ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of various approaches available for monitoring assembly and joining processes, in particular, resistance spot welding and arc welding processes. It describes techniques in the monitoring of assembly processes using examples from automotive body assembly processes. There are two types of assembly processes. Type I assemblies are comprised of machined or molded parts that have their matting features fully defined by their respective fabrication processes prior to assembly, for example, the insertion of a peg into a hole. Type II assemblies are those where some or all of the assembly features and/or their relative locations are defined during assembly. An assembly process can be monitored using the key control characteristics, such as the fixturing and joining processes. The resistance welding process is a very popular joining technique used in the manufacture of such items as automobiles, furniture, and appliances.
