Assembly Automation: Volume 22 Issue 1

Problems of scale

Pin‐points three possibilities to do with micro‐actuators and micro assembly and discusses them in detail, using technical terms to enhance explanation. Concludes more will be…

Product miniaturization requires automation – but with a strategy

Discusses the business strategies and technologies required for the succesful implementation of automation, with particular emphasis on the assembly of miniature components and…

Trends in outsourced manufacturing – Reducing risk and maintaining flexibility when moving to an outsourced model

Discusses present trends towards the outsourcing of manufacturing operations and the benefits that can arise. Cites examples in the computer, communications and graphic display…

Robotic production assistants for working alongside the human operator

DaimlerChrysler's research laboratory in Berlin has developed an autonomous forklift truck for automating materials handling operations. The first prototype is now in operation in…

A time of change for welding

Reviews the Essen Schweissen und Schneiden cutting and welding trade show, identifies mounting trend for electric servo guns to replace pneumatic welding guns, reports on growing…

Novarc brings spray‐formed tooling to market

Traditional methods for toolmaking are slow and expensive. A new approach involving innovative metal spraying technology can cut months off lead‐times. This paper discusses the…

Rapid tooling for casting prototypes

A seminar organised by the Rapid Prototype and Manufacturing Association (RPMA) held at the UK Castings Development Centre in Birmingham presented a series of case studies on the…

Aligning parts for micro assemblies

Orienting parts that measure only a few micrometers in diameter introduces several challenges that need not be considered at the macro‐scale. First, there are several kinds of…

Low friction rotating devices using fluid assisted levitation

Describes the fabrication of MEMS micro bearings and the benefits that they provide. Uses the LIGA process with UV light and SU‐8 photoresist to create the structures. A fluid…

A time‐triggered control network for industrial automation

The CAN (Controller Area Network) standard, ISO 11898, is now ubiquitous in industrial automation environments. CAN is used with defined application layers for implementing…

Environmentally compatible and fast: new cleaning method for thermally deburred workpieces

New Muting module eliminates unwanted shutdowns

Laser scanning speeds surface-modelling at DaimlerChrysler

Bosch identification system ID 40 with direct field bus connection

Miniature slide units offer high load carrying capacity, smooth travel torsional stiffness and superb engineering

Diary

New PC Fieldbus cards for SERCOS interface

Stratasys wins orders for 19 rapid prototyping systems

Short-stroke rotary actuator offers predsion position control for factory automation operations

Disc drive actuation system

Certified Profibus technician courses to address fieldbus installation problems

New thin bondline, thermal interface material – low thermal resistance with high integrity

Article comprising an inductor

The meaning of life

HLT Is now UK's sole source of high energy diode lasers for plastics welding

MEMS variable optical attenuator

Literati Club – the benefits of writing for Assembly Automation

Automated assembly system demand down 18 per cent but forecast to return to growth in 2002

Actuator – leading international forum

NanoMuscles

Control via internet with the FP web server

Profil pierce nuts used for foolproof fastening of safety critical vehicle components

New SMT placement systems from Assembléon enhance speed, flexibility and ease of use

Flexibility, product tracking, accuracy and reliability for British Timken

Flexible suction cup for material handling reduces lead times and has a longer operating life

NETALERT™ early warning & fast troubleshooting system for Devicenet

Apparatus and method for sensing motion in a MEMS

D Systems & US Department of Justice reach agreement

Ultra-compact electronic screwdriver suitable for clean room use

Rotary valve actuator

Ford extends use of Tecnomatix software in its virtual manufacturing initiative

Tunable-trimmable MEMS capacitor

How to get the best from your Emerald subscription

FireWire highly accepted by the industrial automation market

Call for papers for forthcoming issues

Festo performance bullish despite bear market

Internet page

EMS aid development of prosthetic hand for children

Unique planetary roller screw technology enables linear actuators to provide higher speeds, higher loads and longer life