Vision systems used to guide robots pose different challenges for manufacturers than vision systems used for part inspection. The biggest challenge is guiding robots in 2-1/2D applications, where guidance is used so the camera maintains a proper perspective of a part that is level but included in a stack.

Philips' New Kensington, PA, assembly plant was designed from the ground up with three things in mind: people, lean manufacturing and the environment.

A state-of-the-art portable measurement arm inspires-and helps create-a custom chopper from Paul Jr. Designs.

Once a wire harness has been assembled, it must be tested for safety, continuity and functionality.

Several manufacturers consider electromagnetic, or induction, welding a better way to weld highly filled thermoplastics than thermal or friction welding, or using adhesives.

Fuel systems, engines, landing gear, ventilation systems and other aerospace devices that rely on numerous tanks, pumps, actuators, lines and fittings must be tested for tightness during both assembly and maintenance applications.

If a vision system isn’t working optimally, engineers should check for mechanical, electrical and optical problems.

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