Lasers on the Cutting Edge November 1, 2017 In the last seven to eight years, solid-state lasers have come to dominate laser welding and cutting,” said Tom Bailey, product specialist for Trumpf Inc. (Farmington, CT). While Trumpf still produces CO2 lasers, for most applications solid-state lasers literally outshine them.
Smart Tools’ Target: Data Analysis, Not Paralysis November 28, 2017 The road to manufacturing success today runs through the mountain of data that tools are generating in metalcutting applications, and most importantly communicating and reacting to in real time on the shop floor.
Power of AM to approach zero inventory is growing October 17, 2017 What is good about inventory? Being able to find a part when you need it. What’s not so good about inventory? Where to even start…
The IT Director Who Guided Hitachi to 'One Common Code Set'—From Norman, OK October 17, 2017 The 70-acre Hitachi campus in Norman, Okla., where Michelle Mertens serves as IT director for Hitachi computer products employs just 400 people. And while that pales in comparison to the more than 700 people Hitachi employs in Asia, her factory led a worldwide initiative under which Hitachi unified its shop floor systems.
‘The democratization of manufacturing’ October 12, 2017 In an interview with Manufacturing Engineering Editor in Chief Alan Rooks, DIEGO TAMBURINI, senior design and manufacturing industry strategist for Autodesk, details key strategies for remaining competitive and spells out the IIoT opportunity for manufacturers.
New materials hard to come by for medical device makers October 17, 2017 When it comes to using new materials, medical and dental device makers are ultra-conservative—because they need to clear devices through a thicket of federal regulators.
Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed singing praises of composites October 12, 2017 Starting with the primitive laminates of the Wright Brothers era, the use of composites in aircraft has evolved over the last century from small amounts on nonstructural components to up to half of some aircraft and use on critical structures, such as wings. A key benefit is reducing weight.
Use of ‘shadow IT’ solutions in data sharing can be avoided October 3, 2017 In an effort to make products better, faster and stronger, the manufacturing process has grown significantly more complex in recent years. Technology and automation play much larger roles. The supply chain is longer and more diverse. Measuring processes with an eye on improving performance, finding efficiencies and increasing the bottom line has become all consuming.
For Those Scrutinizing Weight of Cars and Trucks, the Marathon Continues October 11, 2017 The Management Briefing Seminars, organized by the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, MI, is a summer tradition in the auto industry. Professionals gather outside of the northwest Michigan resort town of Traverse City to examine industry issues.
Manufacturers Urged to Embrace AI September 27, 2017 Manufacturers need to embrace artificial intelligence to make their operations more efficient, a consultant said.
