Load cells and sensors used with presses measure several key variables, such as ram force, distance and time, and help ensure they stay within allowable tolerances.

Some assembly technologies evolve too fast or too slow, while others change at a pace that's just right. Hydraulic presses belong in the latter category, according to some suppliers, and that's a good thing.

Every vehicle needs a good driver to steer it in the right direction and away from dangers on the road. For 50 years, Pailton Engineering Ltd. has been manufacturing the steering systems that give drivers of all types of vehicles this assurance as they travel from place to place.

Roll-form manufacturers produce a wide range of parts for assembly, including highly contoured automotive exterior panels.

One of the top transmission assembly plants in the world is Ford Motor Co.'s Van Dyke facility in Sterling Heights, MI. It's part of a network of Ford factories that mass-produce axles, engines and other power train components used in the company's cars and trucks.

Porsche, Lamborghini and other European luxury vehicle manufacturers build cars that are stunning on the outside.

How well an assembled plastic part performs depends a great deal upon how its component pieces are joined. Those made of strong, hard plastic may be fastened together or bonded. Thermoplastic pieces allow for even more options, including screws and rivets, various types of adhesives or welding, staking and being snap-fit.

Makers of printed circuit boards aren’t the only manufacturers interested in packing more power into a smaller space.

The press-and-gauge approach to press-fit assembly can create perfect parts every time. However, for this approach to work, fixture design cannot be an afterthought. As sophisticated as our sensors, presses and software are, a perfect pressing process still requires a good deal of forethought. Following these four steps will ensure that your pressing process achieves the results you desire.

Just when you think there's nothing new under the sun with a particular technology, a company will invariably put a new spin on things. A good example is the new Torque Press 520 from Schmidt Technology.