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Manufacturing Engineering: September 2019

The September 2019 edition of Manufacturing Engineering is available as a digital magazine. Links to individual articles are below.
The Chrysler Pacifica assembly plant.

Lightweighting’s New Phase

September 3, 2019
Earlier this decade, the auto industry moved to lighten cars and trucks. It was supposed to be a competition between steel, long the dominant vehicle material, and aluminum. The latter got a boost when Ford Motor Co., Dearborn, Mich., bet big on aluminum, making aluminum bodies for its F-150 and Super Duty pickups.
Bill Koenig
By Bill Koenig Senior Editor, SME Media
A truck motor at Navistar’s Hunstville, Ala., manufacturing facility.

‘Disruptive’ Manufacturing Drives Heavy-Duty Truck Makers

September 3, 2019
Future challenges in the heavy-duty truck industry require continual evolution of materials and methods to give greater versatility in their manufacturing processes. This is due to advances in technology, the impact of regulations, demand fluctuation and competition, and customer expectations.
By Frank Burke Contributing Writer, SME Media

Revving Up Tooling and Machining Strategies for Auto Parts

September 4, 2019
Perhaps the most common challenge in automotive machining these days is aluminum. “Even chassis components are transitioning to aluminum due to the higher strength properties achieved by forging aluminum,” explained Jeff Gimino, PCD and CBN product specialist for Walter USA, Waukesha, Wis.
Ed Sinkora
By Ed Sinkora Contributing Editor, SME Media
Ram 1500

Automotive: Cutting the Strong Stuff

September 4, 2019
If you’ve recently visited planet Earth after being away for several decades, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn how the steel industry, automakers and their suppliers have been working together collaboratively to develop steels that are stronger, lighter and able to meet stringent safety, emissions and fuel economy standards.
Jim Lorincz
By Jim Lorincz Contributing Editor, SME Media
Hexagon HP-L-5.8

CMMs in the Wide World of Metrology

September 5, 2019
There are numerous alternatives to the now venerable coordinate measuring machine, or CMM. Sensors like video cameras, structured light systems and handheld laser scanners have come of age. These sensors collect data in ways far different than the traditional tactile probe-equipped CMM. Some see these as encroaching on its turf. Has the heyday of the CMM come and gone?
Bruce Morey
By Bruce Morey Senior Technical Editor, SME Media
A technician checking a Meg-Alert panel.

Continuous Insulation Resistance Testing Boosts Motor Productivity

September 11, 2019
For decades, plant personnel have performed insulation resistance tests with handheld megohmmeters to prevent motor failures that lead to costly unplanned shutdowns, failure-to-produce penalties and rewinding repairs. However, these tests only provide a “snapshot” of motor health. In a matter of days, motor windings and cables exposed to moisture, chemicals, contaminants or vibration can be compromised and fail at startup.
By Rick Zelm Vice President, Meg-Alert

Shop Solutions

  • SMART MANUFACTURING

    Humanoids on the Factory Floor: The Next Frontier of Automation

    Alex Greenberg, Director of Robotics 4.0 Simulation, Siemens Digital Industries Software January 24, 2026
    Manufacturers are increasingly interested in humanoid robots due to persistent labor and skills shortages, rising product complexity, and the need for greater operational resilience. Humanoids promise flexibility: Their humanlike form allows them to operate in environments designed for people, using existing tools and workstations without extensive reconfiguration.
  • SME SPEAKS

    Forging the Future: How AI and Robotics Shape the Workforce

    Jake Okun, Instructor, School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks SME Member since 2022; 2025 30 Under 30 Honoree January 24, 2026
    The hum of machinery. The rhythm of creation. The spark in the eyes of my students the first time they bring an idea to life through code, motion and metal is where the future begins for me every day. As a faculty member at Arizona State University, I have the privilege of teaching the next generation of engineers, innovators and dreamers. My mission is simple: to help students not only prepare for the workforce but also discover the excitement and endless possibilities that manufacturing, robotics and AI can offer as they discover their futures.
  • MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

    Lessons From the Shop Floor

    Kip Hanson January 23, 2026
    One of my most memorable lessons in the machine shop came from John “Blackie” Armstrong. I was but a few weeks on the job when he leaned over and said, “It doesn’t matter how you do it, just be sure you do it the same way every time.”

