Category: Automation
Hydraulic Cylinders Enable Precision Motion and Power in Automation
While hydraulic cylinders are usually considered for heavy-duty applications such as construction equipment, they also play a critical role in manufacturing automation systems and other integrated automation systems, providing precision motion and power to these applications. This blog aims to explore the working principle of hydraulic cylinders, explain the difference between cylinders and actuators and […]
Human Machine Collaboration Aids Manufacturing for Medical Devices
Human Machine Collaboration Aids Manufacturing Current automation trends suggest that automation will not replace humans, instead there will be more human machine collaboration as it helps drive efficiency and quality in operations. Medical device manufacturing is one sector where this type of manufacturing collaboration between human employees and automated manufacturing systems can yield enormous benefits. […]
Create Efficient, Ergonomic Workstations with Aluminum Framing
Ergonomics is the science of fitting jobs to workers instead of trying to get the worker to fit the job and focuses on designing workstations, tools and tasks for safety, efficiency and comfort, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). When workstations are not designed ergonomically, it may result in injuries such […]
Flexible Feeders Optimize Life Sciences Manufacturing Processes
Life sciences manufacturing is a complex business as the products, including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biologics and other essentials for human life and patient care, are often delicate and require careful handling and precise production with little room for error. In the last 5 years, life sciences manufacturers realized they needed to optimize production time and […]
Manufacturing Automation Creates New Job Opportunities
Manufacturers are constantly seeking opportunities to increase the efficiency of operations. As a result, many are adding automation in manufacturing facilities in hopes that they will experience the significant benefits of automation. However, some worry that increasing automation will affect jobs. The good news is that manufacturing automation not only optimizes facilities, but, as it […]
NFPA Linear Actuators in Automation
NFPA linear actuators, also called NFPA cylinders, are devices that meet mounting standards developed by the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA). These essential components provide seamless linear motion and control in many industrial automation applications, including robots, material handling systems and packaging equipment, as they offer high speeds, precise control and reliability. To be an […]
T-Slot Aluminum Framing Delivers Form and Function
Traditionally the factory floor was designed as a functional space built to efficiently produce a product so little thought went into the aesthetics of the area. More recently, interest in worker satisfaction and well being and public perception are evolving to accommodate work areas that are created to be both efficient and aesthetically pleasing. T-slot […]
Injection Molding Techniques Call for Flexible Parts Feeding Systems
Traditional injection molding typically involves the use of volumetric and gravimetric feeders that precisely measure raw plastic granules, powders or pellets into the process. However, newer injection molding techniques – over molding and insert molding – call for an additional feeding system, an automated and flexible feeding system that can efficiently and accurately pick and […]
Integration of Feeders and Cobots Revolutionizes Material Handling
As manufacturers continue to seek ways to improve their productivity and efficiency, many are turning to automated feeding systems because the technology significantly speeds up the process of feeding parts to conveyors and assembly lines and improves the accuracy and consistency of material handling, enhancing productivity and throughput. To further boost efficiency, flexible feeding systems […]
Customized Guarding Boosts Safety and the Bottom Line
In an industrial facility, protective guarding shields people from harm and equipment from damage. As a bonus, protective guarding can also prevent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines and help minimize downtime, maintenance costs and insurance premiums. But did you know that when customized for a specific application, protective guarding can provide even higher levels […]