Assembly articles from September 2008

Assembly archives from September 2008

There's money in sunlight.(Editorial)
September 1, 2008... Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates just invested $2 billion in thin-film photovoltaic production equipment, according to Happy Holden. Writing recently in CircuiTree Holden, senior PCB technologist at the System Design Div. of Mentor...

Torque audits are a good way to check joints.(Fastening THREADS)
September 1, 2008... While installation torque methods certainly generate a lot of discussion, we are actually asked questions on how bolted joints can be inspected nearly as often. The most common method of checking a bolted joint is generally referred to as a...

How effective is your assembly system?(QUALITY in ASSEMBLY)
September 1, 2008... Watch an automated assembly system turn out product at top speed, and it's hard to imagine things could go wrong. But, of course, they do. Springs tangle. Grippers lose their grip. Parts come in out of tolerance. Some problems, such as a...

Boeing using pulsed line for satellites.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... ST. LOUIS, MO -- Boeing has begun using a pulsed line at its assembly facility in El Segundo, CA, to manufacture global positioning satellites for the U.S. Air Force. Boeing is already using pulsed and moving assembly lines to manufacture...

BAE developing Micro robots.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... MERRIMACK, NH -- Aerospace and defense manufacturer BAE Systems (London) is leading a team of scientists in a $38 million effort to develop of new generation of pint-sized robots for the U.S. military, many of which may end up resembling...

Promess, AKH joining forces.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... BRIGHTON, MI -- Precision press manufacturer Promess Inc. and AKH FAS-NER Systems (Indianapolis) have formed a marketing and technology alliance to supply advanced metal-joining presses based on Promess' Electro-Mechanical Assembly Press (EMAP)...

GM investing $445 million in Thai operations.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... RAYONG, Thailand -- General Motors Corp. is investing $445 million to build a new engine plant and upgrade an existing vehicle assembly plant in Thailand. The new 156,000-square-foot engine facility will be GM's first diesel engine plant in...

Webcast to discuss cure-on-demand adhesives.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... BENSENVILLE, IL -- Solvent-free, one-part, cure-on-demand adhesives have become critical for many assembly applications. Because they cure in seconds when exposed to visible or ultraviolet light, they can help manufacturers reduce...

Bosch expands part-time work program.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... STUTTGART, Germany -- Bosch Group is currently offering about 70 job openings in Germany as either full- or part-time in an effort to explore ways of making the company more "family friendly." "It is of the utmost importance to us that our...

Dana to supply BMW differentials.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... TOLEDO -- Dana Holding Corp. has secured a contract to manufacture front differential assemblies for the X6 Sports Activity Coupe, manufactured by BMW AG (Munich, Germany) at its plant in South Carolina. "We are pleased to expand our...

A320 aircraft sections arrive in Tianjin.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... TOULOUSE, France -- A new Airbus A320 factory in Tianjin, China, has begun assembling its first airplane following the recent arrival of a number of large subassemblies from Europe. Airbus hopes to have the aircraft in commercial service by...

Irish Caterpillar plant going 'green'.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... PEORIA, IL -- As part of its ongoing effort to meet 20 percent of its energy needs through alternative or renewable sources, Caterpillar Inc. is now using only "green" electricity to power its facilities in Northern Ireland. This past...

Rolls-Royce begins work on Virginia plant.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... LONDON -- Rolls-Royce Aerospace has begun prep work for a new manufacturing facility in Prince George County, VA. The plant, which will employ approximately 150 people producing parts for aerospace OEMs, is expected to ramp up in late 2009. ...

Gamesa opens fourth wind plant in China.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... MADRID, Spain -- Wind generator manufacturer Gamesa Corp. has opened a fourth manufacturing facility in China as part of an ongoing effort to tap into what it sees as one of the world's largest renewable energy markets. The new plant,...

Toyota begins construction of second Indian plant.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp. has begun construction of a new plant near the city of Bangalore, in India's Karnataka State, to assemble vans and Corolla sedans beginning in 2010. At full capacity, the new plant will produce some 100,000...

