More challenging than their macroscopic counterparts, microsystems can also benefit from design for assembly, design for manufacturability, etc. Typically, 85% of microsystem costs comprise assembly, packaging, and testing. So, to create an optimal design, the product has to be designed at the same time as the fabrication process and the assembly work cell.

Toward that goal, researchers at the Automation & Robotics Research Institute, University of Texas at Arlington, have developed a unique software tool that integrates a cost estimator and a 3D virtual process simulator. Designers can quickly evaluate costs, cycle time, and throughput for production of complex microsystems like a microspectrometer.

Alcoa Fastening Systems, makers of Huck, Marson, and Recoil brand fasteners offer engineered fastening solutions. AFS manufactures American made lockbolts, blind rivets, blind bolts, and installation tooling. Fasteners are available in a variety of materials ranging in diameters from 3/32 in. to 36 mm. Alcoa Fastening Systems provides fast, reliable connections.

Lista International Corporation presents the Arlink^® 8000 Modular Workstation System. Ergonomically designed, these modular workstations offer unlimited flexibility to accommodate user needs. Ideal for assembly, computing environments, service, repair, research and technical work, Arlink^® 8000 workstations can be assembled and reconfigured faster than other workstations, saving time and money.

Undeniably, utilizing simulation software for fasteners has its advantages. Fastener manufacturers can now correct defects in cold-headed and forged components before tools are fabricated and productions begins. Beyond optimizing die designs, this approach also presents numerous advantages both economically and performance-wise. Read all about them in this Fastener Technology International article.

When it comes to maintenance, it's a must to use the right replacement fasteners, otherwise the worst scenario could occur: tens of thousands of dollars (or more) in damage and lost productivity. Here, the rule of thumb safety-wise is: match the grades of the nut and bolt to avoid "weakest link" failure, as this American Fastener Journal article relates.

Fabricated using a 3D printer that deposits multiple materials simultaneously, a fully functional flute was made in 15 hours at the MIT Media Lab. Only minimal hand assembly was required to put together the four printed components, then springs were added. As seen in the video, a little fine tuning produced an acoustically correct musical instrument.

Lean manufacturing and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) are applied everyday to assembly and manufacturing operations, often with significant benefits. However, using one to complement the other may be the best option to producing trouble-free designs. In fact, it makes the lean approach more sustainable due to an assembly process with less variation, as this always applicable Assembly magazine article points out.

Kruse Tape offers a complete line of double-sided tapes for a wide variety of mounting, laminating, bonding, and fastening applications. The products are engineered with film, tissue, cloth, and foam carriers and coated with high-performance rubber, acrylic, silicone adhesives that are designed for low surface to high surface energy substrates.

Norbar Torque Tools introduces the TrukTorque™ for wheel bolting up to 738 lb-ft. The "banana" reaction provides a safe and stable platform for users, and minimizes the potential for marring wheel surfaces.

Over 40 years in the fastener business. Investment in inventory, personnel, and new machinery assures quality products, same day shipments at competitive prices. EPDM washers, self-drilling, self piercing, thread cutting, tapping, steel zinc plated, and stops screws available for all your fastening needs. All screws can be custom painted. Blanket orders accepted.

These threaded inserts are designed for use in tapered holes, which allows for rapid and accurate alignment prior to installation. With the use of high-frequency vibrations generating frictional heat, the plastic melts slightly and flows into the knurled serrations, barbs and undercuts, then resolidifies to ensure a secure fit. From Spiralock Corporation.

Northwestern University researchers have succeeded in synthesizing a universal mussel adhesive for attaching DNA molecules to practically any substrate. Utilizing a catecholamine polymer based on the chemistry of mussel proteins, this simplified method holds great promise for producing DNA chips for diagnostics and research purposes. In the past, different anchoring techniques were required for each individual substrate.

Based on the gecko's natural fibers, a polymer fiber material replicates the unique repetitive adhesive characteristics of its microscopic dry hairs. Developed by a Carnegie Mellon University researcher, the microscopic polymer fiber adhesive is expected to have wide ranging applications in medicine, the military, robotics, and sports. One major sports company is exploring using the material for novel clothing, gloves, and shoes.

Laser welding lap joints on galvanized steels has been a definite challenge because highly pressurized zinc vapor forms. Fortunately, utilizing specific shielding makes it possible to create defect-free lap joints with a single laser, sans either pre- or postweld processing. As described in the Welding Research Supplement of the Welding Journal, the proposed high-speed procedure delivers full-penetration, high-strength joints.

The latest revised 478-page edition of the American Welding Society's Bridge Welding Code fulfills the need for a common welding specification for fabricating steel highway bridges. Replacing the 2008 edition, D1.5M/D1.5:2010 Bridge Welding Code can be followed to augment greater economies in bridge fabrication, while ensuring structural integrity and public safety.

IP66 Ingress rated. Seals to 100 psi. Constructed of 18/8 stainless steel and bonded with silicone rubber layer on one side including mounting hole. Mates with conventional bolts/screws. Ideal for mechanical /electrical applications with large and odd shapes such as slotted holes. OD from 1/2 in. to 1 1/5 in. Hole size from 1/4 in. to 1 in.

The FLEX-5 Tool offers the flexibility of both pull to pressure and pull to stroke installation methods all within a lightweight durable tooling design. The tool also has a quick change nose piece with a socket head cap screw mandrel. Check out our FLEX-5 product announcement and video.

New Process Fibre possesses the capabilities to stamp many types of Specialty Washers for the OEM, MRO, and Fastener industries. We have a large array of materials to meet your Specialty Washer designs, from Vulcanized Fibre, to Epoxy Glass and many industry Engineered Thermoplastics. All are available in English and Metric Units.

Accurate Screw Machine Corp. specializes in custom print to part manufacturing. Send us your engineering drawings and we will quote and manufacture your electronic parts, fasteners, and hardware for you quickly. Our state-of-the-art equipment allows us to machine special materials, hold tighter tolerances, and better meet your requirements.

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Robotic teachers are now a reality in South Korea. In Daegu, 29 robots teach students English in 19 elementary schools. Developed at a cost of $1.39 million, Engkey is actually a telepresence robot. Teachers in the Philippines control the 3.2 ft-tall robots, which feature two-way audio and video to interact (video). Engkey can also move its arms to emphasize a point.

Aptly named footstickers, you stick them on your feet for a quasi barefoot sports experience. Shown is the "woman combat cardio" version featuring high surface covering, medium traction, and a heel cap for jump protection. Advantages include improved feeling and better movement control. The self-adhesive flexible material could ultimately utilize an adhesive (based on blue mussel protein) that maintains adhesion when sweating occurs.

Could Robots Teach Technical Courses?

Interactive robots recently started teaching English in South Korean schools. Why not use them to teach programming for robotic assembly and manufacturing tasks?