Methods Machine Tools has built top-notch automation equipment in North America since the late 1950s. It has seven regional technical centers across the United States, including one in Wixom, MI, that focuses on automotive applications.
When designing a complex machine, engineers have two options. They can get all parts of the system—controller, drives, motors, I/O and human-machine interface (HMI)—from a single vendor. Or, they can pick and choose devices from mul-tiple suppliers.
Choosing between linear and rotary indexers for an automated assembly application depends on application requirements and space availability on the plant floor.
GUANGZHOU, China—Robots are playing a greater role in Chinese industry as manufacturers there feel the pressure of a severe worker shortage and soaring labor costs.
EVANSVILLE, IN—Systems integrator Evana Automation Specialists has shipped two multistation assembly systems to a Tier 1 automotive supplier to produce lane-departure warning systems.
BRISTOL, CT—Systems integrator The Arthur G. Russell Co. Inc. has acquired Bodine Automation Technology, a division of Missouri-based DTE. The Bodine assets acquired include its intellectual property, engineering/service operations, and parts inventory.
There are two opposite ways to equip factories to respond quickly to downstream customer orders: One way is for sequential production, and the other is for concurrent production. Both draw heavily from best practices in lean manufacturing.
All cylinder locks may look alike on the outside, but on the inside, each is unique. Internal cylinder components include core pins, springs and sealing plugs—all of which require precise insertion.
CAMBRIDGE, ON—ATS Automation Tooling Systems Inc. will acquire M+W Process Automation GmbH and ProFocus LLC, two providers of engineering-based automation services.