So, You Want to Implement MTConnect? May 1, 2015 Shops today must track or measure their manufacturing operations to improve them. This need drives the growing use of MTConnect—an open, royalty-free protocol for extracting data from practically any piece of equipment, including machine tools and other manufacturing systems. The integration of MTConnect is a major undertaking, and can be a bit challenging unless certain preparations are made ahead of time.
Closing the Loop on Quality and Efficiency November 29, 2023 Closed-loop manufacturing (CLM) is emerging as a viable approach to address tighter delivery timelines and supply chain challenges.
Future-Proofing Your Workshop February 16, 2024 With the rapid pace of digitalization, operations are becoming faster and leaner than ever.
Thinking Outside of the Materials Box January 10, 2023 Manufacturers and fabricators need to consider the application and performance requirements of materials.
An Essential Element of Electrification August 26, 2021 An official of the Aluminum Association makes the case why aluminum will be important for the electrification of vehicles.
Cobots: Start Simple, Then Add Complexity August 17, 2021 Cobots are an ideal, entry-level robotic device for smaller shops to begin using automation.
A Conversation with SME CEO Bob Willig March 15, 2021 Looking back, 2020 was a year of challenge and change for manufacturing—and that’s an understatement.
Promise and Challenges of 3D Printing for Anatomy Studies May 18, 2020 Mayo Clinic’s 3D Anatomic Modeling Laboratory is inventing how to use 3D printing for surgical planning and instruction. People undergoing new, uncommon or complex surgeries at Mayo Clinic may benefit from access to the clinic’s expertise in 3D anatomic models. The models the lab builds also helps with patient and medical education.
Putting Machinery on a Strong Fitness Plan Starts with Real-Time Monitoring August 16, 2019 Having a plan for maintaining and improving the performance and reliability of every machine on a shop floor is vital to manufacturing operations. Reliable machines make short-notice production runs possible. And the more flexible manufacturers are, the more new customers they’ll attract.