Up Front

  • SMART MANUFACTURING

    Humanoids on the Factory Floor: The Next Frontier of Automation

    Alex Greenberg, Director of Robotics 4.0 Simulation, Siemens Digital Industries Software January 24, 2026
    Manufacturers are increasingly interested in humanoid robots due to persistent labor and skills shortages, rising product complexity, and the need for greater operational resilience. Humanoids promise flexibility: Their humanlike form allows them to operate in environments designed for people, using existing tools and workstations without extensive reconfiguration.
  • SME SPEAKS

    Forging the Future: How AI and Robotics Shape the Workforce

    Jake Okun, Instructor, School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks SME Member since 2022; 2025 30 Under 30 Honoree January 24, 2026
    The hum of machinery. The rhythm of creation. The spark in the eyes of my students the first time they bring an idea to life through code, motion and metal is where the future begins for me every day. As a faculty member at Arizona State University, I have the privilege of teaching the next generation of engineers, innovators and dreamers. My mission is simple: to help students not only prepare for the workforce but also discover the excitement and endless possibilities that manufacturing, robotics and AI can offer as they discover their futures.
  • MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

    Lessons From the Shop Floor

    Kip Hanson January 23, 2026
    One of my most memorable lessons in the machine shop came from John “Blackie” Armstrong. I was but a few weeks on the job when he leaned over and said, “It doesn’t matter how you do it, just be sure you do it the same way every time.”

Advanced Manufacturing Now

  • SMART MANUFACTURING

    Humanoids on the Factory Floor: The Next Frontier of Automation

    Alex Greenberg, Director of Robotics 4.0 Simulation, Siemens Digital Industries Software January 24, 2026
    Manufacturers are increasingly interested in humanoid robots due to persistent labor and skills shortages, rising product complexity, and the need for greater operational resilience. Humanoids promise flexibility: Their humanlike form allows them to operate in environments designed for people, using existing tools and workstations without extensive reconfiguration.
  • SME SPEAKS

    Forging the Future: How AI and Robotics Shape the Workforce

    Jake Okun, Instructor, School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks SME Member since 2022; 2025 30 Under 30 Honoree January 24, 2026
    The hum of machinery. The rhythm of creation. The spark in the eyes of my students the first time they bring an idea to life through code, motion and metal is where the future begins for me every day. As a faculty member at Arizona State University, I have the privilege of teaching the next generation of engineers, innovators and dreamers. My mission is simple: to help students not only prepare for the workforce but also discover the excitement and endless possibilities that manufacturing, robotics and AI can offer as they discover their futures.
  • MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

    Lessons From the Shop Floor

    Kip Hanson January 23, 2026
    One of my most memorable lessons in the machine shop came from John “Blackie” Armstrong. I was but a few weeks on the job when he leaned over and said, “It doesn’t matter how you do it, just be sure you do it the same way every time.”

SME Speaks

  • SMART MANUFACTURING

    Humanoids on the Factory Floor: The Next Frontier of Automation

    Alex Greenberg, Director of Robotics 4.0 Simulation, Siemens Digital Industries Software January 24, 2026
    Manufacturers are increasingly interested in humanoid robots due to persistent labor and skills shortages, rising product complexity, and the need for greater operational resilience. Humanoids promise flexibility: Their humanlike form allows them to operate in environments designed for people, using existing tools and workstations without extensive reconfiguration.
  • SME SPEAKS

    Forging the Future: How AI and Robotics Shape the Workforce

    Jake Okun, Instructor, School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks SME Member since 2022; 2025 30 Under 30 Honoree January 24, 2026
    The hum of machinery. The rhythm of creation. The spark in the eyes of my students the first time they bring an idea to life through code, motion and metal is where the future begins for me every day. As a faculty member at Arizona State University, I have the privilege of teaching the next generation of engineers, innovators and dreamers. My mission is simple: to help students not only prepare for the workforce but also discover the excitement and endless possibilities that manufacturing, robotics and AI can offer as they discover their futures.
  • MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

    Lessons From the Shop Floor

    Kip Hanson January 23, 2026
    One of my most memorable lessons in the machine shop came from John “Blackie” Armstrong. I was but a few weeks on the job when he leaned over and said, “It doesn’t matter how you do it, just be sure you do it the same way every time.”

