Articles by Austin Weber

Like it or not, green manufacturing activity continues to increase. Actions include everything from plantwide recycling programs to installing new energy-efficient lighting systems.

As engineers continue to accept early retirement packages, there is less and less experience roaming around on plant floors today.

Assembly professionals are working harder than ever to make themselves indispensable in the workplace. They're also using social media sites to stay connected with colleagues and friends.

Engineers at Imperial College London are developing a composite material that can store and discharge electrical energy, but is also strong and lightweight enough to be used for car parts.

Nanocomp Technologies Inc. is working with the U.S. Air Force to develop wiring and shielding panels from carbon nanotubes.

Once upon a time, summer camp was a place out in the woods with fresh air, hiking trails, a cold lake and lots of mosquitoes. Today, there are lots of alternatives, ranging from space camp to band camp. Now comes . . . manufacturing camp.

First, GM pulled the plug on Saturn. Now, Ford has ended Mercury. Does this planetary demise foretell doom for Detroit?

Small springs can be difficult to handle with automated assembly equipment, but large springs also present challenges.

Springs come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and materials.

Traditionally, consumers use mechanical buttons, knobs, dials, sliders and switches to adjust time, temperature and other settings on household appliances. However, engineers have been experimenting with a wide variety of touch-sensitive interface technologies that make appliances easier to use and more aesthetically pleasing to look at. The new displays and controls found in refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, microwaves, coffee makers, washing machines and other products are inspired by the consumer electronics industry.