Skip to content
person
Sign In
shopping_cart
Cart
Join SME
{{result}}
search
About
play_arrow
play_arrow
About
About SME
History of SME
SME Careers
Contact Us
Board of Directors
Executive Team
Member Council
SME Blog
Press Room
SME Awards & Recognition
Technologies
play_arrow
play_arrow
Technologies
Additive Manufacturing & 3D Printing
Automation
Controls
Grinding & Deburring
Lasers
Machining & Metal Cutting
Manufacturing Management
Materials
Quality/Inspection/Test
Smart Manufacturing
Software
Tooling & Workholding
Aerospace & Defense
Energy
Medical
Motorized Vehicles
Events
play_arrow
play_arrow
Events
Events Overview
Upcoming Events
Speaking Opportunities
Engagement Activities
Become a Sponsor
Exhibit at an Event
Upcoming Webinars
open_in_new
Chapter Events
SME Insights
Training
play_arrow
play_arrow
Training
Workforce Development
Training at Tooling U-SME
Certification Programs
Jobs Connection
open_in_new
Additive Manufacturing Certification
Certified Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals (CAMF)
Certified Additive Manufacturing Technician (CAMT)
Certified Manufacturing Technology Sales Engineer (CMTSE)
Electric Vehicle Fundamentals (EVF) Certification
Electric Vehicle Battery Packaging and Assembly (EVBPA) Certification
Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) Certification
Technical Certification
Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA)
Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT)
Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)
Lean Certification
Bronze Level
Silver Level
Gold Level
Lean Knowledge Certificate
Certification Resources
Engage
play_arrow
play_arrow
Engage
Engage Overview
Develop through SME
Build through SME
Improve through SME
SME Communities
Engagement Activities
Manufacturing Day
Attend a Webinar
open_in_new
Volunteer Opportunities
SME Local Chapters
Be a Guest Speaker
Education
play_arrow
play_arrow
Education
Students
Educators
Donate Now
open_in_new
SME Education Foundation
open_in_new
Education with Tooling-U SME
open_in_new
NAMRI | SME
Membership
play_arrow
play_arrow
Membership
Become a Member
Renew Your Membership
open_in_new
Member Resources
Member Benefits
SME Chapter Directory
Contact Membership
Media
play_arrow
play_arrow
Media
SME Media
Advertise With Us
Media Guide, Ed. Calendars and More
Contact SME Media
Webinars
News Articles
Manufacturing Engineering & Technology Magazine
Manufacturing Weekly eNewsletter
White Papers
Subscribe
Industry Reports
ME Source Guide
open_in_new
Podcasts
Journals and Research Publications
Books/DVDs
Tech Papers
Voices AMplified
menu
close
menu
{{result}}
search
SME
Media
Smart Manufacturing Magazine
May 2018
Smart Manufacturing: May 2018
The May 2018 edition of Smart Manufacturing is available as a digital magazine. Links to individual articles are below.
View Digital Magazine
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.
By
Karen Haywood Queen
Contributing Editor,
SME Media
Smart Manufacturing
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
Automation
Smart Manufacturing
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.
By
Karen Haywood Queen
Contributing Editor,
SME Media
Smart Manufacturing
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
By
SME Media Staff
Smart Manufacturing
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.
By
SME Media Staff
Smart Manufacturing
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
Smart Manufacturing
Up Front
MATERIALS
Beyond Lubrication: From Commodity to Competitive Advantage
Pavel Kralicek, Commercial Offer Advisor, ExxonMobil Product Solution, Europe, Africa and Middle East
February 14, 2026
In modern manufacturing environments, lubrication is undergoing a quiet but important transformation. Once treated as a basic commodity, lubricants are increasingly recognized as strategic enablers of equipment reliability, energy efficiency and helping to advance operator’s sustainability ambitions. As manufacturers strive to achieve higher productivity and meet environmental goals, lubrication choices are integral to operational performance, rather than an afterthought.
GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS
Supercharging the Arsenal of Freedom: Speed, Scale and Execution
Brett Conner, Chief Manufacturing Officer, SME
February 14, 2026
The Trump administration and Congress have signaled their intent to strengthen American manufacturing, especially for the defense industrial base. There are profound implications for the manufacturing sector, with strategy, policy documents and legislation pointing to three things: speed, scale and execution.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
What’s Next for A&D? We Asked. They Answered.
Michael McConnell
February 13, 2026
The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry is in a period of accelerated change. Advanced technologies, including AI and additive manufacturing, as well as pending changes to the National Security Strategy and ongoing trade uncertainty, have implications on manufacturing and procurement processes. Meanwhile, as with other manufacturing sectors, A&D faces its own set of workforce challenges due to a lack of multidisciplinary skills needed to move the industry forward.
Software Update
MATERIALS
Beyond Lubrication: From Commodity to Competitive Advantage
Pavel Kralicek, Commercial Offer Advisor, ExxonMobil Product Solution, Europe, Africa and Middle East
February 14, 2026
In modern manufacturing environments, lubrication is undergoing a quiet but important transformation. Once treated as a basic commodity, lubricants are increasingly recognized as strategic enablers of equipment reliability, energy efficiency and helping to advance operator’s sustainability ambitions. As manufacturers strive to achieve higher productivity and meet environmental goals, lubrication choices are integral to operational performance, rather than an afterthought.
GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS
Supercharging the Arsenal of Freedom: Speed, Scale and Execution
Brett Conner, Chief Manufacturing Officer, SME
February 14, 2026
The Trump administration and Congress have signaled their intent to strengthen American manufacturing, especially for the defense industrial base. There are profound implications for the manufacturing sector, with strategy, policy documents and legislation pointing to three things: speed, scale and execution.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
What’s Next for A&D? We Asked. They Answered.
Michael McConnell
February 13, 2026
The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry is in a period of accelerated change. Advanced technologies, including AI and additive manufacturing, as well as pending changes to the National Security Strategy and ongoing trade uncertainty, have implications on manufacturing and procurement processes. Meanwhile, as with other manufacturing sectors, A&D faces its own set of workforce challenges due to a lack of multidisciplinary skills needed to move the industry forward.
Passport To Innovation
MATERIALS
Beyond Lubrication: From Commodity to Competitive Advantage
Pavel Kralicek, Commercial Offer Advisor, ExxonMobil Product Solution, Europe, Africa and Middle East
February 14, 2026
In modern manufacturing environments, lubrication is undergoing a quiet but important transformation. Once treated as a basic commodity, lubricants are increasingly recognized as strategic enablers of equipment reliability, energy efficiency and helping to advance operator’s sustainability ambitions. As manufacturers strive to achieve higher productivity and meet environmental goals, lubrication choices are integral to operational performance, rather than an afterthought.
GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS
Supercharging the Arsenal of Freedom: Speed, Scale and Execution
Brett Conner, Chief Manufacturing Officer, SME
February 14, 2026
The Trump administration and Congress have signaled their intent to strengthen American manufacturing, especially for the defense industrial base. There are profound implications for the manufacturing sector, with strategy, policy documents and legislation pointing to three things: speed, scale and execution.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
What’s Next for A&D? We Asked. They Answered.
Michael McConnell
February 13, 2026
The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry is in a period of accelerated change. Advanced technologies, including AI and additive manufacturing, as well as pending changes to the National Security Strategy and ongoing trade uncertainty, have implications on manufacturing and procurement processes. Meanwhile, as with other manufacturing sectors, A&D faces its own set of workforce challenges due to a lack of multidisciplinary skills needed to move the industry forward.
Mfg Intel
MATERIALS
Beyond Lubrication: From Commodity to Competitive Advantage
Pavel Kralicek, Commercial Offer Advisor, ExxonMobil Product Solution, Europe, Africa and Middle East
February 14, 2026
In modern manufacturing environments, lubrication is undergoing a quiet but important transformation. Once treated as a basic commodity, lubricants are increasingly recognized as strategic enablers of equipment reliability, energy efficiency and helping to advance operator’s sustainability ambitions. As manufacturers strive to achieve higher productivity and meet environmental goals, lubrication choices are integral to operational performance, rather than an afterthought.
GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS
Supercharging the Arsenal of Freedom: Speed, Scale and Execution
Brett Conner, Chief Manufacturing Officer, SME
February 14, 2026
The Trump administration and Congress have signaled their intent to strengthen American manufacturing, especially for the defense industrial base. There are profound implications for the manufacturing sector, with strategy, policy documents and legislation pointing to three things: speed, scale and execution.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
What’s Next for A&D? We Asked. They Answered.
Michael McConnell
February 13, 2026
The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry is in a period of accelerated change. Advanced technologies, including AI and additive manufacturing, as well as pending changes to the National Security Strategy and ongoing trade uncertainty, have implications on manufacturing and procurement processes. Meanwhile, as with other manufacturing sectors, A&D faces its own set of workforce challenges due to a lack of multidisciplinary skills needed to move the industry forward.
Guest Columns
MATERIALS
Beyond Lubrication: From Commodity to Competitive Advantage
Pavel Kralicek, Commercial Offer Advisor, ExxonMobil Product Solution, Europe, Africa and Middle East
February 14, 2026
In modern manufacturing environments, lubrication is undergoing a quiet but important transformation. Once treated as a basic commodity, lubricants are increasingly recognized as strategic enablers of equipment reliability, energy efficiency and helping to advance operator’s sustainability ambitions. As manufacturers strive to achieve higher productivity and meet environmental goals, lubrication choices are integral to operational performance, rather than an afterthought.
GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMICS
Supercharging the Arsenal of Freedom: Speed, Scale and Execution
Brett Conner, Chief Manufacturing Officer, SME
February 14, 2026
The Trump administration and Congress have signaled their intent to strengthen American manufacturing, especially for the defense industrial base. There are profound implications for the manufacturing sector, with strategy, policy documents and legislation pointing to three things: speed, scale and execution.
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
What’s Next for A&D? We Asked. They Answered.
Michael McConnell
February 13, 2026
The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry is in a period of accelerated change. Advanced technologies, including AI and additive manufacturing, as well as pending changes to the National Security Strategy and ongoing trade uncertainty, have implications on manufacturing and procurement processes. Meanwhile, as with other manufacturing sectors, A&D faces its own set of workforce challenges due to a lack of multidisciplinary skills needed to move the industry forward.
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.
Listen Now