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Steel pallets are the sturdiest option in warehousing, making them ideal for both Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) and high-bay warehouses. Heavy-duty steel pallets can support even more weight, but they are heavier than a standard steel pallet. When designing heavy-duty steel pallets for these specialized warehousing scenarios, here is what we always keep in mind to ensure a reliable and efficient process for our customers: Using Heavy-Duty Steel Pallets in Highly Automated Warehousing Environments One of the benefits of heavy-duty steel pallets is the customizability of bases. Steel pallets can be built to fit with whatever automated systems [...]

Pallets are an essential component of any heavy manufacturing process, but their durability and cost depend on the materials used to build these pallets. While metal pallets are the gold standard in manufacturing, many facilities will start out with wood or plastic when they’re still figuring out their processes and what sizes they need. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of steel pallets and when it’s time to make the switch. Metal Pallets vs. Wood or Plastic: What’s the Difference? Wood pallets are popular across many manufacturing industries because of their affordability. Automotive plants will often [...]

Tilt Tables are an ergonomic must-have in manufacturing. Similar to tilt carts, these tables offer even greater ergonomic benefits by providing custom pick heights and greater tilt control, ensuring safer, more efficient operations at workstations. Types of Tilt Tables in Manufacturing Tilt tables are available with three tilt styles: mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic assist. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences: Mechanical Tilt Tables Mechanical tilt tables are gravity-powered, meaning the operator uses gravity to tilt and lock it in place, then unlocks it and manually pushes it back to neutral. While less expensive than tilt dollies or pneumatic [...]

Trying to go forklift-free as an automotive or heavy equipment plant can be challenging if that has always been your process. You need a solution to reduce container clutter on the main floor that allows sequencing in a separate area, and then transporting parts and materials around the plant in a safe manner. Industrial carts are a safer, more efficient way to streamline your processes. Here are the features that make a difference when considering making the switch from forklifts to industrial carts. Racks vs. Containers: Choosing the Right Industrial Cart How the industrial cart will be used is [...]

Smart containers are the latest innovation in freight and shipping, providing highly accurate data to make container shipping safer, more secure, and more efficient. Thanks to integrations through IoT, advanced manufacturing has helped containers reach new heights of analytics and tracking so that products get from A to B faster and more reliably. How IoT is Revolutionizing Advanced Manufacturing IoT stands for “Internet of Things,” and it’s exactly what it sounds like: the way the internet is connecting everyday things in industries like manufacturing and freight. IoT networks physical objects together using technology like sensors and software to gather [...]

American Manufacturing is committed to innovation, leveraging the latest technology and automation to improve both product quality and production efficiency. In March, we introduced the Trumpf TruLaser Tube 7000 into our lineup, further expanding our automated capabilities. This advancement positions us among the first in the industry to offer fully automated, end-to-end material handling and part production from raw stock to finished components all under one roof. What is a Tube Laser? A tube laser is a powerful cutting machine for processing 3D materials such as square or rectangular tubes, pipes, angle iron, bar stock, or I-beam. The cradle [...]

The final step in many automotive manufacturing processes is painting and finishing. At American Manufacturing, everything from our containers to automotive parts is finished using environmentally friendly water-based paints. These paints are safer than alternative options without sacrificing durability or quality. Ultimately, water-based paints play a role in a greener tomorrow. Other Painting Options in Manufacturing While many manufacturers have made the switch to water-based paints, some still use traditional methods that are less sustainable. These alternatives are believed to make up for in quality what they lack in eco-friendliness, but water-based paints have improved to the point where [...]

Ergonomics are an essential part of any manufacturing process, as these innovations make for a safer and more efficient workplace. In the last few years, a major shift away from monument solutions and toward flexible carts and dollies has enhanced ergonomics and workplace safety. Monument Solutions vs. Flexible Carts: What’s the Difference? While these terms may be familiar to many in the manufacturing industry, here’s a quick breakdown of the distinction: Monument solutions in manufacturing are stationary storage solutions that have to be loaded and unloaded with a forklift or other transport machinery when they need to be maneuvered [...]

Cobots have been transforming automation in labor-intensive industries for the last decade. The latest improvements in lift strength make them particularly useful for packaging and warehousing. The ability to automate an entire process from start to finish, like cobots have done for palletization in tandem with automatic stretch wrappers, is incredible! For smart factories, cobots have come into play in a few different ways. Here’s how cobots have improved our processes and products at American Manufacturing: The Impact of Cobots on Smart Factory Automation At American Manufacturing, we have introduced two welding cobots into our robotic workforce. These cobots [...]