Screwdriving and Riveting Assembly

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DEARBORN, MI—The first all-aluminum F-150 pickup truck has rolled off Ford’s assembly line here.

"Faster, higher, stronger” is the Olympic motto. It’s also the underlying philosophy behind the $25 billion U.S. sporting goods industry.

Assemblers know that practice makes perfect when it comes to properly operating a fastening tool. They also know the importance of tool preparation, which includes torque testing and calibration.

Every year, fans of the Winter X games see snowmobile racers battle the elements and the laws of gravity to perform amazing feats—including long distance jumps and double back flips. What the fans don’t see is the ongoing battle between fasteners and vibration within every bolted joint of the snowmobile.

What do lumberjacks, landscapers and homeowners have in common? They all rely on chain saws, trimmers and leaf blowers produced by STIHL Group.

The bald eagle is a majestic symbol of power and freedom. It’s also the logo of one of America’s oldest aerospace manufacturers: Pratt & Whitney.

If it rolls, floats or flies, light weight is always good. Just ask anyone who’s ever been in a Pinewood Derby competition.

SUMTER, SC—Apex Tool Group, a manufacturer of power and hand tools, is expanding the workforce at its assembly plant here by 150 to 200 jobs by the end of 2015.

EVERETT, WA—Kuka Aerospace plans to open a new 29,000-square-foot facility here adjacent to Boeing’s assembly plant. The facility will employ 75 people when fully operational.

Automakers are increasingly using hydroformed metal tubing in vehicular structures. Compared with stamped and welded metal parts, hydroformed parts weigh less, cost less, and have a higher stiffness-to-weight ratio.