Manufacturing and Automation White Papers

This whitepaper reviews the rationale for deploying additive manufacturing (AM) in the automotive industry while demonstrating how to identify applications for AM to make a compelling business case. It highlights the challenges for the sector, including supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns, and new technology trends. The whitepaper emphasizes reduced time-to-market and improved cost efficiency. It also showcases real-world examples of how companies like Gonzalez and ADAC have successfully integrated AM into their operations, saving costs and improving production efficiency.

Starting at wafer level, every silicon photonic chip needs to be tested. PI's Fast Multichannel Photonic Alignment (FMPA) controller algorithms were the breakthrough necessary for prober-industry leaders like FormFactor and MPI to deliver tools for fast and economical characterization and validation. For Silicon Photonics (SiPh) test and assembly applications such as wafer probing, alignment time is the primary cost driver. This is true for both engineering probers and even more so for production probers, where uptime and throughput are especially critical. With their advanced autonomous alignment functionality and fab-qualified mechanics, PI photonics alignment subsystems meet the demanding needs of the industry. Hence, they provide unmatched throughput and accuracy not restricted to silicon photonics probing, but including any type of precision optical alignment.

Download this whitepaper to gain insights into the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of Generative AI. Explore the fundamental principles, key considerations, and practical strategies that will enable your organization to seamlessly integrate this cutting-edge innovation into your business operations, resulting in significant returns and sustainable growth.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have evolved from mere buzzwords to crucial technologies that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry. They present a unique opportunity to streamline supply chains and operations, predict business outcomes, and transform traditional manufacturing processes. But like any technology, their true potential emerges not just from their advanced capabilities, but from how they are utilised. In our previous white paper, we discussed the benefits of AI and ML and how they can be utilised in the manufacturing industry. In this white paper we dive into how artificial intelligence can improve decision making, managing expectations, and how to prepare your organisation.

Through in-depth interviews with leading global manufacturers, International Data Center (IDC) worked to establish the value and impact of Parsec’s manufacturing execution system, TrakSYS, on manufacturing operations. In its 20-page analysis, IDC explores the cost and resource efficiencies businesses gained by utilizing TrakSYS.

We invite you to explore the world of optimized Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design in our white paper, "Improved PCB Design with Hardware Description Languages (HDLs): What to Know". Dive deep into the mechanics of digital circuit design, as we unravel the immense potential of Hardware Description Languages in achieving more efficient and innovative PCB layouts. Explore a comparative analysis of the two most popular HDLs - VHDL and Verilog, delve into the intricacies of mixed-language design environments, and get a glimpse into the emerging technologies in digital design. This paper is a treasure trove of insights that will empower you, whether you're an experienced electrical engineer or a novice PCB designer. Don't miss the chance to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of digital design.

To excel in the fast-paced electronics industry, you need not just adaptability, but a cultivated expertise to discern the far-reaching impact of your design decisions. This eBook is your key to building such expertise. "Engineering Essentials: The PCBA Design Handbook" equips you with the skills necessary to create exceptional PCBAs that consistently surpass expectations while keeping to stringent deadlines and budgets. From the basic principles of PCBA design to the most sophisticated techniques and best practices, this 75-page resource is your secret weapon to conquer even the most intricate design challenges.

Edge computing is becoming more common across industries. A growing number of cutting-edge technologies, including 5G, augmented reality, and virtual reality, depend on edge devices. This PDF will provide you with: A look at why edge devices are becoming increasingly popular; Perspectives on edge applications currently in use and those to come Edge devices' primary benefits; The three factors driving edge device adoption; The four most important factors to consider when designing edge computing devices;

One indisputable fact exists for most manufacturers and distributors: Warehouse automation stands as one of the last areas where long-term costs can be significantly reduced.

In the realm of motion control and position feedback, encoders are pivotal. Two prominent types in today's industry are the capacitive and inductive encoders. This paper takes a closer look at each of these, providing insights for those seeking to choose between them for specific applications.

