While assembly work has always been physically demanding, little is known about the overall consequences of cognitive loading on assemblers' performance, well-being, and the speed and quality of production. Cognitive under- or overloading can cause a lack of focus or distraction on one hand, or overwhelm on the other.
Valeo is a Tier One automotive supplier that specializes in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), interior, lighting, power train and thermal management systems. The $17 billion French company operates 184 plants in 31 countries around the world that support both traditional automakers and startups.
Electric motors in cars are omnipresent, but they are also well hidden. In today’s late model vehicles, more than 30 motors are typically used to power a variety of applications, including ABS pumps, central locking systems, exterior mirrors, seat adjusters, window regulators and windshield wipers.
Traditionally, tractors and other equipment used on farms and construction sites rely on loud, dirty diesel engines. But, that’s starting to change. A variety of manufacturers are unveiling battery-powered machinery that is energy efficient and powerful, yet quiet and environmentally friendly.
We tend to think of press fit assemblies as being relatively small. For example, a bushing for an automotive control arm assembly is typically less than 2 inches in diameter. But, much larger assemblies can also be accomplished with press fits, too.
There is a big difference between squeaky products and leaky products, especially in manufacturing. The former simply require a little grease, whereas the latter cause a lot of grief, to both the manufacturer and end-user.
Widespread testing is crucial for tracking the spread of COVID-19. As of April 19, the United States alone had performed almost 997 million tests for COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic, the highest number of any country.
Symphoni from ATS Automation is a compact, self-contained, pre-engineered automated assembly cell. Equipped with standard servo-controlled devices, including a high-speed delta robot, the cell can be configured to make a wide range of products, from simple two-piece assemblies to complex products having dozens of components and specialized processes.
A common misconception about big equipment is that it can’t be environmentally friendly. The gas turbine engine proves otherwise. It converts natural gas or other liquid fuels into mechanical energy, which is then used to drive a generator that produces electrical energy.
Supply chain delays continue to plague manufacturing, leaving companies with limited options to overcome the problem. The two most common approaches are to either diversify into multiple markets or improve one’s product quality and service.
‘Nothing lasts forever’ is an expression, and a reality, that manufacturers of all sizes know all too well. When a product stops working—for whatever reason—the end-user must either repair it or replace it.
Innovation is a principal driver of U.S. economic growth. In 2022, the U.S. will spend nearly $600 billion on research and development, more than any other country in the world and more than 25 percent of the world's total.
If you're trying to lose weight, some types of sandwiches are good. In particular, structural sandwiches are popular with engineers engaged in vehicle lightweighting efforts, because they can produce subassemblies that are both light and stiff.