2021 February

Assembly eMagazine

The 2021 February Assembly features our cover story: Dispensing Challenges and Solutions, plus much more. Check it out today!

Dispensing Challenges and Solutions

Engineers from diverse industries weigh in on challenges they face when dispensing adhesives and other materials.

Claude Bergeron

February 4, 2021

The methods for dispensing adhesives, grease, oils, sealants and other fluids cover a wide spectrum of techniques: from manual applications like squeeze bottles, toothpicks and syringes to semiautomatic tabletop robots.

Vibration Welding Adapts to Shifting Demands

Additive manufacturing, electric vehicles and packaging are new applications for vibration welders.

Austin Weber

February 8, 2021

Many automotive engineers have nightmares about noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) issues. Ironically, one of those pests, vibration, is widely used to assemble many types of plastic auto parts.

Motion Control Gets Smart

Today’s technologies for smart motion control range from a multifunction platform to digital twin simulation software.

Jim Camillo

February 9, 2021

In recent years, engineers have come to realize that motion control can be smart. This type of control involves machines that can digitally interact with operators, track each step of the assembly process, ensure quick product changeover and provide the real-time status of available resources.

Automatic Screwdriving Opens Window to Productivity

A systems integrator, a motor manufacturer and a screwdriving supplier collaborate to increase productivity and quality at ROMA.

Dagmar Dübbelde

February 5, 2021

Window blinds, shutters and screens have numerous functions. They control lighting, save energy, ensure privacy, provide security, and protect against the elements.

Grippers Handle Various Tasks for Plastic- and Metal-Part Suppliers

Jim Camillo

February 11, 2021

Some Tier II suppliers provide a wide range of parts to the automotive industry, while others are better suited to focus on only one type of part. Grand Rapids, MI-based Erwin Quarder Inc. (EQI) specializes in making plastic-injection overmolded, two-shot-molded and insert-molded parts.

Spray Systems Simplify Powder Coating of Large Metal Parts

Jim Camillo

February 12, 2021

Custom metal fabricator Miller Welding & Machine Co. has experienced steady growth since its founding in 1963. The keys to this growth are implementing process control, creating high-quality products and always being open to using new technology.

Laser Marking Aids Compliance With UDI Regulations

John Sprovieri

February 10, 2021

In May, the European Union’s sweeping new Medical Device Regulation (MDR) will take effect. (The law had been scheduled to go into effect last May, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.)

AGVs Keep Seats on the Move in Faurecia Assembly Plant

Jim Camillo

February 10, 2021

Faurecia has been the world's largest manufacturer of vehicle interiors for the past several years. Automotive OEMs all over the globe install the company’s seats, dashboards, center consoles, door panels, acoustic modules and decorative elements.

Partnership Brings Assembly Jobs to Impoverished Area

John Sprovieri

February 8, 2021

In November, Cook Group Inc. announced plans to invest $7 million to build a 40,000-square-foot assembly plant on the northeast side of Indianapolis, creating 100 jobs for residents in an impoverished neighborhood.

We Fed It: Flex Feeder Handles Plastic Clips

John Sprovieri

February 10, 2021

Plastic clips and fasteners are becoming increasingly popular in the automotive industry. They are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and quick and easy to install.

How Automation Accelerates Reshoring—Part 2

Harry Moser

February 9, 2021

Automated Screwdriving with Collaborative Robots

As more companies automate their screwdriving processes with collaborative robots, there are many factors to consider to ensure employee safety, consistent required torque high degree of repeatability and zero defect products. Join Universal Robots and screwdriving experts Atlas Copco for this joint webinar featuring the latest developments in automated screwdriving.

With the ever-growing global EV manufacturing footprint, OEMs and tier suppliers alike are learning more and more about the special requirements this vehicle technology imposes on the assembly process.

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Assembly eMagazine

2021 February

Cover Story

Dispensing Challenges and Solutions

Features

Vibration Welding Adapts to Shifting Demands

Motion Control Gets Smart

Automatic Screwdriving Opens Window to Productivity

Columns

Grippers Handle Various Tasks for Plastic- and Metal-Part Suppliers

Spray Systems Simplify Powder Coating of Large Metal Parts

Laser Marking Aids Compliance With UDI Regulations

AGVs Keep Seats on the Move in Faurecia Assembly Plant

Partnership Brings Assembly Jobs to Impoverished Area

We Fed It: Flex Feeder Handles Plastic Clips

How Automation Accelerates Reshoring—Part 2

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