Appliance Assembly

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The reshoring trend is picking up steam. A new report provides several examples of manufacturers that are moving assembly lines back to the States.

It took several years, but self-tapping screws for plastic assembly have come of age. OEMs were lukewarm toward this type of fastener in the 1980s and early 1990s, that trend has changed in recent years.

If the results of our annual State of the Profession survey are any indication, assemblers are ready for a manufacturing renaissance.

When German appliance manufacturer Vorwerk designed a state-of-the-art vacuum cleaner, it needed a state-of-the-art automation system to assemble it.

Automakers are often the driving force behind the latest product and process innovations in assembly. Case in point: European automakers have been using flow drilling screws since 1996 to assemble body panels and chassis made of aluminum and thin materials-which continue to gain favor to make cars lighter.

In his recent State of the Union address, President Obama challenged Americans to be more innovative. That means developing new materials, new products and new production processes. To tackle that challenge, manufacturing engineers must harness the power of “smart assembly” tools and systems.

Many manufacturers want to be a Star, regardless of how long they’ve been in business or the products they make. Since July 1982, OSHA has helped thousands of manufacturers become a Star through its Voluntary Protection Programs.

Although many people use training and education interchangeably, the words don’t mean the same thing.

The Reshoring Initiative aims to educate manufacturers about the true costs of outsourcing.

Understanding the welding process can help streamline an intricate task.