Fastening, Joining & Assembly

Virtually everyone who has had something to do with engineering and manufacturing, whether hands-on or not, has had to sign some nondisclosure agreement with an employer not to reveal company secrets and probably some kind of invention or patent agreement to turn over invention rights to your company. What do you think of this practically universal practice — is it right? What remuneration do you get if you invent something for your company? To get a clue, read the article "Invention Mythology 101" in Machine Design.

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Fastening, Joining & Assembly, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Fastening, Joining & Assembly today.

Apparently, it appears that fasteners for a new product design or redesign don't always get enough consideration or are almost an afterthought. Does fastener selection get the attention it deserves in your company's products? One story in in August's Fastening, Joining & Assembly newsletter addresses the subject in detail and presents alternatives to be considered early on in the design stage. Does your company usually look for new fastening options and talk with potential suppliers during the design stage?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Fastening, Joining & Assembly, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Fastening, Joining & Assembly today.

Engineers often imagine, understand, or know about the technology that goes into autos, aircraft, and sometimes movie special effects. If you're an engineer, you probably get a kick out of explaining technically how impressive the technology is. So, did you know that welding makes traveling shows possible? What other entertainment venues impress you technologically? Why?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Fastening, Joining & Assembly, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Fastening, Joining & Assembly today.

Have you ever found fasteners on the floor of your car? A metal screw breaking off its mating plastic lug because it wasn't meant to be disassembled? In today's disposable mind set, many devices, machines, appliances, etc., don't make economical sense to repair, because they can't be disassembled without damage, or any attempt to fix it costs too much in labor alone. What examples of "too loose" or "too tight" fasteners have you experienced? What should be done about it?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Fastening, Joining & Assembly, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Fastening, Joining & Assembly today.

When robots first appeared on the factory floor, they usually slaved away inside locked cages with attendant flashing lights and audible alarms. Some of the latest, smartest robots with artificial intelligence aren't encaged but are able to sense humans thereby avoiding an accidental crash. But even with the highest-tech built-in safeguards, it seems to make for a scary work environment. Would you keep your distance or just work side by side? Should redundant safety measures be instituted?

The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Fastening, Joining & Assembly, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Fastening, Joining & Assembly today.