Established methods—like ultrasonic and resistance welding—increasingly face competition from advancing technologies like laser, friction and micro welding.
Engineers have many options for joining identical or similar materials. To join, say, a steel part to another steel part, engineers can use screws, rivets, welds, adhesives, clinches or press-fits.
If humanoid robots could talk, they would readily admit that their real-world capabilities are much more limited than those showcased in movies and TV shows.
Manufacturing high-quality parts is no longer the only measurement of success for Tier 1 automotive suppliers. Reliable part traceability—from preassembly until the end of its wear life—is equally important.
Being one of the Detroit Three automakers has its perks and its challenges. The main benefit is widespread brand recognition—which is inherently accompanied by the challenge of making sure that every vehicle produced is safe, comfortable and reliable.
On Feb. 21, West Coast port employers and their union reached a tentative five-year agreement on a new contract. The pact concludes a nine-month standoff that resulted in significant slowdowns at 29 ports from Los Angeles to Seattle.