Assembly Automation: Volume 15 Issue 3

The broad field of parts presentation

Gunter Wittenberg

Studies parts presentation in manufacturing processes, most of which isnow mechanized. Looks at various materials such as metals, paper, springs andfood products and how their…

Training with virtual reality

Gunter Wittenberg

Look at the utilisation of virtual reality for a diverse range oftraining programmes from bomb disposal training to pager assembly linetraining. Describes how VR software allows…

An object‐oriented and flexible material handling system

John K L Ho, Paul G Ranky

Examines research work aimed at exploring and developing a new,object‐oriented system design and operation concept, and new systemsoftware and hardware design concepts which could…

Sound signatures assist assembly

G Bright, P Moodley

Examines the use of acoustic emission techniques for monitoring partmating during the assembly process. The frequency recorded during a peginsertion is compared with known…

Silhouette imaging for feeding and orienting parts

James Calhoun, Randy Baird

Discusses the use of silhouette imaging in correcting the feeding andorienting of parts in assembly operations. Using sensors that can sense edgepoints via data transitions, edge…

Robots for workpiece handling to stationary tools

Gino De‐Gol

Outlines the trend in utilising the fixed tool/moving workpiece conceptin automatic production processes, in which a standard robot can be employedfor both positioning and…

Sweeping it over the carpet

Jack Hollingum

Describes the Ecovision parts orientation system where parts areconveyed on a vibratory carpet of polypropylene fibres embedded in apolyurethane bases. The fibres are inclined…

Robots add new dimension to parts presentation

Jack Hollingum

Reports on a visit to assembly machine producers, Modular Automation Ltdin Birmingham with particular emphasis on the trend towards using robots inassembly machines and their…

Presentation and gripping of flexible materials

Paul M Taylor

Examines studies into the automated handling of flexible materials suchas fabrics, paper and food products and the behaviour of such materialsduring handling, concentrating on the…