In the midst of today's dynamic electronics manufacturing environment, the urgency to innovate and bring products to market is more pronounced than ever before. As technology propels us forward and customer demands continuously shift, companies grapple with daunting barriers. They're tasked with achieving a quicker new product introduction (NPI) pace, all while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to quality. Amid these complexities, our white paper serves as a beacon. It delves into the intricate dynamics of electronics manufacturing, offering keen insights. More than just an exploration, it presents actionable strategies and solutions to adeptly navigate these challenges, guaranteeing that the spirit and execution of innovation remain paramount.

Our latest white paper takes a deep dive into the meticulous security methods employed by MacroFab, ensuring the secure handling of data throughout the manufacturing process. Discover how we're harnessing industry-standard encryption methods, innovative access control, and superior web application security to ensure a resilient data protection environment. It reveals the stringent security measures MacroFab takes to protect your valuable data and serves as an eye-opener for businesses seeking to understand their manufacturing partner's security protocols. For anyone interested in understanding how data security is maintained in electronics manufacturing, this white paper by CEO Misha Govshteyn is a must-read. Take advantage of this highly reliable resource and prepare yourself for the future of secure electronics manufacturing. Don't just read it; use it, and advocate for comprehensive data protection in manufacturing.

Poorly regulated PCBA manufacturing can contribute to environmental damage, including ozone depletion, freshwater contamination, and algal dead zones. It's time to change that. As we move towards a net-zero economy, collaborating with other businesses is essential to effectively manage risks and seize opportunities. As a part of the complex electronic products industry, you have a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainability at all levels of PCBA production. By engaging stakeholders and implementing transparent communication, your company can minimize its ecological footprint while unlocking new growth opportunities.

To excel in the fast-paced electronics industry, you need not just adaptability, but a cultivated expertise to discern the far-reaching impact of your design decisions. This eBook is your key to building such expertise. "Engineering Essentials: The PCBA Design Handbook" equips you with the skills necessary to create exceptional PCBAs that consistently surpass expectations while keeping to stringent deadlines and budgets. From the basic principles of PCBA design to the most sophisticated techniques and best practices, this 75-page resource is your secret weapon to conquer even the most intricate design challenges.

With mobile asset management at the center of success for asset-intensive industries, AI is entering the picture just in time to ease the challenges associated with frontline data and enterprise adoption.

This white paper on the IoT device certification process can help your business accelerate product releases. IoT device certification and testing is essential to the release of any connected product. Yet few IoT organizations have the time or skills to understand the variations and in-depth detail of the global certifications landscape. To help you decide which approach is best for your business, this white paper on IoT device certification sets out the complexities of certification, and explains how to optimize your organization’s approach to obtaining certification.

The white paper reveals how an optimized approach to design, development, distribution and manufacturing is enabling IoT products to have a positive impact while minimizing energy consumption, environmental impacts and costs for the end user. Critically, intelligent development means that the cost of technologies and components has reduced, democratizing access to innovation and enabling it to be applied to use cases that previously would have remained unviable.

Why “Lean Labeling”? From our past experience at Newcastle Systems, our biggest challenge has always been about helping our customers see a problem they didn’t know they have. While Receiving has permanently changed by solving a previously unknown problem, the warehouse has plenty of other similar challenges that are not necessarily “ignored”, but just not considered big enough to gain the attention it may deserve.

A new whitepaper from Tormach spells out exactly how ROS helps manufacturers and researchers get their projects up and running faster and how Tormach’s open-source approach gives users more data to help control their processes.

Secure and reliable machine authentication provides the data manufacturers need to enable process and workforce optimization. Learn why "who" matters in machine operation and how factories can use machine authentication to drive quality control, cost efficiencies, safety and compliance.

Here you can find interesting White Papers and Technical Briefs from The SCHNEEBERGER Group which produces linear and profiled rail guides and measuring systems for linear motion, develops customized positioning systems, and offers innovative solutions made of mineral casting as well as ball screws.

As automated equipment in industrial, medical and life science markets becomes increasingly faster and more accurate, engineers must adapt with higher performing linear motion and positioning systems. At the same time, however, the envelope for motion control is shrinking, making it difficult to design a fast, precise system that can fit into tight spaces. Despite the challenge, it is possible to design a linear motion system that delivers the high performance these machines demand. For example, a linear positioning table and digital controller combination optimized for high-speed communications and fast response achieves an ideal balance of precise positioning and exceptional control. This article will describe some of the essentials machine designers should consider when implementing a precision linear motion system for high-speed automated machines, along with an out-of-the-box setup that provides exceptional results.

