For several months now, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to medical-device manufacturers and machine builders worldwide.

Manufacturers of automated machinery often receive requests to feed and orient ordinary plastics caps, but even an ordinary cap can have features that can cause part "behaviors" that present challenges during the feeding process.

Industry 4.0 concepts necessitate highly flexible and modular production equipment. A good example is the new CresaLine small-parts assembly system from Swiss machine builder and integrator Credimex AG.

One of the simplest devices for partially automating an assembly process is a rotary indexing table. This device consists of a circular steel plate and a drive for turning it.

Based in Wichita, KS, H&R Parts Co. Inc. has been producing aluminum parts and assemblies for the aerospace industry since 1955.

A construction equipment manufacturer needed a way to feed a family of large, heavy castings. The castings range in weight from a few ounces up to a few pounds and come in many geometric shapes.

Most people would agree that the proverb, "The squeaky wheel gets the grease," is not meant to be taken literally. To them, the expression conveys the idea that the most important problems are the ones most likely to get attention.

Vibratory bowl feeders are not the only way to feed parts. One alternative is the centrifugal feeder. This type of feeder is comprised of a rotating center disc mounted on an angle and a horizontally mounted rotating bowl.

Face masks are in short supply, but a new "factory in a box" designed by systems integrator Mikron could solve the problem.

Manufacturers are under pressure to reduce their overall energy consumption, improve sustainability and save money.