Assembly

ASSEMBLY
AUGUST 2017 www.assemblymag.com
Can the IIoT

Boost Efficiency?
pg 48
LED Lighting Factory 30

Impact Riveting 34
Urethane Adhesives 38
RFID Technology 44
Still Using
Hydraulics on your
Work Stations?
WHY?
Promess work stations
are completely electric,
making them:
• Cleaner
• Quieter
• Precise
• Flexible
• Energy efficient
• Programmable
Visit Us at our upcoming shows
September 12-14, 2017 October 24-26, 2017

October 24-26, 2017
Booth: #1355 Booth: #1835
Booth: #305
Providing solutions Did you know Promess also has Monitoring?

for all your assembly The Monitoring system is a stand-alone process
and test needs monitoring and test device with data acquisition.
11429 Grand River Road
Brighton, MI 48116
810-229-9334
promessinc.com
Cloning the Perfect Part promess@promessinc.com
ALL UNDER ONE ROOF!
Orbitform designs and builds assembly equipment solutions for manufacturing, including Riveting, Forming, Fastening,
Custom Engineered Assembly Systems, and Conveyor Automation. Our Engineering, Manufacturing, Machine Build,
Service Department, Spare Parts and Tooling are...ALL UNDER ONE ROOF!
Send us your assembly applicaton.

8 form and fastening processes = an unbiased approach.
Over 8,000 assembly machines shipped.
Radial Rollerforming Orbital Impact Flush Self

Forming Forming Piercing Rivet
Hot Upset Systems Automation
OVER
30
Follow us on…
www.orbitform.com YEARS EXPERIENCE
517-787-9447
30
ASSEMBLY
August 2017 Vol . 60, No . 9
66
COVER STORY

48 How IIoT Can Enhance Factory Efficiency
The IIoT is already affecting the way factories operate,
and it will increasingly impact your operation in the
future.—Santi Clark 34
FEATURES

30 Lean Done Right Makes It Bright
Continuous improvement helps Jarvis Lighting compete 48
against low-cost rivals.—Austin Weber

34 Advances in Impact Riveting DEPARTMENTS
After many decades, the main appeals of impact Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Tariff debate pits producers against consumers.
riveting remain unchanged: speed, reliability and cost- —John Sprovieri
effectiveness.—Jim Camillo
New & Noteworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

38 Using Urethane Adhesives Fastening system enables use of self-clinching fasteners.
—Austin Weber
Available in one- and two-component formulations,
Medical Device Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
urethane adhesives are ideal for bonding metal, plastic Flow racks ensure fast, accurate picking at
and composites.—John Sprovieri distribution center.—Austin Weber

44 What’s New With RFID
Assembly Innovations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Software provides work instructions, ensures quality and
RFID technology has become critical for assembling collects data.—John Sprovieri
cars, appliances and other high-value, high-mix Assembly Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
products.—John Sprovieri Nimble-fingered robot takes dexterity to a new level.
—Austin Weber
Assembly in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Collaboration accelerates production of L.L. Bean
tote bags.—Jim Camillo
Product Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
In-depth profiles of the latest assembly technology.
NEXT MONTH Case Histories in Assembly . . . . . . . . . . 53

Mobile Robots Learn how our advertisers are helping assemblers solve problems.
Cams vs . Servos Assembly Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Press-Fit Assembly Dispense valves, linear actuators and other assembly products.
Flexibility in Plastics Joining Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Advertisers Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Cover photo courtesy Banner Engineering Corp.

Moser on Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Reshoring trend at record levels—What’s next?—Harry Moser
2 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com
© 2017 SCHUNK INTEC, Inc
www.schunk.com/robotaccessories
More than 1,200 Modules Feed-through

Rotary feed-through DDF 2
for your Robot

Connecting
The unique standard line of modules for mechanical, Adapter plate
sensor and power connections of handling modules
and robots.
Monitoring
Collision and overload sensor OPR
Joining and compensating

Compensation unit TCU
Changing Gripping
Quick-change system SWS SCHUNK gripper PGN-plus
consisting of 2-finger universal gripper
SWK (quick-change head) and with multi-tooth guidance
Jens Lehmann, German goalkeeper legend, SWA (quick-change adapter)
SCHUNK brand ambassador since 2012
for precise gripping and safe holding.
www.schunk.com/Lehmann
ASSEMBLY
Online
Web Extras
38www.assemblymag.com
ERP System Provides Big Savings for Fan Manufacturer

Big Ass Solutions first made its mark selling massive ceiling fans for cooling factories and
warehouses. A powerful and effective enterprise resource planning system is essential
for running the company’s manufacturing operations. “It’s only a ceiling fan, but it’s a very
complex product,” says Bill Nall, chief information officer at Big Ass Solutions. “You can’t
manage that level of complexity without having a tight ERP system.”
Airbus Ramps Up Automation
Airbus plans to dramatically boost output of its most popular airplane, the A320, over the next few years. That kind
of production volume, which would be unprecedented in the commercial aerospace industry, will require automated
assembly lines. ASSEMBLY recently interviewed an Airbus executive to learn about the company’s “FuturAssy”
automation strategy.
Web Blogs
Handheld Servo Press Tops Lineup of New Press Technologies
at ASSEMBLY Show
A handheld servo press from Promess Inc. was one of many new technologies on display
at the 2016 ASSEMBLY Show. More than a dozen press suppliers exhibited the latest in
hydraulic, pneumatic and electric technologies.
Lasers, Hot Plates, Ultrasonics Among New Technologies for Joining Plastic Parts
Dukane Corp. unveiled a new technology for laser welding clear-on-clear plastic parts at the 2016 ASSEMBLY Show.
Dukane was one of more than a dozen suppliers of plastics assembly technology exhibiting at the 2016 show. Here are
just a few examples of what you could have seen on the show floor.
New Technology Ensures Error-Proof Fastening
The 2016 ASSEMBLY Show was dominated by suppliers of fasteners and fastening tools. From automatic
screwdriving systems to cordless tools to intelligent riveting tools, here is a roundup of the new fastening tools that
were seen on the show floor.
Assembly White Papers

Roller Pinion Systems: Overcoming the Limitations of Traditional
Linear Motion Technologies
Machinery engineers have many options for moving tools or parts in a straight line. These
include belts, ballscrews, linear motors, conventional rack-and-pinion systems, and the latest
technology—roller pinion systems.
Assembly TV
New Assembly Robots Displayed at Automate Show
The 2017 Automate show just wrapped up in Chicago. More than 400 suppliers displayed the latest
in robotics, machine vision and motion control. Robots of all shapes and sizes were the main attraction
at the event. In this news video, chief editor John Sprovieri reports on the latest assembly technologies
from the show.
Assembly Webinars
Simple: Killing Complexity for a Lean and Agile Organization
The complexities of today’s world can obscure decision-making and add challenges that
bog down an organization. By understanding who their customers are, and what they want,
manufacturers can focus innovation and projects in ways that deliver sustainable value. Tune
into this free webinar Aug. 29 to learn how your company can become faster and more agile.

Utility Couplers
Built-in engineered rotational
compliance allows for large tooling
misalignments.
Robotic Collision Sensors

Auto-reset eliminates the need to enter
the robot cell to reset the device.
Robotic Tool Changers

A superior fail-safe design and quick
tool changing means increased
flexibility and productivity.
Manual Tool Changers

Simple screw-cam locking mechanism
delivers unmatched precision
and coupling strength.
Look Closer.
ATI is in the details.
www.ati-ia.com
Compliance Compensators
Provide compliance and
rigidity on demand.
Robotic Deburring Tools

Air-actuated compliance allows for
part and path variation.
Force/Torque Sensors
Measure force and torque with high
overload protection and low noise.
Editorial ASSEMBLY ¨
155 N. Pfingsten Rd., Suite 205

Deerfield, IL 60015
Tariff Debate Pits Producers For subscription information or service, please

contact Customer Service at: Tel: 800.952.6643 or
Fax: 847.763.9538 or e-mail
assembly@omeda.com
Against Consumers
I
n April, President Donald Trump made good on a cam- TOM ESPOSITO
Publisher
paign promise and ordered the Commerce Department espositot@bnpmedia.com
to conduct a “Section 232” review of steel imports. A
BILL DEYOE
provision of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 232 Associate Publisher
authorizes the government to take action to limit imports deyoew@bnpmedia.com
of products if they threaten national security. If domestic JOHN SPROVIERI
suppliers of a product—in this case, steel—are forced to Editor
sprovierij@bnpmedia.com
close because they can’t compete with cheap imports, it
could adversely affect the ability of the military to produce AUSTIN WEBER
Senior Editor
tanks, warships and the like. webera@bnpmedia.com
Such reviews are uncommon. Since 1980, the JIM CAMILLO
Commerce Department has conducted just 14 Section Senior Editor
232 investigations. In 1988, for example, a Section 232 review of imports of camilloj@bnpmedia.com
antifriction bearings ultimately led to the implementation of “Buy American” MIKE ROBINSON
restrictions on high-precision bearings for jet engines and guidance systems. Art Director
robinsonm@bnpmedia.com
At press time, the results of the steel review had yet to be released, but the
ROXY MATACHE
president has said he is considering quotas, tariffs or a combination of the two Marketing Manager
to protect U.S. producers against an influx of cheap foreign steel. Imported steel matacher@bnpmedia.com
now represents 26 percent of the market, and U.S. steel mills and foundries are LISA THEUT
operating at just 71 percent of capacity. Production Manager
“For too long, China and other nations have been conducting economic theutl@bnpmedia.com
warfare against the American steel industry by subsidizing their steel industries, CAROLYN PERUCCA
Buyers Guide Project Leader
distorting global markets, and dumping excess steel into the United States,” peruccac@bnpmedia.com
asserted United States Steel Corp. in a statement supporting the review. “The
LISA VERIDIANO
effects have been staggering. Tens of thousands of workers in the American Trade Show Coordinator
steel industry, the industry’s supply chain, and the communities in which our veridianol@bnpmedia.com
industry operates have lost their jobs due to unfair and illegal practices by foreign JILL L. DEVRIES
producers.” Corporate Reprint
Of course, one man’s meat is another man’s poison. U.S. manufacturers of devriesj@bnpmedia.com
cars, appliances, tractors and other products made of steel want to keep their NIKKI SMITH
costs down. They worry that tariffs could cost jobs in their industries. Steel tariffs Online Development Director
could also adversely affect unrelated industries if other countries retaliate by ERIN MYGAL
imposing tariffs on American exports, such as agricultural products. Directory Development Manager
“Steel tariffs would actually damage the U.S. economy,” according to a
letter published July 12 by the American Action Forum, a Washington-based
CORPORATE DIRECTORS
think tank. “Tariffs would raise costs for manufacturers, reduce employment in
manufacturing, and increase prices for consumers.” Publishing John R. Schrei
The letter is signed by 15 former White House economic advisers, including Corporate Strategy Rita M. Foumia
former Federal Reserve chairmen Ben Bernanke and Alan Greenspan. Creative Michael T. Powell
By some estimates, U.S. automakers buy 15 percent of all the steel consumed Events Scott Wolters
in the U.S. The vast majority of that is domestically sourced. However, if tariffs Finance Lisa L. Paulus
are levied on steel imports, U.S. steel companies would raise prices as well. Information Technology Scott Krywko
Human Resources Marlene J. Witthoft
Vehicles made outside the country would be unaffected by the tariffs, making
Production Vincent M. Miconi
domestic vehicles less competitive. Clear Seas Research Beth A. Surowiec
In short, protecting one industry could hurt another. Which would you choose?
BNP Media Helps People

Succeed in Business with
Superior Information

Same Technology-
Diverse Applications
Self-clinching
microPEM®
Tackpin®
Fastener
Self-clinching
M10 stud
Our mission is to provide improved, dependable,

cost effective, fastening solutions for thin sheet/panel
applications in your current and next generation
To install, simply:
product designs. 1. Punch Hole
For immediate design assistance email us 2. Insert Fastener
3. Press Into Place
techsupport@pemnet.com
102R
Free PEMSpec™ app now available ©2017
www.pemnet.com
For all your workbench needs.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
Self-Clinching Fastener System Is Versatile
The PEM VariMount fastening system enables the use of self-clinching
fasteners for applications in composites, plastics, metal and any rigid
material or panel. The system integrates a self-clinching nut, stud or stand-
off pre-installed permanently into a steel or stainless steel base plate. The
base plate with multiple radial holes becomes a mounting platform, which
can be bonded or mechanically attached to any rigid material. A variety of
standard PEM self-clinching fasteners can be specified for installation into
the base plate, including steel and stainless steel nuts, steel blind nuts, steel
standoffs, and steel and stainless steel threaded studs in a range of metric
Most Popular Hand Crank Adjust and unified thread sizes and lengths.
PennEngineering
800-237-4736
www.pemnet.com
Electric Adjust Packaging Benches

1proline.com PH: 800 739 9067
Autonomous Mobile Robot Is Flexible

The MiR200 autonomous mobile robot can transport 440-pound payloads
and can tow up to 1,102 pounds. The flexible device operates without
magnets or tape embedded in factory floors. Six separate sensor systems
feed data to the robot’s real-time navigation and safety algorithms. This
enables quick decisions for highly efficient and safe operation, even in
changing situations where people, extension cords, pallets or boxes can
create unpredictable obstacles. The machine can be easily customized to
interface with conveyors, lifts, racks, shelves or collaborative robot arms.
Mobile Industrial Robots Inc.
631-675-1838
www.mobile-industrial-robots.com

3D Printer Creates Metal Parts
The Metal X printer uses atomic diffusion additive manufacturing
(ADAM) to produce metal parts for automotive, aerospace and medi-
cal device applications. It can create shapes and geometries that cannot
be machined or produced with traditional technology, opening up new
possibilities for lighter parts with advanced built-in functionality. Parts
are printed, layer-by-layer, using a metal powder contained in a plastic
binder. After printing, plastic binders are removed and the part sintered
into customary engineering metals. By sintering the entire part at once,
ADAM technology allows metal crystals to grow through the bonded
layers.
Markforged Inc.
617-666-1935
www.markforged.com
Specialty Chemical Packaging &

Repackaging Experts
Cable Protectors Are Ideal for Collaborative Robots

Multipurpose cable protectors designed for different load levels enable
rapid, uncomplicated fitting, high slip resistance and high reliability over
a wide range of temperatures. They are ideal for use with collaborative
robots. The LSDFB series is suitable for slow-to-moderate robot move-
ment velocities under low load. Fastening is by means of a hook and loop
strap that encircles the robot’s arm. The MESUB series is designed for
the higher dynamic and mechanical loads typical of industrial and pal-
Services & Capabilities
letizing robots. It combines a stainless steel clamp with pivot bolt screw Adhesive & Specialty Chemical Bagging
fastening and a friction-enhancing rubber profile. Centrifugal & Vacuum Degassing ∙ Nitrogen Purging
Reiku GmbH Testing ∙ Documentation & Labeling ∙ Hazardous Shipping
800-841-5804 Custom Modifications ∙ Pre-Mixed & Frozen Resins
www.reiku.de
1-866-322-8322 kitpackers.com ISO9001:2008 certified
www.assemblymag.com August 2017 / ASSE M B LY 9

MEDICAL DEVICE ASSEMBLY
Flow Racks Ensure Fast,
Accurate Picking at
Distribution Center
C
BY JOHN SPROVIERI ardinal Health Inc. is a Fortune 500 are picked from the shelves and placed on
health care services company based a conveyor belt that travels to another loca-
EDITOR IN CHIEF in Dublin, OH. The company special- tion for consolidation into shipping cartons.
izes in distribution of pharmaceuti- Products that are ordered in less than case-
cals and medical products, serving full quantities are located in another area,
more than 100,000 locations. The company where the picker is directed to retrieve items
also manufactures medical and surgical prod- by a pick-to-voice system. Items are picked
ucts, including gloves, surgical apparel and and placed on carts. Other workers pick for
fluid manage- just-in-time customers that order the same
ment products. products every day. Products are placed in
All totaled, reusable totes that are returned and reused
Cardinal Health after delivery.
provides medi- The facility has more than 4 miles of con-
cal products to veyors and 180 lift trucks to move products
more than 75 around the warehouse. Full visibility is a key
percent of the success factor for the facility. Workers know
hospitals in the where products are at all times. This helps to
United States. ensure compliance with government regula-
One of the tions and improve customer service.
company’s Span-Track and Shelf-Track flow tracks
largest distri- from UNEX make it easy for workers to store
bution centers and retrieve products from cartons or totes.
is located in These modular tracks integrate easily with
Picking orders from flow racks Waukegan, IL, just south of the Wisconsin any new or existing pallet rack structure,
can increase throughput by as border. Spanning 725,000 square feet, the enabling engineers to create flow racks tai-
much as 150 percent compared center provides medical supplies to thou- lored to their specific operations. No shelves
with order picking directly from sands of hospitals, surgery centers and doc- or intermediate supports are required.
pallets. Photo courtesy UNEX tors’ offices every day. The tracks can be configured for full-case
Manufacturing Inc. Speed and accuracy are watchwords at the or split-case order picking. The track’s roll-
facility. The center’s integrated order picking ers provide a high amount of surface contact,
systems are some of the most efficient in the so carton weight is distributed evenly. This
industry. Flow racks and other material han- optimizes product flow and eliminates hang-
dling equipment from UNEX Manufacturing ups on the track.
Inc. are key components of those systems. The racks are available in light, standard
Picking orders from flow racks can increase and heavy duty capacity versions. They come
throughput by as much as 150 percent com- in six widths, ranging from 6 to 24 inches.
pared with order picking directly from pallets. Racks of various widths can be combined
The Waukegan facility houses 37,000 to match a specific need. For example, a
stock keeping units (SKUs), some of which 96-inch-wide bay can be equipped with four
must be kept refrigerated or frozen. The 18-inch-wide beds and two 12-inch-wide
SKUs are stored in the most efficient spots beds. Product can overhang the lane by up
based on how often the product is used. to 3 inches on either side and maintain flow.
Products used more frequently are close to Various options and configurations are
the picker. SKUs that are used less often are available. For example, a low-profile knuck-
stored higher up the storage racks. The goal led track has a short section at the front (12,
is to move the products only once—from 16, 20 or 14 inches long) that is angled at
incoming shipping to storage, and then from 20 degrees to give pickers easier access to a
storage to where it is picked for an order. carton’s contents.
For the most commonly ordered items, the For more information, call UNEX at
facility uses a “pick-to-belt” method. Products 800-695-SPAN or visit www.unex.com. A

MEDICAL DEVICE ASSEMBLY PRODUCTS
Find Smaller Leaks, Faster Medical Device Assembly Systems by AGR
The HELiOT 900 helium leak detector from The Arthur G. Russell Company, Inc. designs and
ULVAC has the fastest pumping speed for develops innovative automatic assembly systems
helium so you can find smaller leaks, quickly. for the medical device industry. Our exacting stan-
Fast response time, fast background clean dards ensure delivery of the highest level of quality
up, intuitive operation and a 7” tablet-style for products such as syringes, blood collection
touchscreen makes the HELiOT 900 easy-to- tubes, IV catheters and dosage dispensers. AGR’s
use while improving productivity. With five models to choose from, manufacturing process adheres to stringent FDA requirements.
there’s a HELiOT 900 for every application.
Arthur G. Russell Co., Inc.
ULVAC Technologies, Inc. 750 Clark Ave - Bristol, CT
Methuen, MA (860) 583-4109
(978)686-7550 agr@arthurgrussell.com
sales@us.ulvac.com | www.ulvac.com www.arthurgrussell.com
Cut Through Hard NEW! Material Flow

Wires With Ease Solution From Modules!
Aven’s Accu-Cut Hard Wire Cutters are built Pre-engineered and well-designed alu-
from tool steel with brazed tungsten carbide minum modules make designing and
cutting edges , engineered to cut the hardest assembling a complete line easy, fast,
and most difficult materials cleanly and precisely. Blades have an safe and cost-efficient. Treston Modu-
hardness of 81 HRC providing outstanding performance and superior Line caters to varying needs, no matter
part finish time after time. Excellent for cutting stainless steel hard what the function or layout. Using five
wire, braided wire, stents, catheters, nickel titanium, coiled wires, carefully developed modules, various layouts can be created. Modu-
guide wires etc. Line is ESD-safe and can be outfitted with standard accessories.
Aven Inc. Treston Inc.

4330 Varsity Drive | Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (800) 437-6772
info@aventools.com | aventools.com infousa@treston.com | www.treston.us
Precision Riveting Machines Janome Servo Press Supports Your

for the Medical Industry. Medical Device Assembly
Orbitform has extensive experience with the per- The JP4 series servo press allows simple configura-
manent assembly of medical devices, from the most tion to realize results quickly. ‘Ready-To-Run’ by
delicate laparoscopic instruments to the most durable adding power, your parts, and a fixture. Scan your
gurney wheel. Whether you need a cleanroom com- parts, then collect 100% of the data! Closed-loop
pliant workcell, or fully automated assembly system, encoder and integrated load cell for superior con-
Orbitform is your one-stop shop. trol. Select from stand-alone, head, unit, or optional
Orbitform: Assembly Equipment Solutions for Manufacturing since 1984 clean room type.
Orbitform Janome Industrial Equipment USA, Inc.