Software Update

  • SMART MANUFACTURING

    Humanoids on the Factory Floor: The Next Frontier of Automation

    Alex Greenberg, Director of Robotics 4.0 Simulation, Siemens Digital Industries Software January 24, 2026
    Manufacturers are increasingly interested in humanoid robots due to persistent labor and skills shortages, rising product complexity, and the need for greater operational resilience. Humanoids promise flexibility: Their humanlike form allows them to operate in environments designed for people, using existing tools and workstations without extensive reconfiguration.
  • SME SPEAKS

    Forging the Future: How AI and Robotics Shape the Workforce

    Jake Okun, Instructor, School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks SME Member since 2022; 2025 30 Under 30 Honoree January 24, 2026
    The hum of machinery. The rhythm of creation. The spark in the eyes of my students the first time they bring an idea to life through code, motion and metal is where the future begins for me every day. As a faculty member at Arizona State University, I have the privilege of teaching the next generation of engineers, innovators and dreamers. My mission is simple: to help students not only prepare for the workforce but also discover the excitement and endless possibilities that manufacturing, robotics and AI can offer as they discover their futures.
  • MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

    Lessons From the Shop Floor

    Kip Hanson January 23, 2026
    One of my most memorable lessons in the machine shop came from John “Blackie” Armstrong. I was but a few weeks on the job when he leaned over and said, “It doesn’t matter how you do it, just be sure you do it the same way every time.”

Workforce Pipeline

  • SMART MANUFACTURING

    Humanoids on the Factory Floor: The Next Frontier of Automation

    Alex Greenberg, Director of Robotics 4.0 Simulation, Siemens Digital Industries Software January 24, 2026
    Manufacturers are increasingly interested in humanoid robots due to persistent labor and skills shortages, rising product complexity, and the need for greater operational resilience. Humanoids promise flexibility: Their humanlike form allows them to operate in environments designed for people, using existing tools and workstations without extensive reconfiguration.
  • SME SPEAKS

    Forging the Future: How AI and Robotics Shape the Workforce

    Jake Okun, Instructor, School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks SME Member since 2022; 2025 30 Under 30 Honoree January 24, 2026
    The hum of machinery. The rhythm of creation. The spark in the eyes of my students the first time they bring an idea to life through code, motion and metal is where the future begins for me every day. As a faculty member at Arizona State University, I have the privilege of teaching the next generation of engineers, innovators and dreamers. My mission is simple: to help students not only prepare for the workforce but also discover the excitement and endless possibilities that manufacturing, robotics and AI can offer as they discover their futures.
  • MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

    Lessons From the Shop Floor

    Kip Hanson January 23, 2026
    One of my most memorable lessons in the machine shop came from John “Blackie” Armstrong. I was but a few weeks on the job when he leaned over and said, “It doesn’t matter how you do it, just be sure you do it the same way every time.”

Viewpoints

  • SMART MANUFACTURING

    Humanoids on the Factory Floor: The Next Frontier of Automation

    Alex Greenberg, Director of Robotics 4.0 Simulation, Siemens Digital Industries Software January 24, 2026
    Manufacturers are increasingly interested in humanoid robots due to persistent labor and skills shortages, rising product complexity, and the need for greater operational resilience. Humanoids promise flexibility: Their humanlike form allows them to operate in environments designed for people, using existing tools and workstations without extensive reconfiguration.
  • SME SPEAKS

    Forging the Future: How AI and Robotics Shape the Workforce

    Jake Okun, Instructor, School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks SME Member since 2022; 2025 30 Under 30 Honoree January 24, 2026
    The hum of machinery. The rhythm of creation. The spark in the eyes of my students the first time they bring an idea to life through code, motion and metal is where the future begins for me every day. As a faculty member at Arizona State University, I have the privilege of teaching the next generation of engineers, innovators and dreamers. My mission is simple: to help students not only prepare for the workforce but also discover the excitement and endless possibilities that manufacturing, robotics and AI can offer as they discover their futures.
  • MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

    Lessons From the Shop Floor

    Kip Hanson January 23, 2026
    One of my most memorable lessons in the machine shop came from John “Blackie” Armstrong. I was but a few weeks on the job when he leaned over and said, “It doesn’t matter how you do it, just be sure you do it the same way every time.”

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