Manufacturing Engineering: What is the role of the motion controller in the Industrial Internet of Things [IIoT], and what software is involved? Marissa Tucker: I would take it a step beyond the motion controller and say that the programmable automation controller [PAC] plays the largest role in the IIoT. That’s because in addition to having the machine logic, PACs include the Read More
The Currency of Learning
Last May, I was honored to receive the SME Education Foundation Family Scholarship, which has allowed me to flourish far beyond my expectations in my freshman year of college at the University of Michigan (UM) in Ann Arbor. In just one brief year, I have learned three different coding languages, designed and built a human-powered electricity generator, and helped to construct Read More
Proactively Addressing Cyber Liability and Insurance
In a few short years, many multinational companies have shifted their priorities from preventing cyberattacks altogether to mitigating their damage. For good reason: cybersecurity experts often advise their clients to assume hackers have already breached their corporate defenses, advice that is backed up by a string of corporate breaches. The questions for executives are, Read More
The Latest Manufacturing Machines, Tools and Technology
High-Penetration Drilling Line GEN3SYS XT Pro line high-penetration drilling products feature three unique geometries, and two advanced coatings, which in combination optimize solutions for different machining materials. GEN3SYS XT Pro inserts are designed specifically for ISO material classes, making tool selection easy. They are offered for steels (class P), cast irons Read More
Driving the Digital Factory with Real-Time MES Data
With the push toward a fully digital factory, manufacturing execution systems (MES) software has never been more critical to manufacturers of all stripes. By employing the latest in fast-response manufacturing execution systems solutions in manufacturing operations, builders can get speedy updates on time-sensitive operational data that can help improve factory processes and Read More
Presetters Provide Head Start on Industry 4.0
The dream of Industry 4.0 is for machines on a factory floor to be connected, able to communicate with each other. Maintenance can take place before breakdowns occur as data are exchanged again and again. Output is maximized, downtime minimized. Makers of presetting systems already were dealing with this basic concept. The systems keep track of available tooling as well as Read More