Assembly Automation: Volume 31 Issue 2

Nanocomposites: a review of technology and applications

This paper aims to describe the technology and applications of nanocomposite materials.

Metal cutting machines continue to re‐invent themselves as manufacturing systems at latest IMTS show

The purpose of this paper is to review the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago with emphasis on innovations in applying automation to manufacturing and assembly.

A particle swarm optimization algorithm for balancing assembly lines

The purpose of this paper is to apply particle swarm optimization (PSO) a known combinatorial optimization algorithm to multi‐objective (MO) balancing of large assembly lines.

Analysis of part jamming in a feeder of automatic machines

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis and practical study of part jamming in the feeder of an automatic machine.

New modeling and performance evaluation of tool sharing control in FMS using colored Petri nets

A major factor to the success of flexible manufacturing systems (FMSs) is their ability to transport work pieces between different workstations. FMS have now become more advanced…

Entry‐level RP machines: how well can they cope with geometric complexity?

The purpose of this paper is to examine the limitations of entry‐level rapid prototyping (ELRP) machines when fabricating objects with high complexity.

An off‐line programming system for flexible drilling of aircraft wing structures

Drilling is an important operation in aircraft wing assembly. In order to enhance this operation, automated machines are used. The purpose of this paper is to propose an off‐line…

Auto‐ID based weedicide manufacturing process

The purpose of this paper is to present a new way of manufacturing process in the plant of the leading weedicide manufacturing company in Korea, Dongbu.

Optimal sensor placement for fixture fault diagnosis using Bayesian network

Fixture failures are the main cause of the dimensional variation in the assembly process. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the optimal sensor placement of compliant sheet…

RFID adoption: a systems thinking perspective through profitability engagement

The purpose of this paper is two‐fold: first, to deliver a review of the researches conducted on the topic of radio frequency identification (RFID) adoption and the key factors…

Incremental versus absolute sensors

Pick-and-place system dispenses solder paste of 100 μm diameters

Fundamentals of Patenting and Licensing for Scientists and Engineers

SICK expands sensor portfolio

Low-cost gantry suits biomedical pick-and-place automation

Diary

Automation advisory service launched to provide support for manufacturing

Robots make early impact on MASS agreement at BAE Systems

Labour-intensive future

Web sites

Low-cost kit-form absolute encoder suits rotary and linear position feedback

Aerotech’s nano Motion Technology (nMT) range expands further with new rotary and z-axis direct-drive nanopositioning stages

Patent abstracts

Adept Technology ships major order from packaging automation solution partner in China

Lessons learned in automation security?