Austin Weber

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.

Demand for composite materials is growing rapidly, as manufacturers in many industries scramble to find new ways to reduce weight, eliminate corrosion and enhance durability. Composites have high strength-to-weight ratios that often exceed steel and aluminum, which promotes weight savings. In addition, composite materials are dimensionally stable, provide design flexibility and create part consolidation opportunities for engineers.

As hydraulic hoses are replaced with electric wires, more harnesses will probably be required in vehicles.

As demand for unmanned military vehicles grows, smaller, lighter and more powerful batteries will be needed.

The North American auto industry is converting to a metric wire standard, as it produces more and more global vehicle platforms. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors will begin converting to ISO 6722 wire on new product lines. However, all carryover vehicles will continue to use SAE J1128 wire.

Both recipients of 2010 Shingo Prize are assembly plants in Mexico. This is the first time since 1988 that the prestigious operational excellence award did not go to at least one U.S.-based plant. Is this anything to be alarmed about?