What should be used to secure the pieces of an assembly and ensure they remain aligned?

The use of spring clamps to secure the pieces of an assembly and ensure they remain aligned is highly effective due to their design and functional properties. Spring clamps are specifically engineered to exert a consistent force, creating a reliable hold on materials without requiring excessive manual effort. This allows for quick and temporary securing of components during assembly operations, which is particularly useful in applications where precise alignment is crucial.

Spring clamps can easily accommodate different shapes and sizes of components, making them versatile in various assembly contexts. Their ability to hold pieces together without damaging the materials further enhances their applicability in assembly tasks, ensuring that alignment is maintained until more permanent fastening methods, such as screws or bolts, can be applied.

Other methods like screws provide a more permanent connection but are not always suitable for temporary alignment during the initial stages of assembly. Clamps in general can work, but they might not provide the quick release that spring clamps do. Rubber bands, while offering some hold, lack the reliability and precision required for ensuring proper alignment in aerospace assembly tasks. Thus, spring clamps offer the optimal combination of ease of use, efficiency, and alignment assurance in assembly processes.