces first test during changeover.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... In October 2002, Cummins Inc. decided to consolidate its heavy duty engine assembly and test operations at its Jamestown, NY, engine plant. The decision called for transferring assembly and test activity to a new towline system. "The new...

New stealth-ship radar rotates on bearings.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... The British Royal Navy will be using Timken Co. (Canton, OH) crossed roller bearings in the turning base of the radar systems on its new Type 45 destroyer. This new radar system is encased in a large, spherical housing atop the vessel's...

Fasteners board Swedish-built buses.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... Saffle Karosseri (Saffle, Sweden) was founded in 1913 and started building wooden bus bodies in 1928. The company changed to aluminum in 1950. Since 1981, the company has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the Volvo Bus Corp., offering a...

Clip nuts reduce corrosion on aircraft.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... It's just a small part, but a clip nut made from Torlon polyamide-imide (PAI) can make a really big difference when used on commercial aircraft to secure flooring, fairings, interior trim and bulkheads. "Whether it's on a wide body...

Sensors improve adhesive application.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... Gluing sheet metal components is gaining acceptance in the automobile industry. For example, automakers are using adhesives and sealants to join an inner door panel with the outer door panel, or to join a vehicle roof to the frame or pillars....

Optical inspection speeds PCB testing.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... When Cirtronics Corp. (Milford, NH), a contract manufacturer of printed circuit boards, found that a new automated optical inspection (AOI) system would reduce its inspection times by a factor of 60, its interest was piqued. When the company...

Adhesives bond aluminum for mobile units.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... Medical Coaches (Oneonta, NY) manufactures special-purpose mobile units for medicine, electronics, communications, and instrumentation and control. The company has more than 50 years experience in the design and construction of such units....

Robots ease cell phone assembly.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... An automated cell phone housing assembly line was designed by Spectra Technologies Inc. (Euless, TX) for EIMO Americas (Vicksburg, MI). The assembly line consists of 12 stations that combine to automatically load, assemble, process and unload...

Pratt & Whitney's computerized product development initiative.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... One of the most advanced inspection programs implemented in the aerospace industry is Pratt & Whitney's (East Hartford, CT) Computerized Product Development (CPD) initiative. The aim of CPD is to reduce engine development lead time and cost....

Marking devices brands branding irons.(Assembly in Action)
November 1, 2003... L&H Branding Irons (Mandan, ND) has supplied branding products to the cattle industry for more than 50 years. Founded in 1951. L&H is the oldest U.S. manufacturer of livestock branding irons. It became a dominant player in the niche industry...

Bonding metal parts: structural adhesive is being used for more and more assembly applications.(Adhesives)
November 1, 2003... In the musical "Fiddler on the Roof," the main character, Tevye, sings about "tradition." He laments how the age-old ways of the past are slowly giving way to new customs. If Tevye was an engineer, he'd probably be singing about new processes...

Where are the parts? Between machine vision systems, smart cameras and sensors, there is an option for every assembly application.(Machine Vision)
November 1, 2003... All the automated assembly machines in the world won't help your assembly process, if the various parts aren't in the right place at the right time. But machine vision systems smart cameras and sensors are increasingly playing a key role in...

Going the fastener route: assembling products with fasteners can be a blessing or a headache.(Fastening)
November 1, 2003... Fasteners are an important element any assembly. About 70 percent all joints are connected with mechanical fasteners. However, choosing the correct fastener, from re than 500,000 types of metal and plastic fasteners, can be overwhelming. And...

Why clean no-clean? No-clean solder paste was supposed to obviate the need to clean circuit boards. So why are many electronics assemblers still grappling with the process?(Electronics Assembly)
November 1, 2003... Today, nearly 70 percent of all printed circuit boards (PCBs) are assembled with no-clean solder paste. Michael T. Konrad, president of Aqueous Technologies (Rancho Cucamonga, CA), smiles when he considers the multiple ironies of that...

Ensuring reliable object detection: new technology helps photoelectric sensors detect difficult targets and background materials.(Sensors)
November 1, 2003... Repeatability and reliability are critical to a sensor's overall performance on an automated processing line. One of the most common types of sensors used for object detection, diffuse photoelectric sensors perform well in a wide range of...

Technology expands medical manufacturing: converging forces are transforming the industry.(Industry Watch)
November 1, 2003... Medical device engineers should consider getting their eyes checked. That's because the traditional line between devices and pharmaceuticals is blurring. New technology is converging with conventional designs to create hybrid products that were...

Fall 2003 optics catalog.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Edmund Optics' new fall 2003 catalog contains over 10,000 products, including over 300 new products ranging from anamorphic, rhomboid and glan-laser prisms to data acquisition systems to thermal cameras. Choose from our extensive inventory of...

Grant orbital riveters.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Fasten precisely to a specific depth and/or to a 4-psi accuracy with five adjustable preset backpressures. 0 to 45MM stroke. Upgrades to 100% realtime data output system. See website for full specifications. Grant pneumatic orbital riveters are...

