Smart Manufacturing: May 2018
The May 2018 edition of Smart Manufacturing is available as a digital magazine. Links to individual articles are below.
To Each His Own: Batch Size 1 Arrives
March 30, 2018
New systems, software and processes are replacing so-called islands of automation with seamless, automated manufacturing lines that boost overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) from 30 to 80% or more. Like a chess master, these systems think multiple moves ahead on the factory floor to ensure continuing production when circumstances change.
Six-axis cobots serving as automation ambassadors
April 3, 2018
Have collaborative, six-axis robots reached a tipping point in establishing their niche in manufacturing? And could they be opening doors for manufacturers to adopt automation overall?
By Ilene Wolff
Contributing Editor,
SME Media
Good Times in Thermoplastic Composites
March 30, 2018
Thermoplastic composites are gaining traction in manufacturing applications, offering benefits like lighter weight, faster production times, longer shelf life and easier shipping compared with metals or other composites.
How to ‘ride on top of tidal wave of technology and change’
February 20, 2018
Experts: Embrace Industry 4.0; get leaders’ buy-in; set strategy; find partners and plan for cyber attack
Securely on the smart manufacturing path and looking at the next phase
April 3, 2018
Smart Manufacturing sat down with KIMBERLEY HAGERTY, Industry 4.0 digital manufacturing transformation manager at Pratt & Whitney, at the Westec conference in Los Angeles in September to hear about the progress her firm is making adopting smart manufacturing processes, solutions and strategies.
Taking automation to a new level with advances in 3D vision
April 3, 2018
If there’s one thing you can say without reservation about manufacturing today, it’s that everybody wants more automation and flexibility. With advanced 3D vision and a multiaxis robot, companies can now automate to a degree their executives only dreamt of a few years ago.
By Ed Sinkora
Contributing Editor,
SME Media
Up Front
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Smart ManufacturingSavvy systems open door to extreme customization
March 30, 2018New systems, software and processes are replacing so-called islands of automation with seamless, automated manufacturing lines that boost overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) from 30 to 80% or more.
Software Update
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Smart ManufacturingSeeing shop-floor steps clearly helps workers quickly learn on the job
April 3, 2018A talk with Shannon Bennett, implementation and Sales Engineer at Visual Knowledge Share Ltd.
Passport To Innovation
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Smart ManufacturingRipple effects from ‘deep learning,’ AVs to be felt far and wide
April 2, 2018An interview with HOD LIPSON, co-author with Melba Kurman of the book Driverless: Intelligent Cars and the Road Ahead.
Mfg Intel
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Industrial Robots: Accessible Opportunity
January 5, 2018Manufacturing is important to communities, regions, nations: In the US alone, manufacturing supports more than 17.6 million jobs—that’s one in six jobs–and accounts for nearly $6 trillion in GDP. More than 12 million Americans (9% of the workforce) are employed in manufacturing.
Guest Columns
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Smart ManufacturingWanna mitigate cyber risk? Seven precautions to take
April 3, 2018Nearly a year ago, the world became aware of a new computer virus known as WannaCry. Many institutions were affected by the ransomware. It encrypted and locked a Microsoft Windows computing system and demanded payment. -
Reducing waste on the shop floor with mobile power
April 4, 2018Speed, safety and efficiency are important to running a successful manufacturing floor. The more efficient workers are on the floor, the quicker products can be finished and sent to their destination. The major opponent to efficiency on the floor is, of course, waste. -
Smart ManufacturingWhich Technologies Should Come First, Second, Third?
March 6, 2018Analytics solutions. The industrial Internet of Things. Robotics. Automation. Manufacturers looking for tech solutions that will help them control costs and gain a competitive edge have many great options. In fact, deciding what type of technology to invest in and why can seem overwhelming. -
Smart ManufacturingSome firms accept arrival of Age of AI, seize the day
April 4, 2018Remember the boy with endless learning capacities in the 2001 film “AI Artificial Intelligence”? He’s quickly coming to life. Today, AI is no longer fictional; it’s reality.
Podcasts For You
Advanced Manufacturing Now is the perfect podcast for manufacturing professionals. Hear about the latest technology, equipment, processes and factors impacting manufacturing from industry leaders and experts.