Toyota develops personal 'Winglet'.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... TOKYO -- Look out Segway, the behemoth that is Toyota Motor Corp. is exploring the personal transport market with what it is calling the "Winglet," a personal transport assistance robot ridden in a standing position. The new Winglet...

Bombardier launches CSeries aircraft program.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... BELFAST, Northern Ireland -- Bombardier Inc. (Montreal) has formally launched what it is calling its CSeries jetliner program, with a first airplane scheduled to enter commercial service with the German carrier Lufthansa in 2013. The new...

Jungheinrich building new plant.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... HAMBURG, Germany -- Material handling supplier Jungheinrich is building a new warehousing and equipment plant in Moosburg, Germany, in anticipation of what it expects will be strong future demand for its products. The plant is set to ramp up by...

IBM: car buyers want 'intelligent' vehicles.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... ARMONK, NY -- A recent study by IBM Corp. finds that in the coming years automotive customers are not just going to want cars, but an "enhanced mobility experience." According to the study, titled "Automotive 2020: Clarity Beyond the...

Automatica 2008 sets new standards.(Assembly Lines)
September 1, 2008... MUNICH, Germany -- Now firmly established as an international platform for progress in automation technology, this year's Automatica 2008 trade show set new records not just in attendance and exhibit space, but in the breadth of its appeal to...

Positioners cut final assembly times.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2008... The new 787 Dreamliner commercial jet from Boeing (Chicago) is receiving a lot of attention due to the fact that it is manufactured largely from composites. However, equally revolutionary is the degree to which the company has outsourced the...

Taking advantage of all three dimensions.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2008... When Ophthonix Inc. (San Diego) first set out to manufacture its custom-made iZon high-resolution eyeglasses, it anticipated having an outside laboratory do the processing. However, the company quickly realized it would have to do the work...

Bearings ensure effective arm performance.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2008... NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander, which arrived at the Martian north pole in late May, carries an assortment of instruments, including cameras, an onboard meteorological station, a thermal and evolved-gas analyzer, and a robotic arm. The latter,...

ERP streamlines shipbuilding operations.(Assembly in Action)
September 1, 2008... Founded in 1999, Austal USA (Mobile, AL) manufactures a wide range of aluminum oceangoing vessels, including freighters, high-performance military craft, and high-speed passenger and vehicle ferries. Recently the company found its business...

Cirrus soars with composites: big ideas revolutionize small plane production.(Aerospace Assembly)
September 1, 2008... Most boys build plastic airplane models at some stage of their young lives. In fact, for many kids, it's their first exposure to the assembly process. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of the key steps in building a model plane involves...

One lean, mean airplane: Boeing's P-8A Poseidon program is the latest to benefit from the company's cutting-edge approach to manufacturing.(Aerospace)
September 1, 2008... If ever there was a business that needed to continually reinvent itself, it's the aerospace industry--this applies to assembly processes as much as the product itself. The dustbin of history is filled to brimming with airplane builders that...

Robot safety comes of age: new technology will allow humans and robots to work in close proximity.(Robotics)
September 1, 2008... Robots have traditionally been confined to enclosed workcells to keep humans out of harms way. But, even with precautions, accidents can happen. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For instance, in November 2006, a worker was killed when a robot...

Christmas trees ain't just for December: available in many shapes, sizes and materials, plastic snap-in fasteners secure panels, hoses and wire harnesses.(Fastening)
September 1, 2008... During the past few years, assemblers have invested considerable sums in high-tech fastening tools. Nutrunners and screwdrivers measure the torque and angle applied to threaded fasteners with great precision. Riveters monitor how much force was...

The big show comes to rosemont: build your career by visiting ATExpo, MD&M Midwest, National Manufacturing Week, the Electronics Assembly Show and PlasTec Midwest!(ASSEMBLY EVENTS)(Company overview)
September 1, 2008... Assemblers in the United States will spend $2.83 billion on new assembly equipment and tools in 2008, according to the 12th annual capital equipment spending report by ASSEMBLY magazine. This equals the forecast spending for 2007, which was up...

The Model T turns 100: demand for the "universal car" led to assembly line innovations.(Automotive Assembly)
September 1, 2008... Next month marks the 100th anniversary of "the car that put America on wheels," the Model T Ford. Henry Ford and his colleagues spent two years working on a secret project to develop a car "for the common man." On Oct. 1, 1908, Ford unveiled...