SpliceRite[TM] ultrasonic welder.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... The new SpliceRite from Sonobond Ultrasonics produces consistent, solid-state metallurgical bonds for wire harness assembly. The microprocessor-controlled ultrasonic splicing system utilizes the Wedge-Reed coupling system that provides shear...

Wireless tire pressure sensor test system.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... IPTE developed a high-speed system performing a functional test of a tire pressure sensor in a pressurized chamber that spins at 20 mph and provides RF shielding to assure individual testing of multiple products. System is capable of producing...

Automation solutions.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... POWER Engineers' Automation Group provides complete systems automation, integrating manufacturing plant floor controls with enterprise business systems. POWER is a leading provider of engineering services, including instrumentation and...

Toggle-Lock Plus[TM] lean workholding solutions.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... DE-STA-CO introduces their NEW Model 6015-M-R--a compact clamp ideally suited for confined workspaces where safety in fixture design is critical. Also available is Model 6015-M-R-SS which is perfect for corrosive or outdoor environments, food...

Furnishing system.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... The GWS Workshop industrial furnishing system provides comprehensive workstation and storage solutions for light and heavy industries, complemented by a vast selection of accessories. Standard components can be configured in a myriad of designs...

Code-marking machines.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Sprinter Marking manufacturers Sprinter automatic ink code-marking machines. Machines apply date codes, product codes, dots, etc. on metal, plastic, rubber, and paper surfaces. Marking possible in any orientation. Message size up to 2 square...

Composite trays/boxes.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Molded Fiber Glass Tray Co. manufactures a wide range of sizes and styles of reinforced composite trays and boxes offering static protection during assembly, faraday cage protection during storage, as well as high temperature sheet for...

Mobile workstations.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Arlink's Modular Mobile Workstation Systems enable users to custom create in-line, mobile assembly and production workstations of unlimited length. Easily relocate entire production lines, and combine or vary the length of lines, by using...

New spring plungers.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Schmalz has developed a new series of short-stroke spring plungers "FSTI" with internal compensation springs for vacuum applications. The overall height and the weight of the plungers have been minimized, and nylon bearings incorporated in the...

Introducing the new GBM (blue bead monitor) from Precitec.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... This post-process inspection sensor system accurately measures the adhesive bead line recording the width and height after it has been applied to sub-strate. Sensor transmits laser line over contour of glue bead located on work piece and the...

NEXT step.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... The newest release from Carlson Engineering is an entirely new line of Step feeders offering single, dual, and multiple independent escapements, which will supply fasteners to handhold Or fixtured spindles such as the XMOD drive heads, The...

SAS automation.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Most comprehensive line of EOAT and gripper systems. Unlike others, our tines service all makes of robots: Get a grip! EOAT components for heavyweight applications, Grip it! EOAT for lightweight applications. Nip it! Sprue nippers. Custom...

The Global Automation TR300.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... The Global Automation TR300 is a PC-programmable table robot for automated selective and point-to-point soldering. When batches are small and volume is light, the cost of many automatic systems can place automation Beyond reach. This robot...

Scotch-Weld[TM] structural plastic adhesive DP-8010.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... 3M Scotch-Weld Structural Adhesive DP-8010 is a two-part, acrylic-based adhesive that bonds cost-saving LSE (low surface energy) plastics. It has the strength to replace screws, rivets, plastic welding and can eliminate two-step processes...

AIMCO.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... AIMCO's TM Fastener Counter system provides process and cycle verification for our standard AE Series Electra Drivers. Also, by integrating the driver's power supply, you save money and space on your workbench. Verify your assembly procedures...

Simple to specify, simple to order.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Bishop-Wisecarver Corporation introduces Simple-Select[R], a new Vee slide linear guidance system that is simple to specify and simple to order. Simple-Select[R] offers four useful sizes of spacer slides complete with carriages assembled ready...

The World of Clamping.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... DE-STA-CO, the worldwide leader and innovator in toggle clamping technology, introduces its revised 2003 World of Clamping catalog. The catalog includes 60 new product releases and dozens of product enhancements highlighted as our "Design Xtra"...

The Flexcell-S automated assembly cell.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... 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...

Screw feed units.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Assembly Automation screw feed units combine bulk hoppers with coated vibratory bowls for high cycle screwdriver operations. The feed and escape mechanism, valves and controls are housed in a steel enclosure with access doors. Go to...

Cart lift system keeps product moving in high volume assembly cells.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Lift elevator increases productivity and improves ergonomics in high-volume production assembly cells. Automatic cart movement at beginning and end of production line saves time and eliminates cart handling. A valuable enhancement to FlexiMate...

Model 8000 high-speed wire bonder.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Palomar's Model 8000 high-speed thermosonic ball-and-stitch wire bonder offers a 12"x6" X-Y bond area for large hybrids, MCMs, or multiple smaller devices in an 1180 sq, in footprint. It places 8 wires/second with a table repeatability >+5mm....

Fluid dispensing system integrated with XYZ motion control.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... DTIC Dispensing Technologies Integrated XYZ Motion Control/Fluid Dispensing Systems feature customized software that lets users enter motion control and dispensing commands into the same program, making it easy to write and document shot...

