Category Archives: Manufacturing

Fiber-optic communication, first developed in the 1970s, has played a major role in creating the connected world that we live in today. More than 2 billion kilometers of optical fiber is deployed around the world, connecting people, businesses, communities, countries, and continents in real-time via voice, data, and video. (Source) As consumers’ communication demands continue […]

When joining materials in a manufacturing facility, using adhesive technologies is the most efficient process because there are many disadvantages to the alternative techniques. For example, mechanical fastening involves creating holes which can weaken the material and thermal bonding heats the material, which can alter its properties. The benefits of using adhesive technologies in processing […]

Manufacturers are a significant source of negative environmental impact due to energy intensive processes. Manufacturers are certainly aware of this, but are often missing out on opportunities to reduce their environmental impact associated with their core operations. Why? There Are Concerns With Changing Production Technique   Many manufacturers worry that changing production techniques to address […]

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the term used to describe the billions of “things”, or devices, that are connected to the Internet. Embedded with electronics, software, sensors and connectivity, these “things” can be controlled remotely to exchange data with users and other connected devices. In the manufacturing industry, the integration of machinery, shipments, infrastructure, […]

It’s an exciting time for manufacturers. In fact, manufacturing is “undeniably in the midst of a technological renaissance that is transforming the look, systems, and processes of the modern factory.” (Source) In order to remain competitive, manufacturers must embrace these changes and invest in the processes and technology of today and the future. When it […]

There are many trends that have come about over the past few years that have elevated manufacturing options in the United States. For many years, offshoring manufacturing operations was a popular option. While innovation has been strong in the U.S., the production and manufacturing operations were sent overseas where labor costs were lower. Today, there […]

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, which creates 3D solid objects from digital design, has been around since the 1980’s. Yet, adoption has been slow outside of a few industries. It’s been discussed as a manufacturing “technology of the future” for many years now. In our own blog postfrom just a few years ago we said: 3D […]

Most of us desire change on a regular basis, but manufacturers can be a little slower to catch up. Think about it this way – Why do you think people get a new cell phone every few years (or less)? It’s because they want the “next big thing”. As technology improves, they want the better […]

There is certainly no shortage of smart technologies in our lives. We have our smartphones, smart TVs, and smart watches. It seems to make sense that we also have “smart manufacturing.” Smart manufacturing, or SM, like everything else that’s smart, utilizes connectivity and real-time access to data to improve a process.  If you’re looking for […]

One of the biggest challenges facing the manufacturing sector today is the skills gap that exists among the workforce. As studies have shown, this gap is only getting worse. There are, however, plenty of things manufacturers can do to close this gap. Here’s more information: According to a Manufacturing Institute study: The skills gap is widening, […]