John has been with ASSEMBLY magazine since February 1997. John was formerly with a national medical news magazine, and has written for Pathology Today and the Green Bay Press-Gazette. John holds a B.A. in journalism from Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism.
Accenture’s new report, Rethinking the Course to Manufacturing’s Future, shows that AI, automation and digital technologies will become increasingly important in manufacturing.
Flexibility on assembly lines is more important than ever. A product that was run one week may not get produced at all the next. Assembly cells must be rearranged; part supplies must be repositioned; and it all must be done quickly and efficiently.
The choice of pneumatic or electric actuators involves an evaluation of performance, component costs, system costs and productivity gains. Each has inherent advantages and disadvantages. Perhaps one of these new motion control products can play a role in your next machine design.
The Agile Slim precision link conveyor chassis can be oriented in any attitude, and it can be equipped for indexing and continuous motion transfer. The conveyor provides greater rigidity and flexibility than conventional rotary and linear indexing systems.