2023 March

Alfa Romeo Leverages Advanced Automation to Assemble New SUV

Highly flexible line assembles a random mix of four body styles without stopping.

March 1, 2023

Alfa Romeo introduced the Tonale, a compact crossover SUV, in February 2022. It’s Alfa’s first hybrid vehicle, and it’s the first new model introduced by the brand in six years.

Advances In Fastening Tools

New fastening technology promises to improve ergonomics, boost output, reduce costs and increase quality.

John Sprovieri

March 2, 2023

In most assemblies that are joined with threaded fasteners, the cost of the fasteners is not as important as the cost of installing them.

Mobile Computers Boost Efficiency at Magna

Tablets and smartwatches enable managers and maintenance staff respond quickly to issues on the assembly line.

John Sprovieri

March 3, 2023

Magna International Inc. is one of the world’s largest auto parts companies, supplying OEMs in 28 countries and four continents.

Work Stands Provide Access to Large Assemblies

When ladders won’t do, custom work stands allow technicians to access every part of a helicopter, jet or other large machine.

John Sprovieri

March 6, 2023

The UH-72 Lakota is a twin-engine helicopter with a single, four-bladed main rotor. Built by Airbus Helicopters Inc., a division of Airbus Group Inc., the UH-72 performs logistics and support missions within the U.S. for homeland security, disaster response missions and medical evacuations.

Vision System Inspects Valve Assembly

Compact cameras ensure quality in high-speed automated assembly system.

John Sprovieri

March 7, 2023

Headquartered in Bartlett, IL, a western suburb of Chicago, Matrix Industrial Automation designs and builds robust industrial automation systems.

Coating Improves Grip on Game Controller

A sprayable, UV-cure coating provides a nonsticky, textured feel for video game controllers.

John Sprovieri

March 8, 2023

Today, 66 percent of Americans—more than 215 million people of all ages and backgrounds—play video games regularly, according to the Entertainment Software Association.

Robots Automate Welding of Aluminum Parts

Automated cell produces leak-proof housings for solar power inverters.

John Sprovieri

March 9, 2023

The heart and brain of every photovoltaic (PV) system is the inverter, which converts direct current generated by solar panels into alternating current that can be used in a home or business.

How to Balance Assembly Lines

Line balancing is an important part of lean manufacturing initiatives.

Austin Weber

March 13, 2023

In the circus world, tightrope walking requires incredible balance and finesse. One wrong move can have dire consequences. Optimizing workflow on an assembly line is not as dangerous, but it requires a similar set of skills.

The Perfect Manager

Good communication skills and employee empathy are important attributes.

Austin Weber

March 14, 2023

Whether managing an assembly line or an entire plant, good management skills are something not often taught in engineering school.

Industry 4.0 Technology and Manual Assembly

Amanda Aljinovic

March 15, 2023

In today’s manufacturing environment, which is characterized by change and unpredictable demand, the traditional assembly line is no longer convenient. New, flexible assembly systems are needed to deal with high production variety.

RIP: Shoichiro Toyoda, Who Made Toyota a Global Leader in the Auto Industry

John Sprovieri

March 7, 2023

Shoichiro Toyoda, who led Toyota Motor Co.’s expansion into North America and set the company on a path to becoming one of the world’s most powerful automakers, died Feb. 14 at 97.

New UC Irvine Institute Focuses on Mobility and Connectivity

Austin Weber

March 1, 2023

The future of the automotive industry involves autonomous, connected, zero-emission vehicles.

Hypersonic Aircraft Push the Boundaries of 3D Printing

Austin Weber

March 8, 2023

The aerospace industry recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of supersonic flight. Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier on Oct. 14, 1947, aboard the Bell X-1 rocket plane.

Vote for Best in Show at The ASSEMBLY Show South

What will be the best new product on display at The ASSEMBLY Show South? You decide!

John Sprovieri

March 7, 2023

More than 150 exhibitors will display the latest manufacturing products and services at the inaugural ASSEMBLY Show South April 4-6 at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN. Fasteners, power tools, adhesives, dispensing equipment, conveyors, robots, software and, of course, automated assembly systems are among the myriad new products on display.

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are the fastest-growing segment of the factory automation world. In this webinar, application experts at market leader Universal Robots have assembled a set of guidelines and checklists to help companies large and small identify promising applications, and get started with collaborative robots.

Sponsored by:

Are you worried about attracting and retaining the right employees? Struggling with a desire to balance improving environmental and social challenges with your bottom line? This is a must-see presentation for industry leaders seeking to reimagine the stagnant status quo while improving productivity.

Sponsored by: