Articles Tagged with ''factory automation''

“Always use the right tool for the job.” The old adage is applicable whether you’re talking about a hand tool or something as sophisticated as an industrial robot.

We tend to think of press fit assemblies as being relatively small. For example, a bushing for an automotive control arm assembly is typically less than 2 inches in diameter. But, much larger assemblies can also be accomplished with press fits, too.

There is a big difference between squeaky products and leaky products, especially in manufacturing. The former simply require a little grease, whereas the latter cause a lot of grief, to both the manufacturer and end-user.

Like all manufacturers, fabricators know that they must change when the marketplace requires it. Some of them even welcome the chance to do different things, or at least do them differently.

Resilient supply chains are fundamental to our national security and economic prosperity. The pandemic-induced collapse of global supply chains has launched a national movement to strengthen domestic manufacturing.

The iconic Fiat 500 is a legendary automobile. In Italy, the cinquecento is considered to be the "people’s car." Since 1957, more than 6 million units have been mass-produced. The subcompact vehicle is even part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

For decades, automakers have primarily used robots for welding and painting. Final assembly lines were considered too complex and too unsafe for automation. However, that is changing.

Metal-plastic composites (MPCs) have many advantages for producing lightweight structures. They are lighter than steel, yet very strong. They can be shaped using standard cold-forming processes. And, they are less expensive than aluminum alloys.

Despite its advanced capabilities, automation equipment used on assembly lines remains susceptible to failure. This presents manufacturers with the ongoing challenge of preventing unplanned equipment downtime, which is always disruptive and costly.

Justifying automation has never been easier. The Covid pandemic, coupled with a severe worker shortage, a widening skills gap and the "great resignation," has increased demand for automated guided vehicles, conveyors, robots and other types of equipment.