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Solar Production Shifts Into High Gear
Solar makers see automation as a strategy for becoming more competitive with fossil fuels.
Tiny Motors Make Big Moves
With only one moving part, piezoelectric motors one-up conventional motors, gears, and drive screws in miniature applications.
Selecting the Best Conveyor
What you should know before speccing your next conveyor.
How to Make a Robot Path in 10 Seconds
Software that works inside CAD lets users design for manufacturing with robotics in mind.
Architectures for Economical Motion
Motion-control costs have more to do with what’s needed to hook up components than with the motor and controller.
Resolution Resolved
Surprise! There’s no guarantee a stage can make moves on the order of its resolution specs.
Next Big Challenge for PV Makers: Wafer Handling
The push to crank out solar cells more quickly brings problems as manufacturers work with ever-thinner silicon wafers.
Coming: New Robotics for PV Production
Automation providers ABB and Bosch Rexroth have
both devised robotic and motion-control equipment
aimed at PV production tasks.
Combo Cell, Module Fab Lines on the Way
A combined photovoltaic cell and module production line able to produce 25 MW annually is in the works.
Leland Teschler's Editorial: The Engineering “Extremist” Mindset
Do engineers have a “mindset” that makes them prone to become Islamic terrorists?
At the Top of Their Game
Engineers aspire to change the world with their work. Here are some who did.
Dream Jobs - Who’s Got Them and How to Get One
As part of our annual salary survey, readers tell us what the ideal career looks like.
Berke on Safety: The Case of the Flaming Hair Dryer
Hair-dryer users have reported fire shooting out of the handle or the snout end of their hair dryers.
Leland Teschler's Editorial: How Not to Make Engineering Appeal to Kids
Programs that introduce engineering to school children make headlines today.
Motors Move Toward More Efficiency
The next generation of motor-powered appliances and industrial machines will be energy misers thanks to new electronics and speed controls.
Is Mechatronics Simulation Ready for Machine Builders?
A new study, “System Design: New Product Development for Mechatronics,” implies it’s make-or-break time to get on board with design simulation tools.
Leland Teschler's Editorial: The wrong message for Engineering Week
Last month’s Engineering Week was supposed to be a grand attempt at encouraging students to pursue careers in technical fields.
Berke on Safety: Nonflammable Tape Burns for Lack of a Hazard Analysis
In response to market demand, a tape manufacturer modified its most popular electrical tape to make it fire retardant.
The 10 most-common Mistakes Made When Sizing Pneumatic Rodless Actuators
Here are some tips for getting the most out of the next rodless actuator you purchase.
Leland Teschler's Editorial: Want to Compete Globally? Education isn’t Enough
You may not know Vivek Wadhwa, but you probably have heard about some of his research.
Berke On Safety: The Forgotten Part Of Design
I work with an ergonomics expert who has a Ph.D. in
experimental psychology and 20-years experience in
human factors.
Shaping Steel at 45 MPH
Modular controller powers hydraulics to fine-tune the thickness of sheet steel.
Leland Teschler's Editorial: Automakers are Now Officially in the Green Camp
Those of us who have attended the big Detroit auto show a few times have come to know the drill characterizing the typical introduction of a new model to the press.
Industrial Design: Research is More Than Asking, “What color do you like?”
The goal of research among users is to identify opportunities for innovation.