1600 Executive Dr. 892 Cambridge Drive Elk Grove Village, IL. 60007
Jackson, MI 49203 Phone: (847) 357-8870 | Fax: (847) 357-8890
(517)787-9447 | www.orbitform.com sales@janome-ie.com | www.janome-ie.com
FasTest Quick Connectors for Leak

Testing Now With Smart Technology Do you have a product or service in the
FasTest Inc. introduces revolutionary Connec- medical manufacturing field that you’d like
tion Verification SMART Technology, now
available for FasTest’s FE medical connec- to showcase? Take advantage of this one-
tor product family. FasTest’s new technology of-a-kind exposure in ASSEMBLY Magazine
provides users feedback to validate their con-
nections in real time. Eliminate rework, improve process validation
— your product or service will be facing the
and safety, and increase throughput by removing preset delays in feature medical article of the month!
automated applications. Learn more now!
FasTest
(651) 645-7390 Watch for the next Medical Assembly
fastsales@fastestinc.com Section in October 2017.
http://www.fastestinc.com/en/t/SMART%20Technology

Assembly Innovations
Software Provides Work

Instructions, Ensures
Quality and Collects Data
S
ometimes, a new supplier of assembly Assembling complex products for a wide
technology is created by an OEM array of industries, CMP learned early on how
when it can’t seem to find existing challenging their operations could be. With
technology to meet its needs. some jobs repeating every week, and others
For example, EPSON Robots was only every six months, it became difficult
originally established by Japanese to remain effective. How could operators
remember the setup information for a specific
job on a specific machine? How could they
maintain high levels of productivity on a
complex assembly that they may never have
seen before? How could assemblers know what
quality standards are required when they may
process dozens of different jobs for different
customers in the same day?
To solve the problem, CMP engineers
developed software, Visual Knowledge Share,
for creating digital work instructions. The
software enables engineers to create visual
work instructions and share them with the
people who need to know. Instructions
can include videos, pictures, text, tables,
annotations, forms, alerts and other features.
Instructions can be created on a PC,
laptop, tablet or smartphone—anything that
The VKS software’s OEM Seiko Epson Corp. to satisfy internal can run a modern browser. Similarly, those
ToolConnect feature links with demand to automate handling and assembly instructions can be accessed from any such
tools so work instructions of small parts for watches, printers and other device. Instructions can be stored using VKS’s
automatically advance as each
step is performed—in this case,
products. DENSO Robotics emerged in much cloud-based service or on a company server.
installing a rivet. the same way from Japanese automotive Either way, engineers can control who and
Photo courtesy Visual supplier DENSO Corp. where access is allowed.
Knowledge Share Ltd. Here in North America, software provider “Our software allows you to show operators
Visual Knowledge Share Ltd. (VKS) was how to set up a machine, what to watch out
born when Canadian engineering and for, what to inspect, how to assemble parts,
ma nufact ur ing f i r m CM P Adva nced and what sequence to follow,” explains
Mechanical Solutions needed a way to increase Ryan Zimmermann, director of business
plant productivity, reduce defects and better development at VKS. “That way, the next
train workers. Founded in Châteauguay, time that part comes through, an operator can
Quebec, in 1969, CMP manufactures parts, simply scan a bar code and view pictures and
sheet metal enclosures and electromechanical video showing exactly what he has to do.”
assemblies for variety of products, including Originally implemented in 2012, the soft-
medical devices, trains, industrial equipment ware helped CMP dramatically reduce defects
and self-service kiosks. Today, the high-mix, and achieve a 20 percent gain in productivity
low-volume manufacturer employs more across its operation. The software was so suc-
than 400 people at facilities in Quebec and cessful, CMP created a subsidiary, VKS, to
Binghamton, NY. market the product to other manufacturers.
Assembly Innovations
The software has evolved bolt, or spot-welds a part, the

substantially since 2012. tool or machine will signal
Today, the softwa re is the software to show the next
available in three packages: step in the assembly process.
Light, Professional and Earlier this year, VKS
Enterprise. Light is dedicated added functionality that takes
strictly to creating and that feature one step further.
sharing work instructions. It Now, instead of simply
can be used on its own or as receiving a signal from a tool
an add-on to a manufacturing that a bolt has been tightened,
execution system (MES). The the software can collect
Professional package includes and store torque and angle
the work instruction software data, as well. That data can
and most of the features of a be associated with the serial
standard MES. The Enterprise number of the assembly,
package has all of the features VKS software enables engineers to create visual work instructions and it can also be viewed
of the Professional package, quickly and easily. Photo courtesy Visual Knowledge Share Ltd. collectively in reports.
as well as an application “At the end of a production
program interface for communicating an ERP system that an order has been run, you’ll be able to see how long
with enterprise resource planning completed, how long it took to set up, the operator took, how productive they
(ERP) software. With the interface, and how long it took to run. were, how efficient,” says Zimmermann.
the VKS software will be able to pull The software’s ToolConnect feature “You’ll also be able to see all the quality
in work order information from an links with machines and tools so work data.”
ERP, execute the tasks to plan, and instructions advance automatically as For more information on visual work
then push the results back to the ERP. each step is performed. Thus, each time instructions, call 855-201-4656 or visit
The VKS software will be able to tell an assembler sets a rivet, tightens a www.vksapp.com. A
THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR NEW MOBILITY INFORMATION
Stay up to speed
with industry alerts delivered directly to your
inbox. Subscribe to the eNewsletter and
reserve your first print edition of the all NEW
Autonomous Vehicle Technology, the trusted
source for vehicle automation, connectivity,
electrification, and mobility services.
www.AutonomousVehicleTech.com/ASMB
Assembly Lines
Inventions
New facilities
Mergers
Airbus Partners on complex industrial problem
Nimble-Fingered With U.S. Schools statements and to engage their
engineering students,” says
Robot Takes Dexterity PARIS—Airbus recently cre-
ated strategic partnerships with
Paul Eremenko, chief technol-
ogy officer at Airbus.
To a New Level two of the top aerospace engi-

neering schools in the United
“We’ve designed our inno-
vation organization to motivate
States: the Georgia Institute of our people and ensure we’re
Technology and the University open to new ideas and capa-
of Michigan. bilities that exist outside our
As part of the five-year ini- current team,” adds Eremenko.
tiative, Airbus will have ac- “That openness is a key prin-
cess to new, world-class ca- ciple behind everything we do.
pabilities and design insights University partnerships like
to support the ac-
celeration of the
company’s prod-
uct development
cycles.
DexNet 2.0 can pick up and move unfamiliar, real-world objects
“This represents
with a 99 percent success rate. a major opportu-
nity for Airbus to
BERKELEY, CA—Grabbing awkwardly shaped items that build up knowl-
people easily pick up in their day-to-day lives can be a big chal- edge in new design
lenge for robots. Irregularly shaped things, such as shoes, spray methodologies,
bottles and open boxes, are easy for people to grab and pick up. while giving the
However, robots struggle with knowing where to apply grip. two partner univer-
To address this challenge, engineers at the University of Cali- sities the chance Airbus is working with Georgia Tech and
fornia-Berkeley recently built a robot that can pick up and move to focus their re- the University of Michigan to develop next-
unfamiliar, real-world objects with a 99 percent success rate. search activities generation aircraft designs.
DexNet 2.0 is based on an ABB YuMi robot. According to
Ken Goldberg, a professor of industrial engineering and op-
erations, it’s “the most nimble-fingered robot yet.” Goldberg
Foreign Direct Investment in the U.S., 2014-16
Foreign companies are investing in the U.S. at record levels. According to the
serves as director of the Laboratory for Automation Science Bureau of Economic Analysis, foreign direct investment (FDI) to acquire,
establish or expand U.S. businesses totaled $373.4 billion in 2016. That’s down
and Engineering (AUTOLAB). slightly from 2015, but it’s well above the annual average of $226 billion from 2006
DexNet 2.0 gained its highly accurate dexterity through a to 2008. Manufacturing accounted for more than one third of FDI in the U.S. last
process called deep learning. Goldberg and his colleagues built year, more than any other business segment.
$500
a vast database of three-dimensional shapes—6.7 million data $450
points in total—that a neural network uses to learn grasps that $400
Billion Dollars
will pick up and move objects with irregular shapes. The neural $350
$300
network was then connected to a 3D sensor and a robotic arm.
$250
“When an object is placed in front of DexNet 2.0, it quickly $200
studies the shape and selects a grasp that will successfully pick up $150
$100
and move the object 99 percent of the time,” explains Goldberg.
$50
“DexNet 2.0 is also three times faster than its previous version. $0
2006-08 2014 2015 2016
“DexNet 2.0’s high grasping success rate means that this tech-
nology could soon be applied in industry, with the potential to rev- What's your opinion?
olutionize manufacturing and the supply chain,” claims Goldberg. Visit www.assemblymag.com to answer this month's poll.

So Intense.
So Flexible.
So Fast.
Get Higher Intensity and the Flexibility of Multiple Systems – with the BlueWave®
MX-150 from Dymax. If you need LED curing equipment that’s high in intensity and
able to work in a variety of configurations, the MX-150 is the perfect system for you.
With this system, you’ll get:
• The flexibility you would get using multiple systems
• Intensity as high as 40 Watts, shortening cure times
• Easy-to-use interface with touchscreen and full keyboard
• Available in 365, 385, and 405 nm wavelengths
Talk to one of our Application Engineers today

877-396-2988 • dymax.com/fast
Assembly Lines
[these] help us preserve our DENSO Celebrates credited with a long line of in-
tradition of innovation and dis- 50 Years of novations, from the four- and
ruption at Airbus, and serve as
examples of our eagerness to
Robotics six-axis midsized robots
of the 1980s and ad-
work together as we build the LONG BEACH, CA— vanced controllers of
future of flight. DENSO Robotics is celebrating the 1990s, up to the
“This will allow us to embed its 50th anniversary this year. HS, HM and VS-se-
cutting-edge design approaches “When industrial robot ries robots of the early
into our development process- arms first appeared in the 2000s.”
es,” claims Eremenko. “Our early 1960s, DENSO further Since then, further
partners will be a strong support developed the technology and development has led
to speed up our development applied it to its manufacturing to breakthrough designs
cycles and shorten our time to processes,” says Peter Caval- such as the RC7M and
market.” lo, manager of the company’s RC8 controllers. Today,
“Through our partnership robotics sales department. DENSO continues to be an in-
with Airbus, students and fac- “[As the decade progressed, novative leader in the field of
ulty members…will trade ex- DENSO engineers developed] robotics. manufacturing facilities, and
pertise with their counterparts a range of state-of-the-art con- In addition to providing ro- more than 77,000 additional
on the cutting edge of the trollers, software and indus- botics to manufacturers around DENSO small industrial robots
aerospace industry,” says Alec trial robots that would forever the world, DENSO itself is are used by other companies
Gallimore, dean of engineer- change the face of automation. the world’s largest user of worldwide.
ing at the University of Michi- “By 1970, manufacturing small assembly robots, from Recently, DENSO Robotics
gan. “Together, we can tackle and implementation of [our] four-axis SCARAs to five- opened a sales, application and
some of the most challenging first aluminum die-casting and six-axis articulated units. training center in West Chester,
and complex problems facing robot was well under way,” More than 18,000 DENSO OH. It is designed to serve cus-
advanced aircraft modelling, adds Cavallo. “In the years small industrial robots are em- tomers in the Midwest, North-
analysis and design.” that followed, DENSO was ployed in the company’s own east and Southeast regions of
easy listening
Mercury-4
High Performance Laser Wire Stripping Machine
Strips wires and cables ranging in size from 0.0010 to 16 mm2 (50 to 6 AWG)
Provides high quality, completely nick-free stripping every time
Powerful and flexible processing capabilities
Strips all polymer materials and colors
Use as a stand-alone benchtop unit or interface with any Cut & Strip machine.
20 watt CO2 Laser
schleuniger-na.com/m4_am
To Be Precise.

Do You Need …
The Perfect Servo-Controlled Press?
the United States. It operates and GMC Sierra pickup trucks. We’ll Help You Select The Right Press.
in conjunction with two similar “Our team builds the most
facilities in Long Beach, CA, exceptional full-size trucks
and Maryville, TN. in the business, assembling SCHMIDT ServoPress Systems
“At DENSO, developing each vehicle as if it were our
For critical
the most advanced automa- very own,” claims Michael
applications, these
tion technologies is only half Thomas, Fort Wayne Assem- fully integrated
the story,” says Cavallo. “Cus- bly plant manager. “The men systems offer
tomer education and support and women at [the factory] put absolute control
are vital, ongoing services that the customer at the center of and real time
must match the high quality everything they do.” feedback.
levels set by [our] products. The J.D. Power plant qual-
“Everything at the [new] fa- ity awards are based solely on
cility is geared to maximizing defects and malfunctions; they
the usefulness of [our] robot exclude design-related prob-
arms in multiple industries,” lems.
explains Cavallo. “The center Toyota Motor Corp.’s Ky-
deliberately keeps class sizes ushu 2 plant in Japan, which
small, with the ideal teacher- produces the Lexus ES sedan
SCHMIDT ElectricPress Series
to-student ratio. The result is and Lexus RX sport utility ve-
a deeper level of learning and hicle, received the J.D. Power Energy efficient, with or without
product understanding. Platinum Plant Quality Award Force/Stroke Monitoring and Safety.
“All classrooms are well- for producing models with the Work Cells Automation Models
equipped and allow education fewest defects or malfunc-
on a highly professional level,” tions. Porsche’s assembly
Cavallo points out. “Students plant in Leipzig, Germany,
have access to all the latest which produces the Cayenne
DENSO controllers, vision hard- SUV and the Macan cross-
ware, wireless infrastructure and over, received the Gold Plant
workstations, along with dedi- Quality Award for the Europe-
cated, hands-on robots.” Africa region.
“Automotive manufacturers
are responding to consumer
feedback and producing ve-
GM Fort Wayne hicles of the highest quality,”
Named Top says Dave Sargent, vice presi- SCHMIDT TorquePresses
Quality Plant dent of global automotive at
Reach working speeds
J.D. Power. “The industry in milliseconds to
DETROIT—General Mo- has improved significantly in reduce cycle times.
tors’ Fort Wayne Truck Assem- each of the past three years. Ram positioning The Safest Presses
bly is the recipient of the 2017 Today’s vehicles have more sensor and closed
in the World
J.D. Power Gold Plant Quality things that could go wrong, loop position control
provide absolute SCHMIDT® Presses can be supplied
Award. The 31-year-old facility but fewer things that actually with controls that meet the
produces Chevrolet Silverado do go wrong.” stroke measurement
highest global safety standards.
to compensate for any These ergonomic press control
tolerance variations systems are completely redundant
including any thermal electronically and pneumatically.
expansion of ram. They are designed to ensure
workers’ safety, which will reduce
workman’s compensation claims.
Let us work with you to find the

right press for your assembly
application. Contact us today.
Call 1-800-959-1218 25 YEARS
www.schmidtpresses.com
GM’s Fort Wayne Truck Assembly is the recipient of the 2017 J.D. Power
The SCHMIDT® ExPress Bus Tour
We bring SCHMIDT® to you. Request a visit online at
Gold Plant Quality Award. www.schmidtpresses.com/products/services/schmidtexpress.htm

Assembly Lines
MW Industries The company manufactures a quickly. eGrip works in a 3D have an integrated hollow or
complete line of standard and environment and allows engi- grid structure that is standard,”
Acquires Tri-Star custom-designed threaded in- neers to orient the part, choose adds Walderich. “Compared to
Industries serts and compression limiters the gripper model and specify conventionally manufactured
ROSEMONT, IL—MW In- in brass, steel, aluminum and the finger material during the gripper fingers, this allows
dustries Inc., a leading sup- stainless steel for plastic appli- design process. weight savings between 10
plier of highly engineered cations. Tri-Star also produces Once the design is com- percent and 50 percent.”
springs, specialty fasteners, high-volume screw machine plete, the fingers are made by The external contour of the
machined parts and other com- products and CNC Swiss pre- additive manufacturing and generated modules, consisting
ponents, has acquired Tri-Star cision turned components. delivered in days rather than of gripper, top jaws and work-
Industries Inc., a company weeks. piece, can also be download-
that specializes in precision “Uploading the workpiece ed free of charge as an STL
threaded inserts for plastics. data as a STEP or STL file is file and directly used for the
“The Tri-Star brand has an
Online Design all that is needed for eGRIP to construction of the system.
excellent reputation for quality, Tool Creates determine individual gripper To learn more about eGrip,
customer service, engineering Gripper Fingers fingers with optimal 3D con- click www.schunk.com or
expertise and on-time deliv- tour,” says Markus Walderich, call 800-772-4865.
ery,” says John Bagnuolo, CEO MORRISVILLE, NC— group manager for automation
of MW Industries. “By joining SCHUNK has developed a at SCHUNK. “Alongside the
the 20 brands that make up the web-based 3D design tool already available polyamide
MW Industries family of com- called eGrip. It allows en- 12 (PA 2200 or 2201) mate-
Toyota Rethinks
panies, Tri-Star will be able to gineers to design and create rial, users can also choose alu- Just-in-Time
offer customers a broader mar- gripper fingers that are cus- minum (AlSi10Mg) and stain- Assembly
ket basket of products, both tomized to their part. less steel (1.4404).
now and in the future.” The online interface cre- “To reduce the weight at the TOKYO—Toyota Motor
Located in Berlin, CT, Tri- ates fingers that match the part tool center point, the alumi- Corp. is overhauling its
Star was established in 1991. exactly and can be delivered num and stainless steel fingers legendary production process
Your Path To Success

Janome now offers complete dispensing solutions based on our JR3000
series desktop and our JC-3 Cartesian robots. These fully integrated systems
allow for rapid teaching via the camera’s crosshair mark, import CAD data,
work-piece detection, and position correction. All to make sure your
dispensing process is pointed on the right direction.
Auto-purge function can be configured to keep your material ready between
cycles. Choose fieldbus or discrete I/O for communication. Share teaching
data via the USB port or from your PC via the Ethernet port.
 Available Integrated Vision System

 3 & 4 Axis plus motor control
 Made for Dispensing
 Fieldbus Capability
 Program with PC
JR3000 Series with Marco Jet Dispenser
Collect our JC-3 Cartesian Series

contact In-Line System
information
Supporting syringe, jetting, sprayed coatings, potting, and

2-part meter/mix dispensing applications Janome Industrial Equipment USA, Inc.
892 Cambridge Drive Elk Grove, IL. 60007
Phone: 847-357-8870 |Fax: 847-357-8890
Medical | Aerospace | Defense | Automotive | Mobile Devices www.janome-ie.com sales@janome-ie.com

is determined about four days DESTACO Receives
before the start of the assembly
process, and suppliers make and
Award from MSC
deliver the necessary materials Industrial
accordingly. AUBURN HILLS, MI—
With the old production DESTACO, a leading supplier of
method, sequences were set workholding products, recently
also a few days prior, but the received the Tooling Components
final process was locked-in Vendor of the Year award from
only about two hours before MSC Industrial Supply Co.
production to accommodate The award recognizes DE-
changes like repainting a vehi- STACO for excellence in sales
cle that failed quality inspec- performance, profitability,
tion. Nearby suppliers would product innovation, marketing,
deliver materials as needed. field support, operational per-
Toyota is eliminating last-minute changes in its assembly sequence,
The new process eliminates formance and outstanding
which reduces the need for suppliers to hold extra inventory. the need for suppliers to hold customer service in 2016. DE-
extra inventory, and does STACO is the inaugural winner
at its compact vehicle assem- duction costs at its Iwate and away with a process at Toyota of MSC’s Vendor of the Year
bly plants in northeastern Ja- Miyagi plants, which build ve- factories to rearrange materi- award in the tooling compo-
pan. The automaker is elimi- hicles such as the Aqua hybrid als in sequence. During the nents category as a supplier of
nating last-minute changes in and the C-HR crossover. A re- trial, suppliers were able to manual and pneumatic clamps.
the assembly sequence, which cent trial run proved effective cut inventory space for some “Collaboration is the key
reduces the need for suppliers in reducing parts inventory. parts by 90 percent. Stag- component to the success we
to hold extra inventory. Under the new method, the se- ing space for parts at the as- saw with MSC,” says Stefan
Toyota is using the new quence of which vehicles to pro- sembly plant was reduced by Eggers, vice president of global
process as a way to slash produce when, by color and model, 60 percent. sales and service at DESTACO.
Sealants Pottants
Hot Melts
Lubricants
Conformal
Coatings
Every Application... Ellsworth Adhesives

Adhesives UV Curing
Your solution provider in specialty chemicals.

Technical Expertise &
Customer Service Ask the Tapes
1.800.888.0698 Glue
ellsworth.com Doctor®®
Doctor

Assembly in Action
Collaboration Accelerates
Production of L.L. Bean
Tote Bags
I
s a manufacturer that respects tra- Within a short time, L.L. Bean
dition obligated to only practice gave the go-ahead for the machine to
traditional methods of assembly? be built. After Lanco designed and
For outdoor clothing and equip- manufactured all of the machine’s
ment retailer L.L. Bean, the answer parts, AMC staff and students modi-
is a resounding no. fied parts as necessary, assembled
Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood them and tested the machine at the
Bean, the company has grown from a center’s 30,000-square-foot campus
one-man operation to a global organi- lab. The machine was then sent to
zation with annual sales of $1.6 billion. Lanco’s facility for final testing be-
It operates 42 retail fore the integrator installed it at the
stores in the United Brunswick plant.
States and 72 more
throughout Asia.
Manufacturing fa- The machine stitches several
cilities are located
in Brunswick and hundred bags per hour.
Lewiston, ME, and
they employ more John Belding, director of the AMC,
than 400 people. says Lanco finished its work earlier
A wide range of this year, part fabrication and assem-
products are manu- bly were completed in February and
factured in Bruns- March, and the automated machine
wick, including began operation in June. According to
more than half a Belding, some parts were modified on
Students and staff of the University of million Boat and Tote Bags annually. the fly, while others had to be signifi-
Maine’s Advanced Manufacturing Center First introduced in 1944 as the Ice Car- cantly altered. The staff and students
work on an automated machine for L.L.
rier, the bag is still made of durable relied on advanced laser scanning,
Bean. Photo courtesy University of Maine
canvas. Elements such as the color trim fixturing and alignment equipment to
have been added since the 1960s to en- make all the changes.
hance its look and expand its appeal. Mitch Sanborn, manufacturing man-
Last fall, managers of the Brunswick ager at Lanco, says the standalone ma-
plant began looking into automation as chine stitches a bag in 4 to 5 seconds,
a way to increase bag produc-
tion, improve product qual-
ity and lessen the physical de-
mands on workers who cut and
sew material all day. The man-
agers met jointly with repre-
sentatives of Lanco Integrated
and the University of Maine’s
For reprints of any Advance Manufacturing Cen-
Assembly in Action article, ter (AMC) about developing a
please contact Jill L. DeVries state-of-the art machine that L.L. Bean manufactures more than half a million Boat and
at devriesj@bnpmedia.com could handle both large and Tote Bags annually at its Brunswick, ME, plant. Photo
or 248-244-1726. small tote bags. courtesy L.L. Bean

Assembly in Action
resulting in the production of several “[By] working on these projects and

hundred bags per hour. Equally im- [learning] how their systems are built,
portant, it is flexible enough to allow the students are ready to go on day one
electronic adjustments depending on at Lanco,” concludes Belding. “They
bag size. have seen all the systems and know ex-
Belding points out that many AMC actly what to do when they’re putting
students wanted to participate on this those machines together.”
project not only to gain work experi- For more information on designing
ence with Lanco’s assembly systems, and manufacturing automated systems
but also because of their familiarity for assembly, call 207-773-2060 or visit The PEMA welding station includes a robot
with L.L. Bean. Ryan Lindsay, a me- www.lanco.net. portal, an arc-welding robot, two workpiece
chanical engineering technology ma- positioners, an offline-programming control
system and a PC controller that monitors
jor, was one of 10 engineering students
production. Photo courtesy Pemamek Ltd.
who worked on the project. Company Logs More
Lanco’s interaction with AMC bark, which is released through slots in
started about a decade ago when the Weld Time With the drum shell.
company reached out to the center State-of-the-Art Station In recent decades, however, rotary
for potential hires. Sanborn says the
company employs several University
of Maine alumni full time and has of-
O ne of the main challenges in for-
estry is removing bark from freshly
cut logs. For many decades, the stan-
debarking has become increasingly
popular. This process involves us-
ing a stationary bin with protruding
fered positions this year to two gradu- dard method involved loading logs rotating shafts along the bottom or
ating students. During the summer and into a hopper with a conveyor belt that sides. As the shafts turn, external
semester breaks, Lanco also employs moves the logs into a ribbed drum. tooling creates cuts, fissures or weak
two to four full-time interns from the There, the logs are rotated and tossed points in the bark. Continued action
university. to produce abrasion that removes the of the shafts and tooling, along with

stem-to-stem contact, removes the welding station,” explains
bark from the wood. Jurvanen. “The investment
Valon Kone Ltd. has been one of [in a new station] fits well in
the world’s leading producers of ro- [our] strategy of increasing
tary debarking equipment for the in-house welding of parts
past several decades. Founded in the for better quality control.
1940s, the company operates a state- [It also] allows us to weld
of-the-art manufacturing plant in Lo- anything from smaller high-
hja, Finland, that encompasses 7,774 quantity parts up to large
square yards. machinery frames.” Rotary debarking involves using a stationary bin with
Jukka Jurvanen, production manager The station was devel- protruding rotating shafts along the bottom or sides. As the
shafts turn, external tooling creates cuts, fissures or weak
at Volon Kone, says that a robotic weld- oped and implemented points in the bark. Photo courtesy Valon Kone Ltd.
ing station has been an assembly pro- in collaboration with
cess mainstay there since the facility Pemamek Ltd. Before Volon Kone (a three-axis SH-3R-3 and a two-axis
opened in the 1980s. He points out that purchased the PEMA station, the SH-2R-1), each with a 500-kilogram
the company had planned to replace the manufacturer required Pemamek to capacity; the WeldControl 300 offline-
original welding station in 2008, but provide simulations of it in operation programming control system; and the
then decided against it due to the global on various parts. The station cur- CellControl 700 PC controller to moni-
economic recession and the need to rently operates two shifts per week or tor production.
invest in other production machinery. about 1,000 hours annually, which is The WeldControl system ensures ro-
As a result, the station wasn’t replaced twice as much as the older system. bot utilization of greater than 90 per-
until 2016. Components of the PEMA station cent and precise production regardless
“During the past few years, we have include a robot portal; an MA1440 arc- of manufacturer size. It also lets end-
had some challenges owing to the long welding robot with DX200 controller; users integrate all power systems to a
service life of our existing robotic two Skyhook workpiece positioners single system and program all basic
DESIGN
TOOL
Just Add Screws INC.

