Several unique technologies are available to error-proof connector assembly. Using lamps, lasers and real-time video, these products guide assemblers step-by-step through the assembly process, guaranteeing correct insertion.
Automakers are often the driving force behind the latest product and process innovations in assembly. Case in point: European automakers have been using flow drilling screws since 1996 to assemble body panels and chassis made of aluminum and thin materials-which continue to gain favor to make cars lighter.
Recently, a well-known European hybrid car manufacturer asked Satrotec AG to produce a high-voltage wiring system inside an encapsulated electronic enclosure. The automaker specified 180 milliliters of proportioned and mixed polyurethane encapsulant be automatically and accurately dispensed into the electronic enclosure.
Recently, Alfmeier Präzision AG sought a way to improve the performance of lumbar-support devices they supply for seats in luxury cars. The problem involved the devices’ subsystem, which was damaging adjacent seat foam and failing prematurely.
Cummins Inc. faced a challenge when developing its off-highway Tier 3 QSX engine a few years ago. The manufacturer had to find a way to keep the engine’s exhaust manifold joints secure enough to withstand severe vibration, joint fatigue and temperature extremes present in industrial field use.
When Prüfrex received a major new contract to produce small engine ignition control systems for forestry and garden machines, the company decided to replace its existing semiautomated production line with a faster, more powerful alternative.
Watch case component connections are machined at Titan Industries' manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. Until recently, the components were loaded manually into machines. However, manual loading significantly limited production speed, so Titan automated the process with a robot.
Several manufacturers have earned multiple OSHA
VPP Star awards at one location. Others, like Hendrickson U.S.A LLC, have
achieved Star status at multiple locations.
Until recently, Alger Manufacturing was using an aqueous parts cleaning system that, although environmentally safe, often failed to meet customers’ cleaning requirements. The system trapped impacted chips and water in the parts’ small cavities and blind holes, so the parts would have to be recleaned.