Manufacturing and Automation White Papers

Decentralized, fieldbus-based machine concepts with plugged-in sensors and actuators simplify design, project planning, installation and maintenance enormously and are therefore the first choice for future-proof machine tools. Only for safety applications, an elementary component of every machine tool, do many experts still consider a special approach to be necessary and choose point-to-point wiring in the control cabinet despite all the known disadvantages. With the “ONE” NC generation from Siemens, however, there is no longer any reason for this special approach.

The automotive industry uses vast amounts of compressed air, which means hidden air leaks are a common nuisance that requires timely detection. When left alone, undetected compressed air leaks can lead to high energy costs, significant financial losses due to unplanned outages, and even potential safety hazards. Leaks can also contribute to problems with system operations, such as fluctuating system pressure, excess compressor capacity, or decreased service life and increased maintenance of supply equipment. Maintaining compressed air systems by locating and fixing leaks in time is therefore one of the most effective ways of saving energy and improving both productivity and competitiveness.

Leveraging real-time data regarding asset conditions to inform maintenance represents an important shift away from reactive operations and can significantly reduce costs and improve business outcomes such as safety and sustainability. This paper assesses the current state of digitalization in manufacturing and evalutes the benefits of condition-based maintenance and increasingly proactive maintenance programs, based on research and analysis conducted by S&P Global Market Intelligence in March/April 2024.

Over the past two decades, we have had the unique opportunity to work with hundreds of factories producing high-tech products in industries ranging from defense, aerospace and medical devices to industrial electronics, heavy machines and precision laboratory instruments. A consistent theme has emerged: factory managers and executives are struggling to eliminate human errors in their manufacturing processes, while training has become a significant burden on their organizations.

This comprehensive guide aims to break down important sustainability concepts and equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce carbon emissions in your business.

If you’re a business wondering whether to begin your decarbonization efforts, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Not just because it’s a current global trend, or beneficial to brand reputation, or the “right thing to do,” but because it costs you NOT to decarbonize. In more ways than you might think.

Prototype quickly, integrate easily, and scale effectively with industrial computers you can depend on. Our embedded computers can be easily and quickly customized, putting the right product in your hands in days. Our systems have been certified to meet a wide range of industry-specific regulatory requirements, making it easier for you to gain full system certification for your products. And when you're ready to scale, we can help you simplify integration through our imaging and BIOS customization services to create a plug and play solution.

Discover how Autodesk Fusion extensions enhance your design and manufacturing processes with advanced CAM capabilities, including 4-axis and 5-axis machining, automation, and strategies for increased efficiency and growth.

Leading insights to achieve AI excellence in the manufacturing sector. Tap our latest research to discover how manufacturing organizations are overcoming industry challenges and harnessing AI to drive improved operational and business outcomes.

Do you need your products ready as soon as possible or just in time for the promised delivery date? Forward and backward scheduling are key concepts in production planning that allow production to be set up according to this fundamental question.

MQTT is a widely used protocol for connecting IIoT industrial devices, enabling efficient and real-time data exchange. However, it often gets misunderstood for security vulnerabilities, leading to misconceptions about its safety. In this paper, we will discuss essential steps to ensure MQTT security, from edge devices to cloud servers, and how to address denial of service (DoS) attacks effectively.

How Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Can Lead Global Decarbonization. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are critical for global decarbonization. Download this whitepaper and discover why it’s important to take action, the steps you can take to decarbonize your business, and how Zeigo Activate makes it easier than ever to estimate, track, and reduce your carbon emissions. Get your copy of the whitepaper outlining the role that small and medium-sized enterprises can take climate action now.

Premio’s Rugged Edge Computing Solutions and the Edge Continuum Matrix. Join us as we explore and define the edge continuum and how Premio aligns itself with its robust ruggedized product portfolio with this 5-episodes series. Hear from our product marketing experts as they break down Premio’s product line and more including: Technology catalysts, industry growth and projections, and key market trends shaping the Edge Continuum; Key distinctions on the User Edge from the Industrial Edge, Rugged Edge, and Specialized Edge and how they align within the space; Comprehensive overview and breakdown of Premio’s flagship computing products from product specialists.

The demand for precision and speed in modern industrial equipment has exposed the limitations of traditional quartz oscillators. MEMS timing solutions provide a superior alternative, offering better resistance to environmental stressors, improved stability across temperatures, and enhanced power supply and EMI noise rejection. SiTime’s MEMS products deliver reliable performance in challenging conditions, making them a valuable choice for industrial automation in the age of Industry 4.0. Their programmability, durability and quality ensure manufacturers meet stringent timing requirements while managing inventory and compliance more effectively.

TextureJet’s Stat® technology is now proven to achieve higher quality edge finishing through increased repeatability and precision than the current methods utilised in edge finishing of aerospace components. In recent testing, detailed in a TextureJet White Paper published this week, TextureJet demonstrated how its electrochemical jet machining technology offers distinct advantages in terms of safety, sustainability and repeatability compared to current methods in edge finishing. The results showed an increase in repeatability and overall tighter tolerances with an increase of more than 110% in repeatability in comparison to robot automated brush deburring and an increase of over 350% compared to manual brush deburring.

Encoder digital signals start as sine waves and can be interpolated to produce higher resolutions. Sine waves have to be clean and free of noise for effective interpolation.

Step-by-Step Process for Emission Reduction Targets: Transitioning to 100% renewables may appear challenging, but various clean energy solutions in today’s market can help businesses reach this goal. Selecting the right renewable energy solution depends on factors like energy demand, location, budget, and sustainability goals. In this eBook, we outline a step-by-step process for achieving your emission reduction targets through renewable energy.

Are you running a UK manufacturing business and looking to embark on a digital transformation journey? If so, this free whitepaper is the perfect place to start. Aimed at ambitious SMEs it acts as a guide, explaining the concepts of digitisation, digitalisation, digital transformation, and continuous improvement. Made Smarter help manufacturers better understand and navigate current and future trends and make the case for how industrial digital technologies can solve problems and create growth opportunities. This whitepaper explains the process of how we support SME manufacturers with digital transformation through grant funding and skills and leadership training programmes. It also showcases some of the hundreds of businesses who have benefitted from our intervention across the country. Finally, hear from some of our partner organisations such as Make UK, the Centre for People-Led Digitalisation (PLD) and InterAct on how they are working with Made Smarter towards a common goal and find links to the best resources available to get you started with digital transformation today.

In this paper, we examine these two leading sensor types and evaluate their performances at frequencies associated with common faults. We find that piezoelectric sensors outperform MEMS accelerometers in terms of frequency range for early detection, making them the preferred option for machine health monitoring applications.

Occupational exoskeletons are designed to augment, enable, assist, and/or enhance physical activity through mechanical interaction with the body with the goal to reduce fatigue and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In this paper, our expert will discuss how occupational exoskeletons fit within the Hierarchy of Controls (NIOSH, 2015), and provide an alternative framework for estimating their effectiveness compared to other types of solutions for reducing ergonomic risk for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.