Assembly in Action
functions at start-up to limit the risk example of this is the Polimotor,

of human error. an all-plastic engine that inven-
Jurvanen says Volon Kone is im- tor Matti Holtzberg has worked
pressed with the six-axis robot’s slim on for nearly 40 years.
design, quickness and large work The impetus behind the Po-
envelope (1,140-millimeter horizon- limotor is to demonstrate how
tal reach and 2,511-millimeter verti- plastic can be used in place of
cal reach). The robot also features a metal to reduce the weight of an
50-millimeter through-hole for torch engine, as well as interior, ex-
cabling, sensor wires and water cool- terior and under-the-hood com-
ing. This design eliminates cable in- ponents. Holtzberg launched
terference, simplifies programming the Polimotor project in the late
and reduces cable wear. 1970s, and by 1984, convinced The injection-molded black component (left forefront)
For more information on robotized a racing car owner to equip the replaces the three metal sections of the Polimotor 2
engine’s external dry sump modular oil pump housing.
welding cells, call 358-10-501-61 or vehicle with the first version of Photo courtesy Solvay Specialty Polymers
visit www.pemamek.com. the 2.3-liter engine for a series
of International Motor Sports
Association events. The engine was project with the help of engineers at his
mounted in a Lola T616 aluminum Florida-based company (Composite
Polymers Keep Engine chassis. Castings LLC) and Solvay Specialty
Innovation Running Smoothly Although the engine performed ad- Polymers (a producer of materials such
I n manufacturing, the latest innova-

tions in equipment, processes and ma-
terials often get tested first by automo-
mirably—including a third-place finish as polyphenylene sulfides and fluoro-
at Road America in 1985—the project elastomers).
was shelved for many years. About The first Polimotor weighed 168
tive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers. A good two years ago, Holtzberg rekindled the pounds and was a direct, overhead
MACHINE BUILD
DIVISION TM
With the ability to build custom assembly machines for various industries,
we approach all of our automation systems with flexibility in mind with the
goal of building the best possible solution. We are known for our integrity,
honesty and reliability and you can trust us with your next project.
RAPID RESPONSE TM
DIVISION
Our Rapid Response Division is solely dedicated to your service needs, with
the ability to handle any problems that come their way, including solutions
for PLC, HMI, robotics, and vision systems. If you’ve got a problem, our Rapid
Response Team will go to any lengths to ensure you’re back up and running.
WE’RE FINISHED BEFORE

OTHERS GET STARTED
To Learn More Visit FAIMachines.com

Assembly in Action
is some 88 pounds less than a natural-colored powders (coarse,

standard production engine. fine, super-fine and ultra-fine).
According to Holtzberg, Tecnoflon FKM is used for water
nothing is architecturally dif- outlet seals and fuel injector O-rings
ferent in the updated engine. because it is compatible with a wide
What is new is that several com- range of lubricants, fuels and additives.
ponents are now made of Sol- It withstands steam, aggressive-chem-
vay’s advanced specialty poly- ical and high-heat environments, and
mers. Three of them, in fact, remains flexible in low temperatures.
are each being used for multiple Base-resistant grades work especial-
components. ly well in the presence of amine-based
Polimotor 2 will produce 420 to 450 hp at 8,000 rpm KetaSphire PEEK (poly- anti-corrosion additives. Ionic-curable
and weigh about 143 pounds, which is some 88 pounds ether ether ketone) is used grades are copolymers and terpolymers
less than a standard production engine. Graphic
for the engine’s oil scavenger with a fluorine content ranging from 66
courtesy www.engine.labs.com
line and fuel intake runner. to 70 percent. Both types are available
cam, four-cylinder configuration that Containing 30 percent glass fiber for all molding techniques.
pumped out 290 hp at 8,500 rpm. Its (CF30), the polymer has a chemical The impeller and stator isolator in
main composite material was Tor- resistance similar to PPS (polyphen- the engine’s water pump are injection
lon, a melt-processible thermoplastic ylene sulfide) but retains its excel- molded of Ryton R-4 PPS. This 40-per-
that can be extruded into shapes and lent mechanical properties at con- cent fiberglass-reinforced compound
injection molded into custom geom- tinuous-use temperatures up to 464 provides chemical resistance, low
etries. Polimotor 2 will sport a turbo- F. KSP is a high-modulus, KT-820- moisture absorption and dimensional
charger, improved fuel injection and grade polymer that offers excellent stability at performance temperatures
produce 420 to 450 hp at 8,000 rpm. fatigue resistance, impact strength up to 428 F and temporary peak tem-
It will weigh about 143 pounds, which and ductility. The polymer comes in peratures up to 509 F. Parts molded of

FREE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
EXPERIENCE assembly machines,

technology and equipment hands-on with
large exhibits and working equipment that
you can interact with in-person.
THE ROAD TO OCTOBER 24 – 26

MANUFACTURING 2017 | ROSEMONT, IL
SUCCESS THEASSEMBLYSHOW.COM
GOLD SILVER
SPONSOR SPONSORS
PRODUCED BY
BRONZE
SPONSORS
Assembly in Action
this polymer also offer inherent ther- pounds. Last November, 23

mal stability and flame resistance. Dutch students completed
Other engine components made of their own journey around
Solvay polymers include cam sprockets the world in 80 days—on an
and cover, a water outlet, the plenum all-electric motorcycle called
chamber and oil pump housing. STORM Wave.
For more information on high-perfor- The students attend Tech-
mance polymers, call 770-772-8760 or nical University Eindhoven
visit www.solvayspecialtypolymers.com. (The Netherlands) and call
themselves STORM Eind-
hoven (SE). Since forming Two STORM Wave motorcycles were ridden a total of
Connectors, Relays Help in September 2014, the group 23,000 kilometers as they circled the globe from Aug. 14
has solely focused on devel- to Nov. 2, 2016. Here, a rider travels through Iran. Photo
Students Circle Globe on oping a fully electric touring
courtesy Kickasstrips.com
All-Electric Cycle motorcycle. connectors also enable the motorcy-
T hat modern life can, and often does,

imitate popular art is well estab-
lished, even to the point of being a
Jereon Bleker, spokesman for SE, cle to withstand high temperatures,
says it took the group 18 months to vibration and moisture.
build a prototype motorcycle, called In addition, the supplier provided
cliché. Much less commonplace is life STORM Pulse. During this time, SE its EV series of high-voltage DC re-
improving upon art. received technical expertise and vari- lays that are specifically designed for
Consider for, example, the popular ous parts from many suppliers. One electric vehicles. The relays are light-
1956 movie, Around the World in 80 is TE Connectivity, which provided weight, come in a hermetically sealed
Days. In this film, two individuals high-performance connectors for package that withstands harsh envi-
use a variety of travel means to circle connecting and disconnecting battery ronments, and can be mounted in any
the globe and claim a prize of 20,000 cells in the cycle’s battery pack. The orientation.
ASSEMBLY AUTOMOTIVE PACKAGING PHARMA / HEALTHCARE PROCESSING TEST & MEASUREMENT
CUSTOMIZED
SOLUTIONS
At WEISS, we specialize in providing completely customized base
machines for any automated process. Providing our clients with
industry leading technology that reduces their overall costs, while
increasing both their output, as well as profitability. We offer our
customers one supplier for all their base machine components,
including index tables, tool plates, and machine frames. Within
weeks, our Solutions Engineering Team develops and delivers a
complete, fully assembled and guaranteed solution, based on the
clients planned requirements. We work directly with our clients
to partner with them for continued support, not just throughout
the development process, but post installation as well, to ensure
that the components we deliver exceed expectations.
WEISS North America, Inc.

3860 Ben Hur Ave, Willoughby, OH 44094
www.weissna.com info@weissna.com 888-WEISSNA

their goal, [we’ll] use what single charge. Each cell is individu-
we’re learning to improve ally installed or removed, making it
our electric and electron- easy for the rider to use all 24 cells,
ic solutions aimed at the the minimum 12 or some total in
transport sector.” between.
After finishing the pro- This past April, SE entered the
totype in March 2016, SE STORM Wave in the 80-Day Race, a
then built two STORM competition for eco-friendly vehicles
Wave motorcycles over inspired by the Jules Verne novel.
the next 5 months. These The race starts and ends in Europe.
bikes were ridden a total All participants operate land-based
The STORM Wave is powered by a 24-cell modular battery, of 23,000 kilometers as vehicles that run on renewable re-
with 12 cells positioned on each side of the cycle’s body they circled the globe from sources and do not have a combus-
in a honeycomb design. Together, the cells provide 28.5 Aug. 14 to Nov. 2, 2016. tion engine. The race covers 40,000
kilowatt-hours of energy so the bike can travel up to 380
kilometers on a single charge. Graphic courtesy STORM
At the end of each day, the kilometers and involves heading east
Eindhoven rider recharged the bike’s to Asia, crossing the North Pacific
battery using the existing Ocean to arrive at the west coast
“Electric power [is] the future for electricity grid. of North America, and traversing
driving, so the initiative was the per- The STORM Wave is powered by various landscapes towards the east
fect match,” says Rob Megens, sales a 24-cell modular battery, with 12 coast of South America before head-
and marketing director for industrial cells positioned on each side of the ing back to Europe. Final results are
and commercial transportation at TE cycle’s body in a honeycomb depending.
Connectivity. “[Besides] providing sign. Together, the cells provide 28.5 For more information on connectors
these talented innovators with some kilowatt-hours of energy so the bike and relays for electric vehicles, call
of the means and space to achieve can travel up to 380 kilometers on a 800-522-6752 or visit www.te.com.
Meter Mix
Dispense
Fluid Research¨ develops technology and
proprietary systems controls for accurate, durable
and reliable metering mix systems and dispensing
equipment with the ability to mix and dispense
numerous materials easily, including abrasives.
PROGRESSIVE CAVITY PUMP TECHNOLOGY
1.800.600.3675 | fluidresearch.com

ASSEMBLY Electrical Equipment Industry
Lean Done Right

Makes It Bright
L
ight-emitting diode (LED) course of time is important. By increas-
Continuous improvement lighting is one of the hottest seg- ing the efficiency of our plant, we have
helps Jarvis Lighting compete ments in the electrical equip-
ment industry today. And, as
been able to save time and [reduce] cost.”
Many small LED lighting manufac-
against low-cost rivals. more consumers seek energy- turers are either being taken over by
efficient alternatives to tradi- larger companies or being run out of
tional incandescent and fluorescent business by cheap, imported competi-
products, global shipments of LED fix- tion. However, Jarvis Lighting continues
tures, luminaires and to experience consistent growth. In fact,
modules are expect- the company is currently renting its cur-
ed to grow more than rent facility, because it expects to expand
12 percent annually into a bigger plant in the near future.
over the next five The startup company evolved from
years. a business incubator located on the
Despite the Near West Side of Chicago. Last year,
increasingly com- after it outgrew its 2,700-square-foot
petitive LED market, loft space, Jarvis Lighting moved to
a small commercial a 20,000-square-foot facility in Elk
light fixture manu- Grove Village, IL.
facturer located near The company previously operated
Chicago has carved out of five scattered locations at the
out a profitable niche. incubator, which houses multiple
By leveraging lean startups in a variety of industries. Today,
production princi- all operations are under one roof. The
ples, Jarvis Lighting new low-volume, high-mix plant also
is building products allows for increased production while
in the United States maintaining strict quality control.
By leveraging lean production principles, Jarvis while many of its competitors import. “At Jarvis, we believe that one of
Lighting is building products in the United The company’s motto is “Bright Done the biggest wastes of manufacturing
States while many of its competitors import.
Right.” is untapped employee potential and
Photo courtesy Jarvis Lighting
“In the LED lighting industry, where creative genius,” says Adam Broda,
many competitive fixtures are available production manager. “We make sure
from China for a fraction of the price, that everyone is encouraged and able to
much has to be done to keep costs low,” contribute to continuous improvement.
says Kirby Corkill, president of Jarvis “We keep everyone involved in
For information on how to obtain Lighting. “For us, cost reduction goes discussions about improvements and try
reprints/e-prints of this article, beyond component pricing. our best to implement improvements
please contact Jill L. DeVries “While we have utilized a variety submitted by everyone,” explains Broda.
at devriesj@bnpmedia.com of manufacturers for our components “By investing in our employees, we
or 248-244-1726. to keep costs low, we believe that our ensure that [they] are invested in us,
greatest money savings is in continu- which leads to improvements every day.”
 By Austin Weber ous improvement,” adds Corkill, who
Senior Editor founded the company several years ago. Popular Products
webera@bnpmedia.com “Even a two-second savings over the Solid-state lighting technology is
becoming increasingly building in the northwest
popular, because it uses suburbs, each part of
only 75 percent of the the production process
electricity required by has been evaluated for
incandescent bulbs, but efficiency.
it lasts 300 times longer “From reorganizing
and generates 90 percent the layout of the plant to
less heat. minimize transportation
Instead of lamps and of material to setting up
ballasts, LED lights workstations to mini-
use diodes and drivers. mize employee motion,
Instead of a filament, we are consistently
they use a chip, and LED lighting technology is becoming increasingly popular, because it uses only 75 increasing output with-
instead of ballast a driver percent of the electricity required by incandescent bulbs, but it lasts 300 times out increasing effort,”
regulates power. longer and generates 90 percent less heat. Photo courtesy Jarvis Lighting says Strandberg.
A small electronic “In the year that we
chip is the key component behind the applications include security lighting have spent at the new facility, every part
technology. But, instead of processing near entry doors of hotels and office of it has been improved in some way,
information, it gives off light. Whenever buildings. without affecting our production num-
a current is passed through it, the elec- Wall packs are often equipped with bers and lead times,” Strandberg points
trons in the chip become excited and optional features that help conserve out. “[The management team] has
emit the energy as light. electricity, such as motion sensors or been enthusiastic, which has inspired
Jarvis Lighting produces a diverse dusk-dawn photo sensors. High-impact [employees to contribute] process anal-
array of commercial LED products. resistant polycarbonate prismatic lenses ysis and improvements.”
They’re typically used in applications help spread the light over large areas.
such as gas stations, indoor parking The models are available in multiple Lean Plant Floor
garages and outdoor parking lots. variations ranging from 120- to 277- Each work day begins with 30
However, the company also makes light volts, and in three types of finishes. minutes of 5S and process improvement
fixtures that are used in commercial Jarvis’s made-in the-USA production time. Everyone in the factory, including
coolers, freezers and refrigerators. philosophy sets the company apart from assemblers, engineers and management,
In addition, Jarvis produces a line of many of its competitors. That’s because spend half an hour finding some process
products that can be used to retrofit old up to 90 percent of all wall-pack units they can improve and developing a plan
lighting fixtures. They provide a simple, are assembled in China and other low- of action. At the end of this period is
cost-effective way to upgrade existing cost nations. an all-company meeting, where at least
lights to LED technology. “We have found that our main com- one person gets to “show and tell” what
Two of Jarvis’s most popular petitive advantage against bigger, more they’ve done.
products are canopy lights and wall well-known companies’ products is “Often, bringing people together
packs. The rugged products are often our unparalleled communication with and encouraging discussion also leads
used in outdoor environments and can customers and short lead times,” says to further improvements,” says Broda.
be mounted on ceilings, poles or walls. Lauren Strandberg, product engineer. “On an individual level, there are
Canopy lights are typically found “While we are great with return custom- process improvement suggestion sheets
at gas stations and convenience stores. ers, it is often difficult to get a potential available to each employee. Everyone is
They illuminate service islands that customer to try a new product as opposed encouraged to submit at least one a day.
house gas pumps, making them bright to something they’re familiar with. “Any time someone notices a problem
and secure at night. “Short lead times are often what or inefficiency in a process, they are
LED technology is becoming convinces first-time customers to try our asked to submit it—even if they don’t
popular with gas station owners, products,” explains Strandberg. “Our have a solution for it yet—and identify
because it’s more economical to operate lead times have been brought down to what type of waste it is on paper,” adds
vs. traditional sources of illumination, a maximum of one day for almost all Broda. “Then, it can be addressed the
such as metal halide, high-pressure products because of the effort everyone next morning. Every single person is
sodium, high-intensity discharge or puts in to continuously improve.” important and their input is valued.
compact fluorescent lighting. Ever since Jarvis Lighting moved Making it easy to contribute engages
Wall packs are used as area lights, from multiple dorm-room-like small everyone.”
flood lights or billboard lights. Typical units in Chicago to one cohesive Key components used in LED light
Electrical Equipment Industry
fixtures include drivers, circuit boards, assembly line style of manufacturing M Magnetic boards to keep track of
wires, connectors, end plates, diffusers, toward cellular workstations, we have frequently used drill bits.
heat sinks, die-cast aluminum housings drastically reduced move time and M Tool holders, built in-house, to
and glass covers, in addition to brackets, queue time,” says Corkill. “Each work- reduce motion and the time it takes to
screws and other mounting hardware. station is specialized for the specific lift cordless screwdrivers, drills and
LED light fixtures often feature optics product being built at it. Components other power tools.
to control the light. This can be accom- are rarely restocked and things rarely M Adjustable benches and platforms
plished through lenses, reflectors or a have to be moved. that raise and lower to reduce motion
combination of the two. Both options “By keeping track of assembly time and excessive bending when retrieving
have advantages for specific situations. by both product and person, we have components.
Jarvis Lighting uses a combination of been able to accurately predict lead “We also use specially made setups
both, depending on the product’s intend- times for all our products with very few to quickly and efficiently accomplish
ed application. delays,” claims Corkill. “By keeping small, monotonous tasks, such as
That multiple product variation track of products from the point of order putting four screws in a bag which is
requires flexible assembly lines that placement to arrival at the customer’s then included to install a fixture,” Broda
can easily handle short production runs. door, we consistently have significantly points out.
The assembly processes at Jarvis shorter lead times than our competitors.” “We are committed to ensuring
Lighting vary slightly depending on “Because our operations are mostly quality of all products and have assem-
what type of light fixture is being built. manual, much of the technology we’ve blers check each other’s work before
Usually, the process consists of screw- implemented consists of devices, packing it up to ship,” adds Broda.
driving components together, function- not machines, specialized for our “This is both a functional and cos-
ality testing, safety testing (including processes,” adds Broda. metic inspection. On a deeper level,
high potential and dielectric withstand Assemblers use a variety of simple by educating everyone about what
tests), adhesive bonding, and packaging tools, such as: they are doing and why, we ensure that
the finished product. On occasion, hand M Retractable cables for any wires that people are aware of not only creating
soldering is also part of the process. are only used once for each product to quality products, but what level of
“By moving away from a linear ensure that they aren’t left in the way. quality we maintain.” A
A Focused Approach.....
The global leader in riveting BalTec Corporation

121Hillpointe Drive, Suite 900
Canonsburg, PA 15317
n Over 40,000 machines installed 724-873-5757
n Technical centers in 10 countries Info.us@baltec.com
n Patented HPP 25 process control
n Standalone machines or lean cell systems
n Tooling and application development
n Service and support programs
www.baltecorporation.com

UNCOVER new resources that may help

expedite your time to market by discussing
your toughest challenges with experienced
and skilled manufacturing suppliers.

GOLD SILVER
SPONSOR SPONSORS
PRODUCED BY
BRONZE
SPONSORS
ASSEMBLY Riveting
Advances in
Impact Riveting
I
f poet Gertrude Stein had also with a changeover kit to easily handle
After many decades, the worked as an assembly machine both rivet lengths.
main appeals of impact operator, could she have ever writ-
ten the line, “a rivet is a rivet is a
The feeding problem was solved
because the 423 comes standard with a
riveting remain unchanged: rivet”? No one can say for sure, but vibratory feeder bowl. For this applica-
it’s highly unlikely since operators tion, the bowl diameter was increased
speed, reliability and cost- know that rivets are distinctive in their from 14 to 18 inches to allow the 3.25-
design and function, as well as how they inch rivets to spread out for auto feeding.
effectiveness. are installed. Door and bracket hole alignment is
One common installation method quickened through the use of a machine
is impact riveting: rollset plunger (that extends 3 inches)
a cold-forming pro- and a manually operated foot pedal to
cess that perma- lower the plunger into position. Once
nently joins parts the door and bracket are in place, the
and is recommended worker releases the pedal so the plunger
for applications that springs back and aligns the holes for
require simultaneous quick rivet installation.
insertion and head- Because it is a low-tech process,
ing of the rivet. As impact riveting for a long time gained
the name implies, a reputation among manufacturers as
an impact riveter a process strictly to be used for high-
upsets the rivet with volume assemblies or those of low value
a quick, powerful or where tolerances are not particularly
blow from the ram. tight. Suppliers say these latter limita-
Home-products tions no longer apply. Today’s machines
manufacturers use install rivets to varying tolerances (loose
Impact riveting is regularly used to assemble impact riveting in several applications. or tight) and perform process monitor-
high-volume products, such as HVAC ductwork, One such company, for example, has ing, which ensures reliable joints in
ladders, kitchen utensils and cookware. relied on the method to fasten metal products ranging from low-cost toys
Photo courtesy Orbitform LLC
brackets to attic doors since 2013. Ini- and tools, to critical vehicle brake pads
tially, though, the application presented and high-end cookware.
challenges related to installing semi-
tubular rivets of two different lengths, An Oldie But Goodie
For information on how to obtain feeding the rivets with a standard rotary Performed for nearly a century,
reprints/e-prints of this article, hopper and aligning the door and brack- impact riveting is one of the oldest and
please contact Jill L. DeVries et holes to achieve high productivity. most inexpensive and reliable methods
at devriesj@bnpmedia.com Bryan Wright, vice president of sales of installing rivets for assembly. It is
or 248-244-1726. at Orbitform LLC, says the application regularly used to assemble high-volume
requires 3.25- and 2.5-inch-long rivets products, such as HVAC ductwork, fan
with an oversized 0.5625-inch-diameter blades, ladders, airplane headrests,
head. To meet this challenge, the lighting fixtures, fuses and circuit
 By Jim Camillo manufacturer uses Orbitform’s Milford breakers, slide-drawer rollers, kitchen
Senior Editor 423 machine, which is specifically utensils, cookware and appliance
camilloj@bnpmedia.com designed to set long rivets and equipped components.
The impact process is Forming and Function
typically semiautomatic Joint characteristics
and performed on a table- can vary greatly depend-
top or pedestal (flooring on the rivet type,
mounted) machine that material and geometry.
uses electromechani- Common rivet types
cal, pneumatic, hydro- include solid, semitu-
pneumatic or hydraulic bular and self-piercing.
force to install a rivet. Each has its own form-
This equipment may be ing sequence, advantages
integrated with a rotary and disadvantages. As a
indexing table or other general rule, rivet length
automated assembly Machine tooling is unique to each application and includes custom jaws, a ram should not be more than
driver and an anvil, which determines the clinch shape. Photo courtesy National Rivet
system. five times its diameter.
& Manufacturing Co.
Impact riveting Maximum rivet length
requires the machine operator to access to assemble 16 different sizes of brakes usually does not exceed 3.5 inches.
both sides of the assembly. After for semitrailers.” Riveting with solid rivets requires
placing parts (metal, plastic or rubber) Pneumatic units require a bit longer more force than with semitubular or
in a fixture, he activates the machine insertion time, 0.5 to 1 second, but can self-piercing rivets to drive the rivet
by either pressing a button or stepping be equipped with multiple wedge heads through a predrilled hole. The shank on
on a foot pedal. The rivet is fed from that simultaneously install several a solid rivet must swell sufficiently to
a hopper or a vibratory bowl, down a rivets. Shovel manufacturers often rely fill the hole before the head collapses.
track, to open jaws that immediately on this setup to insert six or eight rivets “This creates a joint suitable for
close and insert the rivet shank into the that secure a bottom strip to each shovel heavy-duty applications, and in some
part holes. A ram then strikes the rivet and improve its durability against snow cases, it locks the joint to resist torque,”
with enough compressive axial force to and ice. says Wright. “Multiple rivets are rec-
flatten the opposite end of the rivet and Wright says that several such com- ommended for high torque joints. End-
form a new head. panies employ the Milford Model 57 users need to remember, though, that
Machine tooling is unique to each pneumatic riveting machine for this type higher forming force can potentially
application and includes custom jaws, of assembly. The Model 57 is also used distort finished parts.”
a ram driver and an anvil, which by electronics companies to assemble According to Wright, high-capacity
determines the clinch shape. Kevin fuse breakers. Available as a standalone machines can install solid rivets up
Klapperich, machine division manager unit or integrated into a workstation, the to 0.625 inch in diameter. Klapperich
at National Rivet & Manufacturing Co. machine handles mild-steel semitubular notes that customers use impact solid
(NRM), says failure to maintain the rivets up to 0.19 inch in diameter. rivets as small as 0.028-inch diameter
anvil can result in rivets that do not curl Process Intelligence, Orbitform’s for eyeglasses and electrical switches.
uniformly, have cracked curls or don’t process monitoring technology, is Recently, NRM introduced its
securely fasten parts. optional. It enables manufactures to electromechanical Model 800 and 1000
Rivet-insertion cycle time is 0.3 verify rivet presence and monitor form- rivet setters with a top-pin compensator
second to 3 seconds, depending on ing force, pressure, ram stroke distance that prevents truck and bus brake shoe
machine type. Klapperich says elec- and other parameters for each assembly linings from cracking during impact
tromechanical machines are the fast- application. riveting. According to Klapperich, the
est, thanks to a powerful flywheel Electromechanical dual-head brake lining manufacturing process can
that drives the ram and inserts the machines also install multiple rivets. yield counterbores of slightly varying
rivet within 0.3 to 0.5 second. On the An offset driver accessory allows these depths. With a thicker counterbore, the
downside, this type of machine is dif- heads, as well those on a pneumatic standard machine stroke could crack
ficult to integrate with an automated machine, to be positioned only 0.625 the linings. But, a slightly undersized
production line. inch apart. counterbore might result in a loose rivet.
“Electromechanical machines are Hydropneumatic and hydraulic The top-pin compensator features
extremely durable and made to run machines take 1 to 3 seconds to insert a rocker arm, toggle linkage and
24/7,” claims Klapperich. “One cus- each rivet. This is because they are spring (with preset tension) that
tomer has been using the same machine significantly larger and offer greater automatically compensates for varying
since the 1940s to assemble ironing force capacity than electromechanical lining thicknesses (±0.0625 inch) and
boards. Another operates one machine and pneumatic units. accommodates different rivet lengths
Riveting
(±0.125 inch). “These riveters offer a The semitubular rivet features thin
cycle time of 0.33 second, enabling an shank walls and a body diameter of 0.06
experienced operator to rivet a brake to 0.3 inch. During installation, the rivet
shoe faster than with a dual hydraulic passes through a predrilled clearance
machine,” claims Klapperich. hole and the tubular portion of the
Grant Riveters offers several impact shank curls over on impact, drawing
riveting machines. The Edward Segal the parts together with minimal shank
P250-P pneumatic riveter is used for swell. These rivets typically require
furniture, framing, automotive sheet around 40 percent less force to form
metal piercing and various tubular prod- than solid impact rivets, resulting in less
ucts. It handles solid and semitubular part distortion.
rivets up to 0.3125 inch diameter and Solid and semitubular rivets are
1.625 inches long. Standard features typically steel, but they can be made of
include a single spindle, a 3-inch ram aluminum, brass and stainless steel. A
stroke, a 16-inch throat and a 14-inch variety of head styles and finishes are
vibratory bowl feed system. The ped- available. Both types of rivets can be
estal machine has a 42-inch working inserted to a tight or loose fit in the hole.
height and a 24-by-36-inch footprint. Loose rivets are particularly well-
“Some manufacturers use impact suited for products that require pivot
riveting with a solid rivet because it dis- joints or mechanical repetitiveness. They
torts (swells),” notes Bruce McNaugh- also allow high production rates, are easy
ton, president of Grant Riveters, which to inspect and require no maintenance.
has made riveting machines since 1880. McNaughton cites products as diverse
“If that type of rivet provides the best as hand tools and furniture as perfect
The Edward Segal P250-P pneumatic riveter
fit to the components and sufficient candidates for loose rivets.
handles solid and semitubular rivets up to
0.3125 inch diameter and 1.625 inches long. mechanical support, then it’s the best “A product design can use a loose
Photo courtesy Grant Riveters riveting option for that application.” rivet, provided there is suitable access
Now Available!
Battery Powered Tools for Threaded Fastening
WiFi Controllers
• Error Proofing
Cordless Tools Assembly Applications up to 95 Nm
• Network Connections Full Range of Tool Configurations!
• Strategy Configuration
• 20V 4 Amp Hour Battery
• Mulitple Tools to One controller
• 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4/5 GHz Wireless
• 802.15.4 Wireless Option
• New Low Impedance Brushless DC Motor
• Transducerized closed loop control
• Autonomous Operation Mode
– Programming via Micro-USB Port
• Built-on Barcode Scanner Option for 802.11
• Controller is INSIDE the tool
– 16 Jobs / 16 Tasks / 2 Steps
– Stores 500 Fastening Cycles and 1 Trace File
• Optional 20V 2Ah Battery Pack available
• Also available in specialty outputs
– Inline, Crowfoot, Tube Nut, and Push-to-Start
Connect with Smart
Phone or Tablet STANLEY Engineered Fastening
Assembly Technologies
5335 Avion Park Drive
Cleveland, Ohio 44143-2328
Business: (440) 461-5500
Sales: (877) 709-8006
Email: SatInfo@sbdinc.com
For more information visit: www.StanleyEngineeredFastening.com

