One of the primary reasons I pursued mechanical and electrical technology and associated occupations was its reliance on mathematics and sciences such as chemistry and physics. In contrast to other fields of study, the principles of science and mathematics reflect its foundation in consistent and repeatable laws and theorems. If…
One of the unexpected consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the shortage of semiconductors in the global market. This has dramatically affected production as well as further technological research in many chip-dependent industries, ranging from automotive to electronics. However, some of these industries are taking the initiative to develop…
Without a doubt, one of humanity’s most outstanding achievements occurred in July 1969 when Neil Armstrong took “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The moon landing by Apollo 11 was the culmination of nearly a decade of overachievement by NASA encouraged by the space race that…
Robotic technology has come a long way from its initial focus on heavy-duty applications. Today, robotic welding employs advanced automation to handle a myriad of complex and delicate operations. These advances have opened opportunities for industries to fully utilize weld robots to generate the maximum return on investment (ROI). By…
Whenever someone tells me they have good and bad news, I usually ask for the bad first. I figure that while I may get hit with an initial bomb, the conversation will likely end on a high note. Sometimes, though, the bad news can overshadow the good—for example, if someone…
Technological updates should simplify operations, increase productivity, and reduce costs for manufacturers. Robotic welding has allowed industries to realize these benefits by shifting welding tasks from operators to smart automated robots. With accurate programming, operators can ensure optimal robot performance and incomparable weld results. Traditionally, robots have been programmed on-site…
When choosing a robotic welding system, manufacturers must consider many factors: What type of welding process is suitable for my application? How does it affect welding productivity? What costs will I incur, and what will be the return on my investment? Most industries nowadays adopt modern welding technologies to leverage…
Recent developments in robot and robotic welding technology have enabled industries to increase efficiency and productivity. Likewise, automated orbital welding systems and welding robots help manufacturers target previously unattainable productivity goals. To meet the demand that improved automation and productivity encouraged, robotic programming capabilities continue to evolve. Traditional robot programming…
Unimation 001, the first welding robot, was created in 1962. In the early days, heavy automated machinery with less flexibility limited robotic welding to large-scale heavy industries like automotive manufacturing. With today’s refined robotic and computing tools, however, robotic welding has become widely available across manufacturing environments. This transition has…
Unless you just crawled from under a rock or recently awoke from one of those Rip van Winkle naps, then you know that the trend toward smart products is growing rapidly. Perhaps more impressive is the demand for smart manufacturing systems. In many cases, smart manufacturing indicates that the equipment…