Clichés have a place in manufacturing, so long as they truly fit the application. For example, the expression "It's not rocket science" is perfectly appropriate to describe the use of a small manual press for a punching operation in the assembly of a consumer product.

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.

Planes, trains and automobiles are not the only transportation-related products that present assembly challenges to manufacturers.

Industry 4.0 concepts necessitate highly flexible and modular production equipment. A good example is the new CresaLine small-parts assembly system from Swiss machine builder and integrator Credimex AG.

One of the simplest devices for partially automating an assembly process is a rotary indexing table. This device consists of a circular steel plate and a drive for turning it.

Manufacturers are under pressure to reduce their overall energy consumption, improve sustainability and save money.

A high-speed, multistation automated assembly system can produce tens of thousands of products per day.

"Out with the old, in with the new" is a catchy idiom. But, it can also be costly advice, especially for a manufacturer. Replacing its numerous older machines can cost anywhere from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Global automotive supplier IFA Group makes driveshafts and other components for cars, trucks, tractors and industrial machinery. The company has assembly plants in Germany, Poland, China and the United States.