Linear modules provide stiffness.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... BKK and BKR Bridge Modules incorporate an extruded aluminum profile with a geometry that has been optimized for extremely high torsional stiffness. This, in turn, reduces deflection in applications where the linear module is not fully...

Speed up blind fastener installation.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The Autoload MK4.0 installs up to 48 blind fasteners per minute, reducing costs and increasing productivity up to 75 percent over conventional placement methods. The system feeds blind fasteners continuously and directly to the application tool...

Buell frame highlights innovation.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Nu-Way Industries is proud to be showing the Buell 1125R Motorcycle. Buell, a division of Harley-Davidson, builds sport motorcycles. Nu-Way builds the frame for this world-class high-performance bike, which incorporates seven patented design...

Improve flow of medical parts.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Part prefeed elevators improve the flow of individual component parts presented for assembly and installation in an automated environment. Providing a controlled flow is necessary for optimal machine performance. The elevators are designed to...

Costa Rica: platform to the world.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The country's proven track record, strategic location, excellent business climate, quality infrastructure, qualified work force and exceptional access to the world's greatest markets, makes Costa Rica the ideal investment destination for...

Screwdrivers offer ESD protection.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Electrostatic dissipating screwdrivers safely discharge static electricity making them well suited to the assembly of computers, avionics, circuit boards and other electronic devices. The screwdrivers are made from antistatic materials and...

Mechanical index drive.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The 4800DT cam-driven, rotary index drive can accommodate up to 5,646 in.-lb of torque. Models can be configured to include four to 16 positions, and a variety of input periods are available. The standard package includes a speed reducer, motor...

Storage system saves floor space.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... New automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) features a combination of equipment and software that handles, stores and retrieves materials with precision, accuracy and speed. An AS/RS system enables companies to recapture floor space,...

Drives provide space for machine builders.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The Camco line of ring index drives features large through-holes to accommodate a wide range of automated machinery and other types of equipment. Versatile and available in a variety of sizes, the drives allow machine builders to install a...

AirFree dispensers solve control problems.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Concerned about precision and repeatability due to moisture or changes in viscosity? When it comes to dispensing adhesives and solder paste with a syringe, one system stands out. LDS9000 dispensers incorporate a proprietary stepper-motor drive...

Hot-melt systems provide flexibility.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The Thermadose line of hot-melt systems and accessories is well suited to applications involving the use of pressure-sensitive contact adhesives. All models are available in medical-grade configurations for dispensing substances in sterile...

System software slashes programming times.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... New software updates for the FireFly laser-based selective soldering system reduce the program preparation time for soldering printed circuit boards. The X-Y-Z control of the laser head allows the FireFly to precisely control the position of...

Install rivets automatically.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The 8000A series of semi-automated riveters uses an eight-foot umbilical to connect a handheld pistol grip or in-line installation tool to the system's power unit. Equipped with a vibratory bowl, escapement and pic controller, the autofeeder...

Robot provides precision dispensing at low cost.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The TR300 tabletop robot can be used to dispense a wide variety of liquids exhibiting a range of different viscosities. When batches are small and volume is light, the system enables manufacturers to precisely dispense single and two-component...

Dispense two-component materials.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The PR70v variable-ratio meter, mix and dispense system is built to handle a wide range of two-component material formulations, and is well suited to potting, gasketing, sealing, encapsulation and syringe filling. The system's MD2 dispense...

Low-cost orbital riveting.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... New orbital riveting drill-press kit is priced to allow your manufacturing facility to perform state-of-the art riveting operations without having to spend a lot of money. Ideal for prototyping, maintenance, production and production repair,...

Threadlockers can take the heat.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Loctite 2422 and 2620 anaerobic threadlocking adhesives have been specifically formulated for use in industrial ovens, heat treating operations, turbo engines, boiler rooms, refineries, and metal fabrication facilities. Loctite 2422 is a medium...

Cut and seal ultrasonically.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Ultrasonic cut-and-seal machine provides controlled anvil wear and improved consistency through the use of a new cutting module. Available as a standard component that can be retrofitted to most existing cut-and-seal systems, the module...

