Assembly articles from September 2003

Assembly archives from September 2003

Invest in productivity.(Editorial)
September 1, 2003... Unlike myriad pundits bemoaning the impending demise of U.S. manufacturing, and the ultimate loss of every American manufacturing job, Clare Ansberry makes a strong case for survival and long-term health. Writing in The Wall Street Journal...

Is it safe to spray isopropyl alcohol?(Ask Assembly)
September 1, 2003... The following is a sampling of questions and answers that were recently posted on Ask ASSEMBLY, the electronic bulletin board at www.assemblymag.com. Do you need help with an assembly-related problem? Do you have insights you want to share...

Ultrasonic welding is safe for transponders.(Ask Assembly)
September 1, 2003... Q: I need to ultrasonically weld a round, flat part made of transparent ABS to another part made of nontransparent ABS. Before welding, a 125-megahertz transponder or a 13.56-kilohertz smart label will be inserted between the parts. The chip...

Ultrasonic welding joins terminals to conductors.(Ask Assembly)
September 1, 2003... Q: Can nickel-plated copper terminals be successfully welded to flat copper conductors in high-volume production? The copper terminals are plated with 30 microinches of nickel. They are 0.01 inch thick and 0.8 millimeter wide. The flat copper...

Crimping is better than IDC for automotive wire.(Ask Assembly)
September 1, 2003... Q: How does the long-term reliability of "piercing" connectors compare with the traditional crimping method for terminating insulated, 20-AWG fine-stranded copper wire, particularly in automotive applications? Are "piercing" connectors as...

Torque arm tracks fasteners.(Ask Assembly)
September 1, 2003... Q: Is there a torque arm for electric screwdrivers that will provide positional information to a programmable logic controller (PLC)? We have an assembly with six bolt locations, and we have to ensure that each bolt has been inserted and...

Devices measure clamp load of tamperproof screws.(Ask Assembly)
September 1, 2003... Q: What is the best and most economical way to test the clamp load of a tamperproof screw? A: "The most direct method to test clamp load is to use a tension washer, which fits underneath the head of the screw. Another, less direct, method...

Can you help?(Ask Assembly)
September 1, 2003... The following questions need answers. Can you help? Visit "Ask Assembly" at www.assemblymag.com! * How will ultrasonic welding affect an assembly that contains miniature bearings? Could the ultrasonic vibrations damage the bearings? *...

Slotless, brushless motors provide smooth motion.(X-Y-Z)
September 1, 2003... If Nikola Tesla had access to high-strength adhesives, solid-state electronics and rare earth magnets in 1888, the debate between George Westinghouse and Thomas Edison over AC vs. DC electricity might have ended differently. Instead of his...

GM gains ground.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... DETROIT -- While Japan's largest automakers dominated an annual vehicle quality survey, General Motors Corp. scored highly. The JD Power and Associates survey of long-term vehicle quality polled 55,000 owners of 3-year-old vehicles and...

Universal and CALCE enhance packaging and assembly analysis.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... BINGHAMTON, NY -- Universal Instruments' Surface Mount Technology Laboratories and the University of Maryland's Computer Aided Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE) Electronic Products and System Center (EPSC) are teaming up to research interconnect...

Asymtek hosts dispensing seminars.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... CARLSBAD, CA -- Asymtek recently held seminars in Westford, MA, and Maastricht, the Netherlands. The seminars discussed conformal coating and dispensing for electronics applications. The free seminars are part of a series organized by...

PennEngineering announces new name and organization.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... DANBORO, PA -- PennEngineering has formed PennEngineering Fastening Technologies. This organization will unify the company's fastener, equipment brands and resources under one operating group. The fastener brands include PEM self-clinching...

Printed Circuit Buyer's Resource Center is launched.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... EL DORADO HILLS, CA -- The founders of BoardBuyers.com have formed the Printed Circuit Buyers Resource Center (PCBRC). The PCBRC is geared toward printed circuit board (PCB) buyers and specifiers, and offers many services and tools to...

Researchers use quantum dots for lighting.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... ALBUQUERQUE, NM -- In a different approach to creating white light, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed the first while light emitting device using quantum dots. In the future, the use of quantum dots as light-emitting...

SME awards $251,250 in scholarships.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... DEARBORN, MI -- The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) announced the winners of its annual Education Foundation student scholarships. The SME Education Foundation was created in 1979 to transform manufacturing education and enhance...

