Optical fiber is the backbone of today's digital economy. Global financial transactions, high-speed Internet access, online shopping, video gaming and other things that most people take for granted are possible because of thin strands of glass that transmit massive amounts of data every second.

Selecting the automated dispensing technology that is the best fit for a specific application is not a decision to be made lightly. This is understandable in light of the many technologies that are available, including the progressive cavity pump, auger valve, time-pressure valve and pneumatic jet valve.

There are many ways to crimp or flare a lip on a cylindrical part. For example, it can be done with a press or an orbital forming machine. However, the problem with those processes, particularly the former, is that they require a good deal of force.

ELBRIDGE, NY — Contract manufacturer Tessy Plastics announced plans to add 100,000 square feet of warehouse space to its 190,000-square-foot manufacturing plant here for additional storage of medical products.

SANDY, UT—Spectrum Plastics Group doubled the size of its manufacturing facility for vascular technology here to 100,000 square feet as part of an expansion expected to create 100 jobs.

INDIANAPOLIS—Eli Lilly & Co. recently announced that it will create 100 new jobs here as a result of investing $400 million in manufacturing facilities at the company's Lilly Technology Center campus.