Conversation with: Bill B. Topic: Design for Automated Assembly (DFAA) Traditionally, when it is time to design a new product, the Designers focus on the product itself, and on the end-user experience. Companies that work smarter know to bring in Automation Engineers who can help the team consider the design of the individual components that … Read More
Conversation with: Matt D., Controls Engineer Topic: Functional Safety Requirements Safety has been on manufacturer’s minds since the Industrial Revolution, but ever since the U.S. Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 it has come to the forefront in an even more tangible way. From the 1960s on, robotics and automation have … Read More
Conversation with: Alex S., Mechanical Engineer Topic: Simulation in Automation When adding a new piece of equipment to your manufacturing line, one small mistake in the design can cause a variety of issues from project delays to lower production output. Before simulation and 3D modeling software was available, the design iteration process would require a … Read More
For most manufacturers, increased productivity means increased profit. We recently read an article from Electrek titled “Tesla now operates the most productive car factory in the US,” and it got our wheels turning. We’ve been considering what productivity is, what it means, and what you can do about it in this series of posts. When … Read More
For most manufacturers, increased productivity means increased profit. We recently read an article from Electrek titled “Tesla now operates the most productive car factory in the US,” and it got our wheels turning. We’ve been considering what productivity is, what it means, and what you can do about it in this series of posts. There … Read More
For most manufacturers, increased productivity means increased profit. We recently read an article from Electrek titled “Tesla now operates the most productive car factory in the US,” and it got our wheels turning. We’ve been considering what productivity is, what it means, and what you can do about it in this series of posts. As … Read More
Conversation with: Tom M., Senior Mechanical Engineer & Alex W., Senior Controls Engineer – Topic: Considerations for Robot EOAT (end-of-arm tooling) Design With the integration of robotic equipment in your manufacturing facility, you’ll open vast possibilities for the work you can accomplish. However, there is another necessary component beyond just the robotic arms and their … Read More
Conversation with: Mike T., Electrical Engineer Topic: Industrial Controls Architecture In the current manufacturing environment, it has become increasingly possible through Industrial IoT (internet of things) and Industry 4.0 to add sensors and communication protocols that tap into important product and process data from machines. For businesses that want to remain competitive, it has also … Read More
Conversation with: Mike P., Controls Engineering Manager Topic: Data Exchange / MIS As you know, in factories people and machines work together to reach production and bottom-line goals. One silent partner in the process that can ensure the system runs smoothly is data. How quickly is the line moving? What is the defect rate? How … Read More
Conversation with: Zach P., Controls Engineer Topic: Communication Protocols Proper communication protocols are critical to the success of your automation integration. Each piece of equipment in your factory needs to be able to “talk” to each other to ensure processes run correctly and your operation is streamlined. Depending on the manufacturer and type of equipment, … Read More