All Assembly articles – Page 28
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ArticleArmed robotic forces
New trends in roboticsIncreases and decreasesUser-friendly robotsSpeed, accuracy and qualityRobot assemblyProduction flexibilityRobotic relationshipsOEMs and robotics suppliers are collaborating closely on user-friendly solutions to the production processThe automotive sector, with its seemingly neverending quest for greater productivity, has proved to be a fertile breeding ground for robotic innovation. The body shop ...
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ArticleFollowing the guidelines
Flexible conveyorsChoosing the right AGVAutomatic unloadingControl systemsFinal assemblySafety firstFuture advancesThe specific use of automated guided vehicles between shipping dock and assembly line is offering carmakers safety-conscious production savingsSeveral decades ago, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) were being heralded as the ultimate answer to the material handling requirements of automotive OEMs. Plants ...
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ArticleThis smart little worker needs no rest
New module programming and configuring technology from Mahle Powertrain puts an end to end-of-line testing. AMS reports on the opportunities for assembly line flexibility and cost savings that come with VPPRail systems become expensivePlug and let playMeasuring contentWhen it comes to the programming and testing of today’s electronically sophisticated vehicles, ...
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ArticleFrom rack to track
In age of increased automation, getting parts to the assembly line in a reliable way has led to an increase in the use of automated guided vehicles. AMS looks at the latest developments in material handling and the safety advantages of the AGV.Hands-free futureFlexible facilitiesServer informationLaser guidanceMyths and challengesBMW LeipzigDearborn ...
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ArticleBuilding the perfect light curtain
We don’t give them much thought, and nor should we – assuming they’re doing their job properly. AMS in conversation with Joe Lazarra and Sergio Aguilar at Omron STIFrequency selection/Scan codesCascading light curtainFixed blankingFloating blanking and mutingReduced resolutionOmron STI’s Joe Lazarra wants to change the way you think about light ...
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ArticleRunning a three legged race at GM
GM’s Conveyors, Controls, Robotics & Welding group has implemented a common conveyor strategy with benefits for modules engineering and integrationGlobal standardisationRewards out of the boxDigital efficienciesGetting one’s bearingsExpanding bundleDuring the AMS 2004 AutoMan Global conference in Dearborn, Michigan, GM’s Phillip Disch, General Motors’ Executive Director of Controls, Conveyors, Robotics and ...
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ArticleBuilding on common ground with Fanuc
GM’s drive for a common assembly technology is aimed at a more streamlined and stable global supply base. AMS looks at what the Global Mid-Size Vehicle platform means for Fanuc.Common approachNew applicationsFixed supplyRobotic consolidationGeneral Motors is going truly global in the next few years with its Global Mid-Size Vehicle platform. ...
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ArticleWelcome to the House of Flex
Gary Cowger, Group Vice President for Global Manufacturing and Labour Relations at General Motors discusses the carmaker’s “avowed aim” of manufacturing flexibility using its Global Manufacturing System“House of Flex”Making flex work: a global initiativeMoving east in Europe and beyondCowger’s views on technologyAGV applicationsShifting biasWhile flexibility is a much-used term that ...
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ArticleSmart handling for vacuum gripping
Replacing conventional vacuum ejectors with high-performance versions brings savings in compressed air, energy costs and downtime at a major carmakerRobot press lineIntegrated high-performanceConsideration of the economic and efficiency aspects of vacuum gripping systems for handling sheet-metal parts are of enormous importance, particularly in the automotive industry.A basic distinction can be ...
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ArticleRaising the tool bar
Having the right tool for the job is a process being made easier thanks to advances in rapid manufacturing, and it is bringing big benefits to every part of the manufacturing process Helping hand heldOrganic ergonomicDucati design cyclesAll in the detailFormula for successExTreme performanceAt the first mention of prototyping in ...