Thu.Mar 16, 2023

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15 industry experts on relentless semiconductor woes — and fixes

Design World

Semiconductor products were more affected than any other by COVID-induced supply-chain issues felt around the world. International political tensions have only prolonged and exacerbated the problem. By Lisa Eitel | Executive editor Every modern gadget, vehicle, smart device, and appliance is peppered over with semiconductors galore — offering that singular function of processing power that… The post 15 industry experts on relentless semiconductor woes — and fixes appeared first on Des

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Engineering students mostly white men despite diversity efforts, report finds

E&T

EngineeringUK has released a new report – 'Engineering in higher education' – which shows that just 18.5 per cent of engineering undergraduates are female students. The report describes this as an “exceptionally low” figure compared to the 56.5 per cent representation seen across all subjects. The issue is mirrored across the engineering and technology workforce.

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EXAIR’s industrial housekeeping vacuums offer cleanup for tough jobs

Design World

EXAIR’s broad selection of pneumatic industrial vacuum cleaners offer cleanup solutions for jobs wet, dry, dusty, abrasive, light, or heavy duty. Our industrial vacuums have no moving parts and require no electricity. They offer powerful cleanup with added safety for employees with lower noise levels and no electrical hazard when in the presence of liquids.

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Rockwell Invests in Ready Robotics

Gary Mintchell

Rockwell Automation invests strategically in a number of ways. It made an investment in PTC mostly to have access to ThingWorx and input into other technologies. It also acquired outright Plex and FiiX that gave it inhouse cloud capabilities. This investment is in READY Robotics in order to better integrate the various control technologies—something ongoing for many years that still requires development.

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Speeding Robotics Automation with AI

The $53 trillion manufacturing economy in the US is undergoing a major automation paradigm shift due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Thanks to new practical frameworks, automation projects that were once impossible or inefficient to implement are now being fast-tracked, and robotics automation is becoming increasingly relevant to a growing number of users and scenarios.

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igus introduces world’s first cable for hanging applications

Design World

igus, maker of motion plastics and moving cable management systems, has introduced a new hybrid cable for SEW EURODRIVE’s MOVILINK DDI technology. A unique aramid support element gives the CFSPECIAL.192 500% more tensile strength than a standard MOVILINK DDI cable, enabling five times the distance in vertical hanging applications. Machines have to work reliably around […] The post igus introduces world’s first cable for hanging applications appeared first on Design World.

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How desktop digital manufacturing impacts abrasive waterjet cutting

The Fabricator

Desktop abrasive waterjet cutting is one process among a growing number of technologies in what’s become known as desktop digital manufacturing. The concept has created new possibilities for product designers. The time spent going from an initial design concept to a final product is no longer the hurdle it once was.

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Cuts at KraussMaffei to spare US, assembly jobs

Plastics News

A profit warning on the Shanghai Stock Exchange says preliminary figures indicate the machine builder lost up to $275 million in 2022, including a goodwill impairment of at least $108.6 million.

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Siemens creates new vertical market dedicated to Intralogistics in the U.S.

Design World

Siemens recently announced the formation of the new Intralogistics vertical that brings best-in-class material handling thought leadership, hardware automation, software, and service solutions to customers in the United States. Siemens is leveraging its broad technology to address the market needs for digital transformation, cybersecurity, safety, and sustainability.

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Nasa unveils new spacesuit for future Moon missions

E&T

Nasa is retiring the iconic big, puffy spacesuits worn by the first men to walk on the Moon. Instead, the agency has unveiled a new line of space fashion, more form-fitting and comfortable for men and women astronauts. The new spacesuits were displayed at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, during an event hosted for the media and students hosted by Axiom Space, the company that designed the garments.

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TAFE Queensland develops new apprenticeship training initiative

Manufacturer's Monthly

A group of apprentices have become the first to participate in a training initiative at TAFE Queensland specifically designed to support and encourage women pursuing careers in male-dominated industries from the get-go. The class had apprentices from the construction, automotive, engineering, and electrotechnology trades and was comprised of 15 women in trades out of 24 students.

