Austin has been senior editor for ASSEMBLY Magazine since September 1999. He has more than 21 years of b-to-b publishing experience and has written about a wide variety of manufacturing and engineering topics. Austin is a graduate of the University of Michigan.
For centuries, engineers and inventors have attempted to fly by flapping bird-like wings. Leonardo da Vinci sketched the first human-powered ornithopter in 1485, but it remained an elusive dream until recently.
Whether joining two wires together or attaching multiple wires directly to a terminal or assembly, engineers must choose between resistance welding, soldering and ultrasonic welding.
Eaton Corp.'s Lincoln, IL, plant is the recipient of the 2010 Assembly Plant of the Year award. But, the other four finalists are also quite impressive, because they have improved productivity by harnessing technology and lean manufacturing principles.
Medical device manufacturers are scrambling to create new products that tap into the home healthcare trend. They’re focusing on areas such as fall prevention, bed sore prevention, patient health records and remote patient monitoring.
Demand for at-home medical devices will skyrocket as soon as the telehealth field takes-off. According to a recent study conducted by InMedica, demand for home-use digital blood-glucose meters, blood pressure monitors, weight scales, pulse oximeters and peak flow meters will increase during the next three years.