Ultrasonic sealers.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... Sonitek's newest product, ultrasonic clamshell sealers, include the auto-cycle feature, which allows the machine to cycle without pressing the palm buttons. Rotary tables with auto eject options can be added. These benchtop systems can seal 46...

Laser marking system.(Product Review)
November 1, 2003... The new Alase Technologies, Inc. Ultrascribe 10-Watt CO2 Laser Marking System offers a complete solution for marking on plastics, wood, packaging, glass and semiconductor components. Clearly marks barcodes, alphanumeric text, serialization, and...

Assembly cell.(Products)
November 1, 2003... The Polaris Jr. automates individual processes used in the final assembly of small electronic products. Pre-engineered process modules are inserted into a standardized tool interface in the cell. More than 20 process modules are available,...

Robots can be programmed through PLC.(Products)
November 1, 2003... The Cobra PLC600 and PLC800 SCARA robots are equipped with a server that allows them to be programmed directly from an Allen-Bradley programmable logic controller through a DF-1 serial connection. The robot is controlled directly from the PLC's...

Valve dispenses small dots and beads.(Products)
November 1, 2003... The Model 2200-555 Micro-Kiss valve dispenses small dots or fine beads of one-component adhesives, sealants and lubricants. It is available with a threaded material and air inlet, to operate as a single unit, or with manifolded inlets for...

Digital torque wrench.(Products)
November 1, 2003... The CTB digital torque wrench measures the minimum value of retightening torque, eliminating the risk of human error. A green lamp and alarm signals when the retightening operation is complete. The wrench has interchangeable heads. Torque data...

Device strips flat cable.(Products)
November 1, 2003... The D109 strips flat cables up to 108 millimeters wide and 5 millimeters thick. It handles round or rectangular conductors, as well as solid or stranded conductors. The strip position can be set for up to 36 millimeters from the end of the...

Column lifts machinery.(Products)
November 1, 2003... The Boston lifting column provides 16 inches of height adjustability to instrumentation, machinery and small work surfaces. Powered by a 24 VDC electric linear actuator, the column can lift 1,000 pounds and move at a speed of 0.78 ips. The...

High-speed cylinder.(Pneumatic Components)
November 1, 2003... The T pneumohydraulic cylinder can operate at 550 cycles per minute with a press force of 1 to 15 tons. It is available with a power stroke of 6 or 12 millimeters. It can be mounted in any orientation. Tox-Pressotechnik www.tox-us.com...

Miniature ball valve.(Pneumatic Components)
November 1, 2003... The Model T-82-M chrome-plated mini ball valve handles steam, water, oil or gas at a temperature of -40 to 300 F. Its seats and gland follower are made of Hostaflon, and it has two Viton O-rings to prevent stem leakage. Jomar International...

Smart vacuum pump.(Pneumatic Components)
November 1, 2003... The SmartPump provides steady vacuum pressure to vacuum cups in automated handling applications. It has an intuitive programming interface, a part-presence sensor and an automatic blow-off feature. The pump automatically switches off the...

Vacuum check valves.(Pneumatic Components)
November 1, 2003... Vacuum check valves work with venturi vacuum pumps and switches to seal and maintain vacuum levels for safe, energy-efficient vacuum applications. The valves allow air flow in one direction only. Once the pump reaches the required vacuum level,...

Air-actuated switches.(Pneumatic Components)
November 1, 2003... These electrical switches are pneumatically actuated, enabling them to be located in remote areas. The pressure actuator has a spring-biased piston with a U cap seal. A pressure as low as 5 psig will actuate the switch. The switches are...

Screw for thin sheet metal.(Fasteners)
November 1, 2003... Grip-Lite screws are for fastening thin sheet metal. They provide tight assembly with increased strip-out torque, improving joint strength. A radius point adds safety by eliminating the sharp point that can cause injury and cut wire insulation....

Surface-mountable pins.(Fasteners)
November 1, 2003... The pads on these surface-mountable solid pins have a feature that draws in molten solder through capillary action. This eliminates the need for fixturing, minimizes rework, increases interconnection reliability, and eliminates solder joint...

Self-locking fasteners.(Fasteners)
November 1, 2003... Permanentech self-locking, vibration-proof fasteners can be unlocked tier inspection and maintenance purposes using a special tool, The fasteners are installed with conventional tools. They will remain locked regardless of the seating torque or...

Coating locks fasteners.(Fasteners)
November 1, 2003... Precote 19-2 is a pre-applied adhesive coating for threaded fasteners in sizes #10 and smaller. This noncorrosive coating immediately locks and fixes cylindrical and conical threads. It is tack-free and dry to the touch. Nylok Corp....

Brass inserts.(Fasteners)
November 1, 2003... These brass inserts are cold-pressed into plastic with an arbor press or an automatic machine. As the fastener is inserted, plastic migrates into the insert's helical knurl. The inserts come in headed and non-headed versions. Spirol...