By Anjesh Shekhar Machine learning can help organizations improve manufacturing operations and increase efficiency, productivity, and safety by analyzing data from connected machines and sensors, machine. For example, its algorithms can predict when equipment will likely fail, so manufacturers can schedule maintenance before problems occur, thereby reducing downtime and repair costs. How machine learning works…
Embedded vision – What It Is and How It Works
By Frantisek (Frank) Jakubec Embedded vision is a rapidly growing field that combines computer vision and embedded systems with cameras or other imaging sensors, enabling devices to interpret and understand the visual world around them – as humans do. This technology, with broad applications, is expected to revolutionize how we interact with technology and the…
Identify Failures Before They Happen: The PF Curve
By Tom Knauer The P-F curve is often mentioned in condition monitoring and predictive maintenance discussions. “P-F” refers to the interval between the detection of a potential failure (P) and the occurrence of a functional failure (F). The P-F curve is an illustrative generalization of what happens to an asset, machine or component as it…
Lithium Ion Battery Manufacturing – RFID is on a Roll
By Max Baker With more and more consumers setting their sights on ‘Drive Electric,’ manufacturers must prepare themselves for alternative solutions to combustion engines. This change will no doubt require an alternative automation strategy for our electric futures. The battery The driving force behind these new electric vehicles is, of course, the battery. With this…
Guided Changeover Solution Reduced Can Labeler Changeover Downtime by 50%
Reduce format change downtime. Improve ramp up of the production line. after a completion of changeover. Reduce training requirements and the need for experienced personnel. Increase productivity and profitability. A global leader in food manufacturing had a specific need to improve production efficiency. After evaluating and piloting they decided to implement the Balluff “Guided Changeover…
Snap Signal® Simplifies Smart Automation
In today’s manufacturing environment, data is everything. Capturing that valuable data—information that can guide critical decisions about production, labor, and machine maintenance—can be accomplished using existing sensors and other devices without a wholesale device changeout. The ability to capture actionable machine data from across a factory is central to Banner Engineering’s Snap Signal series, a…
Electronic valve technology
The following is an overview of different technologies available when selecting the correct electronic valve for your application. Spider Valve Technology Invented and patented by Clippard, this deceptively simple design features only one moving part with a mere 0.007″ of travel. The spider is an armature spring that undergoes a variety of proprietary processes, including…
Boosting OEE with IO-Link
An open global standard for bi-directional serial communication among sensors and other devices, IO-Link provides simplified installation, automated parameter setting, and expanded diagnostics. Because these systems use an open standard, IO-Link enabled sensors, hubs, masters, and other devices can be integrated into almost any fieldbus or automation system. IO-Link systems have many advantages and abilities,…
Invention, History and Timeline of the Wave Spring
By Justyna Rapacz, Marketing Engineer Brief History of Springs Springs have been helping the world go around for thousands of years. In fact, spring technology goes back to the “bow and arrow” ages. A non-coiled spring was used in a bow and arrow dating back 64,000 thousand years ago. The first coiled spring was invented…
Data-Driven Decision Making
Making decisions based on data, not projections or expected results, can produce far more accurate and efficient outcomes regarding your equipment. Sensor data can be collected and turned into information useful far beyond the narrow scope of part presence or absence. This information can be used to help users objectively make critical decisions such as…
At the Forefront of Smarter Automation
Traditional automation on the manufacturing floor has been machines that take input and give output. Operators give instructions to the equipment which then performs the requested procedures more efficiently than people can do. However, this automation equipment has offered little in the way of monitoring capabilities. With the advent of the Industrial Internet of Things,…
Pushing performance: Adding functionality to terminal blocks
By Clayton Windsor Terminal blocks are used industry wide and often thought of as a simple component to connect one wire to another. Most of the time that is exactly the case. However, there are many different varieties of terminals that users can consider, including additional functionality such as fusing, disconnect, or electronic components for…
The Keys to a Successful Mold Transfer
By PTI Engineered Plastics Sometimes the best-laid plans are unattainable. When this happens during production, the results can be devastating. Time, money, and effort may seem wasted — which is no small loss during a product launch or ongoing production. Just imagine halting the injection molding process of a critical component used in a medical…
A new dimension of manufacturing
With ACOPOS 6D, B&R heralds a new era of manufacturing. Shuttles carry individual products freely through the machine, powered by magnetic levitation. Gone are the days when conventional transport systems imposed rigidly defined timing on the production process. ACOPOS 6D enables economical small-batch production with frequent changeover between products of different designs and dimensions. ACOPOS…
Top 6 overlooked benefits of a custom-engineered design
Could switching to a custom save you money? By Justyna Rapacz, Marketing Engineer Picture this – you’re looking at our retaining ring selection guide to find a ring suitable for your application. You locate a ring series that looks promising. You flip through the catalog in search of the standard part, only to discover that the required…
How does RPA fit into modern automation solutions?
