This year marks the 50th anniversary of ASSEMBLY magazine. Since the publication debuted in the late 1950s, we have provided in-depth coverage of key trends, issues and challenges affecting the wide world of welding. Here's a look at how welding technology has changed over the last 5 decades.

Wire harnesses are used in everything from sports cars to washing machines and business jets to video arcade games. But, assembling them can be a daunting task. Choosing the right wire harness boards and fixtures can improve productivity.

Believe it or not, cup holders were unheard of in automobiles 25 years ago. But not anymore. Americans are spending more and more time inside their cars, and the market is responding accordingly. Today, interiors are ground zero for automakers and suppliers.

Every leak test system has one thing in common: The product being tested must be effectively sealed and fixtured.

Most people who purchase a BMW X3 have no idea that it's not built by the company from Munich, Germany, that claims to provide "the ultimate driving machine." The $36,000 sport utility vehicle is actually assembled by Magna Steyr, a contract manufacturer that builds cars for several other automakers, including DaimlerChrysler (Auburn Hills, MI) and General Motors Corp. (Detroit).

Whether applying a bead of adhesive to automotive glass or gasketing material to an appliance door, six-axis robots can dramatically improve the quality of the operation.

Bushings, bearings, pins and other parts are often assembled with an interference fit.