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How Manufacturers Can Secure Supply Chains and Be Part of the Solution to the Coronavirus Crisis

It’s no surprise that the coronavirus is impacting manufacturing, with production site shutdowns and travel and meeting restrictions. In fact, last month, IHS Markit estimated that manufacturing was the third most impacted industry, behind wholesale and services. This has hit manufacturers in various ways. Some companies, even those whose primary products or components are manufactured in the hardest hit regions, have seen little or no impact to their ability to meet customer demand. 

 

 

 

ABB to Upgrade Paper Machine Drives, Motors and Electrical Control Systems at Westrock Mill in Washington, USA

ABB to Upgrade Paper Machine Drives, Motors and Electrical Control Systems at Westrock Mill in Washington, USA

WestRock Company—a provider of differentiated paper and packaging solutions—has selected ABB to replace its dry end drive system. This includes upgrades to its PM12 paper machine drives, motors and the installation of the ABB Ability System 800xA control system at its mill in Longview, Washington, USA. Installation and commissioning of the project is planned for completion by year-end 2020.

 

 

 

How Collaborative Robots Fit Into the Production Facilities of the Future

How Collaborative Robots Fit Into the Production Facilities of the Future

The relationship between humans and robots in manufacturing is constantly evolving. Technology advancements and safety improvements have made it possible for manufacturers to move robots out from behind the cage to interact more closely with workers. Depending on the type of application, this collaboration can open new possibilities for increased productivity, efficiency, and flexibility.

 

 

 

A Recap of International Robot Safety Conference and Predictions for the Future

A Recap of International Robot Safety Conference and Predictions for the Future

Gone are the days when the primary examples of robotic safety were electromechanical switches on automotive welding systems. At this year’s International Robot Safety Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, most presentations featured solid-state technology used with mobile and collaborative robotic applications in the packaging or warehouse industry.

 

 

 

Automation as a Solution

Automation as a Solution

The digital age has transformed the face of almost every industry around the globe and manufacturing has been no exception. Modern industrial automation helps improve speed, efficiency, quality and safety. This gives manufacturers the tools to thrive in the face of increasing competition. The pace of innovation continues to grow exponentially with new technologies being released weekly by the world’s leading robot and automation suppliers.

 

 

 

Upgrading a Manufacturing Plant to Meet Production Demands

Upgrading a Manufacturing Plant to Meet Production Demands

Panduit IIoT ecosystem helps noosa yoghurt speed production at maximum efficiency while increasing network reliability and productivity. At the recommendation of Malisko Engineering, Inc., a Panduit ONESM Gold Partner, noosa yoghurt consulted with Panduit Advisory Services to design the complete physical layer of its new industrial network.

 

 

 

Welcome to the Edge

Welcome to the Edge

Edge computing has been around for a long time, but is now celebrating a revival in industry. Not all industrial users are convinced by the cloud. Rittal has discovered the potential of the edge and developed a corresponding product portfolio. Sales of the company’s optimization software will begin in the autumn. Rittal’s new Industrie 4.0 plant in Haiger serves as a ‘live’ laboratory.

 

 

 

Safety Components on Guard

Safety Components on Guard

Protecting operators from the safety hazards introduced by automated machines and robotic equipment demands an understanding of both the appropriate safety guarding level and the machine safety components needed to get the job done. As always, the designer must identify the safety risks, plan the best ways of addressing them, and ensure the proper application of safety components.

 

 

 

Robotic Industries Association (RIA) Elects Ken McLaughlin

Robotic Industries Association (RIA) Elects Ken McLaughlin

JMP Solutions, an independent robotic systems integrator, recently announced that their very own, Ken McLaughlin has been elected to the RIA Board of Directors to represent the System Integrator Category. The RIA Certified Robotic Integrator program was established in 2012 in response to an industry need for a benchmark to evaluate technical and robotics safety acumen, as well as overall system integrator business excellence.

 

 

 

7 Wallmount Accessories for Better Enclosure Performance

7 Wallmount Accessories for Better Enclosure Performance

In their effort to keep your electronics and critical process equipment safe, wallmount enclosures face numerous challenges. From extreme weather conditions and temperature fluctuations, to caustic washdowns and hazardous airborne particulates, an enclosure must be built to withstand the operating conditions of the specific environment that it’s put in.