Curing system delivers light to point of use.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The IRcure is a high-power infrared curing system that delivers IR light directly to the point of use, thereby reducing cycle times and curing costs while selectively heating the adhesive assembly area. The system provides fast and efficient...

Vision-guided robot module.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Modular vision-guided robot cells are easy to integrate with a standard pallet transfer system. The cells' vision systems image the position, orientation and face-up status of unfixtured, randomly conveyed parts. The robots can then match the...

Use lasers, hot air to join parts.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Leister designs and manufactures equipment that employs hot air to bond, work or assemble materials. The company also offers laser systems to weld plastic components. Specific products range from handheld hot-air tools to automated laser...

Linear guides resist wear.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Integral V linear guides have been specifically engineered to carry heavy loads at high velocities. Available in 20 different configurations, each guide consists of a lightweight aluminum rail with a V-shaped raceway fabricated from hardened...

Detect small leaks fast.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The SmartTest portable helium leak detector is simple to operate, rugged and easy to use. It provides the smallest detectable leak rate for helium-5 x 10-12 mbar l/s--and a high inlet pressure, which together permit the user to begin testing as...

Actuators provide long service life.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Uniline actuators come equipped with floating bearings that reduce stress and provide a longer bearing life. The bearings are mounted internally so that they will be protected from contamination. The actuators are available in three frame...

New PAWO line available.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The recently acquired PAWO line of strip, seal and crimp machines is just one of a number of different types of automated systems that will be on display. Other technologies include state-of-the-art wire processing machines and several...

Dispenser employs positive rod displacement.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The Servo-Flo 801 is a positive rod displacement, meter-mix dispensing system that applies beads and shots of precision mixed epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylics and silicones in a wide range of robotic, semi-automated and manual dispensing...

Error-proof your torque tools.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The Global 8 system can be used to error-proof both manual and powered torque tools in a wide range of assembly applications. The Global 8 easily and effectively controls any combination of clutch-type ported air tools, S/R 2.4GHz FM Switch...

Complex boards not a problem.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Surya Electronics is a full-service contract manufacturer with a 25-year history of exceeding customer expectations. As an example of the company's capabilities, this RoHS compliant, double-sided reflow, mixed technology control board has more...

Medical manufacturing specialist.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... TRICOR Systems is a Class I, II and III medical contract manufacture and a recent winner of the Medical Device Excellence award. The company's capabilities include electrical and mechanical assembly; depot repair; PWB layout; CAD design;...

Keep your torque tools working.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Company specializes in the calibration and repair of all brands and models of torque wrenches, power tools and testing equipment. Booth 1901 Team Torque Inc. www.teamtorque.com 888-682-8675

Pressure-sensitive and antistatic tapes.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... New line of antistatic polyester and polyimide pressure sensitive tapes is available with both silicone and acrylic adhesives. Other new technologies will be on display as well. Booth 1409 Intertape Polymer Group www.itape.com ...

Screwdrivers are easy on operators.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The Torq2 HDP Series of direct-drive pneumatic screwdrivers is available in torques ranging from 22 in.-lb. to 115 in.-lb. for use in a wide variety of applications. The drivers feature an ergonomic design that provides operator comfort and...

Change out robotic end effectors.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The Quick-Change robotic tool changer provides improved flexibility by allowing a robot to automatically change end-effectors, such as grippers, vacuum cup tooling and weld guns. Each Quick-Change unit consists of a master plate and a tool...

Sensor fits in small spaces.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... SuperShorty inductive proximity sensors can be installed where other sensors won't fit. The sensors' low mass means they won't add excessive inertial loads when installed on highly dynamic, fast-moving equipment. They are especially well suited...

Drives provide low-cost AGV capability.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Low-profile BST drives measure just 193 millimeters high, making them well suited for use with a wide range of carts. Each BST drive consists of a drive motor, a 24-volt DC power supply, and the necessary control electronics and guidance...

