Plastics & Metal Welding Assembly

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MIDDLEVILLE, MI—Systems integrator TranTek Automation has designed and built an automated assembly system that has enabled Bradford White Corp. to keep producing water heaters in the United States.

RUSSELL SPRINGS, KY—Dr. Schneider Automotive Systems Inc. plans to build a $29 million assembly plant here, creating 155 jobs.

Think all big trucks look the same? Don’t tell that to an engineer at Kenworth Truck Co. The legendary firm is synonymous with hard-working, well-built vehicles.

LUDWIGSHAFEN, Germany—BASF plans to spend millions of euros to develop new thermoplastic and thermoset composites for lightweight vehicles. The company predicts OEMs can reduce vehicle weight by up to 220 pounds by using short-fiber-reinforced plastics in seats, oil pans, cross beams, air intake manifolds, engine mounts and structural inserts.

The commercial vehicle industry is finally emerging from the doldrums. Will the industry keep on truckin'?

SALT LAKE CITY—Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed a new technology for creating an extremely strong bond between lightweight aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel. The technology, friction bit joining, could be a boon to automakers looking to reduce vehicle weight.

COLUMBUS, OH—The Edison Welding Institute has launched a program to train 25,000 welders in the United States over the next three years.

LAKEWOOD, NJ—Aquatherm Industries Inc., a manufacturer of solar pool heaters, has released a six-minute video offering a behind-the-scenes look at its entire manufacturing process: from molding to final assembly.

A lot can happen in 0.5 second, especially in the world of assembly. One or more rivets can be simultaneously inserted. Multiple beads of adhesive can be dispensed. And two thermoplastic pieces can be ultrasonically welded into a usable part.

Steel is not about to disappear anytime soon as the dominant material used in the home appliance industry. Unlike automakers, which are turning to aluminum, carbon-fiber composites, magnesium, plastic and other lightweight materials, steel still rules in the world of refrigerators, dishwashers and dryers.