Artificial Intelligence (AI) may still have science fiction connotations, but, more and more, it’s becoming a cornerstone of manufacturing technology. While this may inspire excitement among facilities managers and manufacturing CEOs, it often breeds anxiety for the average manufacturer on the factory floor. Where executives see opportunities for cost-savings, laborers predict layoffs and job losses….
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Hydraulic valves are an all-important component in any hydraulic system. Not coincidentally, they’re also a pain point for many manufacturing maintenance supervisors because they require routine maintenance delivered with precision and care. Those undertaking valve stem packing specifically need to do so with a mind for thoroughness as an improperly packed valve stem can lead…
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When people think of data breaches and the need for data privacy protection in business, they often think of IT companies or retailers with huge stores of customer data. However, it may interest you to know that manufacturing is the number two industry when it comes to cyberhacker attacks. Cybersecurity is a huge issue if…
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While the United States economy remains strong and growing in its 111th consecutive month, the Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) shows creeping concerns in how the manufacturing industry will weather an uncertain landscape in the near future. Although the manufacturing sector continued its expansion last month, remarks from industry executives…
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As any maintenance supervisor or crew member can attest, it’s often the smallest, simplest component in a machine that causes the most grief when it malfunctions. Case in point: solenoids. It doesn’t get much simpler than these basic parts! They open and close, doing little else. However, when one stops working, it can send your…
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Six Sigma has become a hot topic in the world of quality assurance in business and manufacturing. Since the 1980s, companies across a variety of industries have embraced the Six Sigma process and methodology, seeking to increase output, improve customer experience, lower costs and grow leaders within their organization. What is it about this long-term…
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Of all the various electrical components that comprise modern circuitry, diodes are among the most common. A diode is basically a two terminal component that only allows current to pass in one direction. Diodes range in size from very large to almost microscopic and can be designed to fill a variety of different functions. Here…
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There are many manufacturing innovation trends to stay on top of today. Advances in automation and cloud computing are sure to change the face of manufacturing for years to come. But what about soft trends in 2018? The right soft trend can make just as much of an impact on your manufacturing operation as some…
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Just last month, Wired magazine published a feature article with the headline “3-D Printing is the Future of Factories (For Real This Time).” While it’s something of a sensationalist headline, it does beg the question: What happened to the original 3D printing revolution of just a few years ago? The answer is a tale of…
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When your job is to create and sell a quality manufacturing item, you’re going to have to deal with challenges. Challenges that spring up unexpectedly, often at the wrong moment and involve a great deal at stake for you and your company. It’s your job to consistently deliver a product that meets high-quality standards. Often…
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