Internet page

Citation

Rigelsford, J. (2002), "Internet page", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322bag.001

Internet page

http://www.mie.utoronto.ca/labs/ciml/ projects/design/Fixturesela.pdfResearch Paper

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

This page contains a research paper addressing "A Reconfigurable Modular Fixturing System for Thin-Walled Flexible Objects". It presents a novel reconfigurable modular system for the fixturing of thin-walled, flexible objects subject to a discrete number of point forces. The paper comprises two parts and firstly describes the conceptual design of the new reconfigurable fixture, and a brief review of their earlier work on the optimal reconfiguration of the object- support locations.

http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~wallack/ wallack.htmlPersonal Homepage

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

This is a personal homepage of Aaron Wallack at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California at Berkeley.

It is a simple page but contains MPeg movies and a good list of publications and research projects in the fields of automated fixturing and parts feeding. The publications can be downloaded in PostScript format.

http://www.assemblyflex.com/Assembly Flex®

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

Assembly Flex® systems provide a complete range of modular, reusable assembly system components. The assembly system components include SCARA and Cartesian robotic manipulator Base Cells, Dockable Feeding and Process Modules, advanced computer controls, and an object-oriented Graphical User Interface. Assembly Flex® technology addresses a broad range of applications in the consumer electronics, automotive, plastics, medical products, and pharmaceutical industries.

This is a very god site which is well worth a visit. It contains fact sheets and lots of links to other sites including the Automation Group.

http://www.betterbydesign.comBetter By Design

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

Better By Design is a full service, machine design and fabrication company that is capable of producing large multiple station systems, single station modules or prototypes and retrofitting existing machines. Their products include the ultra-flex manufacturing system, the tri-ax robotic welding system and a complete line of machines for the battery industry.

This site contains company news, employment opportunities and related links.

http://web.mit.edu/afs/athena.mit.edu/ org/c/consortia/keychar/acthornt/www/ papers/96-cunningham.pdfResearch Paper

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

This page on the MIT website contains a very interesting research paper "Definition, Analysis, and Planning of a Flexible Assembly Process".

http://www.swanson-erie.com/Swanson Systems, Inc.

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

Founded in 1919, Swanson Systems, Inc. specialises in the development of special purpose machine parts and assembly machines and systems manufacturing. They are a leader in the development of reliable, accurate, durable, and easy-to-use assembly machine chassis and production systems. Swanson's range of rotary, linear, synchronous, palletised and flexible modular assembly equipment are used in automotive, glass, lamp and lighting, electronics, pharmaceuticals, industries.

This is quite a good website but their new one (http://www.swansonsystems.com) is definitely worth visiting.

http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/ 059601.htmlArticle

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

This page contains an article discussing "Flexible Workholding For Flexible Cells".

At this shop, workpiece blanks are generally castings and forgings. It discusses how irregular and dimensionally variable shapes can be accurately and securely held in a manner that is as flexible as that of the machine cell.

The article is quite good although the parent website is disappointing.

http://massproduction.com/Cybertech International

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

CyberTech International has been producing automated assembly equipment since 1964. Their original focus was on automated brazing equipment designed to meet the high volume requirements of the refrigeration, air conditioning, plumbing and other industries. Now using the latest in computer technologies CyberTech creates pick and place units, automatic screwdriving, dispensing, press operations, plastics and metal joining, leak testing, radial and orbital riveting, vision inspection, and robotic work cells. Overall, this is a very disappointing site.

http://www.bricengineeredsystems.comB.R.I.C. Enterprises Inc.

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

Incorporated in 1989, B.R.I.C. Enterprises Inc. specialises in factory automation equipment and provides broad range of engineering and support services. They also provide automated robotic systems, automated material handling systems, automated gantry systems, automated spray systems, automated degating systems and automated custom machinery.

This is a professional that contains lots of corporate and product information.

HOT SITES

http://www.adept.comAdept Technology, Inc.

Keywords: Fixtures, Assembly

Founded in 1983, Adept Technology, Inc. is America's largest manufacturer of industrial robots. They design, manufacture and market factory automation components and systems for industries including fibre optic, telecommunications, semiconductor, automotive, food and durable goods throughout the world. Their intelligent automation product lines include industrial robots, configurable linear modules, flexible feeders, semiconductor process components, nanopositioners, machine controllers for robot mechanisms and other flexible automation equipment, machine vision, systems and software, application software, and simulation software. Adept's robots, controllers, and software products are used for small parts assembly, material handling and ultra precision process applications.

This is a superb site that contains an abundance of product specifications, technical drawings and possible application areas.

Jon Rigelsford