In the early 1980s, a product design methodology called design for assembly (DFA) began to gain popularity. It focused on improving efficiency by evaluating the amount of labor required for assembly. Since that time, the DFA methodology has been adopted with much success by more than 850 corporations.

Times were tough for the Timken Co. at the start of the 21st century. In March 2000, the Canton, OH-based manufacturer of antifriction roller bearings and related components announced plans to cut 600 jobs worldwide—after having trimmed 1,700 jobs in the previous two years. It also closed plants in Australia and England, and was relying more heavily on sources of steel outside the United States.

With an eye to the future, the U.S. Army held its Joint Multi-Role (JMR) competition in June 2014 to select the next generation of high-speed-rotorcraft helicopters.

Aerospace engineers are pushing the boundaries of 3D printing.

Problem solving starts before a problem is even defined.

Functionality and ergonomics are becoming increasingly important to furniture manufacturers around the world.

There's no mistaking the specialty of Tier 1 supplier American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM). This company designs and manufactures driveline and drivetrain systems for light trucks, SUVs, crossover vehicles and passenger cars.

Ever-increasing internal and external drive styles give design engineers more ways to effectively transfer torque from tool to fastener.

Product designers and artists share a similar trait: They love to create things. How appropriate then, that product designers at Chicago-based Morphix Inc. are dedicated to making high-quality specialty tools for tattoo artists worldwide.

Every manufacturer has three goals related to product costs: keep them low, consistent and competitive.