Workstations inspire productivity.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... C-Leg series workstations can be customized with the help of a wide range of accessories, including corner units, shelving, drawers and bins. The stations are available in a variety of sizes and colors. Booth 1018 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Workstations can be combined with conveyors.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Arlink 8000 modular workstation system can now be integrated with a wide variety of conveyors types, including edge rail conveyors, belt conveyors and roller conveyors. The workstations are available in five standard industry widths and heights...

Adapt quickly to changing product widths.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The Flow Bed system's carton flow component allows it to quickly adapt to a wide range of product widths. Preassembled 18- and 12-inch panels can be used with a Flow Cell workstation or other existing rack structure to optimize carton flow as...

Wrenches include LED status indicators.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Ergonomically designed, lightweight, precision electronic hand torque wrenches provide immediate feedback on torque measurements via a set of LED indicator lights placed in the head of the tool. The wrenches are available in capacities ranging...

Monitor both linear and rotary motion.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... New line of Rotational Electro-Mechanical Assembly Presses (REMAP) combines servo-controlled linear and rotary motion in a single unit for use in a wide variety of assembly and test applications involving both types of motion. The systems are...

Monitor distance and load with ease.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The HyperCyl product line uses compressed air to generate output forces up to 100 tons. An IntelliCyl option includes an integral linear transducer and load cell. The HPS satellite series comes with an inline linear transducer, while HPI...

Create quick, strong bonds in metals.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The FDS process allows assemblers to install fasteners in metals such as steel and aluminum without having to pre-punch, or otherwise prepare the surfaces being joined. The result is a high-strength assembly that is reusable, watertight and...

Handheld microscope promotes quality.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The ProScope HR can be used to perform inspections in a wide range of settings, including those in electronics manufacturing and assembly operations involving the use of small metal and plastic parts. The ProScope can be used with either a PC...

Automated assembly and test systems.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Micro Automated Systems Group specializes in the assembly and test segments of the automation industry, and provides customers with contract manufacturing capabilities that include electro-mechanical design, software development, general...

Apply codes in small places.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The Model 28 ink code-marking machine can be used to apply date, product and dot codes on a variety of different surfaces. Its small size allows it to be used in settings where space is limited. Booth 1441 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Software upgrades boost functionality.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Newly upgraded ProFicient 3 quality control software features 30 major enhancements, including eight new applications that allow manufacturers to address a wide range of new quality opportunities. The system's robust software and automated...

New source for custom wire harnesses.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... KDC, a source for China-manufactured products, subcontracting and marketing, now has a quality source for custom wire harnesses. Located in Shanghai, the company is a major supplier in China to the industrial, high tech and aerospace...

Machinable structural ceramics available.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... Machinable structural ceramics and reinforced ceramic composites can be used in a wide range of industrial heating applications, including thermal, electrical and structural insulation for induction heating, melting and forging. Specific...

Mix potting and gluing materials.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The DM403 is a multi-component high performance semi- or fully-automatic mixing and dosing system that can be used for foaming, sealing, gluing and potting. The DM403 can be easily incorporated into a wide range of different production systems....

ERP for smaller companies.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... NG erp business management software is an affordable ERP option for small and mid-size companies. From sales to design to manufacturing and accounting, NG provides a comprehensive system at a price that is within the scope of today's small and...

Vision system is very small.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The In-Sight Micro is a full vision system the size of a remote-head camera. Measuring just 30 by 30 by 60 millimeters, it can be mounted in very tight spaces on robots and production machinery. For hard-to-reach applications, a nonlinear...

Smart camera runs at high speeds.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The XCI smart camera is available in both VGA and SXGA configurations. Color and monochrome models are also both available. VGA models capture images at a maximum rate of 90 frames per second. SXGA models capture high-resolution, full-motion...

Digital microscope can do 3D profiling.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... The VHX-600 digital microscope is equipped with a 54-megapixel CCD for high resolution and color accuracy. Its depth of field is 20 times greater than conventional microscopes. Operators can perform on-screen measurements, counting and 3D...

Software simplifies SPC.(Product Showcase)
September 1, 2008... QI Macros statistical process control software for Excel draws control charts and histograms with Cp and Cpk scatter diagrams. It contains more than 60 templates, including gauge R&R, production parts approval process, and failure mode effects...