Robohand offers online training.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... MONROE, CT -- With continuing education more important than ever, Robohand is doing its part by launching RobohandUniversity.com. The online courses are structured in an easy-to-learn lesson format, giving users the ability to: * Learn...

Humantech releases Applied Industrial Ergonomics manual.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... ANN ARBOR, MI -- Users of Humantech's Applied Industrial Ergonomics manual can conduct complete ergonomic risk assessments based on the company's Baseline Risk Identification of Ergonomic Factors risk ,assessment survey and Ergonomic Assessment...

National Semiconductor purchases wire bonders from Kulicke & Soffa.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... WILLOW GROVE, PA -- National Semiconductor Corp. (Santa Clara, CA) has purchased Maxum wire bonders from Kulicke & Soffa for its facilities in Singapore and Malaysia. "Based on our current assessment, the Maxum wire bonder and K&S process...

Robot cars rally for desert race.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... LOS ANGELES -- Numerous engineers, researchers and robot aficionados have signed up for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) Grand Challenge, a contest that generates ideas that hopefully will lead to the development of...

Senate rejects auto fuel economy boost.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- A new energy agenda being fashioned by the Senate will do little to force automakers to substantially increase fuel economy, even though cars and SUVs consume 40 percent of the oil that is used daily in the United States. The...

Program offers funding for research and development.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... WASHINGTO N-- SWIFT IV is an 8-day multistate bus tour that aims to fuel technology growth and development across the Northwest by promoting awareness of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer...

Emerging applications expand electric motor markets.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... SAN JOSE, CA -- As the installation rates of many automotive comfort features approaches saturation, developing new electric motor applications holds the key to successful market entry and expansion. New analysis reveals that the market tot...

Illinois named top state for economic development in 2002.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich was awarded the 2002 Site Selection Governor's Cup. The Governor's Cup is an annual award given to the top state in the nation for business development. In addition to Illinois being honored....

Omron establishes control equipment company in Shanghai.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... KYOTO, JAPAN -- Omron Corp. opened the Omron (Shanghai) Control System Engineering Co., Ltd. under the control of the Industrial Automation Co. Omron Control System will handle the production and development of Industrial Automation's...

SKF precision technologies combines products and services.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... GRAFTON, WI -- A broad range of products and services will now be sold under the name SKF Precision Technologies, a Div. of SKF USA Inc. The full line of Russell T. Gilman products (slides, spindles and three-axis units) will be sold under the...

Federal Reserve sees economy picking up.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve is seeing signs that the U.S. economy is improving, especially in the long-suffering manufacturing sector. "Reports from the 12 Federal Reserve districts provided signs that the pace of economic activity...

Addendum.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2003... The system depicted in the left-hand photo on the cover of the ASSEMBLY Buyers Guide 2003 was designed and built by Advanced Robotic Concepts Inc. (Wixom, MI). The photo was courtesy Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. ASSEMBLY's editorial staff...

Letter to the editor.
September 1, 2003... I would like to comment on several aspects of the article "Tiny Thunder," published in ASSEMBLY, April 2003. The bar chart entitled Leak Testing Methods suggests that helium mass spectrometry can only detect a leak down to [10.sup.-6] standard...

Robotic sealing cuts operating costs.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2003... Lamson & Sessions (Cleveland) produces thermoplastic conduit, enclosures, wiring outlet boxes and accessories for the electrical, construction, consumer, power and communications markets. It also makes large diameter pipe for the wastewater...

Material handling facilitates lean assembly.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2003... A wall of flow racks, overrun with inventory, towered above the assembly line. Obstructing views and blocking light, the racks held as much material as could be crammed into them. "I knew there was a better way," recalls Dean Davidson, the...

Manual assembly line gets an upgrade.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2003... Sunrise Medical (Longmont, CA) is one of the largest manufacturers of home care and extended care products. The company makes respiratory products, wheelchairs and mobility products to assist people with acute or persistent medical problems....

Valve technology streamlines robots.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2003... KUKA Robotics Corp. (Sterling Heights, MI) understands that for fast implementation and smooth changeover to new or modified production lines, the end-of-arm tooling needs to be set up and installed quickly and efficiently. Historically, a...

Tool rail improves workplace efficiency.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2003... The efficient supply of compressed air and electricity to tools on assembly lines is not as easy as one might think. While small products can be assembled with tool movements limited to an area of 2 to 3 square feet, larger products, such as...

