Category: Automation
Empowering Automation Systems with Industrial HMI
Industry 4.0 offers manufacturers a data-centric approach to optimize production and processes. Human Machine Interfaces, or HMIs, can contribute additional efficiency and agility by making it easier for operators to communicate in real time with today’s automated, connected equipment. This blog will answer the question what is HMI and explain the role industrial HMIs play […]
8 Ways to Plan Automation Projects without Disrupting Production
Totally integrated automation systems can bring great benefits to manufacturing businesses, but the installation of a new automated production line can disrupt or halt operations. However, with careful planning, adding production line automation can be achieved with minimal workflow interruption. This blog will offer eight steps for installing automation projects without major production outages. Before […]
Lean Manufacturing vs. Six Sigma: Which is Right for Your Plant?
When it comes to improving manufacturing processes, there are two well-known management techniques: Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. But, what’s the difference between Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, and which methodology is right for your plant? This blog will compare the core principles of each practice so plant management can decide between the two or […]
Choosing the Right Compressed Air Tubing for Pneumatic Applications
Compressed air is used in thousands of applications in industry. And, while much focus is placed on the big-ticket components within pneumatic systems, compressed air tubing isn’t something that gets much attention. Despite this, it is an essential part of pneumatic systems because it delivers air from the main compressed air distribution system to where […]
Boost Machine Efficiency with Pneumatic Valves
Pneumatic systems play an essential role in today’s manufacturing industry. Pneumatically driven equipment includes critical process equipment, automated systems, manufacturing machinery, packaging and bottling lines, material handling machines and conveyors, industrial robots, machine tools and more. The pneumatic systems that drive industrial equipment operate using air pressure, but for pneumatic systems to be effective, there […]
7 Ways Pressure Flow Controls Optimize Pneumatic Systems
While most facilities with properly sized air compressors should have an adequate supply of air to power their automated pneumatic systems, problems may arise during fluctuations in demand and times of peak usage when air demand exceeds capacity, causing unstable system pressure. In response to fluctuations, the pneumatic system can overcompensate and boost system pressure […]
Optimizing Pneumatic System Design for the Best Performance
In pneumatic systems, pressurized air generates motion that is used to drive automated equipment, manufacturing processes and air-powered tools and devices in a reliable and cost-effective way. But to achieve top-notch performance in any application, properly designed air systems are a must. This blog will explore and explain pneumatic systems and how careful selection of […]
Five Ways Proof-of-Concept Testing Prevents Costly Failures
Before any large investments are made in industrial automation projects, management will likely want a deeper understanding of the application, the equipment, the engineering design, the benefits and the automation ROI. One way to provide this critical information is to conduct a preliminary demonstration that verifies that the project will increase efficiency, productivity, safety and/or […]
Five Reasons to Use Proportional Valves for Precise Flow Control
In pneumatic applications where the output may vary, a proportional valve can be a great solution because proportional valves are designed to change the output pressure or flow to match that of the input to provide a consistent output performance. With a fast, precise response to changes, air proportional valves quickly achieve a stable flow […]
How to Justify the Cost of Automated Manufacturing Projects
At the same time the manufacturing industry is experiencing a labor shortage, they are also tasked with becoming more efficient and productive but are given smaller and smaller budgets with which to work, making justifying the cost of automation projects more important – but more difficult – than ever. Calculating the ROI of automation is […]