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The Manufacturing Edge: Five Strategies to Outpace the Competition

The world of manufacturing is evolving—and so must the factories that drive it. This eBook reveals five transformative strategies that can help manufacturers gain a lasting competitive edge. Through insights from aerospace leaders, energy innovators, and the factories of tomorrow, we show how manufacturers are moving beyond traditional approaches. From building smarter, adaptable systems to embracing iterative design and fostering resilient cultures, these strategies are shaping the future of pr

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Over two tonnes of uranium missing in Libya, UN agency warns

E&T

The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has told the organisation’s member states that 10 drums containing uranium “were not present as previously declared” at the location in Libya. The missing uranium stockpile could pose radiological risk and security concerns, the agency has said. The IAEA sounded the alarm after a visit by its inspectors to the undisclosed site earlier this week, where it found less uranium than originally reported.

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McCormick Redesigns Packaging for Sustainability, Freshness

Plastics Today

McCormick's new herb and spice PET bottles use 50% recycled content paired with new SnapTight lids that preserve freshness longer.

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ABB invests $20M to expand its North American robotics headquarters

Automation Mag

ABB is expanding its existing North American robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The company is investing $20 million in the expansion project, which is currently underway. ABB expects the construction to complete in November 2023. The company received a $450,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for this project.

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Illinois, Utah see chemical recycling battles

Plastics News

Environmental groups in Illinois want to limit a chemical recycling pilot program in an industrial corridor where major plastic makers say they could build, while in Utah, industry lobbyists pick up a win.

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Are You Over-Complicating Your Linear Motion or Leaving It Out Altogether?

As automation continues to evolve, the demand for smarter, more integrated solutions will only grow. The Accuride FULLELECTRIC® is a new approach to powered linear motion that represents the next evolution in system design. By integrating compact electric actuators directly into Accuride's industry leading drawer slides, this approach addresses the pain points of traditional systems while delivering reliable performance.

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The Reality Of Deep Sea Mining Is Getting Closer As Are The Consequences

21st Century Tech

The ink hasn’t yet dried on the newest international agreement to protect vast areas of the global ocean from human predation, yet a two-week meeting starting in Kingston, Jamaica, today could lead to the beginning of deep-sea mining of the ocean floor this year. The International Seabed Authority (ISA), headquartered in Jamaica, is the UN intergovernmental body representing 167 countries and responsible for regulating deep-sea mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction and with ensuring

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Miss Manners Has a Thing to Say About Plastic Utensils

Plastics Today

A reader who refuses to accept plastic items at gatherings gets scolded by the manners maven.

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Southwest Airlines software meltdown a warning for manufacturers

The Fabricator

Southwest Airlines left thousands stranded over the holidays. For airlines and fabricators alike, the experience proves how risky business can be for manufacturing shops with antiquated software.

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M. Holland Enters into Partnership to Stabilize Supply, Pricing of PCR Resins

Plastics Today

The distributor of thermoplastic resins has partnered with Lavergne, whose portfolio of 100% recycled plastics is not affected by shifting petroleum prices.

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How to Modernize Manufacturing Without Losing Control

Speaker: Andrew Skoog, Founder of MachinistX & President of Hexis Representatives

Manufacturing is evolving, and the right technology can empower—not replace—your workforce. Smart automation and AI-driven software are revolutionizing decision-making, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. But how do you implement these tools with confidence and ensure they complement human expertise rather than override it? Join industry expert Andrew Skoog as he explores how manufacturers can leverage automation to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and make smarter, data-dri

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How Machine Learning Helps Improve Fleet Safety

Robotics Automation News

Artificial intelligence is one of those technical buzzwords that has captivated the press and is being discussed in practically every facet of life. A subset of artificial intelligence known as machine learning, in particular, may assist building and construction fleet operators in optimizing fleet performance while preserving safety as a primary concern.

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60 Seconds with Kim Douglas of Toyota Material Handling

Modern Materials Handling

Modern's editor sat down with Kim Douglas, Assembly associate at Toyota Materials Handling to discuss the Toyota Material Handling Group Global Skills Competition and more.

