In This Issue

During 2011, companies with no continuous-improvement (CI) programs fared worse than those with such programs in terms of anticipated revenue growth, anticipated operating income growth, and cash flow.

Robotic gas metal arc welding (GMAW) holds the potential to deliver quality welds. It also is well-suited to everything from low-volume/high-variety applications to high-volume/low-variety manufacturing. Productivity—and profitability—gains can be achieved as well.

The Coordinate Metrology Society has issued a call for papers for the 2012 Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference (CMSC). Suggested topics include industry best practices, scientific research and developments, and successful applications of 3-D coordinate measurement systems.

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) was introduced in 2003 by the European Union to restrict the usage of six hazardous substances in the manufacturing of various types of electrical and electronic products and equipment. The directive has many facets, categories exemptions and exclusions. To make sense of RoHS, Venkel Ltd. (Austin, TX), a supplier of surface mount components, has published an infographic that provides an overview of the directive.

FDAnews has revised its Guide to Medical Device Regulations for the first time in three years. It includes full texts of every device-related regulation currently in force, plus executive summaries and analyses outlining their impact.