Power tools collect a wealth of data about the fastening process. With some simple statistical analysis, engineers can obtain valuable insight into the fastening process.
OTTAWA, OH—Whirlpool Corp. began construction on a $3.3-million wind-turbine project at its freezer assembly plant here. The project will generate more than 30 percent of the plant’s power needs.
MARION, OH—When you arrive at the largest clothes-dryer plant in the world, the first thing you see is not some whiz-bang new product, but a really old one. Inside the visitor entrance is a dryer made when the plant had just opened in 1955. The appliance was used in someone’s house for 60 years and still works.
No matter which method is used, the goal is low production costs and a quality end product.
October 1, 2016
Design engineers consider a number of factors when deciding which joining method is best suited to a particular application. Each has pros and cons, and this article will look at some of the reasons behind the choices for one over the other.
Incompatible thermoplastic polymers can be welded by using polymer blends that are compatible with both components.
September 8, 2016
Ideally, every component in a plastic assembly would be made from the same material. However, cost, functional and aesthetic requirements often dictate that a mix of materials be used.
GREENVILLE, OH—Whirlpool Corp. will expand its Factory Distribution Center here, which ships KitchenAid small appliances worldwide. The project will nearly double the space at the facility, to 650,000 square feet.
RACINE, WI—InSinkErator will transition its factory here to an assembly-only plant over the next three years, and much of its motor production will move to other plants both inside and outside the U.S.
Washers are a vital component of many fastened joints. Washers are critical to the operation of virtually every device with moving parts. They perform a variety of functions beyond just securing bolts, nuts, screws and rivets. They can insulate, seal, lock, provide spacing, improve appearance, supply spring force, align parts, and distribute loads.
When an assembly process proves to be even a tad too costly—even a penny or less per cycle—a cheaper alternative must be found. This is why many manufacturers have replaced die-cut or molded solid gaskets with form-inplace (FIP) and cure-in-place (CIP) liquid gaskets.