Factory automation - Articles - Page 48

Flexible, Robotic Cells Automate Back-End Assembly Processes

Microfactories combine software, machine learning, machine vision and robotics to create intelligent assembly lines.

March 15, 2021

Today's printed circuit board assembly line is highly automated. Board loading, paste printing, pick-and-place, reflow, test and inspection - every process is covered by a standard machine, and assemblers have many brands to choose from.

Creating a Factory of the Future in Aerospace

Andreas Hassold Doug Luedtke Doug Rogers

March 10, 2021

Aerospace assemblers are just beginning to investigate how Industry 4.0 technologies can improve throughput, quality and cost.

Automating Medical Device Assembly

February 16, 2021

One hardly needs sophisticated market research to conclude that the global market for medical devices will continue to rise for the foreseeable future. One need only open a newspaper to read the latest data on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grippers Handle Various Tasks for Plastic- and Metal-Part Suppliers

Jim Camillo

February 11, 2021

Some Tier II suppliers provide a wide range of parts to the automotive industry, while others are better suited to focus on only one type of part. Grand Rapids, MI-based Erwin Quarder Inc. (EQI) specializes in making plastic-injection overmolded, two-shot-molded and insert-molded parts.

AGVs Keep Seats on the Move in Faurecia Assembly Plant

Jim Camillo

February 10, 2021

Faurecia has been the world's largest manufacturer of vehicle interiors for the past several years. Automotive OEMs all over the globe install the company’s seats, dashboards, center consoles, door panels, acoustic modules and decorative elements.

We Fed It: Flex Feeder Handles Plastic Clips

John Sprovieri

February 10, 2021

Plastic clips and fasteners are becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and quick and easy to install.

How Automation Accelerates Reshoring—Part 2

Harry Moser

February 9, 2021

Motion Control Gets Smart

Today’s technologies for smart motion control range from a multifunction platform to digital twin simulation software.

Jim Camillo

February 9, 2021

In recent years, engineers have come to realize that motion control can be smart. This type of control involves machines that can digitally interact with operators, track each step of the assembly process, ensure quick product changeover and provide the real-time status of available resources.

Universal Robots Reaches Industry Milestone With 50,000 Cobots Sold

John Sprovieri

February 8, 2021

In December, Universal Robots sold its 50,000th cobot, which was purchased by a German manufacturer to increase productivity and improve employee safety.

Vibration Welding Adapts to Shifting Demands

Additive manufacturing, electric vehicles and packaging are new applications for vibration welders.

Austin Weber

February 8, 2021

Many automotive engineers have nightmares about noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) issues. Ironically, one of those pests, vibration, is widely used to assemble many types of plastic auto parts.