Multi-Process Tools for Fabrication, Assembly and Inspection

Abstract:

Multi-process tools play an important role in improving productivity and reduce unit cost of products. In this paper, a comprehensive literature survey on multi-process tools is conducted. The objectives of this survey are to (i) understand key business drivers for multi-processing, (ii) learn the existing multi-process tools available in various applications including automotive, pharmaceutical, and electronics, and (iii) identify trends in development of multi-process tooling. The contributions have been made in the following aspects: (i) the scope and definition of multi-process tools are introduced; existing multi-process tools are classified in terms of the nature of multi-processes, the targeted objects, and the applications. (ii) Pros and cons of multi-process tools are discussed and used as criteria to determine some principals in selecting right applications. (iii) Some under-developing areas related to multi-process tools have been identified and the principals of adapting multi-process tools have been determined.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 338)
• Pages: 670-676
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.338.670
• Online since: September 2011
• Authors: Zhu Ming Bi
• Keywords: End Effector, Multi-Function Tools, Multi-Process Tool, Robotics and Automation

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