ABSTRACT
Although design for assembly is an important consideration for manually assembled products and can reap enormous benefits, it is vital when a product is to be assembled automatically. The simple example shown in Figure 5.1 illustrates this. The slightly asymmetrical threaded stud would not present significant problems in manual handling and insertion, whereas for automatic handling an expensive vision system would be needed to recognize its orientation. If the part were made symmetrical, automatic handling would be simple. For economic automatic assembly therefore, careful consideration of product structure and component part design is essential. In fact, it can be said that one of the advantages of introducing automation in the assembly of a product is that it forces a reconsideration of its design-thus offering not only the benefits of automation, but also those of improved product design. Not surprisingly, the savings resulting from product redesign often outweigh those resulting from automation.
