Jim Camillo

Signature analysis is a technology assemblers can use for rapid, root-cause diagnosis of several assembly processes performed on a range of products. Here is a partial list of several applicable processes and related parts, as indicated by signature analysis product suppliers.

Finding comprehensive enterprise software that both handles manufacturing while offering strong functionality for field service and construction has been a real challenge for the Holland Co., a Crete, IL-based provider of rail equipment and services for the rail industry.

Ares I-X was the first stage prototype and design concept demonstrator in the Ares I program. During construction of the Ares I-X launch vehicle, USA rocket engineers needed to get three 2,400-pound rocket-sized parachutes to the top section of the Ares I-X’s booster rocket. 

Current success has JJS Electronics Ltd. looking to the future. The UK-based electronics manufacturing services company has decided it’s time to accommodate recent growth with a print platform that is configurable and adaptable.

Niko makes more than 5,000 different products that are marketed worldwide. A recent challenge for the company has been to create an electrical enclosure that can be mounted to the surface of a plaster wall.

Trane sought an alternative to spot-welding and painting commercial-size air handlers at its Cullen, LA, facility. This approach often resulted in inconsistent joints and appearance.

The basic concept of press-force monitoring has evolved into two branches. One focuses on pressing applications, but offers assemblers more flexibility and precision when capturing information about the force-distance curve. The other branch, called signature analysis, lets assemblers apply the monitoring concept to applications beyond press force.

Hol-Mac wanted to increase technician efficiency in its plants by making test equipment and computers more mobile. This mobility would let technicians bring equipment to areas throughout the four facilities as needed, rather then walking back and forth endlessly to static workstations.

Recently, Schneider Electric installed an automated laser scanning system to significantly improve their first article inspection process. 

Until recently, Northwest UAV Propulsion Systems ordered aircraft components from an outside vendor and performed sanding and other finishing processes on them prior to manufacture. However, the parts purchased were often of an inconsistent quality, so NWUAV decided to manufacture them in-house to ensure their high quality.