Fiber optic displays glow with adhesive.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2003... Absolute Lighting Designs of the U.K. produces a line of custom carpets that change color as pedestrians walk across them. The carpets use fiber optic cables sewn into the weave to produce the effect. To maintain the necessary optical...

An inside look at outsourcing: what works in one industry may not always in another.(Assembly Trends)
September 1, 2003... Today's volatile economy has forced most manufacturers to explore outsourcing. Many companies see it as an opportunity to reduce costs, improve flexibility and streamline production processes. Outsourcing is similar to leasing a car; there...

Big business with small devices: sophisticated automated assembly equipment will be needed to meet the demand for microelectromechanical systems.(Automated Assembly)
September 1, 2003... If you watch the news, you can't help but notice how everything keeps getting smaller and smaller. Everybody is talking about the newest microelectronic products and developments. Despite the headlines, it has been rather difficult for...

Tools of the trade: robotic soldering plays a key role in assembling trading room systems.(Field Report)
September 1, 2003... Every day, fortunes are made and lost on Wall Street. Electronic trading systems play an important role in the drama. Stock, commodity and bond traders equipped with high tech tools conduct million-dollar deals with a mouse click. Many...

Steering gear tested in real time: a CNC press closes the loop to verify quality of rack-and-pinion steering units.(Presses)
September 1, 2003... Precise, effortless power steering is taken for granted on today's vehicles, but the manufacturing technology that makes it possible is anything but simple. The rack-and-pinion units in most vehicles are complex hybrids of mechanical and...

Getting a grip on small parts: tiny components pose a big challenge to end effectors.(Robotic Assembly)
September 1, 2003... Actuators, grippers, vacuum cups and other end-of-arm tooling often take a back seat to sexier industrial robot components, such as controllers and vision systems, However, these devices are an essential part of any robotic application,...

How to buy a leak tester: when buying a leak tester, engineers should set good specifications and beware of exaggerated claims.(Testing)
September 1, 2003... On the surface, leak testing may appear to be a straightforward process. In reality, finding a leak testing system that is ideally suited to your application can be deceivingly complex. So before engineers contact potential suppliers, they need...

Rules-based thermal profiling for rework: rules-based thermal profiling can prevent damage to optical devices and other sensitive components during rework.(Electronic Assembly)
September 1, 2003... Editor's Note This article was originally presented at the APEX Exhibition and Conference, March 30 to April 1, in Anaheim, CA. Surface mount rework systems have evolved into sophisticated thermal processing tools. At a localized...

How can you assemble it faster better and for less?(Assembly Technology Expo)
September 1, 2003... It's never been more important to bring higher-quality, lower-cost products to market faster than ever before. With today's rapid pace of innovation, you and your team need specialized equipment, tools and knowledge to succeed. And that's...

Conferences.
September 1, 2003... Monday, September 22, 2003 Automated Assembly 9 to 11 a.m. Implementing Automation Alter Making Lean Improvements Tom Lawton, Advent Design Many times, a company automates part of a production process without considering...

Exhibitor index.
September 1, 2003... A ABM Associates 15110 Accumetric LLC 15112 Accuplace 21023 AccuSentry 25026...

X-ray inspection for large parts.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The NDT Analyzer XXL X-ray inspection system finds microscopic faults in turbine blades and other large parts. The machine's microfocus X-ray source can resolve detail as small as 1 micron. It can magnify images up to 300X. Booth 52020 ...

Analyzer tests telemetry lines.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The Horizon 1500 wiring analyzer tests telemetry lines for attenuation. It also performs continuity, polarity and insulation tests. The device can test cables ranging from 75 to 150 meters long. Booth 19085 Cable Test Systems Inc. ...

Cyanoacrylate dispenser.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... With the Infinitus dispensing system, cyanoacrylate adhesive is fed from a hanging bag, through a 36-inch line, to a round, handheld dispenser. The dispenser accepts standard Luer Lok tips. Booth 14060 Crosslink Technologies Inc. ...

Conveyor transfers PCBs.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The F2000 edge-belt conveyor can position printed circuit boards within a tolerance of 0.127 millimeter. The width of the rails is adjustable, and the belt is static-dissipative. It is available in lengths of 10 to 60 inches. Booth 15005 ...

