Assembly Automation: Volume 28 Issue 1

Hybrid (PAC) systems: pathway to productivity

Claimed to be programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that act like distributed control systems (DCSs), various people define hybrid systems differently: by functions, by industries…

Ethernet cuts fieldbus costs in industrial automation

The aim of this paper is to provide an update on the status of current fieldbuses and high‐speed Ethernet technologies for industrial automation.

BMW lifts robot total to 500 at Plant Oxford

The paper aims to describe how BMW in the UK has increased the number of industrial robots at Plant Oxford in the UK; this plant is part of a production “triangle” that brings…

A model for function block communication and diagnostic messaging with EtherNet/IP

This paper aims to propose a model for the provision of EtherNet/IP device‐specific function blocks by discrete industry device vendors and to outline how multi‐vendor network…

An investigation into programmable logic controller software design techniques in the automotive industry

This paper aims to describe the results of an investigation into the techniques used to design factory control systems in the body‐in‐white section of car‐manufacturing plants in…

A GRAFCET‐compiler methodology for C‐programmed microcontrollers

This paper seeks to describe why PLC's development tools can be used in the programming of C‐programmed microcontrollers, and an exhaustive methodology to compile Graphe…

Definition and execution of a generic assembly programming paradigm

This paper aims to introduce a generic robot‐programming paradigm for assembly tasks that overcomes the strong coupling between the motion commands and underlying algorithms of…

High‐speed TFT LCD defect‐detection system with genetic algorithm

The purpose of this research is to develop an automatic optical inspection system for thin film transistor (TFT) liquid crystal display (LCD).

The development of a wafer prealigner based on the multi‐sensor integration

This paper sets out to propose a wafer prealigner based on multi‐sensor integration and an effective prealignment method implemented on it.

Automatic Weber screwdriving systems ensure tough body assembly for Audi TT

Foster's appoints Elettric 80 to provide LGV-based solution

The new challenge of M2M: putting the pieces together, for total information convergence

The PLC is dead, long live the PAC!

Thermoset nanocomposites for engineering applications

Web sites

Automated assembly and test cell for Kautex screenwash containers

Compact pallet-handling system raises efficiency in the small machine shop

Book review

New manufacturing cell uses TOX fastening for speed and flexibility

Wide range of fieldbus slave modules offers exceptional choice for PLC automation system applications

Gefran's new GILOGIK PLC control includes Ethernet for high-speed automation

Diary

ScanINSPECT VPI

Medical technology: the common mussel gives us the bio-adhesive of the future

Patents

ATS awarded US$7.7 million order to automate assembly of electronic security devices

Controlling the controllers

Stratasys takes its largest FDM titan order for a direct digital manufacturing application

About 100 percent inspection of up to 2,000 different circuit breakers

LORD Corporation's thermal interface materials offer improved reliability for advanced laminate technologies

Philips NForcer Technology achieves breakthrough in precision linear motor performance

Unique 5 Watt continuous wave fiber laser marker applies the smallest and finest codes

PIAB announces a full range of vacuum gripper systems (VGSe)