Articles by John Sprovieri

SCARA robots have been the bread and butter of assembly applications.

No-clean solder paste was supposed to obviate the need to clean circuit boards. So why are many electronics assemblers still grappling with the process?

For compressed air to be safely and adequately delivered to pneumatic equipment, it must pass through a filter, a pressure regulator, and in some cases, a lubricator.

Belt-driven systems work best in applications that require good repeatability, but not necessarily good accuracy.

Slotless, brushless motors are more efficient than slotted motors.

The cam is at the heart of some of the most complex automated assembly systems.

Panelists at Assembly East debate the future of U.S. manufacturing.

Whether it’s a costly fine-pitch flat pack or an inexpensive axial-leaded resistor, lead forming can be a tricky business.

The motions for most assembly operations are measured in centimeters or millimeters. It's not hard to find an actuator to match the application. But, when the application calls for moves measured in microns or nanometers, engineers have fewer options.

Trays are one option for feeding fragile parts in automated assembly systems.