UV curing lamp.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The ELC-800 curing system provides safe, filtered ultraviolet-A light at a peak wavelength of 365 nanometers. Equipped with a 200-watt mercury vapor lamp, the device outputs 6 watts of energy per square centimeter. A built-in radiometer...

Laser marker.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The PowerLine laser marker is available with a 30-watt or 50-watt C[O.sub.2] laser. The compact device includes a Windows-based text and graphics editor. Booth 51050 Rofin-Baasel Inc. www.rofin.com 978-635-9100 Reply 505

Slides for short strokes.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... Simple-Select linear slides are for high-speed, short-stroke motion. Available in four standard sizes, the slides have V-shaped running surfaces and double-row bearings. Fitted cap seals prevent dirt ingress and ensure positive lubrication. The...

Permanent magnet motors.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The Y series of permanent magnet DC brush motors are available in frame sizes of 19 to 100 millimeters. Torque outputs range from 0.1 to 144 in.-oz. Voltages range from 2.4 to 240 volts with power ratings of 1 to 400 waits. The motor's...

Pick-and-place machine.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The Vantis pick-and-place machine is targeted to small-and midsized circuit board assemblers. It has a single-beam positioning system and supports a limited number of heads, cameras and configurations. It can be equipped with a seven-spindle,...

Stencil cleaner.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... Dek-Pro EF and its solvent based twin are substitutes for isopropyl alcohol and other hazardous, low-flashpoint solvents used to clean the bottom of paste-printing stencils. These environmentally safe cleaners will not affect the printing...

Crayon marks surfaces.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The Dykem crayon creates durable, highly visible, paintlike marks on metal, wood, plastic, glass, cardboard, concrete, stone and rubber. It can mark wet, rough, rusty or oily surfaces. The mark withstands heat, weathering, chipping, fading,...

Pinch-tube valve.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The PT100 pinch tube valve dispenses one-or two-component materials. It dispenses thick pastes or materials with a viscosity of 1 centipoise. A pneumatically actuated piston compresses or relaxes urethane tubing to stop or release the material....

High-temperature masking tape.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... No. 5563 nonsilicone masking tape protects gold-plated fingers and other areas on printed circuit boards during high-temperature processes. The tape is easily die-cut for use with land grid array applications. The acrylic adhesive minimizes...

Valve for tiny deposits.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The TS5440 adjustable needle valve dispenses small, precise deposits of low-and medium-viscosity materials. It can deliver a minimum shot size of 0.5 microliter, and its maximum operating frequency is 400 cycles per minute. It handles fluids as...

Tool reforms leads.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The F-1B/1RC tool can reform the leads on almost any fine-pitch surface mount device to meet the JEDEC coplanarity standard of 0.004 inch. The tool forms one side of a device at a time, and each side can be up to 2.5 inches long. The tool can...

Rack holds PCBs.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... Double face-plug rack is made of conductive material for safely storing printed circuit boards. It holds 50 PCBs that are 12.9 inches long. Side plates can be adjusted from 3.2 inches to 9.8 inches. Stop rods can be mounted to prevent PCBs from...

Extra-wide conveyor.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The belt on the 3200 series conveyor can be up to 6 feet wide. The conveyor can be built in lengths of 4 to 99 feet, in 0.125-inch increments. Maximum load capacity is 1,000 pounds, and the belt can travel at a maximum speed of 421 fpm. Booth...

Automated optical inspection.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The VT-9000 automated optical inspection system uses 2D and 3D imaging to detect defects in paste deposits, component placement and solder joints. Booth 52067 Orbotech Ltd. www.orbotech.com 978-901-5120 Reply 517

Incline conveyor.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The Z-Rex incline conveyor has a plastic belt with beveled vertical flights at both edges to safely guide small parts and feed them into tote boxes, barrels or hoppers. The conveyor is powered by a variable-speed, direct-drive brushless DC...

Modular solenoid valves.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The SV series modular solenoid valves have pin-type connectors instead of lead wires. This allows engineers to build manifold blocks by plugging and unplugging individual valves. The valve has a life expectancy of 50 million cycles. It comes in...

Tabs for "muscle" wire.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... These clip-on tabs can be automatically spliced to nickel-titanium "muscle" wires so they can be attached to printed circuit boards. Nickel-titanium, or nitinol, wire contracts like a muscle when electrical current is applied. Booth 50077 ...

System inspects electronic devices.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The ML3000 vision system inspects the leads and markings on surface mount devices and other components. It checks gull-wing leads, J leads and other lead shapes for terminal dimensions, lead width, lead length, pitch and skew. It inspects...