to the preformed rivet head and if Consistent Expectations load clearance and helps increase
the assembly supports the rivet from Wright says that the popularity of throughput. The probe is offered
collapsing during the heading process,” impact riveting has been consistent for as an option, although Wright says
notes McNaughton. “On the other many years, and he foresees it staying the company strongly recommends
hand, avoid a loose rivet design when that way in the future. He cites two that its customers use a safety probe
the access isn’t adequate or where the reasons for this: The process is fast and on every machine to satisfy OSHA
head forming operation is located in a simple, and the machines are robust, requirements.
restricted or obstructed area.” operator friendly and require minimal NRM makes standard and custom
Self-piercing rivets are semitubular maintenance. impact riveting machines, as well as a
and made of hardened steel. They In recent years, as end-users have complete range of rivets. Klapperich
are often used to join two thin sheets placed a greater emphasis on safety, says NRM’s custom machines can be
of metal or other materials. A driver suppliers have responded in kind. quite complex and, increasingly, they
punches the rivet and sheet metal into Most models now feature a safety feature force sensors and inspection
a die, causing the rivet to pierce the probe, which has a small-diameter cameras to ensure top-notch assemblies.
top layer and displace the bottom layer tube configured in a halo. This halo He also emphasizes the importance
into a pocket in the anvil. This creates a moves from the ram to the part to of using high-quality rivets that truly
button shape similar to clinching. detect no interference prior to the meet the performance demands of each
One big advantage of self-piercing ram advancing during the forming specific product.
rivets is they do not require a pre-drilled process. “Nearly 95 percent of the rivets
clearance hole, saving time and a pro- Although the standard probe is we produce are custom made,” notes
cess. However, with the absence of a OSHA approved, it can limit through- Klapperich. “After the manufacturer
hole, applications may require external put by making it difficult to load the provides us part-design prints with the
fixturing to align the parts. Self-piercing components being assembled, notes material stack height and required hole
rivets also offer the flexibility of shift- Wright. Aware of this, Orbitform devel- size, we determine the proper rivet for
ing the rivet location during assembly, oped a robust pneumatic safety probe the application—including its shank
although they are not recommended for in 2015 that is shorter and mounted design, metal type, length, diameter and
hard or thick metals. next to the ram. It allows maximum if it needs plating.” A
The BesT In RoBoTIc DIspensIng sysTems

DISPENSE WORKS INC
Multiple ValVes Fill & cap
“RP SeRieS”
Bench ToP RoBoTic DiSPenSeR
GasketinG sealinG
pick & place Vision/uV cure

AmericAn
mAde
contact us today to learn More • 815.363.3524 • www.DispenseWorks.com • Info@dispenseworks.com

ASSEMBLY Adhesive Bonding
Using Urethane
Adhesives
O
ne of the tricky parts of than an epoxy or acrylic.
Available in one- and two- assembling an audio speaker “Epoxies have high shear strength,
component formulations, is bonding the cone and
surround—the parts that
but urethanes have a good blend of
both shear and peel strength. Because
urethane adhesives are ideal produce sound—to a metal of this toughness factor, urethanes are
frame. being used in applications where you
for bonding metal, plastic and The cone and surround are typically wouldn’t find epoxy, thermosetting
made of porous, low-energy materials, acrylics and cyanoacrylates, such as
composites. such as butyl rubber, Santoprene, paper flexible circuits and solar modules.”
or foam. The frame is usually made Urethane adhesives perform well in
of cold-rolled temperatures up to 250 F. They don’t
steel or aluminum. have the creep resistance of acrylics, so
Needless to they may have limited application for
say, the bond sustained dead loads.
must withstand Urethanes bond well to many
vibration. And, permeable and impermeable materials,
because the including primed or painted metal, glass,
surround is one of ceramic, rubber, wood, paper, leather
the top parts of the and many fabrics. Among plastics, they
speaker, the bond bond thermoplastic, thermoset plastics,
has to be cosmetic. fiber-reinforced plastic, polycarbonate
If the speakers are and PVC, including heavily plasticized
mass-produced, versions. Urethanes don’t bond well to
the adhesive must untreated polyolefins.
set quickly. “Urethanes bond very well with
The solution for plastics,” says Barry Siroka, business
this and a growing development manager at EpoxySet Inc.
number of other “With the right preparation, they will
Urethane adhesives resist impacts and have applications is urethane adhesives. bond to metals. And, they bond to glass
excellent cleavage and peel strength. “Urethanes are made up of hard pretty well.”
Photo courtesy EpoxySet Inc. segments and soft segments, and Urethanes are used to laminate
as a result, they have significantly materials, join vacuum-formed parts,
more toughness than other structural and bond decorative vinyl or acrylic
For information on how to obtain adhesives,” says Ed Petrie, president of films to polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
reprints/e-prints of this article, EMP Solutions Inc., a consulting firm extrusions. Some formulas can even
please contact Jill L. DeVries specializing in adhesives and sealants. be used for potting and for Class VI
at devriesj@bnpmedia.com “Urethanes resist impacts and have medical applications. In the automotive
or 248-244-1726. excellent cleavage and peel strength,” industry, urethanes are used to bond
says Petrie, the author Handbook of walls on panel trucks, decorative strips
Adhesives and Sealants and other to bumpers, linings to brake shoes, clips
reference books. “If you’re designing to dashboards, and weather stripping
 By John Sprovieri an electronic device that must survive to car doors. Automakers also use
Editor in Chief being dropped off a desktop, you urethanes for formed-in-place gaskets.
sprovierij@bnpmedia.com probably want to use a urethane rather “The growth of composite use
Hot-Melt Urethane Keeps
Fishing Application Afloat
Located in Brainerd, MN, Mac Manufacturing Inc. has been producing balsa wood floats and other fishing tackle since 1987.
One of the company’s products, the Big Fish float, consists of a tapered cylinder of balsa wood (12 inches long and 1 inch in
diameter) topped with a 1.5-ounce lead weight. Originally, the lead weight was bonded to the balsa wood with a standard gel-
style cyanoacrylate. After assembly, the floats went through a painting process.
However, the cyanoacrylate was posing many problems. For one thing, the appearance of the bond line was
undesirable. But the main problem was that the paint reacted with the adhesive, causing the bond to fail in about 2
percent of the floats.
To solve the problem, Mac Manufacturing switched from cyanoacrylate to Technomelt PUR 3631 from Henkel Corp.
This urethane hot-melt adhesive is toughened for high-strength use on plastics. It has a flexible bond with an open time
of 60 seconds, and it can fill large gaps. Available in a 300-millileter cartridge or a 5-gallon pail, the adhesive is easy to
apply using a cartridge dispenser.
The environmentally friendly adhesive is solvent-free and does not contain harmful volatile organic compounds.
Switching to the urethane hot-melt adhesive eliminated the bond failures.
“Because Technomelt 3631 holds its shape so well and has excellent gap filling capability, we are also using it on a musky
bait that we produce,” says Mark Innes, manufacturing supervisor for Mac Manufacturing. “This is a high-shock application
and the adhesive holds secure.”
For more information on hot-melt urethane adhesives, call Henkel at 800-562-8483 or visit www.henkelna.com/loctite.
in various industries has increased ambient moisture. The former tend to other resins, so they are often included
the demand for two-component be rigid; the latter are more elastic. Cure as copolymers or modifiers in other
polyurethanes,” says Laurie Gibbons, times range from a few minutes to as adhesive formulations. For example,
business development manager at long as 48 hours. many light-curing adhesives are
Permabond Engineering Adhesives. Urethanes are also available in hot- urethane-acrylic blends.
Like epoxies, urethanes are supplied melt formulations. These adhesives Not every application is suited to
in unmixed two-part formulas or bond rapidly—they can bond rubber to urethanes. Their chemical resistance is
premixed one-part formulas. Two-part metal in 1 second. So, if the substrates affected by the urethane linkage, which
materials cure at room temperature or can’t be heated, hot-melts may be a can be attacked by acids or bases. They
with heat. They can be elastic or rigid. good choice. are not recommended for bonding metals
One-part materials cure with heat or Urethanes mix well with many exposed to high humidity. Like epoxies,
Permabond’s newest urethane adhesive, PT326, was formulated to provide This urethane potting and encapsulating compound (No. 50-2369FR) has
a longer open time so it could be dispensed onto automotive components been formulated to meet the stringent flame-retardancy requirements of
made from carbon fiber. Photo courtesy Permabond Engineering Adhesives UL94 V-0. Photo courtesy Epoxies Etc.

Adhesive Bonding
urethanes can decrease in be sure you are using the
viscosity when heated, and recommended static mixer
they have a high coefficient for the product.”
of thermal expansion. Some Most urethanes don’t
urethanes contain isocyanates require dynamic mixing.
and heavy metal catalysts that Those that do are typically
pose health risks to workers. used for potting electronic
components or sealing the
Dispensing Tips edges of filters. Dynamic
Urethanes are supplied mixing may also be needed if
in a variety of packaging, space limitations prevent the
including small-volume use of a longer static mixer.
cartridges, 2-gallon tanks, Urethanes are available in
5 5 - g a l l o n d r u m s a n d Two-part urethanes can be dispensed from side-by-side cartridges or with a variety of viscosities. Some
metering equipment. Either way, the adhesive is best dispensed with a
300-gallon totes. are quite thin—viscosities
static mixer. Photo courtesy 3M
“Urethanes require more less than 650 centipoise—
protection during storage than epoxies, “Some formulations are very tolerant and can be dispensed cleanly. Others
acrylics or even cyanoacrylates,” of slight variations in the mix ratio. are thick—viscosities of more than
advises Petrie. “Once you open the Others have to be right on the money,” 38,000 centipoise—and may string in
can, you want to use it as fast as you says Siroka. automated assembly applications.
can. Exposure to moisture will cause “To ensure proper mixing when In some cases, stringing can be
degradation of the material.” dispensing any two-component product addressed by sequencing the motion.
Two-part formulations can be with a static mixer, dispense an inch After the material is dispensed and the
dispensed from side-by-side, fixed- of product onto a paper towel before valve shuts off, a short dwell time is
ratio cartridges or with metering dispensing on the part, since the first provided to allow the string to separate
equipment. Either way, the adhesive bit out of the dispenser may not be from the dispense tip. Then the next part
is best dispensed with a static mixer. fully mixed,” adds Gibbons. “Also, can be moved into place.

INTERACT with and gain solutions

from product suppliers in every market from
automotive to consumer products
to medical and everything in between.

GOLD SILVER
SPONSOR SPONSORS
PRODUCED BY
BRONZE
SPONSORS
Adhesive Bonding
of the adhesive reacts with ambient purge cycles should be programmed
moisture to form carbon dioxide. into dispensing equipment and static
That can create gas bubbles in the mixers may have to be replaced two to
feed lines and lead to inaccurate six times per hour.
metering or to voids or leak paths in If the adhesive has a short work life,
the bond. it can start to cure on the perimeter of
Assemblers can prevent the problem the mixer. As it builds up, it inhibits the
in several ways. If cartridges are used mixing.
to dispense the adhesive, they should be “It is generally not cost effective
made from polypropylene or polyester, to use two-part polyurethanes if you
rather than nylon, which tends to absorb are only making one piece per hour,
moisture. because the mixing tips will need
If the adhesive is dispensed from to be replaced for each bond,” says
a reservoir, a desiccant cartridge can Gibbons. A
be installed underneath the lid to
dry the incoming air. Alternatively,
dry nitrogen can be pumped into the
tank. Because it’s heavier than air, the
nitrogen creates a barrier between the ASSEMBLY ONLINE
Loctite UK 1366 B10 is a highly flexible material and the air used to pressurize For more information on urethane adhesives,
urethane adhesive that bonds to a variety
of metals and plastics. It exhibits excellent
the reservoir. visit www.assemblymag.com to read these
resistance to moisture and impacts. Another issue with dispensing articles:
Photo courtesy Henkel Corp. urethanes is their work life. Many  Adhesives Aid Truck and Trailer Assembly.
urethane adhesives, particularly those  There Are Many Options for Adhesive
One potential problem with used in high-volume assembly, have a Bonding.
dispensing urethanes is moisture, says work life of 2 to 3 minutes. To prevent  Assembly In Action: Heat-Conducting
Siroka. The isocyanate component clogs during line stoppages, automatic Polyurethane Extends Life of Transformers.
When it comes to finding the perfect fastening solution, look to Panasonic and our complete lineup of cordless assembly tools.
Our mechanical pulse tools will tackle your power-hitting demands with 3Nm to 650Nm of torque and no kickback, so operators
experience less fatigue and improved morale. Boost productivity with our precision ergonomic screwdrivers that combine accuracy
with supreme comfort. Improve quality and have your assembly team batting a thousand with our quality control monitoring system.
Best of all, our cordless operation gives your team the freedom of motion that improves productivity.
Find your game-winning assembly solution at business.panasonic.com/assemblytools

LEARN from a high-profile keynote

presenter, Derek Harper of Faurecia
North America, and subject matter
experts presenting in unique presentation
theaters directly on The ASSEMBLY Show
exhibit hall floor.
LEARNING THEATER
PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

GOLD SILVER
SPONSOR SPONSORS
PRODUCED BY
BRONZE
SPONSORS
ASSEMBLY Auto ID
What’s New
With RFID
M
anufacturers of complex frequency technology (13.56 mega-
RFID technology has become products, such as engines hertz, 40-inch maximum read range,
critical for assembling cars, and transmissions, have
long been using radio
relatively expensive tags, moderate sen-
sitivity to interference).
appliances and other high- frequency identification “When I first got into the RFID
(RFID) technology to business 30 years ago, if you wanted
value, high-mix products. error-proof their processes, document a read range of 3 feet or more, you
quality, and deal with high-mix were dreaming,” says James Heurich,
production. president of RFID Inc.
Now, a new technology, ultra-
high frequency RFID, offers the
possibility of long read ranges (40
feet or more) and inexpensive tags
(less than $0.10 each). Although
UHF technology has been around
for more than a decade, it has really
come to the fore within the past five
years. Retailers and distributors are
embracing the technology to get
instant, real-time information about
incoming and outgoing goods.
“In the past, when a retailer wanted
to do an inventory, it locked a bunch
of people in the store and the job
took all night,” says Heurich. “Now,
one person can just walk around the
facility with a handheld scanner and
do the job in 30 minutes.”
UHF RFID systems operate at a
frequency of 915 megahertz. That
The Simatic RF600 RFID system now supports the The product moves down the gives readers greater range, but also
open interface OPC UA. The new firmware allows assembly line on a pallet equipped makes the system more prone to
devices to be connected to Siemens’ cloud-
with an RFID tag. When the pallet interference.
based open Internet of Things operating system,
MindSphere. Photo courtesy Siemens Industry stops at a station, a reader (attached “Some companies claim a range
to the conveyor) interrogates the of 8 to 12 meters from antenna to
For information on how to obtain tag and relays information about tag,” says Jeffrey Snyder, product
reprints/e-prints of this article, the product to a PLC. The PLC, in manager for industrial identification
please contact Jill L. DeVries turn, tells an assembler or automated at Siemens Industry. “That might be
at devriesj@bnpmedia.com machine what to do. achievable in an open auditorium,
or 248-244-1726. Over time, manufacturers transi- but assembly plants are not big open
tioned from low-frequency RFID tech- spaces. They tend to have a lot of
 By John Sprovieri nology (125 kilohertz, 4-inch maximum large metal objects, like robots and
Editor in Chief read range, expensive tags, relatively fork trucks. UHF systems can be
sprovierij@bnpmedia.com immune to radio interference) to high- highly affected by their environment.
The radio waves tend to reflect off RFID Checklist
metal surfaces.”
Manufacturers that are considering First-time users can find the process of specifying and implementing an RFID
UHF RFID technology are well- system a bit overwhelming.
advised to do a proof of concept “Many engineers think an RFID reader is somehow responsible for knowing
before committing. “Set up some all their business rules and objectives,” says Jeffrey Snyder, product manager
equipment in the area where you’d for industrial identification at Siemens Industry. “RFID can gather a lot of data
like to do the application,” suggests on your operation, but what you do with that data is up to you. Often, engineers
Snyder. “Test some antennas, test don’t understand that, and that’s where a lot of the cost and complexity come in.”
some tags, and see what’s going to Before contacting an RFID supplier, assemblers should answer the following
work best. It’s challenging to fully questions:
design a UHF RFID system sitting at M What problem are you trying to solve?
your desk. You typically need to do M What will be identified? The product itself? A pallet? A tote?
live in-plant testing.” M How is the item currently being identified?
UHF tags are so inexpensive M What type of environment will the RFID system be in? Will there be
electrical noise, temperature extremes, high humidity or harsh chemicals?
because they have a very small
M How many read stations will be needed?
amount of memory. Whereas a high-
M How many tags will be needed?
frequency RFID tag commonly has M How fast will the tags be moving?
2 kilobytes of memory, a typical, M How far apart will the tags be?
low-cost UHF tag has only 64 bytes M Will the RFID system be reporting to a PC or a PLC?
of memory—just enough to store M What communications protocol will be used?
a serial number. Data associated M What read range is needed?
with that serial number is stored in M How much information will be transferred to and from the tags?
a database that is accessible over the M How often will the tags be read and written to?
Internet. M Will more than one tag need to be read at the same time?
“In UHF applications, the tag is M Is there a size limitation to the tag?
almost always used like a license
plate, a way to identify an object,” to the widget, whether it’s a pair be appropriate for use in an assembly
explains Snyder. “If you need specific of jeans or a tire or a sink,” says plant. They won’t survive a paint
information about what to do with that Heurich. “Now, that tag can walk out oven or a robotic welding line.
object, you have to communicate that the door, and you don’t care because More robust UHF tags will be more
serial number over a factory network it’s only 10 cents.” expensive.
to a device that knows what to do.” Snyder cautions engineers that Some manufacturers are also
The low cost of the tag makes inexpensive tags used for tracking introducing UHF tags with more
them essentially disposable. “UHF cardboard boxes in retail and memory. “Siemens has one with just
allows you to attach the tag directly warehousing applications may not under 4 kilobytes of memory,” says
Siemens’ compact Simatic RF300 RFID system is designed for controlling

and optimizing material flow in closely packed assembly lines. Photo Available in a variety of sizes, these FR4 RFID pallet tags can withstand a
courtesy Siemens Industry temperature of more than 200 C. Photo courtesy RFID Inc.
Auto ID
These ceramic UHF RFID antennas come in an array of sizes and power. The RFU620 read-write device from SICK Inc. is optimized for applications
The smallest is 25 millimeters square. The largest is 80 millimeters in which UHF tags must be reliably identified at medium ranges and in
square. Photo courtesy RFID Inc. close physical proximity to one another. Photo courtesy SICK Inc.
Snyder. “There are some tags on Better Readers usually connect with PLCs. As
the market with up to 8 kilobytes of Whether for high frequency or a result, readers can be set up to
memory. That gives you more room UHF systems, readers have improved work with any industrial network,
to store data beyond just a serial in recent years. Whereas readers for including Ethernet IP, Profinet,
number. However, those tags may warehouse applications are typically Modbus, CANopen or IO-Link.
cost $15 to $20 or more, so you’re equipped to communicate with a PC, Readers can also be equipped to
not using them willy-nilly.” readers for assembly applications handle more than one antenna. Some
Cam Indexer
AUTOMATION
Precision. Quality. Reliability.
Superior precision positioning products
Alpha Series Sankyo Automation provides

innovative solutions with our family of
Rotary Indexing Positioners high-speed, high precision positioning
products...
Features n Servo Rotary Tables
n No timing belts to change n Precison Link Conveyors
n Indexers sealed and filled for life with n Part Handlers
series synthetic gear oil
n Available with or without output overload clutch
Performance
n Faster indexing speeds with zero-backlash
n Higher inertia load capacity than the competition SANKYO AUTOMATION (937) 498-4901
n Better positioning accuracy than the competition 10655 State Route 47 | Sidney, Ohio 45365
n 4 years warranty (longest in the industry) www.sankyoautomation.com

can handle up to 16 antennas. That can
help reduce overall implementation
costs.
“In the end, it can be less expensive,
because now you have multiple read
points coming back to one PLC,
and PLCs are not inexpensive,” says
Heurich. “More antennas give you
the ability to cover a larger space,
say a dock door. You can surround
the dock door with four antennas, The compact BIS VU-320 write-read head from Balluff Inc. has function and status LED indicators
so you can read multiple tags much that can be easily seen from any direction. With a typical reading range of 1 meter, the UHF system
more quickly than you could with is especially suited for use in assembly plants. Photo courtesy Balluff Inc.
one antenna.”
Readers have also become easier adjust the antenna to maximize that power level is always a fraction of
to set up. “You can’t see radio waves, number.” what I thought it would be.” A
which makes aiming the antenna a Another common setup challenge
challenge,” says Snyder. “In the is deciding how much power to send
past, that’s always been trial and out of the antenna. “As engineers, we
error. There was not a lot data to help always think, more power is better,” ASSEMBLY ONLINE
you position the antenna. Siemens says Snyder. “But that usually gets For more information on RFID, visit www.
UHF readers have a feature, called you into trouble. You’ll be creating a assemblymag.com to read these articles:
received signal strength indication, bunch of reflections that you didn’t  Error-Proofing With Sensors and RFID.
that puts a numerical value on signal need to worry about. Our reader has  R FI D Tags Provide Ultra Reliable
strength from the tags. That number a mode in which it incrementally Monitoring.
is displayed on a Web-based system increases power until it ‘sees’ a tag.  Data Matrix and RFID—Partnership in
manager, so all you have to do is In my experience, the recommended Productivity.
THE NEW
BENCHMARK IN
WIRE STRIPPING
The Mira 230

has a new robust
and sturdy design that
supports an extraordinary
processing range from AWG
32 to AWG 8. It sets a new
benchmark by its unique sequenc-
ing capabilities that can be stored
in a library for quick reproduction. The
Mira 230 can strip and cut inner conduc-
tors with a variety of parameters without a
program change. It comes equipped with a
simple graphical user interface that ensures a
quick learning process.
komaxwire.com

