Fastener selection for assembly (FSFA): development of a coding system for selection of efficient fastening methods in automation

Engineers have long sought a well defined method for selecting suitable parts or fasteners for automation. To facilitate the selecting process, hundreds of mechanical fasteners and various joining methods were investigated. The role of designing parts for automation was further defined and the importance of part geometry and symmetry was realized. Part classification eases orienting and feeding sequence. Assigning codes to parts or processes improves the task of identifying products and computerizing the manufacturing system. Design For Assembly minimizes the number of parts or fasteners in a product and facilitates feeding, orienting, and alignment of elements or subassemblies. Investigating major issues and problems in automation provides insight to advantages and disadvantages of automating a production. Fastener Selection For Assembly (FSFA) provides insight into valuable information on the selection process for an efficient assembly operation. FSFA identifies, groups, and assigns an alpha- numeric code to a fastener or fastening operation while suggesting solutions and alternatives for a better joining method. The code can also be used in flexible assembly systems for controlling the type and configuration of tooling for various fasteners. It was determined that, the important criteria for choosing the right fastener is based on feeding and orienting techniques, part symmetry, stability and locking action, material selection, hole or work preparation, tooling and assembly equipment, quickness of operation, and part accessibility.