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Daily industrial news and top headlines for plant and maintenance managers
More Wrench Time, Less Downtime
October 8, 2012 12:41 pm | by Rachel Leisemann Immel, Associate Editor, IMPO | CommentsThe latest in preventive maintenance scheduling software and computerized maintenance management software can help manufacturers make more informed decisions when it comes to maintenance and stocking of replacement parts. PM automation has been around for years, but today manufactures are taking note and making use of CMMS to help them better track their maintenance efforts.
Productivity Monitoring Solution Fits Like A Glove
October 8, 2012 12:28 pm | CommentsCAS DataLoggers recently provided an effective productivity monitoring solution for the Wells-Lamont Industry Group, a high-production work glove manufacturer and member of the Marmon Group of companies. Their factory in Philadelphia, MS produces hand-stitched quality products from Kevlar and other materials.
Grand Opening
October 8, 2012 12:19 pm | by Jeff Reinke, IMPO Editorial Director | CommentsNews about manufacturing growth is usually well received. When that expansion relates to a European company growing its presence in the U.S., it’s even better. And when there are significant lessons that can be learned from this particular expansion, it warrants a closer look. This brings us to Plymouth, Minnesota where Germany-headquartered TURCK recently doubled the size of a production and distribution facility.
ISM: Manufacturing Is Back On Track
October 8, 2012 8:15 am | by Mike Schmidt. Associate Editor, Manufacturing Business Technology | CommentsThe manufacturing sector is back on track – at least for now. Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in September following three straight months of slight contraction, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report on Business. The September PMI registered 51.5 percent, an increase of 1.9 percentage points when compared to the August reading of 49.6 percent.
Achieving Energy Reductions With Evaporative Roof Cooling
October 8, 2012 8:14 am | by John D. Strait, III, Product Specialist, Patterson Fan Company | CommentsThe process of evaporation is by far the simplest and most effective method for carrying heat away from a given structure. But the question becomes how can we harness the cooling effects of evaporation in a large industrial setting, and on a continuous basis? The answer is no surprise: to cool the interior of a structure, you must first cool its roof.
Infrared Plastic Temperature Measurements
October 5, 2012 8:14 am | by Pyrodynamics | CommentsTechniques for selecting and applying non-contact temperature measurement instruments for use in the plastics industry involve several factors. It is most effective to design an installation which results in using the highest emissivity value possible. The spectral response of the instrument should thus be matched to the type of plastic to be measured.
Controlling Scale In Industrial Water Systems
October 3, 2012 8:16 am | by Scalewatcher | CommentsPrior to the installation of the Scalewatcher systems, one set of Air Generator Coolers was removed from the water-cooling system every planned maintenance shutdown so that sludge could be manually removed from the copper tubing. With Scalewatcher installed, it was found that build-up was minimal—thereby dramatically reducing the time spent having to clean the generator’s tubes.
What’s That Noise?
October 2, 2012 8:50 am | by Patrick Rhodes, Applications Engineer, Garlock | CommentsHave you ever heard a high-pitched whine from an electric motor? Have you seen a bearing fail due to inadequate lubrication or contamination? How about a contact oil seal that has damaged your equipment? If so, chances are that a non-contact bearing isolator is available for your situation.
McGladrey Survey Reveals Optimism & Hesitancy
October 2, 2012 8:04 am | CommentsThe report shows that the optimism this year has fallen from about 62 percent last year to 47 percent on the U.S. economy, and for the world economy, the rating took a bigger plunge. Last year, 50 percent of manufacturers were optimistic and now only 17 percent are.
Isolate, Convert, Extend, & Connect
October 1, 2012 8:09 am | by Brian Foster, Product Manager, Serial & USB Product Lines, B&B Electronics | CommentsUSB was a great leap forward. Its convenience, flexibility, and interoperability have simplified everything from cabling to device installation. Engineers can now connect up to 127 devices using a single port and add new peripherals without opening a computer to insert an expansion card. Devices are hot swappable; cables are interchangeable; and USB will even supply power to a downstream device.
Rising U.S. Exports Could Help Create 5M Jobs By 2020
October 1, 2012 8:04 am | CommentsManufactured exports—a bright spot of the U.S. economy in recent years—are set to surge. Combined with jobs created as a result of reshoring, higher U.S. exports could add 2.5 million to 5 million jobs by the end of the decade, as manufacturers shift production from leading European countries and Japan to take advantage of substantially lower costs in the U.S., according to new research by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Manufacturing Day 2012: Making A Difference
September 28, 2012 8:13 am | CommentsManufacturing Day will highlight the importance of manufacturing to the nation’s economy and draw attention to the rewarding, high-skill jobs available in manufacturing fields. Through open houses, tours, career workshops, and other events held at participating facilities on October 5, MEP and other sponsors hope to introduce as many as possible to the important role played by manufacturing.
Will 3D Printing Save The ‘TechBelt’?
September 28, 2012 8:12 am | by Joel Hans, Managing Editor, Manufacturing.net | CommentsThe “TechBelt” region has been hit hard by the recession, with numerous plant closures and the loss of manufacturing jobs. The I-80/I-79 corridor has nearly 32,000 manufacturers, and countless employees who have those “high-tech” skills that modern manufacturers need to thrive, but oftentimes, there simply isn’t enough work to go around.
Engineering Spotlight: The Wheelift In Action
September 26, 2012 8:12 am | by Joel Hans, Managing Editor, Manufacturing.net | CommentsManufacturers of airliners and fighter jets alike regularly need to lift loads between 35 and 75 tons, and with an incredible degree of precision. The capability to be partially or fully automated is also a major plus when it comes to the small tolerances in assembly that can make the difference between a plane that flies and once that doesn’t.
Engineering Spotlight: Mel Terry, Wheelift
September 25, 2012 8:12 am | by Joel Hans, Managing Editor, Manufacturing.net | CommentsMel Terry, the designer of the Wheelift heavy transporter system, has been quietly revolutionizing the way manufacturers get their work done. And from where he sits right now, Terry is anticipating a future in which his creation is being used — and abused — in transporting the heaviest creations of our various industries.
