Precision assembly technologies for mini and micro products

Citation

Ratchev, S. (2004), "Precision assembly technologies for mini and micro products", Assembly Automation, Vol. 24 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2004.03324aaa.002

Precision assembly technologies for mini and micro products

Svetan Ratchev,Chair of the IPAS'2003 is based at the School of Mechanical, Mat. Manufacturing Eng. and Management, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 115 951 4018; Fax: +44 (0) 115 951 4000; E-mail: Svetan.Ratchev@nottingham.ac.uk

Keywords: Precision assembly, MEMS, Conference, IPAS

At present, precision assembly has emerged as one of the most rapidly developing areas in manufacturing. Miniaturisation and integration of mechanical, sensing and control functions within confined spaces is becoming an important trend in designing new electromechanical products. Customers increasingly expect products that are smaller, have improved functionality and reliability and greater value. To meet the demand there is a need for new generation of intelligent and cost- effective precision assembly technologies and system solutions.

Research in microproduction as a relatively new area has been predominately focused on developing assembly solutions in microelectronics and production of micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). Recently, there has been an increased demand for microassembly solutions in other sectors such as pharmaceutical, medical device manufacture and bioengineering. Despite the growing industrial interest and the amount of research activities in the precision assembly domain there has been a relatively low level of technology uptake. There are a number of reasons for the slow introduction of precision assembly solutions such as high level of complexity, high and often prohibitive cost of introduction, highly competitive market place and low technology maturity.

The European thematic network “Assembly-Net” which is funded by the EU Competitive and Sustainable Growth programme is specifically focused on facilitating the European industry in applying the latest precision assembly technologies for mini and micro product manufacture[1]. The prime aim of the network is to establish a well coordinated and effective support infrastructure throughout Europe and beyond in order to bring together, share and exchange critical technologies, research results, and latest information on precision assembly automation. The core activities of the network include roadmapping, information provision, support for micro assembly training and education, knowledge transfer and dissemination of research results. Currently, there are more than 100 members actively involved in the network activities.

This special issue of Assembly Automation presents selected papers from the International Precision Assembly Seminar (IPAS'2003) organised by the Assembly-Net in March 2003. The aim of the seminar was to provide a forum for exchange of ideas on key technological developments and industrial applications in the field of precision assembly automation. IPAS'2003 was sponsored by the International Institution of Production Engineering CIRP and supported by the EU Competitive and Sustainable Growth programme. The seminar was attended by 55 delegates from 14 countries. Particular emphasis was placed on the core techniques and methods for developing highly flexible, scalable and integrated microassembly solutions that can facilitate the manufacture of variable volumes of customised products with shorter delivery times. The key topics of discussion included: Assembly Planning and Process Modelling, High Precision Robotics and Microassembly Solutions, Micro Handling Techniques and Microactuators, Microassembly System Design, Simulation, System Lifecycle and Cost Modelling, Industrial Application in Precision Assembly.

The underlining theme of the seminar was “The Future of Microassembly in High Labour Cost Economic Areas”. Industrial insight was provided by two keynote presentations by Dr Ing. Hans Erne, President of Rohwedder Microtech GmbH & Co in Germany and Mr Juha Kyllönen, Managing Director of FlexLink Automation Oy in Finland. In his presentation, Dr Erne outlined the key features of microassembly and discussed the commercial case for development of microassembly solutions. Mr Kyllönen presented the Flexlink concept of reconfigurable assembly systems and provided specific examples of mini and micro product manufacture.

In an open forum at the end of the seminar the delegates discussed the future of microassembly in Europe. It was acknowledged that microassembly was a rapidly growing area both in terms of research and business applications. The landscape in Europe was judged to be relatively fragmented with skills and research capacity mostly concentrated in several countries. The long-term outlook for precision assembly was considered to be excellent with a significant potential for new research discoveries and opportunities for rapid technology transfer in short to medium term. It was acknowledged that the automation in precision assembly had also a specific social significance since it was one of the critical factors for achieving cost-effective manufacturing in high labour cost areas and, therefore, was one of the enablers for preserving key manufacturing competencies in Europe.

The next IPAS'2004 seminar will be held in Bad Hofgastein, Austria from 11-13 February 2004 (www.ipas2004.org).

Note1. EU Growth project GIRT-CT-2001-05039 Assembly-Net – Precision Technologies for Mini and Micro Products, http://www.assembly-net.org