As modern robotics and automated machines perform more tasks than ever, bearings that enable complex motion and effective load handling are making it all possible. For example, many robots and cobots incorporate articulating arms to move, position or rotate heavy objects or perform routine tasks even as design sizes shrink. This white paper will describe how IKO crossed roller bearings enable precise, repeatable motion and can handle large axial, radial and moment loads simultaneously to perform complex tasks for a variety of robot types, even within tight spaces.

Increasingly, end-user manufacturers need more automated and innovative solutions, and automation OEMs and system integrators seek experienced partners to solve these challenges. They want to dramatically shorten the time and effort it takes to bring new production systems online or update existing lines with more versatile and efficient technology.

Trends in 3D Printing at Scale, summarizes the results of a third party industry report that surveyed 170 managers and executives working at manufacturing companies with responsibility for 3D printing.

Improper warehouse management means you could be missing valuable business insights, which could help you make more informed decisions to improve the overall health of your company and avoid the above scenario.

How leading manufacturers are harnessing technology to improve quality, drive higher profitable growth, and outpace the competition in 2023 – and beyond

To start, this whitepaper identifies all of the most common programmable tasks and how you can begin mobilizing your automated workforce at the lowest cost and highest productivity. Download the full whitepaper to see where robots can help!

Developing innovative robots is a challenging but rewarding field that requires a combination of technical skills and creative ideas. The goal of these designs is to create robots that are able to perform tasks efficiently and effectively, with a focus on increasing productivity and reducing costs. We know that by designing and engineering robots that are able to adapt to changing environments and to handle complex tasks, we can stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive. But robot development comes with its own set of challenges; limited budgets, lack of manufacturing capabilities, teams that aren’t large enough to spare time for innovation, and so on. How can robotics startups overcome these challenges and stay ahead of the competition?

Embrace the future of the manufacturing industry and implement solutions that allow you to navigate change with ease.

Current advancements in robotics are shrinking the design-to-deployment cycle from years to months, and 5G alone is enabling a host of new capabilities. Read about AI, ML, cloud computing, and how they all enable a new intelligent edge device.

Production planning is the process of balancing supply and demand in a medium to long timeframe. It revolves around deciding when to produce your goods so that customers could be served on time in full, building a realistic capacity plan, and drawing up a materials requirements list for the procurement team.

Production scheduling is the process of maximizing the efficiency of production by the detailed planning of manufacturing operations in the near-term. It is aimed at preventing stock-outs, spotting bottlenecks, matching production with demand, optimizing workforce and machinery allocation, as well as balancing inputs and outputs between workstations.

Let’s listen to Arvind Krishnan, industry analyst at Lifecycle Insights and Michael Mayr, Industrial Equipment Sales Strategy Expert at Dassault Systèmes. They will discuss the robot industry and how startups can succeed in this market.

No matter how complex and detailed the requirements, developing tailored products results in a specific set of challenges. That’s why we identified 10 essential ways manufacturers can improve and enhance their production lifecycle.

This paper explores various use cases for AI and automation that can be used, not only with IT service management (ITSM) scenarios but also within other IT areas. And like with any adoption of technology, this paper highlights issues that organizations must address to have success with AI and automation. Finally, this paper identifies three things that organizations can do to get ready for AI and automation.

Learn how manufacturers are reducing costs and ensuring product quality with new app-based technologies that that make human decisions consistent, reliable and trackable

Economic order quantity is a supply chain management technique used to determine the optimal lot size per order. This is done in order to avoid stockouts and overstocking, thereby balancing inventory costs and opportunity costs.

Download this whitepaper to learn: How robots create safer environments in the workplace. How robots stay compliant with current safety standards. Advantages of utilizing autonomous mobile robots in the workplace. How companies are quickly adapting to using collaborative robots (cobots) in their workplace.

Electrical and electronic components come in a wide variety of sizes and mounting technologies. The classic is the through hole technology (THT), its modern counterpart is the surface-mounting technology (SMT). Unfortunately, these two technologies, which are combined in almost every electronic device, require different soldering methods. A dilemma? Yes and no.