John Sprovieri

Software provides work instructions, ensures quality and collects data

August 3, 2017

Sometimes, a new supplier of assembly technology is created by an OEM when it can’t seem to find existing technology to meet its needs.

Flow racks ensure fast, accurate picking at distribution center

John Sprovieri

August 3, 2017

Cardinal Health Inc. is a Fortune 500 health care services company based in Dublin, OH. The company specializes in distribution of pharmaceuticals and medical products, serving more than 100,000 locations.

Debate over steel tariffs pits producers against consumers

John Sprovieri

August 3, 2017

In April, President Donald Trump made good on a campaign promise and ordered the Commerce Department to conduct a “Section 232” review of steel imports. A provision of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 232 authorizes the gov-ernment to take action to limit imports of products if they threaten national security.

Wire Twisting Technology

A new generation of equipment is helping harness assemblers meeting growing demand for twisted pair cables.

John Sprovieri

July 5, 2017

When I was a lad, the family car only had an AM radio, which was just fine with my father. All he wanted was to listen to the ballgame. FM radio? Tape player? Man, those were luxuries!

Feeding and Driving Small Screws

Specialized equipment is needed to feed and drive very small screws.

John Sprovieri

July 5, 2017

A cell phone manufacturer had a problem: Although it was staffed by four assemblers, the screwdriving station had become a bottleneck.

Flaggers, bridges, automation and jobs

John Sprovieri

July 5, 2017

During a recent road trip, I encountered two bridges under repair. Both bridges had only one lane open, necessitating a way to alternate the flow of traffic. At the first bridge, that task was handled by two flagmen, one on each end. At the second, traffic was controlled by a pair of portable, automatic gates.

Behind the Scenes at DeWALT

DEWALT’s assembly plant in Charlotte, NC, produces high-quality tools while beating overseas competition.

John Sprovieri

June 7, 2017

During a recent visit to this bright, open, state-of-the-art factory, I took a turn on the line assembling one of DEWALT’s hottest products, the 20-volt MAX XR three-speed cordless drill and screwdriver, which is powered by a brushless motor and a 5 amp-hour lithium-ion battery.

Assembling Thermoplastic Composites

Joining thermoplastic composites—either to each other or to other materials—can be challenging.

John Sprovieri

June 7, 2017

Plastics and polymer composites are essential to a wide range of safety and performance parts in cars today. In fact, the use of plastic and polymer composites in light vehicles has increased from less than 20 pounds per vehicle in 1960 to 334 pounds per car in 2015.

Manufacturing and cybersecurity

John Sprovieri

June 6, 2017

On May 12, hackers launched a “ransomware” cyberattack that would eventually infect 300,000 machines in 150 countries over a three-day period.

Assembly Presses

Handheld Servo Press Tops Lineup of New Press Technologies at ASSEMBLY Show

John Sprovieri

May 17, 2017

A handheld servo press was just one of many new press technologies that were on display at the 2017 ASSEMBLY Show. More than a dozen press suppliers are exhibiting the latest in hydraulic, pneumatic and electric technologies.