Category: Automation
Six Surprising Applications for Automation in Medical Manufacturing
When it comes to robots used in the medical and healthcare industry, surgical-assistance robots tend to get all the glory; however, automation and robotics are also being applied behind the scenes with great success in the manufacturing, assembly, inspection and packaging of medical devices. As with many industries these days, manufacturers of medical devices now […]
The Versatility of Extruded Aluminum Framing Systems
When the objective is to meet production goals, manufacturers seek solutions that are cost effective, efficient and flexible, so it’s not surprising that extruded aluminum framing systems, which provide all these benefits and then some, are more often being considered over traditional steel alternatives in a multitude of industrial, automation and manufacturing applications. What are […]
Industry 4.0 Promotes Optimized Manufacturing Operations
Industry 4.0, Connected Factory and Smart Manufacturing are all terms that get thrown around a lot in the manufacturing industry lately, but how can manufacturers begin to employ today’s smarter and more connected technologies and, more importantly, why should they? Industry 4.0, also known as the 4th Industrial Revolution, is changing the way companies manufacture product, operate […]
The Role of Automated Computer Vision Systems
Computer vision systems have been used throughout the manufacturing industry for some time, but with the addition of modern sensors and emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, today’s automated vision systems are finding their way into more applications and helping to optimize operations throughout industrial facilities. This blog will introduce the latest in automated vision technologies, […]
Choosing the Right Actuator Type for Your Application
Sometimes the choice between the three main actuator types – electric, pneumatic and hydraulic – is a no brainer. For example, if you need heavy-duty motion, a hydraulic actuator would be the obvious choice, a potentially explosive environment necessitates the use of a pneumatic actuator and a sterile operation would demand an electric actuator. But […]
An Introduction to Linear Motors for Straight-Line Motion Applications
As the price for linear motors becomes more cost competitive, these devices are more often being considered for motion control projects that demand high speed, fast acceleration and very precise linear motion. While linear motors have been around for a while and can provide significant advantages when properly applied, many people don’t know exactly how […]
The Rise of Electric Actuators
Traditionally electric actuators were not the device of choice for heavy-duty machinery, industrial equipment and other systems that demanded motion profiles with high forces and extreme robustness. However, reduced costs for these electric devices combined with recent technological advances are making designers reconsider electric actuators for use in these and other applications, giving rise to […]
Automated Inspection Systems Reliably Catch Packaging Defects
In the highly competitive packaging industry, damaged or defective packages can be a major drain on a packager’s profits and can result in lost customers. While there are any number of potential packaging defects, today’s automated inspection systems can help identify and prevent these problems, helping to ensure an error-free and more profitable packaging operation. […]
Automating Downstream Injection Molding Processes Provides Competitive Advantages
Automated work cells and robots are commonly used in injection molding processes for tasks such as part extraction, insert molding, over-molding, and in-mold labeling. However, there are many often overlooked downstream applications offering just as many benefits for injection molders who are looking to increase efficiency, quality and throughput while reducing costs. Automation in Injection […]
7 Questions to Ask When Choosing an Electric Actuator
Actuators are hidden within all types of machines and devices from industrial robots to automatic doors to cell phones. Because the function of an actuator is to enable movement by converting energy and signals into a mechanical force that pushes, pulls, lifts or otherwise moves parts of equipment and gadgets, actuators are an integral component […]