IEN: What are the major concerns facing providers of assembly technology and related products and services in the next few years? How can they be addressed?
Earley: A major challenge facing providers of assembly technology is to increase efficiencies and reduce costs in end-user assembly operations, especially those involving mature technologies and labor-intensive processes. Fastening is one area of significant innovation. The Fastener Division of Avery Dennison''s Retail Information Services Division, for example, has focused its R & D efforts on improving or eliminating labor-intensive manual processes in a variety of industries. These efforts have led to the development of such labor-reducing systems as the Avery Dennison™ MicroTach™ Attaching System, which inserts uniquely small fasteners through fabrics and packaging materials, replacing thread or pins; Extra Heavy Duty T-End™ fasteners (pictured), which can replace obsolete stringing machines in shoe-lasting operations; and the Avery Dennison™ Elastic Staple™ Variable Needle System (VNS), which fastens tools, toys, housewares, and other items to display cards and paper packaging, offering an alternative to twist ties.
Further, a variety of new custom cable ties are now available for wire harness applications. Many have mounting devices built into the cable tie itself, thereby reducing installation time. The cost savings associated with these advanced fasteners drop straight to the user''s bottom line.