Compact soldering station.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The SX soldering station is 3 inches high and 5 inches deep. Soldering temperature can be adjusted from 355 to 800 F. An anti-inductive heating element and K-type thermocouple ensure accurate temperature control. Booth 26019 Aven Tools ...

Preconfigured pick-and-place.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... Combined Motion Units bring together pneumatic actuators and slides to create preconfigured pick-and-place modules. The units include adapter plates, mounting supports and wire tracks, and are ready to accept end effectors and sensors. Fourteen...

Tool retractors.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... Tool retractors allow the worker to easily move a suspended tool up or down. The light-duty model supports a load of 1 to 2 pounds. The heavy-duty model supports load of 18 to 370 pounds. Booth 15067 Aero-Motive Co. www.aeromotive.com...

Pinch valve.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The EZ-pinch pneumatic pinch valve accepts tubing up to 0.375 inch OD. It has a removable cover plate, which eliminates the need to pull tubes through a hole for insertion or removal. The stroke of the pinch blade is adjustable. Booth 23008 ...

Selective soldering machine.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... Selective Pro is used for single and multipoint soldering of pin grid arrays, connectors, integrated circuits and large components. From the touch-screen interface, the operator can regulate spray fluxing, preheating, nitrogen flow, soldering...

LabView upgrade.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... LabView 7 Express extends LabView to a wider range of targets, from embedded field-programmable gate arrays to personal digital assistants. The software includes more than 40 "Express VIs" that streamline development for tasks ranging from data...

Free inspection software.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... Free software upgrades are available for X-Tek microfocus X-ray inspection systems. One upgrade produces a 3D waterfall display from a 2D image. This makes it easier for operators to interpret X-ray images. A new drill offset measurement tool...

Device melts adhesive.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The VersaBlue adhesive melter is available with 12-, 25-, 50-and 100-liter reservoirs. Powered by a variable-speed AC motor, a spur gear pump delivers the melted adhesive to a dispense valve. Booth 16112 Nordson Corp. www.nordson.com...

Heat gun.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The fan on the Model HG2300E heat gun is driven by a fully enclosed brushless DC motor. The lightweight tool has a ceramic heater and thermocouple control. Booth 19091 Steinel www.steinel.net 800-852-4343 Reply 530

Hot-melt glue gun.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The Model GG-100 Portapro is a cordless, butane-powered glue gun. The 200-watt heater can beat adhesive to 392 F. The gun can run 140 minutes on a full tank of fuel, and it can dispense 1.9 pounds of glue per hour. Booth 17073 Master...

Oven for heat-shrinking.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The SCHEME is a conveyorized oven for heat shrink applications. The oven automatically varies the speed of the conveyor to compensate for changing temperatures. Maximum belt speed is 100 inches per minute. Booth 19096 American...

Scriber marks parts.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The MC-2000 computer-controlled scriber can operate as a stand alone or in-line system. It can mark logos and alphanumeric characters on most materials, including metals, plastics and ceramics. Characters can be 1 to 20 millimeters tall, and...

Nutrunner for high torques.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The Cleco 64 swing-bar nutrunner can apply torque ranging from 34 to 1,985 newton-meters. Its powerful motor limits speed shifts and provides a consistent clamp load regardless of joint type. Booth 51079 Cooper Tools Inc. ...

In-circuit tester.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The MTS 500 Condor performs both in-circuit and functional testing. It has four identical flying test probes and up to 1,024 fixed pins. It can probe pads as small as 6 mils, and it can position probes with a resolution of 0,025 mil. It can...

Device tests wire harnesses.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The Signature 1100H+ hipot cable and harness tester has a large, easy-to-read display and a simple, menu-driven user interface. It can handle voltages of 1,000 VDC and test 1,024 points. It detects opens, shorts, miswires, high-resistance...

Chuck holds robotic grippers.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... The quick-change Chuck-Lite allows grippers and other end-of-arm tooling for robots to be swapped out quickly and easily. The chuck can be adapted to most robots. It weighs 50 percent less than standard chucks. Booth 29093 SAS Automation...

Solder mask.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2003... Chemask WF is a water-filterable spot solder mask. It can be used in both closed- and open-loop aqueous cleaning systems. It does not contain clay, silica or ionic compounds, so ion exchange beds are not adversely affected. Booth 54053 ITW...