In the world of automation, AI and robotics are the hottest topics. Nearly any discussion about automation eventually makes its way back to them. Rarely, however, is robotic process automation (RPA) talked about. This blog will do just that, discussing how RPA came about, when and why it’s used, and how it stacks up against…
Empowering Workers
Today’s original equipment makers find themselves at the intersection of Industry 4.0 technology and craftsmanship in training workers. A Respect for Craftsmanship Matches Workforce Skills with Technology Italian companies have long been admired for their craftsmanship and respect for the expertise of their workers. Workforce training is an integral part of their culture. Today, as…
Top Technologies
Technology is transforming Italian machinery in every industry, from new hardware and software to new materials and processes. Italian Machine Builders Are Creating New Ways to Build Products the World Needs Italian companies are investing in creating more powerful and longer lasting batteries, 3D sensors and other quality control systems for developing new e-mobility motors,…
Sustainable Food
From farm to table, the food industry is working hard to deliver healthier eating and sustainable production processes. Italian companies have long been leaders in the crafting of equipment to make high-quality food products. Today they’ve taken a similar leadership role in making healthy and sustainable products and packaging for the food processing industry. Compostable…
Smart Machines
Smarter machines make products faster, of greater quality, achieving higher throughput and using less energy, water and other resources, and shaping the future of manufacturing. Merging Electronic and Mechanical Technologies Transform Machinery Redeploying waste on a construction site and turning it into a new resource, using digital technologies to create a new architectural material, or…
Q&A With HELU: Design Considerations for Dynamic Applications – Part 1 of 3
In this first of three Q&A sessions Keith Wilkerson, Business Segment Manager for Robotics and Automation, will discuss some of the key design parameters and challenges cable manufacturers face when developing new drag chain and torsion-rated cable solutions for the ever-changing needs of OEMs and end users. By Keith Wilkerson, Business Segment Manager for Robotics…
How to choose a safe and effective counterbalancing system
Strenuous movements that include heavy lifting, pushing, or straining account for most non-fatal workplace injuries across the United States. In fact, 84% of injuries resulting in time away from work are caused by overexertion, reactions (such as slips or falls), or hazardous contact with objects and equipment. What’s more: employees 45 to 55 are most…
What’s the difference between a wave spring and a coil spring?
Custom or standard, Smalley takes great pride in its unparalleled dedication to delivering quality wave spring solutions for a variety of industries. Both wave springs and traditional coil springs fall under the category of compression springs. While the primary function of a compression spring is to provide axial load, wave springs have a few key differences and advantages when compared to coil springs. Wave…
WAGO’s smartDESIGNER Online Provides Seamless Progression for Projects
By Barry Nelson, Public Relations Coordinator – WAGO Corporation Engineers continue to look for innovations in design software whether it is improved accuracy, higher capability, more graphical use interface or better technical support. The one constant, however, is that it must be user-friendly. Many programs today are trying their best to make it easier for…
Get to Know Würth Industrial Division
By Würth Industry North America Maintaining the right stock of C-Parts, which have low value but high procurement and processing costs, can be an expensive, time-consuming process. Why not leave that to us? Our comprehensive inventory management support goes beyond the physical systems and solutions we offer—it extends to the expertise and service we provide…