Fiber optics is one of today's hottest industries. But, manufacturers can't supply enough optical components to keep up with demand. One of the biggest challenges facing the industry is finding a way to automate the assembly process.
To ensure just-in-time parts availability at every automotive assembly station, along with orderly interfacing with computerized inventory activi-ties, DaimlerChrysler Corp.'s South St. Louis, IL, assembly complex installed Interroll's (Wilmington, NC) modular flow storage.
IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE 21st century, the role of the manufacturing engineer is very difficult to define. It's a role that grows more complex day in and year out.
North America's first multishell, vibration-welded intake manifold debuted on Ford's 5.4-liter, two-valve engines on the 1999 Ford F-series 150 and 250 light trucks, Expeditions and Lincoln Navigators. This manifold also marks the first use of Zytel welding-enhanced PA 6,6 nylon resin.
Trianon Industries Corp. (Yvelines, France), a Tier One supplier of automotive sheet metal components and assemblies, was faced with increasing the manufacturing efficiency of its welded automotive underbody assemblies. The company contacted Rofin-Sinar Inc. (Plymouth, MI), and together, they collaborated on the design, specification and test stages of new, high-speed remote laser welders.
LEAK TESTING IS AN engineering challenge. On one hand, engineers must meet stricter leak rate standards. On the other, they have to make the leak testing process less costly and less dependent on operator skill. To meet this dilemma, engineers must understand all aspects of the leak testing process.
Based in Kronach, Germany, manufacturer Dr. Franz Schneider Kunststoffwerke makes plastic parts for automobiles. The company specializes in functional trim elements, such as fresh-air grills, produced using various injection-molding processes. Modular conveyors ensure efficient flow of product throughout the assembly plant.
Assembly by Die Casting is used as the joining medium to assemble multiple small components up to 6 in. (150 mm) in diameter, and as the production method to form additional components directly on the assembly.