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Explore Microprinting and Micromolding for Miniaturization

Plastics Today

A micromolding expert examines the potential of 3D printed parts, parts molded from 3D printed mold inserts, and parts molded from traditional molds.

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Formerra to distribute PureCycle's recycled polypropylene

Plastics News

PureCycle Technologies LLC has named Formerra LLC its primary North American distributor for its PureFive recycled polypropylene.

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Build & Own Scale-Ready Industrial IoT Solution on Flex83 Middleware

Your Industrial IoT software is never ready to scale unless your platform can handle multiple assets at enterprise-level, deploy on any cloud, and provide a modern tech stack for rapid application development with complete IP Ownership, all while reducing cloud operations costs by 90% per connected device. In the technical paper developed with the product team behind Flex83, find how you can build & own your custom IoT platform on the Flex83 Middleware that: Is Scale-ready for 65M+ Connected Ass

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Robotic applications at ProMat 2023

Modern Materials Handling

Sure, you’ll see hordes of robots at ProMat 2023, but what are they doing for operations in terms of high-value applications, and how do they integrate to help material flow? To find out, we asked a few exhibitors about the top warehouse robotic apps and trends.

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MC Machinery Promotes Recupido to EDM/Machining Midwest Regional Service Manager

Fabricating & Metal Work

Ron Recupido has been promoted to MC Machinery EDM/machining regional service manager for the Midwest. After earning an associate degree in electronics from DeVry University, R ecupido began his career at MC Machinery in 1990 as an installer in the service department. Prior to this most recent promotion, he was service department supervisor for EDM/machining.

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How to Transition From a Cold to Hot Runner Mold

Mold Making Technology

There is no doubt about it: More and more molds are being designed to include hot runner systems or hot sprue bushings. For those who build and run hot runner molds, it is not hard to see the reasons why. While expensive to build, hot runner molds can be more economical in the long run than their cold runner counterparts. Still, there are many hot runner holdouts, so it is time to build the case for transitioning from cold to hot runner molds.

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Successful plastics firms capitalize on opportunity

Plastics News

One thing I've learned from coordinating the Processor of the Year award is that few custom plastics manufacturers become successful without changing. Customers, materials and technology are always changing.

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Retrofits Are Falling Short: Here’s Why You Need MES + ERP Together

Manufacturing today requires both agility and precision. Traditional ERP systems provide enterprise-wide management but lack real-time execution power needed on the shop floor. ION Factory OS by First Resonance bridges this gap, combining the strengths of ERP and MES for seamless integration. While ERP handles long-term strategic oversight, ION Factory OS delivers real-time production control, ensuring speed, flexibility, and precision.

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Rocla launches new automated compact truck for warehouses and loading docks

Robotics Automation News

A Finland-based company called Rocla AGV has launched a new, agile AGV – named “ACT”, short for automated compact truck – designed to lift heavy loads in narrow spaces. Rocla says ACT is an “exceptional addition” to its existing AGV line, allowing the company to offer our customers an even more versatile product range.

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Successful plastics firms capitalize on opportunity

Plastics News

One thing I've learned from coordinating the Processor of the Year award is that few custom plastics manufacturers become successful without changing. Customers, materials and technology are always changing.

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Have you considered mobile totes and bins lately?

Modern Materials Handling

Probably not. But now might be a good time to evaluate what they can do to improve your productivity and efficiency for not a lot of money.Probably not. But now might be a good time to evaluate what they can do to improve your productivity and efficiency for not a lot of money.

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Cisco Modeling Labs 2.5: Now with Resource Limiting

Cisco Smart Manufacturing

Whether you’re using a large virtual machine or beefy hardware server, running labs with a lot of nodes or labs with resource-hungry nodes in Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) can require a lot of memory/RAM… Read more on Cisco Blogs

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6 Common Production Scheduling Mistakes Manufacturers Make

Effective shop floor production planning and execution can be challenging. Despite technological advancements and methodologies, many manufacturing production managers still encounter issues that result in late orders, cash flow difficulties, and dissatisfied customers. These challenges can disrupt operations, reduce efficiency, and impact overall profitability.