ASSEMBLY Industry 4.0
How IIoT Can Enhance

Factory Efficiency
T
he Industrial Internet of Things making data readily available and by
The IIoT is already affecting (IIoT) is perhaps the biggest automating the communication between
the way factories operate, buzzword in factory automa-
tion today, and it is a key aspect
industrial automation equipment
and systems. This allows businesses
and it will increasingly impact of Industry 4.0. But IIoT is to leverage data in more meaningful
more than just the way of the ways, including enabling predictive
your operation in the future. future. The IIoT is already affecting analysis for machines as well as process
the way factories operate today, and optimization across the factory floor.
it will increasingly While Industry 4.0 refers to a period
impact businesses of advancements in technology, the
in the future. There- Internet of Things (IoT) describes the
fore, it is essential to technologies that connect objects—
understand the terms from consumer electronics to industrial
being used, recog- components—to the Internet. The IIoT
nize how IIoT tech- refers specifically to the impact of this
nologies are already innovation on industrial applications.
being implemented IoT and IIoT technologies together cre-
in manufacturing ate “smart” networks. For example, the
facilities, and pre- wireless technologies of a smart home
pare your business connect homeowners to almost anything
for the future. in the house—from their home security
The term “Indus- system to their refrigerator—and allow
try 4.0” broadly remote accessibility via smartphone.
describes the current Similarly, a smart factory provides plant
wave of technologi- managers with visibility, analytics and
cal innovation as an remote access to wirelessly connected
era in history charac- machines.
Tower lights equipped with wireless terized by interconnectivity enabled by The key benefits of IIoT technologies
communication capabilities take visibility to the the Internet and wirelessly connected for factory automation include:
next level by both displaying a visual indication devices. By way of background, Indus- M Visibility into the operational sta-
of an event and transmitting wireless alerts.
Photo courtesy Banner Engineering Corp.
try 1.0 refers to the era of water and tus of machine components (both his-
steam power and Industry 2.0, the era torically and in real-time) allows plant
of electric power. Industry 4.0 follows managers to remotely monitor and
For information on how to obtain closely on the heels of the digital era diagnose systems quickly, as well as
reprints/e-prints of this article, (Industry 3.0), and many manufactur- identify and resolve problems before
please contact Jill L. DeVries ing facilities still operate using digital the impact on machine availability and
at devriesj@bnpmedia.com technologies. While digital technolo- productivity compounds.
or 248-244-1726. gies have enabled the collection of large M Predictive analytics allows for more
amounts of valuable data, this data pri- accurate planning of machine mainte-
marily exists in silos that are not easily nance, which can help reduce machine
 By Santi Clark accessible for analysis and actionable downtime, increase mean time between
Content Strategy Manager insights. failure (MTBF), and reduce costs of
Banner Engineering Corp. The technologies of Industry 4.0 unnecessary preventative maintenance
Minneapolis take data collection to the next level by and spare parts inventory.
M Interconnectivity enables seam- if something goes wrong between
less communication among ma- scheduled maintenance visits.
chines, components, and people. In- With predictive maintenance,
terconnectivity increases efficiency much of the guesswork is removed
by allowing for more autonomous because maintenance decisions can
machine performance and stream- be made based on the historical and
lined manual processes. real-time data from the machine
Overall, the increased visibili- itself. For example, wireless vibra-
ty, analytics, and interconnectivity tion and temperature sensors can
afforded by IIoT mean that these detect signs of misaligned, loose
technologies are not just short- or worn parts on a machine. The
term investments or solutions to wireless sensors then transmit that
immediate problems. Rather, they information to a wireless controller
enable continuous improvement that makes data available immedi-
by providing companies with the ately (via text or email alerts) and
capabilities necessary to solve for long term analysis.
new problems as they arise—com- By monitoring machine com-
pounding the value of the invest- ponents in real-time for increas-
ment over time. Wireless sensors can transmit their information to a wireless es in vibration and temperature,
IIoT technologies allow busi- controller that makes data available immediately (via text problems can be detected and
or email alerts) and for long term analysis. Photo courtesy
nesses to access and leverage fac- Banner Engineering Corp. resolved before they become too
torywide data in more meaningful severe and cause additional dam-
ways compared to digital technologies, ted over a secure wireless network to a age or result in unplanned downtime.
but what does that look like in practice? remote device, triggering an action or Over time, the historical data creates a
The following are three practical exam- prompting a response from an operator valuable machine performance log that
ples of how visibility, predictive analyt- at a workstation away from the machine. can be used to make more informed
ics, and interconnectivity are affecting An additional benefit of wireless maintenance decisions down the line.
factories today. indicators is data logging for use in
overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) Streamline Factory Communication
Visibility and Remote Access calculations. Not only can operators IIoT technologies are not just use-
To ensure efficient processes respond to alerts quickly as they occur, ful for optimizing machines. In fact,
throughout the factory, machine opera- but a history of alerts can also be stored wireless technologies enable seamless
tors must quickly and easily determine and analyzed offline. This historical interaction among human workers as
the status of machines. The greater the data can be used to track machine well, and can have a significant impact
visibility, the easier it is to identify and uptime, production volume, rejected on the efficiency of manual production
resolve problems and keep operations parts, and other key metrics to make lines. For example, instead of requir-
running smoothly. Traditional tower more informed decisions over time. ing machine operators to walk over to
lights provide visibility wherever they the manager area for assistance with a
can be physically seen. However, tower Increase Uptime and Availability technical issue, a wireless system using
lights equipped with wireless communi- In addition to real-time status moni- connected pushbuttons or switches and
cation capabilities take visibility to the toring, IIoT technologies can also be tower lights can be used to alert manag-
next level by both displaying a visual used to help avoid machine failures ers when assistance is needed on the line.
indication of an event and transmitting thanks to predictive maintenance. The For example, a notification system
wireless alerts. This helps ensure that traditional approach to machine main- might be set up so that an operator
operational problems are identified and tenance is to follow a prescribed regi- pushes a button or flips a switch to
addressed immediately, regardless of men of preventative maintenance. This alert the manager or technician that
whether a machine operator is physi- involves regularly replacing machine he or she is needed on the production
cally present to see the visual indicator. components based on the manufactur- line. A tower light connected to the
For example, tower lights with wire- er’s suggested timeline rather than data gateway’s outputs would then indi-
less communication allow operators to from the actual machine. This means cate which production line needs a
remotely monitor machine performance that you might be paying too much for manager’s attention, and colors could
without lengthy and expensive cable unnecessary preventative maintenance be assigned to indicate the need for a
runs. The lights indicate machine status plans and replacement parts; or you technician (red) or manager (yellow).
visually while updates are also transmit- might experience unexpected downtime Wireless pushbuttons equipped with
Industry 4.0
Is Your Business IIoT-Ready?
From keeping machines running
smoothly to enabling seamless com-
munication between machines, compo-
nents and people, the benefits of IIoT
technologies are tangible. However, it
can be challenging knowing where to
start and how to use these technologies
to their fullest advantage.
Below are three questions to help
manufacturers prepare for a move from
digital to IIoT:
M What are the inefficiencies in your
operations?
M What kind of data would help you
This image shows a wireless call button for a parts application. The call is the small yellow box
located on the parts stand to the left of the vehicle frame. Photo courtesy Banner Engineering Corp.
overcome these inefficiencies?
M What communication processes
LED status lights can also facilitate each production line and for workers need to be in place to use data in a
two-way communication by configur- to leave their workstations when they meaningful way?
ing the LED to change color when the need assistance. By utilizing a wire- Answering these questions can help
manager or technician indicates that he less network of connected devices to manufacturing facilities identify the
or she is on their way. streamline communications, managers, best technologies to meet their imme-
Using a wireless tower light notifica- technicians, and line workers are able diate business needs and start taking
tion system reduces the need for techni- to use their time more efficiently and advantage of the long-term benefits of
cians and managers to constantly check productively. IIoT. A
RotoCube ®
Rotating Magnetic Bulletin Towers

RotoCube Details ¨
19"
80"
EQUIVALENT WORKSPACE
6'
4'
• Free Standing
• 37 Panel Options
• Floor Anchors
• Optional Wheels
• Weighs 85lbs
magnatag.com/RC | 800-624-4154

Advertisement
Tri-Star Offers a
Complete Line of
Threaded Inserts Turnkey Brazing
Tri-Star Industries, Inc. is your one source Machines
for engineering, application assistance, Automate your brazing application with
prototypes & production services for
Rotocube® Magnetic
Fusion machines.
threaded inserts. Designs are available Dry Erase Rotating
Rotary indexing and fixed station, “Braze
for ultrasonic, thermal, press-in & mold-in Bulletin Tower. Mate” styles matched to your production.
installation into plastic. Put a 4 x 6’ whiteboard into a Machines are complemented by
21” footprint. Rotocube® rotating complete line of paste braze filler metals
n Low to high volume bulletin towers can help keep your and dispensers.
n Custom designs available workstations updated with the latest Feasibility testing also available. Fusion
n ISO 9001:2008 performance goals, inventory levels, and brazing machines: All you need from One
safety metrics by placing information Source!
Tri-Star Industries, Inc. directly in the traffic stream. Order online
Berlin, CT factory direct.
(800) 882-8980
Fusion Inc.
www.tristar-inserts.com Magnatag (440) 946-3300
Magnatag.com/Factory (800) 626-9501
(800) 624-4154 info@fusion-inc.com
Sales@Magnatag.com www.fusion-inc.com
LM Series Actuator
The RACO LM Series is a lightweight
positioning actuator, which can be
easily configured into a wide variety of MicroHAWK® UHD
multiple axis motion systems. The LM
Imagers Decode
is engineered for a load capacity of
800 lbs., speeds up to 200 inches per Tiny Codes
second, and a stroke range of 20 feet Microscans MicroHAWK® Ultra High
with a single extrusion. SPIROL Coiled Spring Density (UHD) imagers and smart
cameras decode small and difficult-to-
Pins Design Guide read printed and DPM symbols. Rely
RACO International, LP This informative Design Guide provides
3350 Industrial Blvd. on MicroHAWK® UHD’s ability to read
valuable information including:
Bethel Park, PA 15102 symbols with an x-dimension as small as
specifications, design considerations
(412) 835-5744 2 mil (0.0254 mm) – almost invisible to
(412) 835-0338
for common applications, features and
the naked eye!
Toll Free: (888) 289-7226 benefits compared to other common
raco@racointernational.com press-fit pins, measuring techniques, and
Microscan
www.racointernational.com installation methods. It includes easy-to- Meghan Dillon
read schematics and diagrams to support Marketing Communications Manager
each key section. Download your free (425) 203-4864
copy today! mdillon@microscan.com
http://info.microscan.com/MicroHAWK-
SPIROL UHD-Imagers-Cameras
http://www.spirol.com/s/am-cldp/

Advertisement
Cryogenically
Tempered, Precision
Honed Where It Counts
Flexibility at
your service. Meter – Mix – Dispense Systems for
The DEPRAG EC-Servo screwdriver Potting, Encapsulating and Sealing Ergonomic
combined with the AST5-S series Kickstand Table
controller offers maximum flexibility and Can you tolerate downtime? Abrasive Flex Craft’s new Ergonomic Kickstand
control. The integrated torque and angle formulations can be “cruel” and costly Table allows you to adjust your work
measurement system enables precise to repair. EXACT Dispensing Systems surface height by simply stepping down
control of the screw assembly process uses applied science at the molecular on a cross platform. Adjust the fulcrum
and guarantees the highest accuracy. level by Cryogenically Tempering cylinder position to easily adjust for weight load.
Torque, speed, standby timing and bores. This process increases the We specialize in Carts, Workstations,
direction can also be adjusted for even crystalline structure of the tool steel, thus Flow Racks, etc. We’re here to assist
greater flexibility. increasing service life and durability! with all your needs.
DEPRAG, Inc. EXACT Dispensing Systems

640 Hembry St. (207) 563-2299
Lewisville, TX 75057 sales@exactdispensing.com
(800) 433-7724 www.exactdispensing.com Flex Craft
(972) 221-8731 Toll Free: (877) 565-3539
Proudly Made in the USA
sales@depragusa.com info@flex-craft.com
depragusa.com www.flex-craft.com
Get Social. Connect With Us!

assemblymag.com/connect
Automatic Inline It’s now easier than ever to stay up to date
Feeder Systems from with the latest news and information.
Design Tool, Inc.
Our Automatic Feeder Systems feed
and drive any type of fasteners into most
applications for all assembly lines. The Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube!
patent feed has only one moving part for
simplicity and for fast productivity! DTI
Like • Follow • Add to Circles • Join • Subscribe
is built for heavy industrial output and is
designed for any brand of drivers.
Please contact us now and we can
increase your productivity 40-50% with
automation.
Design Tool, Inc.

1607 Norfolk PL SW TM
Conover, NC 28613
(800) 627-3674
sales@designtoolinc.com
www.designtoolinc.com

Advertisement Advertisement
CASE HISTORY
RotoCube® Magnetic High Marks All Around
Dry Erase Bulletin for Schleuniger
Towers Put a 4 x 6' from IMMI
whiteboard into a
A
n industry leader in the
21" footprint. design, testing, and manu-
facturing of advanced safe-
R
otocube rotating ty systems, IMMI is headquar-
bulletin towers tered in Westfield, Indiana, and
help keep your operates out of five other loca-
employees updated tions around the globe. Found-
with the latest per- ed in 1961 as Indiana Mills and
formance goals, Manufacturing, Inc., IMMI has
inventory levels, and grown from four employees
safety metrics by and two sewing machines into
placing information a global company that special-
directly in the traffic stream. Available in both 4 and izes in bringing innovative,
5-sided options, the Rotocube rotates easily with a fin- customized safety solutions to people all over the world.
ger’s touch, making information readily accessible by As the company grew, so did the need to produce
offering space to display critical information on each of faster, while maintaining quality. To make the wire
the tower’s magnetic dry erase panels. With the help of harnesses used in buckle assemblies for seat belts to
Magnatag’s patented printing process, Rotocube’s dry indicate compliance, IMMI chose to use the Schleuniger
erase panels can be customized to fit you factory’s needs. StripCrimp 200. Since the StripCrimp 200 strips the
Each RotoCube rotating bulletin tower can be designed wires in addition to crimping terminals, IMMI saves the
with your choice of over 35 panel options including: KPI labor that is involved in preparing the wire for crimping.
& production rate trackers, safety awareness motivators, In addition, the optional crimp force monitoring allows
Kanban job & inventory management organizers, and them to keep a close eye on the process and identify
custom-made layouts. problems quickly.
IMMI is very happy with the results they have seen
“We use RotoCube whiteboard towers on our from their Schleuniger equipment and also with the
production floor to present new changes/improvements ongoing technical service they have received. “We’ve
for employees to keep up to date on and post “brag been very pleased with the equipment and especially
moments”, improve their productivity and motivation the technical help. We purchased three days of training
to strive for the best. We post different information on when getting the machine ready for production and there
each side: safety, housekeeping, productivity, quality was an enormous amount of helpful information shared
and continuous improvement objectives. The location by Schleuniger. Since our previous engineer had left
of the information is very important. People won’t look there was a knowledge vacuum and this opportunity got
at a board if they cannot get to it easily. Since it is us back up to speed with in-house experience. I’d give
free-standing, we can move the RotoCube® to the best Schleuniger high marks all around and would look to
location within a work cell which makes it the best choice them for solutions in the future,” says Doug Leithauser,
for this type of information.” - Production supervisor, Manufacturing Engineer at IMMI.
Manufacturer of auto parts, Battle Creek MI
Made in the USA. Order online factory direct.
Magnatag Visible Systems Schleuniger, Inc.

2031 O’Neil Road 87 Colin Drive
Macedon, NY, 14502 Manchester, NH 03103
(800) 624-4154 (603) 668-8117
sales@magnatag.com Fax: (603) 668-8119
magnatag.com/rotocube Toll Free Technical Support: (877) 902-1470
Sales@schleuniger.com www.schleuniger-na.com

CASE HISTORY Advertisement Advertisement
NOMAD Lifts & Precise & Accurate

Positions WEISS Dispense Pump from
Growth Techcon Systems
S R
ince August 2007, WEISS ecently, a leading manu-
North America, a whol- facturer of audio speak-
ly owned subsidiary of er systems selected the
WEISS GmbH, has been mak- TS8100-200 PC Pump from
ing index tables, palletized con- Techcon Systems to meet
veyors, linear motor driven pick their high precision dispens-
and place units, cam and servo ing requirements.
driven assembly chassis, ring The application
index tables, and machine bases consisted of dispensing
and tool plates. Located in Willoughby, Ohio, WEISS waterborne adhesive for
leases its 100,000 square foot facility. speaker assembly process.
The customer initially
Nomadic Solutions selected a time & pressure type spool valve. However,
When WEISS installed its first of three modular during testing, he noticed that the dispense output did not
NOMAD® Free Standing Workstation Cranes, WEISS meet the +/-3% repeatability.
needed seven tons of capacity, a 40-foot width, and an Frustrated with the poor results, this engineer visited
80-foot runway. NOMAD is readily available in overall the IPC APEX 2017 show and discussed his application
widths up to 50 feet and overall heights up to 25 feet, with with a Techcon Systems application engineer who
capacities from 2 tons to 10 tons. Plus, NOMAD Cranes recommended the TS8100-200 PC pump. The following
offer manufacturers flexibility, accommodating change. week, Techcon demonstrated the pump at the customer’s
Base plate design allows most NOMAD Systems to be facility and left the pump for the customer to continue
installed without footers. Bolted assembly enables them the test. After 2 weeks, the customer was very satisfied
to be easily dismantled, relocated and reassembled. with the test results. The dispense repeatability exceeded
his expectation. The requirement is +/-3% but the actual
Productivity Plus dispense variation is less than 1%. The customer is
Prior to NOMAD, WEISS used forklifts and jib planning to implement 20 plus pumps in his production
crane “cherry pickers” to move index table chassis parts line this year.
between workstations. NOMAD immediately increased The TS8100 is designed to dispense a wide range
workflow and productivity. of fluids, from low viscosity coatings to high viscosity
greases. Typical applications include under filling PCBA
At WEISS, the first NOMAD installation was about components, encapsulation and potting applications,
assembly, getting each index table ready to ship. The applying lubrication on automotive parts, and dispensing
second NOMAD installation was for loading machines pastes and flux.
onto tool plates. The most recent NOMAD crane Techcon’s PC Pump uses a special stator and rotor
installation expanded the assembly area into a larger design to provide consistent dispensing output. The
production area. turning rotor on the TS8100 moves the fluid in tightly
sealed cavities through the stator’s fluid chambers to
According to Kevin Talty, Operations Manager, “If we create a volumetric fluid flow that does not change the
would have known 15 years ago what we know today, we shape or size of the fluid.
probably would have installed a major overhead crane
system. It would have been a mistake, not giving us the Techcon Systems
flexibility to change, modify and grow.” 10800 Valley View Street
Cypress, CA 90630
Engineered Material Handling (714) 230-2398
550 Crane Drive, cla@techconsystems.com
Valley City, OH 44280 www.techconsystems.com
(330)220-8600
www.emhcranes.com

CASE HISTORY
Clinton Machine Rotary Positioner
chooses the Zimmer Decreases Cycle
5000 Series Time
A
manufacturer of glass panels for LCD displays needed
C
linton Machine, a Michigan based machine builder to decrease the cycle time of a grinding application
and systems integrator, chose the Zimmer Group in order to meet production demands. The glass
GPP5030N pneumatic grippers in a recent forging panel required grinding on four edges to arrive at its final
application to pick up and quench forklift forks. Being dimensions. Between each grinding pass, the glass panel
able to use longer and heavier fingers compared to com- needed to be indexed 90 degrees both accurately and in
petitor products allowed them the flexibility to design as little time as possible.
custom fingers with manifolds to run coolant through The previous machine design used a Direct Drive (DD
the fingers. Additionally, in this quench application, they motor) to position the glass panel. The DD motor was
appreciated the sealed design of the GPP5030N. IP64 as capable of indexing the 7 kilogram mass 90 degrees in 0.4
standard makes this gripper series more resistant to dust, seconds with an indexing accuracy of ±5 µm. They were
splash and steam. unable to improve the indexing time beyond this due to
In a second application, they used three GPP5030NC the unsatisfactory settling time of the DD motor after the
grippers to pick up a 100lb aluminum door. The challenge quick indexing motion.
in this application was to use a gripper that could combine In order to improve the positioning time, Sankyo
the requirement for long fingers and still handle the recommended using their RollerDrive technology in the
high moment forces associated with the workpiece. form of the RU Series rotary table. The unique RollerDrive
The special design of the 5000 Series with steel-on- reducer technology uses preloaded roller followers on
steel linear guides takes up higher moments and forces the unit’s output to completely eliminate backlash. This
allowing the use of longer fingers. creates a very rigid positioning mechanism with high
These are two very different applications but were torsional stiffness. The RollerDrive technology allows
both achieved with one universal gripper series. the RU Series to benefit from the robustness that gear
When asked why they use the 5000 Series, Clinton reduction provides, while still maintaining accuracies
Machine commented that they appreciate the 30 million that are on par with DD motor technology.
cycle rating of the 5000 Series and also the IP64 rating as The end result of the switch to RollerDrive technology
standard. Even in normal shop conditions, they consider was a decrease in indexing time to 0.2 seconds along with
this an “additional insurance” improved positioning accuracy to less than ±4 µm. With
We would like to thank Clinton Machine for sharing three indexes per panel, the cycle time was reduced by
their experience, and Tech Spec, our Michigan distributor 0.6 seconds and an efficiency gain of 12% was realized.
who worked with Clinton Machine to specify the 5000
Series.
Zimmer Group US, Inc.

