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.
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.
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.
Since 1985, Staufermatic Maschinenbau GmbH has made a name for itself worldwide in two specialties. One is designing and manufacturing special-purpose machinery for assembly, riveting, drilling, leak testing, safety and press-fitting.
In manufacturing, ironclad formulas for success are hard to come by. This is especially relevant for press-fit assembly, a process whereby one part is inserted tightly into a hole in another part with a single quick stroke (1 to 2 seconds).
Millions of people visit health clubs to work out on stationary bikes and treadmills every day. In contrast, only several thousand people get their daily exercise by actually assembling these pieces of equipment.