features

TAS South Best In Show

What will be the best new product on display at The ASSEMBLY Show South? You decide!

TAS South Showcase

More than 150 exhibitors will be on hand at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN, from April 4-6 to display the latest in assembly machines and systems during the inaugural ASSEMBLY Show South.

The historic factory has made everything from Model T’s to SUVs since 1924 — Austin Weber

Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant Turns 100

Mode of transport, Motor vehicle, Rolling stock, Automotive design, Train, Building, Track, Railway

Infrared system locates position of fastening tools in real time with no latency. — Thomas Preuss

New Technology Error-Proofs Battery Manufacturing

Automotive lighting, Hand, Gesture, Finger

Automated assembly requires speed and precision. — Ralf Högel

Robots Automate Assembly of Engine Valves

A Tier 1 automotive supplier passes safe launch in just two weeks by digitizing assembly processes. — Joyce Yeung

MES Software Improves Assembly

Torsional welding offers many advantages for assembling plastic parts — Jessica Lange

Linear vs. Torsional Ultrasonic Welding

Motor vehicle, Automotive design, Grille, Hood, Bumper

Torque, pressure and temperature sensors are playing a key role in designing new power trains for zero-emission airplanes. — Cara Märcklin

Swiss Engineers Develop Electric Airplanes

Aerospace manufacturer, Cloud, Sky, Vehicle, Aircraft, Monoplane, Runway, Airplane, Plant, Flap

Digital twins facilitate design of robotic assembly systems, from prototype to high-volume production.— Jeff Buck

Robots Assemble Precision Medical Device

Liquid sealants provide a popular alternative to solid gaskets. — Austin Weber

Seal Appeal

Office supplies, Audio equipment, Liquid, Drill

departments

Will ban on noncompete agreements affect manufacturing?—John Sprovieri

From the Editor

Four new motion control products.—John Sprovieri

New & Noteworthy

Press provides 500 kilonewtons of force.—John Sprovieri

See It At The Show

Manufacturers continue to invest in robots — Austin Weber

Assembly Lines

Managing U.S. defense industry risk.— Harry Moser

Moser on Manufacturing

In-depth profiles of the latest assembly technology.

Products Spotlights

In-depth profiles of the latest assembly technology.

Product Profiles

Interviews with leaders and innovators in product assembly.

Assembly Audible

Ad Index

Sourcebook Premium Sponsorship

Staff

Motor vehicle, Automotive tire, Mass production, Urban design, Yellow, Industry

Ford’s Chicago assembly plant celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. When production started in 1924, the facility was making Model T’s. The plant has withstood the Great Depression, World War II and COVID. Along the way, the factory has produced a variety of vehicles, ranging from the Model A to the Police Interceptor. This article takes a look back and a look ahead. Photo courtesy Ford Motor Co.