1095 6th Street Ct SE 10655 State Route 47
Hickory, NC 28602 Sidney, OH 45365
(828) 855-9722 (937) 498-4901
Sales.us@zimmer-group.com www.sankyoautomation.com
www.zimmer-group.com

Achieving maximum Vibratory Floating

processing reliability. Mandrel Facilitates
Feeding Thin
Washers
W
hile many processes have become completely auto-
mated, the flexibility of employees working on
assembly remains key in leading companies. The
intelligent manual work station combines manual work
with processing reliability.
O
With controls and software integrated in the base of ur floating mandrel vibratory inline design is the
the stand, DEPRAG PKS - “Position Kontroll Stand” solution for feeding thin washer-type metallic parts,
guides the screwdriving tool securely to the assembly such as spring washers, that can’t be oriented diam-
position and takes the lift/locate-strain off the operator. eter-to-diameter without overlapping. When this method
The position recognition feature increases processing is used, parts are fed from a vibratory feeder diameter-
reliability in applications where several screw positions to-diameter without concern for overlap. Instead of a
need to be assembled in a certain order on one product. As conventional discharge from the bowl feeder, the end of
soon as the position control stand (PKS) is in the correct the mandrel extends into the bowl, where a cam tips the
position, screw tightening begins. The stand will only parts over and onto the mandrel so the parts are oriented
allow activation of the correct function once situated in face-to-face (stacked on the mandrel). Parts that miss the
the correct position. mandrel are recirculated through the bowl. The mandrel,
which is preloaded with parts at assembly, is held in place
The PKS-setup is able to guide inputs and outputs by retention blocks at the entrance and discharge ends,
depending on the application. This includes functions and is supported by a vibratory inline with a v-shaped
such as clamping and locking workpieces, feeding of top plate that drives the parts toward the discharge. Mag-
fasteners and activation of measurement functions. If nets around the mandrel discharge tube (shown in the
there are a large number of screw positions the position photo inset above) separate the parts at the discharge to
control stand can be used to determine and monitor facilitate picking the top part off by vacuum. Because the
the relevant operating mode required and the order of mandrel is held in place by the parts inside the entrance
positions; the screw can only be tightened if the operator and discharge retention blocks, sensors are provided at
has kept the order in the correct sequence. both ends of the mandrel to insure that a proper parts
level is maintained. The sensor at the mandrel entrance
When developing the intelligent manual work station, controls the bowl feeder to maintain part level where
DEPRAG used standard components, each successfully the mandrel exits the bowl. The sensor at the mandrel
tried and tested in worldwide production. This enables discharge controls the inline driver to maintain part level
customized design of any assembly system at an optimal at the pickup point.
price-performance ratio.
To see more detailed specifications, photos and video
DEPRAG, Inc of this system visit performancefeeders.com/case-study.
640 Hembry St.
Lewisville TX 75057 Performance Feeders, Inc.
(800) 433-7724 (813) 855-2685
(972) 221-8731 sales@performancefeeders.com
sales@depragusa.com www.performancefeeders.com
depragusa.com

CASE HISTORY
Shocks Control Automotive Welding
Hydraulics for with Efficiency and
Automatic Driveway Precision
Swing Gate
The Application
A SCHUNK customer needed to weld two sheets of
metal together for automobile assembly. The sheets had
to be precisely mated along a seam, so that a laser welder
could weld them together.
The Challenge
The design of automobiles has become so precise
Application Issues: that body panels are being made from different thickness
Large, 8’, 10’ & 12’ long gates had severe visual metals depending on the need, i.e. weight reduction
oscillation and twisting when decelerating to both the or strength. The customer planned to use traditional
full open and closed positions. Slowing the overall swing electromagnets to hold the product in alignment to
speed stopped the oscillation and twisting but produced prevent movement or warping during the weld process.
impatient customers. However, traditional electromagnets consume large
amounts of power and must have power applied during
Solution: Add two shock absorbers as close as the whole cycle time, thereby increasing operating cost.
possible to the pivot. A couple of inches of deceleration Additionally, the controller for the electromagnet was
near the pivot produced a couple of feet of aesthetically very large and generated significant heat.
pleasing visual deceleration at the gate end tips.
The Solution
Application Issues: SCHUNK was able to work through these problems
There was very high effective weight, nearly all was with the customer to find the best possible solution for
a product of the hydraulic driving force. their needs: the SCHUNK EGM Permanent Electro
The shock absorber had two functions: Magnet. The SCHUNK EGM was used because it
1. Decelerate the moving gate energy which was a solved the needs, and adhered to the restrictions of
very small portion of the overall energy. the application. Permanent electromagnets use electric
2. Because most of the energy is from the hydraulics, current only for switching on/off, otherwise there is
the shock absorber can be thought of as the varying no current making EGM very efficient and generating
velocity flow control. As the shock absorber gradually less heat. The ECG controller that operates the EGM is
slows, the hydraulic system starts to gradually increase approximately the size of a loaf of bread, which solved
flow across the relief valve. Using a shock absorber as a the space issue. The customer was so pleased with the
fixed variable flow control makes the hydraulic system results that after building 6 of the machines, they ordered
act like it has servo controlled deceleration, but without 6 more to increase efficiency throughout their factory.
the expense or sophistication that electrical controls
require. SCHUNK
211 Kitty Hawk Drive
ACE Controls Inc. Morrisville, NC 27560
(248) 476-0213 (919) 572-2705
shocks@acecontrols.com Toll Free: (800) 772-4865
www.acecontrols.com www.schunk.com

Orbitform’s Newest IPR Robotics KA

Solution… Data Alignment Device
Logging System With On-Center &
Off-Center Locking
Capability Application
W
hen Creative
Automation was
contracted to
T
he Orbitform Data Logging system is a simple solu- engineer an electric motor
tion for customers looking to export and log data cre- assembly line for a major
ated during an industrial process. The system utilizes automotive manufacturer,
an industrial touchscreen panel PC that communicates they looked to IPR
with the machine’s PLC. The data logging and com- Robotics’ KA alignment
munication functions are carried out by the proprietary device. They needed
data logging software that is installed on the PC. This a device that would
software is custom tailored to the specific application, provide X-Y compliance
and can be designed with as much (or little) flexibility while picking up a Power
as the customer desires. Once exported, the data can be Distribution Module
simply stored, or it can be processed for SPC and quality (PDM) for assembly onto
analysis. the Motor. They chose
the KA because it offers the options of locking the
The data logging hardware and software are configured device to-center, but also off-center, which is required in
to automatically launch and run when the machine this application.
powers up, making it entirely standalone and turn-key.
The data is generally collected from the PLC at the end The Role of the KA Aligment Device
of every auto cycle, and is stored in the form of a .csv When the robot picks up the PDM, the KA floats
file that can be opened by any .csv-capable reader, such in 2 axes, allowing the robot to find the PDM, which
as Microsoft Excel. The data files are stored on the local is brought into the cell on a non-precision pallet. Once
PC hard drive but can be retrieved by the customer either the gripper closes on the PDM the robot is able to lift
remotely or locally. it from the pallet then lock the KA device to a centered
position. Next, the robot places the PDM on the motor
The forms of data produced by the process that a with the KA device released, allowing the PDM to
customer may want to capture are limitless but could seat into the motor. At this point, the robot releases
include process limits, forming data, testing data, cycle the PDM, and relocates to another pallet further down
data, time/date stamp, part number, job number, or stream in the assembly process to remove the cover from
employee/shift information. The PLC data could be the PDM. The KA is allowed to float again during this
raw data produced by analog sensors or calculated data operation. Once the gripper is closed on the cover the KA
produced by PLC logic, and can be in any form, whether device locks in the current, likely off-center, position.
it be floating point, integer, ASCII string, or discrete This allows the cover to be placed back on, upon return.
“bits”, such as those indicating a pass/fail status of a part. Creative Automation explains, “The KA’s ability to lock
to center and also off-center is critical to this application.
Coupled with the device’s reliability and repeatability, it
makes for a great solution.”
Dan Peretz, President

Orbitform IPR Robotics
1600 Executive Dr. 2673 American Dr. Troy, MI 48083
Jackson, MI 49203 (248) 556-7556
(517)787-9447 techsales@iprrobotics.com
www.orbitform.com ww.iprrobotics.com

CASE HISTORY
Removing Hydraulics Switching From Laser
from the Equation for Welding to Light-
Assembly Curing Increases
UPH & Floor Space
A
world leader
in electrical
explosion pro-
tection and sensor
technology wanted
to switch from
laser welding to an
alternative bond-
A
major U.S manufacturer of Braking and Suspension ing process for an
components contacted HyperCyl® to Increase Qual- application that required sealing two polycarbonates in
ity of their finished products and free up Floor Space their photoelectric sensors.
for a new Assembly line. The OEM was experiencing The manufacturer was bonding PC-PCBA holders to PC
persistent Assembly interruptions due to their Hydraulic clear covers by laser welding, but were unsatisfied with the
Dial Tables’ inability to monitor & relay actual Insertion results. The laser welding between the two polycarbonate
Forces & Distances. Additional floor space was also nec- substrates created inconsistent bonds, resulting in scrap
essary to make room for a new product Assembly line, and lower units per hour (UPH) assembled. The process
so removing the noisy pumps, balky accumulator tanks, also required the use of large laser welding equipment that
high-heat motors and leaking hydraulic lines associated took up valuable floor space.
with the antiquated Hydraulics was essential. The company asked the Dymax Application
HyperCyl® retrofitted the entire Dial Table, removing Engineering (AE) team for help, and the AE team
all Hydraulic cylinders and replacing with Hydra- recommended a light-curing solution to replace the
Pneumatic cylinders operated by simple pneumatic valves. customer’s laser welding process. Dymax tested several
Each Dial location now includes the integral LVDT and light-curable materials with the customer’s parts and
Load Cell options demonstratively called IntelliCyl® found that Dymax 3094-GEL-REV-A adhesive provided
along with the HyperView-Press® Signature Analysis the best bonding strength when cured with a Dymax
Monitor. The HyperCyl® solution actively measures the 5000-EC flood curing system.
Stud & Bearing insertion depth by establishing a series The parts built with 3094-GEL-REV-A passed the
of “windows” around critical points of the operation, customer’s reliability requirement for IP67 ingress
namely the part stack-up (part contact) and final depth. protection, thermal cycling at -40°C to 70°C, and damp
ONLY when critical stack up “window” was confirmed heat soaking at 70°C/90%RH. The 5000-EC provided
would high pressure then activate to finalize the part. This high-intensity curing energy over a 5x5 inch area,
provided key measurement of the operation ultimately fast cure times, and smaller manufacturing footprint.
reducing in-process part non-conformance to near-zero. Satisfied with the test results, the customer qualified
Aries Engineering/HyperCyl® was able to the 3094-GEL-REV-A and 5000-EC curing system to
accommodate this OEM’s needs and reduce overall replace their laser welding process.
operating costs by removing outdated hydraulics and This complete light-curing solution helped the
free up floor space in the process. We can also help customer improve the bonding between their components,
you improve the quality of your product while reducing increase the units per hour manufactured, and reduce the
your costs and allowing your business to maintain the floor space required for the assembly process.
Competitive Edge. HyperCyl offers Hydra-Pneumatic
and Servo Actuator solutions, applications engineering,
testing, tech-support and the best warranty in the industry!
“Speed, Precision, Power”. MADE IN U.S.A.! Dymax Corporation
318 Industrial Lane
HyperCyl by Aries Engineering Co., Inc. Torrington, CT 06790
sales@hypercyl.com info@dymax.com
www.HyperCyl.com www.dymax.com

FAI Reduces Cost For Precision Alignment

Consumer Product at a Fraction of the
Manufacturer Cost with Ground
Hollow Dowels
A
Problem: n OEM was using ø16mm OD Ground Solid Dowels
A well-known maker of consumer products needed to locate the transmission to the back of the engine for
to apply a gasket to both sides of an animal-feed storage an automobile. This application was quite demanding
container lid that came in two sizes. due to the 20µm alignment tolerance, the weight of the
two components, and the somewhat erratic method of
Solution: mating them together. The OEM approached SPIROL to
FAI developed an automation process for the customer. help reduce the overall cost of the assembly.
At the center is a four-station rotary dial table designed Traditionally, Ground Solid Dowels and/or Powdered
to support both size lids. An operator loads the lid rims Metal Dowels are used for alignment. However, there are
on to the dial top-side up. Next, a robot etches the surface much more cost-effective options available today.
for bonding with a flame. A Fanuc 6iB robot then uses For precision alignment scenarios, SPIROL’s GD100
a dispense system to apply a foam-in-place gasket bead. Ground Hollow Dowel is a fantastic alternative to
A second Fanuc 6iB robot removes the lid and places it traditional alignment methods. SPIROL’s GD100’s were
into one of two cooling racks. From there, the cooled designed to be direct replacements for Ground Solid
lids are removed and returned to the rotary dial table. The Dowels per ISO 8734. They are used where centerline
operator alternates each cycle between loading parts top- tolerance and precision alignment are required and
side-up and bottom-side-up. In this manner, both sides maintain critical alignment within 20µm.
of the part are flame etched, receive a gasket, and are SPIROL Engineering recommended the OEM use a
allowed to cool. When finished, the second robot places standard GD100 Ground Hollow Dowel to replace the
a completed part on an outbound conveyor. Solid Machined Dowel. These heavy walled, precision
ground products offer a rigid configuration, yet are
Benefits: fabricated from roll formed strip steel with no scrap. This
FAI developed a solution that saved the customer time process is up to 75% faster than machining. The hollow
and money whereby space and equipment was kept to a design yields an approximate 50% savings in weight over
minimum. Solid Dowels.
The standard ø16mm GD100 fit within the existing
About Flexible Automation Inc.: hole size, and the OEM was able to effortlessly transition
FAI a group of automation, engineering & design to the new Ground Hollow Dowel since the assembly
specialists that creatively solve assembly problems. equipment required minimal alteration. They realized a
Based in Michigan, FAI has strong mid-west ethics with 30% cost savings with the same precision alignment as
a tenacity to do everything it takes to find a solution. They compared to the Solid Dowel, with additional savings
feel this, along with their staff of over 60 automation realized through the substantial weight reduction of the
experts is what allows them to be successful. components.
Flexible Automation SPIROL International Corporation

(810) 742-8540 info@spirol.com
sales@flexautoinc.com SPIROL.com
www.FAIMachines.com

CASE HISTORY
Spout Pouch for Optimizing the
Barrier Foam Production of Tissue
Paper Using a Robot
A
utomation is brought to life in a paper process-
ing plant through the combination of an automatic
rewinding machine and a Comau Racer 7 1.4 robot to
increase the production efficiency of paper rolls.
K
itPackers was contacted by a major Cable Products Before automating the process, the mechanical work
Supplier to provide a solution for field applications performed by the rewinding machine was combined with
of a 2 component Urethane Foam used as a moisture the work of operators, who cut the groove by hand with a
& contamination block. The Burst Pouch is foil, which special tool to remove a small portion of the core.
along with nitrogen blanketing during repackaging, pro- “Racer 7 1.4 handles the spindle by means of a specially
tects the moisture sensitive contents. There are 2 Burst designed tool and a small clamp mounted on the wrist
Seals in the pouch. First, the seal between parts A&B allows it to perform the mechanical operation required
is burst & the 2 parts are internally mixed. The material to cut the core. The process went from needing three
becomes an expanding foam. The 2nd Seal below the operators to work near the machine on multiple shifts, to
Spout is then burst & the mixed contents are extruded a single operator who performs control operations over
onto the intended area. Pouches can be printed or labeled the production cycle, but can safely engage in other tasks
with information required by law, along with usage at the same time.” With the Comau robot, the company
instructions, etc. could fully automate every phase of the working cycle of
Larger Pouch Systems are currently in higher demand the plant, maximizing its speed and efficiency.
for a variety of Field & Processing Applications. There Designed by Comau to ensure a 7-kg payload with
are challenges in providing a perfect heat seal with a limited excursion of axis 5 to handle extremely fast
the large package size & weight of the filled contents. pick&place applications, Racer 7 1.4 is now the fastest
Fortunately, KitPackers has the equipment & expertise robot in its category. It is characterized by a reduced
required to guarantee successful closures every time. but more rigid mechanical structure. The small size of
Our knowledge of chemicals combined with 30 years the machine and of the controller also allow minimum
of Repackaging experience make KitPackers an excellent power consumption in compliance with the principles
choice for filling of Pouch & Cartridge Systems. of eComau Energy Management System. Moreover, the
KitPackers is an Ellsworth Company & is ISO E-motion software is able to optimize its movements,
9001:2008 certified. Please visit our website www. allowing the robot to achieve a cycle time reduction up
kitpackers.com or call us to discuss your application to 25%.
requirements.
Comau
KitPackers www.comau.com
N109 W13300 Ellsworth Drive Press Office Contact:
Germantown, WI 53022 Heather Button
(262) 253-5900 Public and Media Relations – USA
tstringer@ellsworth.com heather.button@comau.com
www.kitpackers.com (248) 368-6965

Robust Pulse Construction Tools as

Tools for Robust Fast as the Products?
Applications Almost!
Challenge - Heavy Truck and Off-Road manufacturers

face the task of finding an ergonomic assembly tool with
torque control; minimal torque reaction; low operational
costs; and improved uptime.
Solution - Torque control hydraulic pulse tool.
The ergonomic and torque control features of this tool
T
configuration make this the best relative to low Total he Afag configurator for handling technology
Acquisition Costs. The discontinuous drive feature significantly reduces your construction time by
applies torque in increments rather than one continuous giving you the ability to size and download CAD files
effort; thus, eliminating torque reaction to the assembler. directly into your builds. This free tool offered by Afag
A heavy truck manufacturer in the southeastern U.S. is available for the pneumatic and electrical components,
expressed concern with the robustness and durability of but also completely assembled handling systems like the
the hydraulic pulse tools they were using for high torque EPS mini, midi and maxi handling system.
(90 to 330 ft/lb) applications. TorqTec introduced the This design tool eliminates the guesswork, ramps
DuPas TDIS Series Pistol Grip Hydraulic Pulse Tool. up productivity, and incorporates upgrades by using the
Result - The DuPas TDIS Series exceeded their expec- Afag brand components specific to your application.
tations. The robust external design of the housing coupled Swiss Precision, German Engineering, and American
with the internal double sensing pulse mechanism pro- Service. This is Afag!
vided the durability and lower maintenance intervals the As a leading supplier, Afag has more than 60
truck manufacturer desired. Historically, their hydraulic years of experience in developing and manufacturing
pulse tools would require maintenance within 4-6 weeks assembly automation products for feeding, handling and
of installation. The DuPas TDIS Series operated in pro- transportation. With our state-of-the art technologies and
duction for 6+ months without failure / maintenance. innovative solutions, we meet the high standards of the
Result - low operational costs and improved uptime. global automation industry.
When the truck manufacturer elected to relocate the tools www.afag.com/en/service/support-tools/cadenas
from the original application installations, the assemblers
demanded that the tools not be moved as they preferred
the enhanced power, efficiency and lower cycle time the
DuPas Series offered. The TDIS Series proved to be a
robust preferred solution.
Afag Automation North America

Schaeff Machinery & Services LLC.
820 Fessler’s Parkway, Suite 210
TORQTEC Nashville, TN 37210
100 Jeffrey Way, Suite D (615) 730-7515
Youngsville, NC 27596 nashville@afag.com
(919) 561-5536 www.afag.com
info@torqtec.net
www.torqtec.net

CASE HISTORY
STANLEY Eight Workstations PUT
Spindle Auto Moving Efficient Wire Harness
Centers Assembly Within
Reach Of Jet Aircraft
Manufacturer
T
olerances have to be con-
sistently tight when you’re
assembling wire harnesses
for a jet fighter – 1/8 of an inch
over 32 feet to be exact. An
assembly workstation that can’t
accommodate such tolerances
D
ue to the success of STANLEY six spindle system, a would be, well, intolerable.
major auto manufacturer asked us to develop an eight That’s one of the problems
spindle system for their assembly plant. We provided that a jet aircraft manufacturer faced when they
custom engineering solution with our multi-spindle sys- determined that they needed to upgrade their facility.
tem. The new eight spindle system that could handle over Another problem was the ergonomic failings of their old
20 various differentials with either six or eight fasteners. system. They were using pieces of plywood on A-frames
Each of the tools in the eight spindle system is in a for the assembly of extremely elaborate wire harnesses.
vertical down position and mounted on a custom mount This not only affected tolerance levels but also led to
plate. The mount plates are connected to servo motor potential technician stress, strain and fatigue.
driven slides to control the X and Y axis orientation.
Each slide has a dedicated proximity sensor associated Harnessing an ergonomically sound solution
with it so that the location of the spindle is known at all The jet fighter manufacturer found a company that could
times. The entire system is enclosed in a protective clear deliver exactly what they were looking for in Pro-Line
Plexiglas enclosure. of Haverhill, MA, a company recognized as a leader in
Eight QPM Alpha QB Controllers and EB Tools are modular ergonomic workstations. A company renowned not
utilized in this system. A stand-alone HMI interface just for its rugged, technologically advanced workstations,
is incorporated to allow the operator to easily select but also for its ability to “think on the fly” and produce,
configuration for the various differentials on the assembly application-specific solutions, Pro-Line delivered Electric
line. The operator must first hand start the fasteners Wire Harness Workstations, each retrofitted with a range
and then select the differential on the HMI interface. of accessories. Pro-Line modified its existing technology
The HMI interface then sends a signal to the servo with new technologies to produce a solution that was
motors to orient the spindles, and to the Controllers to ergonomically sound, provided maximum functionality, and
select the target torque. The operator then moves the met all of the jet manufacturer’s specs.
system into position via the Auxiliary Handles which Thanks to the range of easy vertical movement provided
control the incorporated vertical balancer. Depending by the Pro-Line system, along with the tilt, all sections of
on the differential, spindles are synchronized together at the wire harness are always within easy reach.
multiple points to the specified torque. Since this initial installation, this jet plane manufacturer
has added new accessories to its workstation system, and
is currently in the process of expanding its operation with
additional Pro-Line workstations. Clearly they are more than
satisfied that they have harnessed such precise, ergonomically
sound and productivity-enhancing workstation solutions.
STANLEY Assembly Technologies Pro-Line

A Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. Company 10 Avco Rd
Phone: (440) 461-5500 Haverhill, MA 01835
Sales: (877) 709-8006 (978) 521-2600
SatInfo@sbdinc.com Toll Free: (800) 739-9067
www.stanleyassembly.com www.1proline.com or www.industrialworkbenches.com

Precision Bench Top UV LED Cure Sealants

Assembly System Ensure Reliable
with Vision Products For First
Responders
T
he Issue: Representatives from HG2 Emergency
Lighting, manufacturer of state-of-the-art emergency
lighting technologies for law enforcement and first
responder vehicles, contacted Hernon Manufacturing
A Tough Problem: A manufacturer of precision seeking a UV curable sealant with excellent water resis-
sensors contacted Dispense Works seeking a total solution tance and environmental tolerance. The sealant was
to their multi part manual assembly dilemma. The product needed to bond and seal lenses covering over LED lights
consists of a six part assembly with adhesive applied on their license plate ID frames. These frames (typically
between four of the layers. One component was only located on the front bumper of emergency vehicles) are
0.001” (25 micron) thick foil, while another was extremely exposed to the elements, jarring motions and are even
brittle and subject to cracking when assembled by hand. deluged with water during inclement weather conditions.
This manual process proved to be messy, time consuming A Total Solution: Hernon Manufacturing engineers
and problematic with less than repeatable results. reviewed their library of over 5,000 unique adhesive and
A Complete Solution: The time proven RX Series sealant formulas and selected Ultrabond 786. Ultrabond
robotic dispensing / assembly machine was chosen 786 is a sealant that quickly cures under UV light and
as the ideal foundation with its large work area and features high impact resistance to tolerate the movement
capacity. Featuring machine tool quality construction with of the vehicles and high environmental resistance to
preloaded ball slides, precision ground ball screws with withstand long term exposure. The sealant was tested
direct drive brushless servo motors in all three axes. Dual on samples and met the exacting standards HG2 holds
encoders with linear scales provided positioning accuracy for quality assurance proving that it could withstand the
measured in microns. The built in digital valve controller rugged conditions emergency vehicles operate under.
provides real-time control of the fluid deposits with the Ultrabond 786 was approved and replaced the previous
motion path(s). Dual pick & place modules are ported adhesive on the manufacturing specification.
with vacuum for the quick release pick up tools. The vision Technical Data: Ultrabond 786 is an EB/UV curable
system provided accurate part location and placement product that provides excellent adhesion to a wide variety
with full X, Y and Theta (rotation) correction prior to the of substrates like metals, glass, ceramics and plastics.
assembly process. This allowed for unattended production The sealant offers a water tight seal with excellent
and resulted in ultra-precise assemblies. environmental resistance and high impact resistance.
Dispense Works Inc. Hernon Manufacturing, Inc.

