In most assemblies that are joined with threaded fasteners, the cost of the fasteners is not as important as the cost of installing them. Automation is one way to control that cost—but only if assemblers think ahead.
Remember the classic illustration about human evolution in elementary school? A silhouette of an ape on all fours gradually transitions to a modern human walking upright.
This eBook series will help manufacturers navigate the path to automation, whether it be a robotic screwdriving cell or a multistation automated assembly line.
FRANKFURT, Germany—German suppliers of robotics and automation technology are forecasting record-high sales of 16.2 billion euros in 2023, an increase in sales of 13 percent. In 2022, the industry recorded sales of 14.3 billion euros, and increase of 5 percent.
Based in Northbrook, IL, Concep Machine Co. has been designing and building custom automated assembly systems for the medical device manufacturing industry since 1967.
Transportation—moving parts or assemblies from place to place in a factory—is one of the seven wastes specified in the principles of lean manufacturing. Transportation does not add value.
Machine tending is, by far, the most popular application for collaborative robots. It’s a perfect fit for a cobot’s unique ability to work alongside or together with people without safety fencing.
By some estimates, 90 percent of wire harness assembly tasks are done manually. As a result, harness assemblers are at risk of occupational health problems due to repetitiveness and awkward postures.