The 3^rd of the representative element technologies, Insertion Assembly technology is explained. The automated assembly operations (Low cost automation) are composed of multiple automated elemental operations that are simple. In our technical tutorial course, "swaging", "screw fastening", and "insertion assembly" technologies are explained as the representative element technologies.

(1) About Insertion Assembly Technology

・Insertion assembly is a procedure to process the following operations manually, or by the use of fixtures/devices.

・Interference fits such as press fitting realize functionalities such as (1) fixing, (2) positioning, (3) orientation fixing, (4) force transmission.

・Clearance fit insertions are for, (1) positioning, (2) guiding, (3) joining pre-process, (4) joining.

(2) Characteristics of insertion assembly technology

1. Advantages

・Since the insertion assembly is performed in one direction, it is suitable for automating.
・Highly accurate assembly automation is possible based on accuracies of the components.
・Post assembly re-working and disassembly are possible.

2. Shortcomings

・Configuration designs and quality (accuracy, surface conditions, etc.) of the mating components largely affect the insertion assembly.
・It is very difficult to automate insertion assembly processes that require highly skilled manual operations.
・It is difficult to disassemble defective workpieces that are insertion assembled by automated operations.