4071 Albany Street 121 Tech Dr.
McHenry, IL 60050 Sanford FL 32771
(815) 363-3524 (888) 520-0161
info@dispenseworks.com www.HERNON.com
www.dispenseworks.com

CASE HISTORY
Innovative Flexible ATC Automation
Automation for Controls the Solution
Powertrain Assembly
A
BB Powertrain Robot Systems and Ford Powertrain
A
Manufacturing Engineering recently completed the TC Automation was approached to provide a large,
joint development of a Flexible Cylinder Head Assem- automated assembly and test solution with some
bly (FCHA) system. The ABB FCHA design improves unique challenges. The customer required an exten-
upon traditional serial assembly systems by allowing sive data collection and traceability system that was free
multiple cylinder head architectures to be assembled of human interaction and that maximized through put.
simultaneously without the need for time-consuming and A palletized conveyor system was designed that
production-halting changeovers. The innovative technol- transported the product from station to station. ATC’s
ogy provides a modular and flexible platform based on control engineers developed a system that alleviated any
parallel processing, minimizing, and in many instances “bottle necks” by staging pallets at station pre-stops. This
eliminating the use of dedicated stations. This incorporates insured the system never “starved” for product or had any
redundancy for critical operations and allows production operator interaction. The pallets were designed “two-up”
volumes to be easily adjusted, as required. and accommodated different sizes and SKU’s. As a result
of planning and engineering, ATC was able to reduced
ATI Industrial Automation’s Robotic Tool Changers expensive pallets while maximizing flexibility.
and Six-Axis Force/Torque Sensors are featured Meeting the required through put during the laser
extensively in the FCHA system and are integral to its welding processes also posed a challenge. Laser welding
success. ATI’s Robotic Tool Changers provide flexibility was required at several stages of the assembly process.
to the robot by allowing it to change end-effectors For accuracy, the parts were automatically removed
automatically. The FCHA system includes several sizes from the pallet and located in separate tooling to provide
of ATI Robotic Tool Changers, allowing the system to a highly precision weld. By balancing the stations and
handle up to three different cylinder part types. ATI’s utilizing a unique “time share” process, multiple lasers
wide range of Tool Changer models allowed ABB to were able to deliver the precise laser power needed for
maximize the payload and moment capacity of each of the weld.
the four different robots. ATI’s OMEGA85 model Six- A RFID system was developed to automatically
Axis Force/Torque Sensor was also a key component of identify and track each part of the product’s assembly
the system, providing the ability to install valve stems processes. Once identified with the RFID system, a
with minimum force. The OMEGA85 measures all six data collection system was designed that recorded the
components of force and torque in a compact rugged processes ensuring the customer had ready access to the
transducer, sending extremely accurate information to variable data.
the robot. This allows the robot to virtually “feel” the Innovation and experience with pallets, tooling, laser
part and react appropriately to the force, increasing its welding, and controls enabled ATC to build this system.
precision and minimizing any potential part damage. The desired cycle time was met and all the necessary data
was identified and recorded for traceability.
ATI Industrial Automation
1031 Goodworth Drive ATC Automation
Apex, NC 27539 101 Mill Drive
(919) 772-0115 Cookeville, TN 38501
Fax: (919) 772-8259 (931) 528-5417
info@ati-ia.com Fax: (931) 526-3901
www.ati-ia.com www.atcautomation.com

Advanced Radial Seating detection

Riveting Process helps reduce scrap
Control For Low costs by nearly 20%
Force Applications
B
altec Corporation
is pleased to intro-
duce an advance-
ment in radial riveting
process control. With
the HPP-25 process
control, users can now
control process vari-
ables in forming and
assembly applications
R
where the forming ecently a Tier 1 supplier to the automotive industry
force is as low as .05- approached us with an issue in there assembly needs.
1.5 KN. Desoutter partnered with the supplier and developed
a new algorithm to help detect when a fastener was
The HPP-25 process control package allows for the seated. Desoutter dubbed this new technology “Seating
substitution of wide-tolerance, cold-formed rivets in Detection”.
applications that previously demanded close-tolerance The main complaint from this customer was clamp
machined rivets. Potential cost savings to the user are force not being consistent. To make matters worse the
tremendous. prevailing torque from fastener to fastener was wildly
different, hardly ever the same on any 2 fasteners.
The HPP-25 package utilizes an Auto Compensation To resolve this issue Desoutter developed Seating
feature that allows for varying rivet heights of the rivet Detection and a new control strategy embedded within
being formed. Real time rivet “stick-up” height data our transducerized tool line of tools. This allowed the
is sent to the controller where compensatory forming end user to run each fastener to its seating point and
stroke, time and force criteria are generated and fed to then control the rest of the fastening process from this
your riveting machine to bring the rivet into a specified point. Regardless of prevailing torque using this feature
tolerance. the clamp force is always consistent. This strategy alone
helps reduce their failure rate from 24% to less than 3%.
Real time recording of stroke, time, force, projection The key to success using this strategy is understanding
and head radius data ensures production uniformity. the fact while torque scatter may increase. The clamping
Auto Compensation ensures higher levels of fastening load of each fastener is consistent across all fasteners
integrity resulting in fewer scrapped parts and lower regardless of the prevailing torque. Using this strategy
rework costs reducing the need for manual inspection and helped the customer decrease their material variation
mechanical inline quality control. dependency. No longer were they sorting through molded
parts to find which parts had the exact boss ID that would
For more information contact: work properly for their operation. Seating detection can
be used in difficult to program cycles for self tapping
Baltec Corporation operations, forming applications into various materials
121 Hillpointe Drive such as plastic, wood and metal.
Suite 900
Canonsburg, PA 15317
(724) 873-5757
Fax: (724) 873-5858 Desoutter Industrial Tools
info.us@baltec.com 1815 Clubhouse Road
www.baltecorporation.com Rock Hill SC 29730
(877) 224-7377
desoutter.na@desouttertools.com

CASE HISTORY
X-Y Automatic Flexibility redefined:
Robotic Machine The versatile Gamma
with Screw 255 by Komax
Feeder Increases
Productivity and
Quality
A
leading manufacturer
in the outdoor products
industry contacted Design
Tool Inc. to build a turn-key
machine to assemble compos-
ite deck flooring sections. The
screws had to be driven in a
S
pattern to install the flooring components correctly, and imple, flexible and intuitive: the Gamma 255 by
the customer wanted to address quality issues such as Komax is the number one choice when it comes
missing, cross-driven, and out of pattern screws resulting to small-scale wire crimping operations requiring
from assembly by hand. extremely high quality, repeatability and precision. The
Design Tool Inc. designed and built a turn-key machine Gamma 255 is capable of crimping a wide range of cross
based upon an X-Y Cartesian actuator system equipped sections – from as small as 0.0123 mm2 / 36 AWG to up
with a single spindle platen assembly with a pneumatic to 2.5 mm2 / 14 AWG – and can crimp both ends of wires
screwdriver. The screws were delivered using a vibratory measuring just 20 mm in length. The compact dimen-
bowl and our patented single exit feed mechanism. The sions of the Gamma 255 allows integration into exist-
machine was equipped with two pallet and nest assemblies ing production setups with minimum effort. It has been
that located the flooring components securely. The pallets designed with convenience in mind, allowing the user to
shifted from a loading station into and out of the machine switch between crimping, twisting, fluxing and tinning
assembly envelope individually, allowing the operator to operations in an instant. No matter what products you
load flooring components into the second pallet while manufacture on the Gamma 255, this machine’s intuitive
the first flooring section was being assembled. The pallet platform allows full use of its flexibility.
could be indexed into the machine without waiting on “As a contract manufacturer specializing in the ability
the first section to be completed, reducing machine wait to satisfy a wide variety of custom wire and connector
time. This feature improved throughput and increased needs, the Gamma 255 is highly versatile. The precision
productivity and efficiency. and quality are outstanding as well“, stated Joe Ogle, VP
When the machine was placed into production, Engineering at Plastics One.
the quality issues were eliminated, and productivity “The Gamma 255 is very user friendly and easy for
was substantially increased as well. The machine was one operator to setup and operate. Our operators love the
much more ergonomically friendly to operate also. quick change applicator feature, and the visual features
The customer was very satisfied with the quality and when making adjustments and alignments. The operating
productivity results achieved. system is extremely easy to use and maneuver through”,
Please call or visit our website for all your automated stated Lisa Coffman, President at CableConn
fastener needs. Design Tool Inc. can create a successful
solution for you as well.
Design Tool Inc. Liz Cappellania

1607 Norfolk Place SW Komax Corporation
Conover, NC 28613 1100 East Corporate Grove Drive
Ph: (800) 627-3674 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Fax: (828) 328-4127 Phone: 224-676-5743
sales@designtoolinc.com Liz.cappellania@komaxgroup.com
www.designtoolinc.com www.komaxwire.com

Weiss’ “Tiered-Up” JP 4 Series Servo Press:

Chassis Assembly: Janome Helps Set
Features TR1500 Series Rotary Indexing Ring. The Pace
I I
ndustry leading special- magine your com-
ist for rotary tables and pany makes a life-
automation, WEISS changing product.
North America, Inc. (Wil- Now imagine the
loughby, OH), has pro- demands of the pro-
duced cutting-edge designs cess and equipment
in the automation industry required to make it.
for over 45 years. When That’s just how a leading medical device manufacturer
approached by Alpha challenged Janome Industrial Equipment, when search-
Integration, Inc. (Mur- ing for a way to verify that its pacemaker wire crimps
freesboro, TN), a manufac- were secure and not severed. The importance of this
turer of turnkey automated medical device was certainly clear to Janome; down to
assembly, vision and test- the connecting leads. An incomplete connection could
ing systems, to provide a cause intermittence operation or even render the device
reliable turnkey solution useless. Enough said.
for their 6’ tall automotive Legacy air-over-oil and hydraulic presses proved
parts assembly machine, to be inaccurate for such fine tasks. Even variances in
WEISS ‘tiered-up’ an innovative chassis and indexing ambient conditions would alter their time-consuming
table system solution. setup outside of specifications, producing scrap. The
requirements now called for a high accuracy, precision
The key to the WEISS solution involved the stationary controlled force, including real-time feedback, and data
center plate, dial plate, and base frames. These were all collection.
manufactured and machined complete by WEISS at their The Janome JP 4 servo press was chosen by this
Willoughby, OH facility and delivered to the client as a manufacturer for its ability to meet the requirements
one-source, preassembled system. This allowed Alpha to without additional modifications. A servo-driven ram
build the nest and station assemblies offline so that they with integrated load cell controls the presses repeatability
could be integrated to the dial system with ease. to +/- .005mm. Its flexibility in form factors meant
At the core of the fully integrated system was the they could choose between stand-alone, head type and
WEISS TR1500 rotary index table ring with a large open unit type models. All setup information resides in the
center− which offered an extremely low profile design on-board memory. The press vitals were monitored
with a high level of accuracy. The TR1500 ring allowed via the internal I/O; data collected via PC. And with
for optimal design space in a robust mechanical design. maximum forces ranging from .5kN to 120kN, selecting
This also reduced the overall footprint of the machine a press to best fit their application was simple.
with improved accuracy and access to parts. The result was a stand-alone automated system that
monitors real-time force and delivers 100% of the data
The combination of robust construction and innovative, collected to their plant information system. Entrusting
‘open-center’ design allowed the WEISS engineering Janome allowed them to increase efficiency, reduce
group to provide Alpha with a superior, one-source utility costs, and nearly eliminate scrap without skipping
automotive parts assembly solution−delivering a 26 a beat!
second cycle time with an indexing speed of 2.3 seconds.
Currently, three more of the same system configuration
solutions are being manufactured and assembled by
WEISS for Alpha Integration, Inc.
Janome Industrial Equipment USA, Inc.
WEISS North America, Inc. 892 Cambridge Drive
Bill Eppich Vice President Elk Grove Village, IL. 60007
(888) 934-7762 Phone: 847-357-8870 Fax: 847-357-8890
beppich@weissna.com www.janome-ie.com sales@janome-ie.com

CASE HISTORY
Industrial Insertion Electric Press Inserts
with TorquePRO Pin with Accurate
Force Control and
Monitors the Process
N
eeding to press a pin
into a valve body
without exceeding a
force level, an automotive
component manufactur-
er turned to SCHMIDT
Technology for a cost-
Application: effective solution. This
Brass fitting insertion into a plastic housing. Torque assembly process requires precise ram positioning, servo-
testing brass connector within plastic housing to detect like control and real time process monitoring. The manu-
cracks. facturer also wanted to avoid using an air-operated press
that would require mechanical devices to compensate for
Challenge: incoming air pressure variations and air compressibility.
Upon insertion of brass fitting into the plastic housing, SCHMIDT Technology responded by building an
a certain percentage of the plastic pieces were cracking. assembly station around its energy-efficient ElectricPress
This problem was partially fixed by adding a metallic 343A with integrated load cell, its PressControl 600,
ring around the opening to strengthen the plastic. a robot and a semi-automated indexing system. The
Unfortunately, this did not fix the problem entirely, and PressControl 600 manages all ram motion via true closed
added some frustration to the process. Even though the loop position AND force control and by utilizing its
number of cracks were reduced, it was still happening. It process monitoring capabilities. Because of this closed
could not be physically noticed due to the metallic ring loop force control, the ram accurately presses the pin to
covering up the evidence. a shoulder with just the right force. Equally important,
the ElectricPress 343A features a rack & pinion drive
Using a Promess TorquePRO unit, the customer can system making it more cost effective than a ball-screw-
do a 100% inspection of all parts by doing a revolution driven servo press.
versus a torque test. This gave the customer a precise During the press cycle, the PressControl 600 measures
graph of the test, allowing them to give an upper and lower and compares ram force and distance against user-
limit of the good part taught. This confirmed if the part established parameters and determines if the assembled
was cracked (torque too loose) or not. Another solution component is good or bad. The robot then takes the
would be to use either a Promess Motion Controller or component and automatically drops it down either the
EMAP for insertion of the brass fitting into the good or bad chute. To satisfy automotive vendor-
plastic to detect cracking of the part. certification requirements, all performance data,
including the full force/distance curve and monitoring
criteria, is stored in SCHMIDT® DataBase software.
The work station is fully guarded with a one-hand
cycle start. The built-in SCHMIDT® SafetyModule
makes the press control system completely redundant
electronically, thus ensuring the press meets the highest
Promess Inc global safety standards.
11429 Grand River Road
Brighton, MI 48116 SCHMIDT Technology Corporation
(810) 229-9334 Cranberry Corporate Center
promess@promessinc.com 280 Executive Drive
www.promessinc.com Cranberry Twp., PA 16066-6415
(724) 772-4600 | (800) 959-1218
www.schmidtpresses.com

Electric Vehicle Weber RSF

Battery Cell Technology
Assembly, Bonding
and Sealing
M
arket growth of elec-
t r i c a l l y p ow e r e d
vehicles is expected
to continue unabated, with
global technology leaders
investing heavily in produc-
A
tion facilities and further leading automotive manufacturer based out of
research and development. Germany approached Weber Screwdriving Systems
Inc. with an application to fasten aluminum and steel
Consequently, scaling up together without the use of welding, or riveting. The
mass production of battery cells presents challenges, with client had a requirement for one sided installation for
manufacturers driven to focus on improving automation, all applications due to the clearance issues of the chassis
productivity and product quality, in a still comparatively components they would be assembling. This required
fledgling industry. a new process to successfully join these materials, and
Weber Screwdriving Systems provided the answer.
Nordson Sealant Equipment has extensive experience As anyone in BIW will tell you, joining different
in battery cell assembly processes, working with leading types of sheet metals together from a single side is a
battery manufacturers around the world to dispense the difficult task at the best of times. “Rivet style” methods
adhesives commonly used, overcoming challenges such of fastening typically require a two sided approach to
as dispensing wide ratio, dissimilar viscosity or abrasive prevent the part surface from deflecting under the load
materials with precision, consistency and automation. produced by installation. Welding also poses its own set
of problems as welding two dissimilar metals together is
Example application processes: challenging.
N Lid bonding and sealing N Case bonding The solution is a new, high performance method of
N Cell thermal paste N Lithium cell isolation joining sheet metals together via a process called flow
N Terminal post sealing drilling. Flow drilling incorporates a screw design with a
special tip that is designed to generate heat upon contacting
Nordson Sealant Equipment works alongside the part surface at high RPM and pressure, then flow the
adhesive manufacturers to ensure our solution is material behind the part to around twice its original
uniquely engineered to the customer’s application. Our thickness, then generating its own threads. The result of
volume displacement rod metering technology permits this method of fastening is a strong single sided water
dispensing thermal gels, or other heavily filled materials, and air tight joint yielding zero debris from the process
without packing out or wearing the equipment over with no need for pilot holes. This technology is now being
time. Additionally, a wide range of wetted components sought after by numerous automotive manufacturers to
and seal offerings allows our dispense equipment to be develop the next generation of light weight automobiles
compatible with battery assembly materials across the providing high efficiency and performance.
globe, with many material suppliers incorporating our
technology in their own test laboratories.
Learn more at www.sealantequipment.com/battery
Nordson Sealant Equipment Weber Screwdriving Systems Inc.

45677 Helm Street 149 Knob Hill Rd.
Plymouth, MI USA 48170 Mooresville, NC 28117
(734) 459-8600 info@weberusa.com
NSEmarketing@nordson.com www.weberusa.com
www.nordson.com/nse

Advertisement
Products
Desktop Soldering Robot
Kistler – Your Reliable
The F7000SR series desktop soldering robot features high repeatability
(0.02 millimeter) and resolution (0.001 millimeter) to minimize rejects
Partner for Flexible and reduce operating costs. It can replace hand-soldering applications
and bring outsourced applications
Solutions in-house. The system also features
a dispensing area up to 15.75 inch-
es and a built-in solder tip cleaning
station that helps prolong the life of
soldering heads and reduces down
time for cleanings. Available in three-
and four-axis models, the machine
includes a fully adjustable tempera-
ture control, and it handles solder wire
diameters ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 mil-
limeters. A teach pendant is standard;
PC programming is optional.
Fisnar Inc.
M
CD Elektronik GmbH (MCD) manufactures custom- www.fisnar.com
866-634-7627
built test rigs for automotive, aviation and medical
device industries. The need for quality assurance
is especially important in these industries, as defective Dispense Pinch Valves
These two models of disposable-fluid-path pinch valves easily integrate
products can have potentially fatal consequences when a
into an automated dispensing system. Featuring dual pistons, the 830
product or component fails. MCD provides the top suppliers has an operating air pressure
to the automotive industry with customized test systems, of 60 to 100 psi. It provides
equipped with high-quality sensors from Kistler for haptic high material flow rates while
testing and product functionality testing – guaranteeing still maintaining precise con-
100% quality for the end customer every time. trol. The 826 is specifically
designed to dispense a wide
variety of thick, stringy mate-
Typically, multiple functions can be evaluated on an rials. It is controlled with a
MCD test rig, explains Achmed Haddou, Head of Sales at three-way solenoid valve and
MCD Elektronik GmbH. “The goal is for a test rig to be able has an operating air pres-
to perform as many different jobs as possible. This requires sure of 60 to 90 psi. Versions
that the sensors have the greatest possible measurement include those with no reservoir, a cartridge (6, 12 or 20 ounces), or a drop-
ranges with constant accuracy to prevent the test setup from in bottle or pail. Adjustable suck-back control is standard on all versions.
needing full modification.” Electronic parking brakes and Dymax Corp.
www.dymax.com
starting assistance with “auto hold” functions have haptic
860-482-1010
characteristics measured on the same test rig. The first
test involves evaluating how the handbrake is applied and Suction Cups For FlowPack Packaging
released by simulating pulling and pushing. The starting FPC silicone suction cups
assistance is then activated and deactivated on the test rig are specifically designed to
using the pushbutton which confirms whether the button always remain stuck to Flow-
responds as expected when pressed manually. Pack packaging, regardless
of its shape. FlowPack con-
sists of multiple layers of
Haddou continues, “When it comes to haptic testing, it is a
one material (polypropyl-
given that we will employ Kistler’s highly sensitive sensor ene, polyethylene, polyester,
technology...Only those companies that are able to provide paper, or aluminum) and has
a perfect technological solution to our customers’ needs a large visible area that shows
will remain active players in this global market. Kistler is the product. The cups feature
already successfully meeting this challenge.” wavy flower-shaped lips and
internal cleats that perfectly
Kistler Instrument Corporation mold to the packaging with-
30280 Hudson Drive out crushing it. Two styles are available (round, 60 millimeters; and
elliptical, 120 by 100 millimeters), both of which come in 35 and 50
Novi, MI 48377
shore flexibility. The cups meet FDA food standard 21 CFR 177.2600
Tel. + 1 (248) 668-6900 and European regulation (EC) 1935/2004.
sales.us@kistler.com COVAL Vacuum Technology Inc.
www.kistler.com www.coval.com
919-233-4855
Products
Apps for Production Management Noncontact Control of

SlimApps are a series of six Web-based mod- In-Cab Consoles
ules that enhance production of custom and Manufacturers of specialty off-highway vehi-
semicustom products. Small and medium-size cles can integrate the JC040 rocker within
manufacturers can rely on one or more of joystick grips and other in-cab HMIs to enable
Smart Cells that can be standalone assembly

and testing machines or linked together to cre-
the modules to augment a company’s current ate a multitask assembly line. Each assembly
material requirements planning (MRP) system cell can join many different parts at up to 30
or have all six function as the MRP system. cycles per minute. Other cells are for pallet
The modules include job tracking and costing; lifting and indexing, pick and place operations,
time and attendance labor tracking; production welding, testing equipment and measurement
capacity; quoting and estimating; inventory systems. The cells come in three sizes (500,
and lot control; and bar coding and interfaces. 800 or 1,200 millimeters wide) and can be con-
All modules enable workers to move data from figured in a linear or rotary design. Peripherals noncontact control and prevent liquid or dust
the production floor to the executive branch such as vision and feeding systems are easily contamination. Rated at IP67, the rocker is an
with just a few clicks. integrated. Current end-users include Tier 1 on/off switch that rocks (±25 degrees) rather
Coulee Techlink Inc. and Tier 2 automotive parts assemblers, and than trips when pressed. It provides safety
http://slimapps.tech medical device, transportation and consumer- functionality via dual outputs, which can be
608-783-8324 goods manufacturers. set to positive or a combination of positive and
Konnexio Inc. negative ramps. The rocker uses a Hall-effect
Adaptable Automation System www.konnexio.com sensor that varies its output voltage in response
The adapto automation system consists of 519-457-8836 to a magnetic field to ensure long-life integrity
Performance Feeders
• Vibratory Feeders
THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR NEW MOBILITY INFORMATION
• Centrifugal Feeders
• Conveyor Systems Welcome to the world of
• Vision-Aided Feeding Sign up today for Autonomous Vehicle Technology.
• Step Feeders
• Alternative Feeding
CUSTOM PARTS HANDLING SOLUTIONS
SALES@PERFORMANCEFEEDERS.COM
PERFORMANCEFEEDERS.COM/ASSEMBLYMAG
813-855-2685
Autonomous Vehicle Technology provides solutions to real-world challenges facing its subscribers,
combining print and digital products. Stay up to speed by reserving your first print edition. Unlock a
world of possibilities and industry news online at www.AutonomousVehicleTech.com. Continue on the
road ahead with Autonomous Vehicle Technology Insider, a twice-monthly eNewsletter providing the
latest news, features, and products for the mobility industry. Further your insight and connect with
other industry professionals in our online communities.
Keep Your Parts Moving! www.AutonomousVehicleTech.com/ASMB

of the output signal. An optional, mechanical
over-press feel provides additional operator
potentiometer and Hall (varying output) sen-
sors provide instant positioning feedback. SOLVE
CHANGING
feedback. The rocker is rated for 1 million Options include a manual drive and reed
operating cycles. switches that allow users to perform on-the-
EVOLVING
Curtiss-Wright, Industrial Div. fly stroke adjustments. Customization is also
www.cw-industrialgroup.com available for optimum control and motion
44-1202-034000 accuracy.
CRANE
Timotion USA
Linear Actuators http://www.timotion.com
The MA2 is a linear actuator durable enough 855-235-1424
NEEDS
to use in industrial equipment such as spray-
ers, fertilizer spreaders, combine harvesters, Solder Joint Inspection,
straw blowers, tractors and lawn mowers. Measurement
Electronics manufacturers can perform accu-
rate solder joint inspection and measurement
with the 3D automatic optical inspection (AOI)
It is IP69K-rated and designed to withstand

high and low temperatures, high-pressure
water jets, dust, salt mist and regular chemical system. Using vVision and SI software, and a
tests. The actuator has a wide speed range and high-performance XMplus camera module,
is powerful enough to generate up to 6,000 the system quickly measures several height
newtons of push and pull force. Integrated profiles at the solder meniscus and analyzes
CAPACITIES FROM 2 TO 10 TONS
When manufacturing
TOOL CHANGERSa _ needs change,

crane needs
may change
as well. Don’t
Rugged and Durable_ lock in your
decision for crane
location into a building
Universal Use_
structure. Modular NOMAD®
Free Standing Crane Systems
are also perfect solutions when
Payloads up to 800Kg_ overhead crane installation is
either difficult or impractical.
With bolted assembly, the
NOMAD is easily dismantled,
IPR’s TK SERIES Tool Changers can be easily relocated and reassembled.
configured to customer-specific requirements
through a wide variety of standard attachments
For lower capacity workstation
and accessories.
crane solutions up to 2,200 lbs,
We also custom design Tool Changers and EOAT
Systems precisely tailored to your applications
ask about nomadic AL SYSTEMSª.
needs. With over 20 years of experience, we are
now a leading global supplier of complex EOATs Call (330) 220-8600
for material handling, assembly and machine www.emhcranes.com
load/unload tasks.
IPR - Intelligent Peripherals for Robots
2673 American Drive T +1 248 556-7556 techsales@iprrobotics.com
Troy, MI 48083 USA F +1 248 556-7560 www.iprrobotics.com

Products
this data using a mathematical procedure.
Immediate evaluation results in fewer mis-
takes and increased production efficiency.
Angled cameras on the module provide a
With over 100 years in the panorama view of all electronic components
industrial tool market, Desoutter and their solder joints from eight directions at
is constantly introducing new a 10-micrometer measurement resolution. The
and innovative solutions. system also verifies component orientation.
Viscom Inc.
www.viscom.com
678-966-9835
AGV Transports Parts,

