The days when only large companies could adopt automation are long past. Collaborative robots (cobots), lightweight industrial robot arms (LIRAs) and affordable peripherals such as vision systems and grippers have created a new paradigm by making low cost, easy to use automation solutions available to small-to-medium sized companies for the first time. 

Vision guided robotics (VGR) is an automation technology well-recognized for enabling greater flexibility and higher productivity in a diverse set of manufacturing tasks over a wide range of industries.

If January is the month of resolutions, April is the month of renewals, a time of spring cleaning. Like people, businesses of all sizes undergo a similar ritual. Instead of tackling overstuffed closets, C-suite executives update their quarterly economic forecasts and prepare for the second half of the year. 

Effective communication only happens when the intended message is expressed successfully by one person and received and understood by another. If executed correctly, it cuts down the unintended consequences that arise as a result of miscommunication. 

With the advancements of many manufacturing processes, computed tomography (CT) and digital radiography (DR) are continuing to expand into new sectors of nearly all industries. Historically, these nondestructive testing (NDT) methods were primarily used for inspection of critical components, however, we are seeing an increasing number of companies extensively applying these technologies beyond just inspection work.

PolyWorks|Inspector^TM is a universal 3D dimensional analysis and quality control software solution to control tool or part dimensions, diagnose and prevent manufacturing and assembly issues, guide assembly building through real-time measurements, and oversee the quality of assembled products by using portable metrology devices and CNC CMMs.

My work in inspection, and as a quality management system auditor, provides numerous opportunities to acquire knowledge. It also provides areas of risk for ensuring valid and reliable results. 

Peel testing in force measurement can be rather open-ended in terms of how the standard operating procedures (SOP) can be written.

Force measurement is the measure of a push (compression) or pull (tension) against an object. It sounds elementary enough, but it’s a crucial part of quality control testing with more and more applications in today’s globalized supply chain. The needs for force measurement are all around us.