Global Fastener News

December 14, 1998 FIN – “A slot machine is a deceptively simple device,” according to Assembly magazine. “Gamblers drop in their coins, pull the lever and collect their winnings – or curse their luck.”
But even slot machines are dependent on fasteners, Assembly noted in a sidebar to an article on ‘Demystifying Torque Control.’
“In reality, a slot machine must be assembled to rigorous specifications. Its handle is pulled thousands of times daily. The internal mechanisms must be precisely calibrated and remain accurate, despite round-the-clock use. Casinos won’t tolerate malfunctioning machines.”
So when SiliconGaming Inc. began developing a new computerized slot machine with a 27-inch monitor, the company started with extensive prototyping, including establishing assembly procedures and torque specifications for threaded fasteners.
The fastener industry knows how much engineering can go into fastener selection and installation. But the public may be surprised about how much goes into a slot machine.
“We also established torque values so that when we were ready to ship the games, everything would be put together reliably,” manufacturing director Carl Taylor told Assembly. “We didn’t want to break parts or screws. The last thing we wanted was loose screws in the machines.”
SiliconGaming contacted Mountz Inc. for help with fastener tool selection, assembly procedures and torque specifications.
Mountz developed ergonomic workstations with counterbalanced electric screwdrivers, screw feeders and adapters that permit access to fasteners in tight locations. The drivers apply torque to within +/-2.5% of a set value. ©1998/2014 Fastener Industry News.
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For the National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo story, click on the Fastener History section of GlobalFastenerNews.com:
• 2002 FIN – How the Fastener Industry Discovered Columbus
• 1997 FIN – Las Vegas Show Gamble Pays Off