mnielsen

We’re no strangers to robotics in manufacturing, as our robotic welders have been increasing efficiency in American Manufacturing projects for years. However, these robots have their limitations, particularly when it comes to safety and programming.It takes time to program a robotic welder for a new custom project, and we must take several precautions and limit workforce interaction with the robot to keep our personnel safe. This makes it challenging for human welders to come alongside the robotic welders if needed for a project, slowing the process even further. Of course, we knew that the revolutionary robotics integrations of Industry 4.0 [...]

Assembly departments and companies require special equipment for toting and mobilizing parts of various shapes, sizes, and weights around a warehouse. Parts need to be delivered from the loading/unloading dock to the assemblers who need them for any given product, and then the emptied containers must be picked up and returned to the loading and unloading dock.Companies must use dollies and carts or “monument” ergonomic equipment to stage parts and deliver them to the assembly line. This can be done either with forklifts or tuggers to improve your sequencing process. Here are the differences between dollies and ergonomic equipment and [...]

One of the most important things you should look for in a manufacturing partner is a quality assembly department. This can ease the burden on your own production by letting an end-to-end manufacturing partner get your products fully assembled and ready to go, rather than delivering it to you not fully finished. Here’s why an assembly department is a must-have when looking for a manufacturing partner.What Does an Assembly Department Do? An assembly department brings together professional manufacturing engineers and assembly technicians to take the many parts of a product and put them together in a finished product. Basically, assembly [...]

Manufacturing has never been more complex than in this age of labor shortages and tumultuous supply chains. Lead times are taking the hit, and manufacturers are going to extremes to make up the difference. At the same time, we’re in a new age of robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence that is quickly transforming what manufacturing looks like, enabling parts manufacturers to lower lead times and streamline processes, while still delivering a quality product. This new age is called the Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0. What does Industry 4.0 mean for manufacturing, and how can it make an impact for [...]

There is hardly an industry today that has not been impacted by technological advancement. Technology increases productivity and improves quality across hundreds of industries, from transportation to agriculture to—you guessed it—manufacturing. This interconnectivity of technology and everyday objects used within companies is known as the “Internet of Things” (IoT). Let’s explore how technology has up-leveled our approach to manufacturing, and what this means for our customers at American Manufacturing. What Does IoT Mean for Manufacturing? The impact of IoT on the manufacturing industry is substantial. The ability to integrate the Internet into manufacturing processes makes it possible to track and [...]

The manufacturing industry is constantly evolving, with technological advancements and innovations. One such innovation, robotic welding, has significantly impacted manufacturing in recent years. Robotic welding involves the fusion of two materials by applying heat and filler material to create a strong bond. Robotic welders are designed to handle and weld parts accurately. By automating this process, manufacturers can improve safety measures, boost production, and minimize the time needed to finish a project. Here at American Manufacturing, we’ve long recognized the importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies — and we’re nearing our goal of robotically welding an entire container from start to [...]

The history of automation in manufacturing dates back to the Industrial Revolution when mechanized systems were first introduced to replace manual labor. Today, automation is making a transformational impact here at American Manufacturing. While we’re on the front lines of automation in manufacturing, it’s really historic. The development of machines and equipment that could perform repetitive tasks with greater speed and accuracy than humans paved the way for a new era of manufacturing. Assembly lines in the early 20th century further revolutionized manufacturing by allowing products to be produced more efficiently and at a lower cost. The invention of programmable [...]

Automotive companies rely on shipping containers to safely transport their parts and components from one place to another. Shipping containers are a critical component of any automotive company’s business operations, and it’s important to choose the right type of container for their needs. The two most common types of automotive shipping containers are plastic and steel. Both plastic and steel containers provide advantages and disadvantages that automotive companies should consider before they make a decision. Which is right for your needs? The answer depends on durability, custom sizing, cost, and environmental impact. Let’s dive in. Consideration 1: Durability  The most [...]

Paint plays a fundamental role in the manufacturing industry, helping protect and improve the appearance of a wide variety of products and components. For many years, powder coating has been the preferred method for manufacturers due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. However, with recent technological advancements, liquid-based paint is gaining in popularity thanks to its advantages over powder coating. At American Manufacturing, a special water-based paint is used in the container production process. This paint is superior due to the enzymes added during its manufacture, enabling a solid adhesion to metal. This enhancement allows for the production of finished [...]