Getting the right part in the right place, in the right orientation, and at the right time is vital to time- and cost-efficient assembly. This article provides tips and techniques for effectively feeding and positioning parts for both manual and automated applications.

While focusing on the short-term benefits of moving production overseas, many companies overlook numerous long-term risks.

Manufacturing engineers must partner with integrators early in the machine building process to gain maximum benefits.

George Jetson would be ecstatic. First there was a robotic lawn mower. Then a robotic vacuum. Now comes the latest gizmo for dreary domestic duties: a robotic iron.

Coming soon to a place near you—a robot to meet and greet you.

Two scientists at Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) have developed a polymer-aluminum interface whose adhesion strength can be controlled by temperature.

The often-frustrating task of assembling build-it-yourself furniture, such as bookshelves, may soon become much easier.

Ink-jet printers will mature into automated manufacturing machines to mass-produce fully functional toys, radios and other devices if a research program at the University of California (Berkeley, CA) is successful.

Approved vendor list (AVL): a listing of all approved sources, in addition to part descriptions and part numbers. Bill of materials (BOM): a comprehensive listing of all components and subassemblies

As outsourcing continues to evolve, it’s becoming more complicated. Indeed, depending on what acronym you use, outsourcing can mean different things to different people.