Finished Goods
This autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) trav-
els up to 131 fpm while towing two carts that
Want to get rid of the external barcode reader? hold 2,200 pounds of finished goods, produc-
tion parts and supplies. The AGV moves and
Just integrate it to our CVI3 tools and you will save a lot of
stops along a peel-and-stick magnetic tape
effort during your process!
Available on any CVI3 corded & cordless tool.
Desoutter Industrial Tools | 1815 Clubhouse Rd. - Rock Hill, SC 29730

Phone: (877) 224-7377 | Email: desoutter.na@desouttertools.com
guidepath (1,000 feet long) that can be quickly

eShowroom Assistant www.desouttertools.com
installed and changed as needed. Loops are
placed at either end to reverse direction. The
AGV features a robust steel base and a utility
load deck, built with rigid 28-millimeter pipe
and metal components, that holds boxes and
supplies. Other features include a 24-volt sys-
tem (powered by two 12-volt AGM batteries)
and a PLC with HMI for creating and recalling
up to 50 routes and 128 commands.
Creform Corp.
www.creform.com
800-839-8823
Wide-Screen HMI
The GT2107 wide series HMI monitors and
controls machine components via a graphi-
cal touch screen that connects to PLCs, vari-
able frequency drives and servos. It features a
7-inch-wide display (800-by-480-pixel reso-
lution) with clear image quality. The device
displays predictive maintenance information
so plant managers can proactively prevent
downtime. Two USB ports (device and host)
100 Jeffrey Way, Suite D I Youngsville, NC 27596

919-561-5536 I www.torqtec.net I info@torqtec.net

and an SD card drive are standard, as are
separate functions for servo maintenance and
company’s browser-based configuration inter-
face, enables bar code reading tasks, while
Find a
program backup and restore. A keyboard, AutoVISION/Visionscape allows for machine motion, vibration,
mouse or other host device can be connected vision and verification. The ID/MV-30 includes noise, or safety
through the USB ports. An optional VNC USB connectivity and may be plugged directly
server provides remote access to the HMI and
connected equipment on tablets and PCs.
into a PC to power and go. The ID/MV-40
features Ethernet connectivity and a separate
solution
Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc.
https://us.mitsubishielectric.com
power supply. Both models come equipped
with an SXGA sensor, high-density autofocus fast.
847-478-2100 lens, white LEDs, cables and a mount.
Microscan
Multi-Purpose Cameras http://info.microscan.com
MicroHAWK ID/MV-30 and ID/MV-40 cam- 800-762-1149
eras are able to perform a wide range of bar
code reading, machine vision and verifica- Wristband Verifies
tion tasks, eliminating the need to invest in Worker Credentials
specialty hardware, software, implementa- By having their assemblers wear this wrist-
tion, training and support. WebLink/ESP, the band, employers make sure that each worker
is doing only the job he is trained for. The
wristband is safer than an ID card on a lanyard,
and more convenient than having the card hang
from a belt or be placed inside a wallet. Made
of silicone, the durable wristband is stamped
with a unique two-dimensional bar code that
gets scanned with a smartphone or a tablet.
The employee’s current training records are
immediately displayed on the device, restrict-
ing his access only to applicable machines.
Wristbands can be customized by color, shape,
and size, and ordered online, via email or by
PNEUMATIC. ELECTRIC.
THE GRIPPER.
Learn more about
our products
online 24/7.
· Free VibroChecker app (iOS)
· CAD downloads
· YouTube tutorials
· ACE website
State-of-the-art
steel on steel Get assistance
linear guides selecting the right
+ Extraordinary precision
product for your
+ Corrosion resistance needs.
+ IP protection IP64/IP67 · Online sizing tool & calculator
+ 30 million cycles maintenance free
· One-on-one support from an
+ The GPP5000 / GEP5000 Series application expert
THE KNOW-HOW FACTORY
800-521-3320
www.acecontrols.com
www.zimmer-group.com

Products
Rubber Adhesive Tapes

Mactac XT high-performance rubber adhe-
sive tapes securely bond to a wide variety
of smooth and textured substrates, includ-
ing foam, foamed rubber, textiles and plas-
tics. They come in 1.8-mil (product number
IF1011-78) and 2.6-mil (IF1013-78) thick-
phone. The service costs $50 per month, plus possible or practical. The lifts can transfer
$15 per month per 100 users. loads at grade level, or to fixed-height docks nesses, and are ideal for product assem-
Credential Verification Service or a truck bed up to 5 feet high. Platforms bly, laminating, and mounting signage and
www.credentialverificationservice.com measure 72 by 72 or 72 by 96 inches and are graphics. Each tape consists of a proprietary
888-980-6179 made of safety tread steel plate. Rectangular rubber adhesive (MP593XT) and a two-
structural-tube scissor legs minimize deflec- sided silicone-coated liner that is white and
Portable Dock Lifts tion and allow safe handling of off-center 4.7 mils thick. The adhesive has high tack
Trans-A-Dock dock lifts deliver all of the loads. The lifts also feature safety chains at and peel properties, and excellent shear
benefits and advantages of a permanent dock either end, a removable hand rail, and steel strength, while the liner enhances handling
lift without the need for pit mounting. They approach ramps and bridge plates. and die-cutting.
have 3,000-, 4,000- and 5,000-pound capaci- Presto ECOA Lifts MACtac LLC
ties, and are ideal for use in leased buildings, www.prestolifts.com www.mactac.com/industrialtapes
or places where permanent installation is not 800-343-9322 800-328-2619

Impact Identification System
Foundries use this impact-press-based system
¨
to produce high-legibility pattern labels in their
metal castings. The labels include date codes, By Aries Engineering Company, Inc.
heat numbers, lot or batch identification, order
numbers and other critical data. They are cre- Speed,
Precision,
Power
H-Frame
HyperPress
• H-Frame and C-Frame Presses available in
Un-Guided, 2-Post and 4-Post Guided Assemblies
• Exceptionally Low Profile CGB Presses available
in 1-30 Tons
• HyperPierce Equalizing Units are ideal for
CGB-Frame Piercing, Riveting, Marking, Clinching, Staking
and Assembly Applications
• Optional HyperView-Press available for Active
ated with a single stroke of the spring-loaded Cycle Quality Control on all HyperPress designs
press rather than a rotating wheel that imprints Equalizing Unit
one character at a time. The process involves All HyperPress Assemblies can
be modified to fit your application
arranging the characters (type) in a steel chase
that embosses them into a 5-mil-thick foil tape
manually fed into the press. The tape creates cast Proudly Made in the USA.
impressions with high definition and is easily
removed from patterns when the casting process Aries Engineering Company
is complete. Characters range from 0.125 to 0.75 Servo Actuators, Hydra-Pneumatic Cylinders, Presses and Joining Systems
C-Frame
inch high. Friction rollers and a knob manually Ph. 734.529.8855 • www.hypercyl.com • Fax 734.529.8844
advance the material for the next embossing.
Leading Marks LLC
www.leadingmarks.com
412-366-4733
Comfortable, Powerful Nutrunners

All CP66 series nutrunners offer high power with
almost no vibration and a sturdy stabilizing arm
to enhance operator comfort in even the toughest
environments. Weighing as little as 8.3 pounds, Fascination
the nutrunners are perfect for flange-related and
other bolting applications in the oil and gas, power Movement.
Afag, your partner for
advanced flexible feeding
demands. From the aflex
component right through
to the complete solution
including actuators, vision
and standardized software
interfaces, we provide every-
thing from a single source.
Swiss precision. German
engineering. American
assembly and service.
generation and wind energy industries. They also
are a safer alternative to impact wrenches when Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.
doing remanufacturing, maintenance, repair and
overhaul work on mining equipment, off-road
vehicles and heavy trucks. The tools are compact
and lightweight, produce 1,300, 2,600 or 4,100
newton-meters of torque, and handle bolts rang-
ing from 0.75 to 1.75 inches in diameter.
Chicago Pneumatic
www.cp.com afag.com
877-861-2722
Products
Aluminum Rail Jib Cranes Cloud-Based Tool Software For Carbon-Fiber

AL System jib cranes feature a lightweight Monitors Air Quality Composite Designs
anodized-aluminum rail, but offer lift capacities ETell is an advanced productive control system HyperSizer Express is a software tool that
of 250 and 500 pounds and spans up to 15 feet. for air quality equipment that improves energy helps engineers design products made with
They are specifically designed for assembly efficiency, prolongs filter life and reduces oper- carbon-fiber composites. It is ideal for a
and machining areas containing one or sev- ational costs. Advanced analytics learn a plant’s variety of applications, including aero-
eral workstations. The cranes articulate, are processes and trends, then make automated space, automotive, medical devices and
adjustments to improve system performance.
Plant management can easily monitor energy
use, maintenance requirements and system
sporting goods. Users can import their

finite element model and produce optimum
composite laminates that satisfy all analy-
ses to all load cases within 30 minutes. The
usage on a mobile app and dashboard. The pre- automatically uploaded model will arrive
dictive maintenance software continually learns at the minimum weight with global parts
free moving and do not require movement at from system or human input and makes predic- identified, layer by layer, producing fully
right angles. This latter feature provides smooth tions and adjustments based on that input. The manufacturable laminate designs. An intui-
operation and a low starting force even when the device can be installed on new equipment or tive interface guides engineers through the
load is at the end of the span. retrofitted onto existing dust collection systems. entire analysis process.
Engineered Material Handling RoboVent Collier Research Corp.
www.emhcranes.com www.robovent.com www. hypersizer.com
330-220-8600 888-914-4774 757-825-0000
Classified
THE ORIGINAL
INSTANT
THUMBSCREWS
WWW.SHEAR-LOC.COM
CA
IS NOW PART OF
LL
AB
OU
THE ARTHUR G. RUSSELL CO.
TL
AS
ER
EN
GRA
FREE SAMPLES
VIN
G
4 STYLES
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALLOVER
3000
INCH
860-583-4109 EXT 143 COMBINATIONS METRIC
800-775-5668 FAX 949-768-8705
www.arthurgrussell.com AVAILABLE: IN COLORS, KITS AND A
MULTITUDE OF THREAD OPTIONS
23191 PERALTA DR. , LAGUNA HILLS, CA. 92653
Sensor Brackets
softnoze com
Need Work Benches and so much more...

In Stock-Factory Direct
?
workbenchmarket.com
Request your...
2D / 3D CAD Files
Catalogs
Stock & Customs
Mount | Apply | Position | Protect

TM
WORLD LEADER IN SENSOR INTEGRATION COMPONENTS

TM

Advertisers Index
Ace Controls .................................................................................... www.acecontrols.com ..........................................800-521-3320 ........................................ 75
Afag ..................................................................................................................www.afag.com ................................................................................................................77
Aries Engineering Co. .......................................................................... www.hypercyl.com ..........................................734-529-8855 .........................................77
The ASSEMBLY Show ......................................................www.theassemblyshow.com .......................................................................................... 27, 33, 41, 43
ATC Automation ........................................................................ www.automationtool.com ..........................................931-528-5417 ....................................... BC
ATI Industrial Automation............................................................................ www.ati-ia.com .......................................... 919-772-0115 ........................................... 5
BalTec Corp. ......................................................................... www.balteccorporation.com ...........................................724-873-5757 ........................................ 32
Comau ........................................................................................................ www.comau.com ................................................................................................................76
DEPRAG Inc. ..................................................................................... www.depragusa.com .......................................800-4-DEPRAG ......................................IBC
Design Tool .................................................................................... www.designtoolinc.com ......................................... 800-948-1038 ........................................ 23
Desoutter Industrial Tools......................................................... www.desouttertools.com ......................................... 888-298-2905 .........................................74
Dispense Works Inc. ................................................................ www.dispenseworks.com ..........................................815-363-3524 .........................................37
Dymax Corp................................................................................................ www.dymax.com ..........................................877-396-2963 ........................................ 15
Ellsworth Adhesives ............................................................................ www.ellsworth.com ......................................... 800-888-0698 ................................. 19, 29
Engineered Material Handling ....................................................... www.emhcranes.com ......................................... 330-220-8600 .........................................73
EPSON Robots............................................................................ www.robots.epson.com ......................................... 562-290-5910 ........................................ 25
Flexible Automation Inc. .................................................................www.faimachines.com .......................................... 810-742-8540 ........................................ 24
Hernon Manufacturing .....................................................................www.hernonmfg.com ......................................... 800-681-0004 ........................................ 50
IPR Robotics ...................................................................................... www.iprrobotics.com ..........................................248-556-7556 .........................................73
Janome Industrial Equipment USA Inc........................................... www.janome-ie.com ...........................................847-357-8870 ........................................ 18
Kistler North America (Kistler Instrument Corp.) ................................ www.kistler.com ......................................... 248-668-6900 ........................................ 22
KitPackers ............................................................................................ www.kitpackers.com ........................................ 866-322-8322 ........................................... 9
Komax Wire ..........................................................................................www.komaxusa.com .....................................888-GO-KOMAX .........................................47
Magnatag Visible Systems............................................................... www.magnatag.com ......................................... 800-624-4154 ........................................ 50
Orbitform ............................................................................................... www.orbitform.com ...........................................517-787-9447 ........................................... 1
Panasonic ...........................................................www.us.panasonic.com/assemblytools ..........................................201-392-4193 ........................................ 42
PennEngineering .....................................................................................www.pemnet.com ..........................................800-230-4736 ........................................... 7
Performance Feeders ......................................................www.performancefeeders.com ..........................................813-855-2685 .........................................72
ProLine .....................................................................................................www.1proline.com ..........................................800-739-9067 ........................................... 8
Promess ............................................................................................ www.promessinc.com ..........................................810-229-9334 .......................................IFC
Sankyo ......................................................................................... www.sankyoamerica.com ..........................................937-498-4901 ........................................ 46
Schleuniger Inc. ..........................................................................www.schleuniger-na.com ..........................................603-668-8117 ........................................ 16
Schmidt Technology ................................................................www.schmidtpresses.com ......................................... 800-959-1218 .........................................17
Schunk Inc. ................................................................................................www.schunk.com ..........................................800-772-4865 ........................................... 3
Sealant Equipment & Engineering Inc............................. www.sealantequipment.com ......................................... 734-459-8600 ........................................... 8
SPIROL.........................................................................................................www.spirol.com .......................................... 860-774-8571 ........................................... 9
Stanley Engineered Fastening ........................ www.stanleyengineeredfastening.com .......................................... 877-709-8006 ........................................ 36
Techcon Systems ....................................................................www.techconsystems.com ......................................... 714-230-2398 .........................................76
Tohnichi .................................................................................................... www.tohnichi.com ..........................................847-947-8560 ........................................ 26
Torqtec..........................................................................................................www.torqtec.net ......................................... 919-561-5536 .........................................74
Trumpf .....................................................................................................www.us.trumpf.com ......................................... 860-255-6000 ........................................ 21
WEBER Screwdriving Systems Inc. ..........................................www.weberusa.com ..........................................914-962-5775 ........................................ 40
Weiss North America ............................................................................www.weissna.com ........................................ 888-WEISSNA ........................................ 28
Zimmer Group ..............................................................................www.zimmer-group.com ............................................................................................................... 75
This index is provided as an additional service. The publisher does not assume any liability for errors or omissions.
®
155 N. Pfingsten Rd., Suite 205 LIST RENTAL - POSTAL & EMAIL MICHAEL COSTANTINO ASSEMBLY Volume 60, Issue 9 (ISSN: Print 1050-8171 and Digital
2328-1529) is published 13 times annually, monthly, plus extra issue in July,
Deerfield, IL 60015 CONTACTS Senior Account Manager by BNP Media II, L.L.C., 2401 W. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 700, Troy, MI
KEVIN COLLOPY 402-836-6266 48084-3333. Telephone: (248) 362-3700, Fax: (248) 362-0317. No charge
BUSINESS & SALES STAFF Sr. Account Manager michael.costantino@infogroup.com for subscriptions to qualified individuals. Annual rate for subscriptions
to nonqualified individuals in the U.S.A.: $135.00 USD. Annual rate
TOM ESPOSITO 402-836-6265 for subscriptions to nonqualified individuals in Canada: $172.00.00 USD
Toll Free: 800-223-2194, ext. 684 Single Copy Sales (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $190.00 (int’l mail) payable
Publisher in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2017, by BNP Media II,
espositot@bnpmedia.com Kevin.Collopy@infogroup.com ANN KALB L.L.C. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be
610-436-4220 ext. 8530 kalbr@bnpmedia.com reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The
publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations.
REGIONAL MARKETING MANAGERS www.assemblymag.com
Periodicals Postage Paid at Troy, MI and at additional mailing offices.
For SINGLE COPY SALES OR BACK ISSUES ONLY: contact Ann
BARBARA GRIM BILL DEYOE For subscription information or service,
Kalb at 248) 244-6499 or KalbR@bnpmedia.com.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ASSEMBLY, P.O. Box 2145,
1288 Centerton Rd. 109 Willow Springs Trail please contact Customer Service at: Skokie, IL 60076.
Pittsgrove, NJ 08318 Mt. Holly, NC 28120 Phone: 800-952-6643 or
Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608. GST account:
131263923.
609-247-5025 704-822-6434 Send returns (Canada) to IMEX Global Solutions, P.O. Box 25542,
Fax: 847-763-9538
Fax: 248-502-2087 Fax: 704-822-6834 London, ON, N6C 6B2.
bgsales@assemblymag.com deyoeb@bnpmedia.com Email: assembly@omeda.com Change of address: Send old address label along with new address to
ASSEMBLY, P.O. Box 2145, Skokie, IL 60076.
TINA VULGARIS AUDIENCE MARKETING For subscription information or service, please contact Customer
Service at: Phone: (800)952-6643 Fax: (847)763-9538.
155 N Pfingsten Road #205 Christopher Sheehy – AUDIENCE MARKETING MANAGER
Deerfield, IL 60015-4961 Magdalena Perkowski – INTEGRATED MEDIA COORDINATOR
847-405-4070 Wafaa S. Kashat – AUDIENCE AUDIT/POSTAL SPECIALIST
Fax: 248-786-1443
vulgarist@bnpmedia.com

Moser
on MANUFACTURING
Harry Moser
President, The Reshoring Initiative
Reshoring Trend at Record

Levels—What’s Next?
and one award for suppliers. The Jobs (ROMJ) campaign and the
F
or the first time in decades,
more manufacturing jobs due date for entries is Sept. 1. The Reshoring Initiative are teaming up
are returning to the Unit- awards will be presented in Mil- to bring back 1 million jobs. ROMJ
ed States than are going waukee on Sept. 28 at Sourcing is organizing a $20 million fund for
offshore. The reshoring Solutions, a popular procurement a major data analytics program to
trend is at record levels, program hosted by PMA. You do consider all costs of production in
and I need your help to drive more not have to be a PMA member or the U.S. from all 100,000 companies
growth! attend to win. See if your reshor- with offshored production and
We need companies to document ing is eligible! sourcing. The first job is to inspire
their actions and do the math while all 100,000 U.S. manufacturers with
we work to achieve needed policy More than 338,000 offshore production to participate
changes. Here’s an update on re- in the free data analytics project.
shoring and actions that we can take manufacturing jobs Find out how your company can
together to accelerate the trend.
The tide has turned. The com-
have been reshored participate!
Take advantage of reshoring
bined reshoring and foreign direct
investment (FDI) trends grew by
since February 2010. resources. Here are a few helpful
tools to aid in your decision-
more than 10 percent in 2016, add- Tell Washington what policy making process:
ing 77,000 jobs (tying the 2014 changes are needed! The Reshor- m Calculate TCO with the Total
record) and exceeding the rate of ing Initiative and Plante Moran Cost of Ownership Estimator.
offshoring by about 27,000 jobs. are launching the “Manufactur- m Submit your own reshoring
In comparison, a net annual aver- ing Reshoring Survey” to examine case for free publicity.
age of 220,000 jobs were offshored the overriding issues and national m Invite the Reshoring Initiative
from 2000 to 2003. The 2016 re- policy changes needed to impact to speak at an industry meeting or
sults bring the total number of plant location and sourcing deci- customer event.
manufacturing jobs brought back sions. Past surveys tell us whether m Contribute your time or
from offshore to more than 338,000 companies have reshored or will expertise to the reshoring effort.
since the manufacturing employ- reshore and why. This survey fo- m Contact us for more information
ment low of February 2010. cuses on how much companies on how to help rebuild U.S.
This is exciting progress, but have offshored and what national manufacturing.
there are still huge opportunities policy changes would motivate For the first time probably
and challenges to bringing back all them to reshore X percent of their since the 1970s, there was a net
of the 3 million to 4 million U.S. production. positive flow of U.S. jobs from
manufacturing jobs still offshore. The Reshoring Initiative’s TCO offshore. Participate in the programs
Here’s how you can help. First, user data suggests that about 25 mentioned above and use our data
apply for the first National Re- percent of offshoring can now and tools to help your company
shoring Award. The Reshoring be reshored profitably. We need accelerate reshoring and bring more
Initiative, in conjunction with the your help to develop the survey jobs back to the U.S.! A
Precision Metalforming Asso- data, which we will offer to the
ciation (PMA), invites companies administration and Congress to Editor’s note: Harry Moser is the
that have successfully reshored drive policy so the other 75 percent president of the Reshoring Initiative.
products, parts or tooling made can be reshored. We hope your His column will appear every other
primarily by metal forming, fab- company will complete the survey. month, alternating with Austin
ricating or machining to apply. Help bring back 1 million Weber’s “On Campus.” Contact
There will be one award for buyers jobs. The Return One Million harry.moser@reshorenow.org.
ADAPTIVE DFS
for fastener and material flexibility
Threaded – or non-threaded flow fastener names ending in drill, form, point or push – this
single system does it all! Engineered for ultimate flexibility, independent of material and
fastener tolerances, or possible layer gap, ADAPTIVE DFS creates the strongest joint in
the shortest time. Every time!
Visit us at one of our upcoming trade shows:
The Assembly Show in Chicago: October 24 - 26 [booth #1931]

Westec 2017 in Los Angeles: September 12 - 14 [booth #2047]
Find out more at depragusa.com • 800.4.DEPRAG

Assembly - August 2017

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Assembly - August 2017

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

AUGUST 2017 www.assemblymag.com

Can the IIoT

LED Lighting Factory 30

September 12-14, 2017 October 24-26, 2017

Providing solutions Did you know Promess also has Monitoring?

Send us your assembly applicaton.

Radial Rollerforming Orbital Impact Flush Self

Hot Upset Systems Automation

www.orbitform.com YEARS EXPERIENCE

NEXT MONTH Case Histories in Assembly . . . . . . . . . . 53

Cover photo courtesy Banner Engineering Corp.

More than 1,200 Modules Feed-through

for your Robot

Joining and compensating

ERP System Provides Big Savings for Fan Manufacturer

Assembly White Papers

4 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com

Robotic Collision Sensors

Robotic Tool Changers

Manual Tool Changers

Robotic Deburring Tools

155 N. Pfingsten Rd., Suite 205

Tariff Debate Pits Producers For subscription information or service, please

BNP Media Helps People

6 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com

Our mission is to provide improved, dependable,

Electric Adjust Packaging Benches

Autonomous Mobile Robot Is Flexible

8 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com

Specialty Chemical Packaging &

Cable Protectors Are Ideal for Collaborative Robots

www.assemblymag.com August 2017 / ASSE M B LY 9

10 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com

Cut Through Hard NEW! Material Flow

Aven Inc. Treston Inc.

Precision Riveting Machines Janome Servo Press Supports Your

Orbitform Janome Industrial Equipment USA, Inc.

FasTest Quick Connectors for Leak

www.assemblymag.com August 2017 / ASSE M B LY 11

Software Provides Work

The software has evolved bolt, or spot-welds a part, the

THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR NEW MOBILITY INFORMATION

To a New Level two of the top aerospace engi-

14 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com

Talk to one of our Application Engineers today

16 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com

Let us work with you to find the

www.assemblymag.com August 2017 / ASSE M B LY 17

Your Path To Success

 Available Integrated Vision System

JR3000 Series with Marco Jet Dispenser

Collect our JC-3 Cartesian Series

Supporting syringe, jetting, sprayed coatings, potting, and

18 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com

Every Application... Ellsworth Adhesives

Your solution provider in specialty chemicals.

www.assemblymag.com August 2017 / ASSE M B LY 19

20 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com

resulting in the production of several “[By] working on these projects and

22 ASSEMBLY / August 2017 www.assemblymag.com

www.assemblymag.com August 2017 / ASSE M B LY 23

functions at start-up to limit the risk example of this is the Polimotor,