2016 November

Industry 4.0: Myths vs. Reality

Digital convergence is ushering in a new era of smart factories.

November 3, 2016

In the nautical disaster movie, “The Perfect Storm,” three weather fronts converge off the coast of New England to create one of the fiercest storms in U.S. history. A similar convergence is occurring in the manufacturing world today. It’s called Industry 4.0 and it promises to transform the way that engineers design and build products over the next two decades.

Statistical Process Control of Torque Data on Assembly Lines

Power tools collect a wealth of data about the fastening process, but what can engineers learn from it?

John Sprovieri

November 7, 2016

Power tools collect a wealth of data about the fastening process. With some simple statistical analysis, engineers can obtain valuable insight into the fastening process.

Modular Automation Components

A wide range of ready-to-install components and subassemblies enable manufacturers and integrators to quickly build custom automated assembly machines.

Jim Camillo

November 7, 2016

At some point during a philosophy 101 class, college students learn about Aristotle’s belief that the best way to understand something is to break it down to the smallest components. For an increasing number of manufacturers and integrators, however, the best way to assemble a product is to use a machine built with modular automation components that quickly and easily fit together.

What’s New With Machine Vision Systems

New technology is making vision systems faster, more reliable and easier to use.

John Sprovieri

November 7, 2016

Vision systems play a vital role in automated assembly systems. They can check for the presence or absence of parts or materials. They can measure key dimensions of assemblies. They can tell robots the precise location of parts. They can even read 1D and 2D codes.

Reinventing the (Steering) Wheel

Austin Weber

November 2, 2016

With all the hype surrounding self-driving cars these days, steering wheels seem a bit archaic. Some experts claim the humble device will soon find itself alongside bench seats, carburetors, chrome bumpers, hubcaps and other relics of the past.

Innovation Is Big Winner in Latest College Poll

Austin Weber

November 7, 2016

This time of the year, many football fans pay close attention to the weekly Associated Press (AP) college poll. Recently, one of AP’s big rivals released another kind of ranking that’s also sure to stir debate.

Tool Changers Maximize Productivity in Robotic Welding Cell

Jim Camillo

November 3, 2016

When the market demands products be made better or faster, manufacturers must respond in kind. For manufacturers in many industries, robots are essential to meeting these ever-changing customer needs.

Chinese Automaker Uses Vision-Guided Robots to Securely Handle Parts

Jim Camillo

November 3, 2016

Just a few decades ago, the typical American or European driver would never have believed that China, a communist country, would one day be the world’s largest car producer (by volume).

Window, Door Manufacturer Optimizes Equipment Maintenance With Software

Jim Camillo

November 3, 2016

Builders, replacement-window professionals and homeowners have relied on products from Atrium Windows and Doors (AWD) since 1946.

Cartesian Robot Doubles Output of Solar Lego Modules

Jim Camillo

November 3, 2016

Traditional solar panel installations require expensive and time-consuming assembly of custom mounting systems on a roof, which can ultimately slow adoption.

Is the skills gap a myth?

John Sprovieri

November 2, 2016

A persistent theme in the business press is the presence of a skills gap in America. Thousands of U.S. manufacturing jobs are unfilled because there are simply not enough qualified workers.