FTIR is the primary method for material and contaminant identification but lacks sensitivity to metallic components. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) can fill this gap and improve identification accuracy.

Additive manufacturing (AM), or 3D printing, is crucial for producing complex, accurate parts with minimal waste. Ensuring the quality of raw materials and finished metal parts is essential for its success. This paper emphasizes the need for compositional analysis and strict quality control in AM.

Batteries are key to electrification, demanding high-quality control and efficient production. The use of Automated Defect Recognition (ADR) and other technologies is critical as the industry aims to scale up to meet the rising demand from electronics, electric vehicles, and energy storage sectors, while also minimizing environmental impacts.

Mitutoyo America Corporation announces the latest version of the versatile Quick Image series 2-D vision measuring system.

R&R Fixtures offers modular CMM, white light/ laser scanner fixturing tables up to 60 x 120 in. (1,500mm x 3000mm) in size to accommodate any size of part your application may need.

Verisurf’s New Inspection Planner Suite lets users quickly and easily create and execute inspection plans for arms, trackers, scanners, and manual CMMs, including executing proven inspection plans on CNC CMMs.

The PT-150HA manual wire crimp pull tester is ideal for testing crimp strength on wires up to size 10 for Mil-Spec applications and size 4 AWG for commercial and automotive applications.

Mahr Inc. announced a new solution for contour measurement.

Teledyne FLIR IIS introduced the Forge®️ 1GigE SWIR (Short Wave Infrared) 1.3 MP camera.

Optical Gaging Products (OGP®) announced the next evolution of SmartScope® 3D Multisensor Metrology systems: SmartScope M-Series.

The GBX 10 Gigabit Ethernet Module provides safe and reliable data transmission for advanced automation.

Paul N. Gardner USA (Gardco) announced two new custom Gardco mobile apps to enhance efficiency and precision, the Gardco Viscosity Calculator App and the Gardco Psychrometric Calculator App.

The cost and lead times for Germanium optical components have skyrocketed.

With SINAMICS DriveSim Basic, Siemens presents a new software solution, with which drives and their behavior in machines and plants can be simulated, adapted and optimized.

Harold G. Schaevitz Industries announced the release of the ILPS-13Z Series Miniature Linear Variable Inductive Transducer (LVIT) Position Sensor.

Verisurf Software, Inc. demonstrated its new Machine Tool Probing (MTP) suite at IMTS 2024. 

Air gauges are non-contact devices that utilize air pressure for measurement. They play a crucial role in ensuring precision and quality control in the manufacturing industry, from automotive to aerospace industries. They are particularly valuable for measuring delicate or easily deformable materials.

The new campus will focus on battery research, manufacturing, and recycling, with the West Midlands Gigafactory as its anchor tenant.

The payload will enable Booz Allen to run diagnostics on software for on-orbit space domain awareness.

Torque, pressure and temperature sensors are playing a key role in designing new power trains for zero-emission airplanes.

Boeing needs to improve its manufacturing approach to prioritize transparency and continual improvement, which can also help other organizations improve their quality and bottom line.

The aerospace industry constantly seeks new technologies for a competitive edge and enhanced capability. AI and maching learning in additive manufacturing offer significant value for meeting industry needs.

Amusement parks offer thrilling experiences, but safety is crucial. Nondestructive testing (NDT) plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of rides through meticulous inspection without causing damage.

The aerospace industry uses automation and metrology to improve product quality and safety. Components require precise measurements for high quality and efficient production.

The development of laser-based non-destructive testing (NDT) technology has benefitted various industries, including these three examples.

In aerospace, lightweighting is crucial for fuel efficiency, range, and emissions. Material analysis and technology advancements offer weight reduction without sacrificing performance or safety.

Materials testing is critical for the development and quality assurance of all products in the market, with some industries such as biomedical, aerospace, and automotive companies experiencing high volumes of testing throughput in addition to strict quality standards.

Styli and probe extensions can provide certainty for most measurements. Find the right tools made from the right materials for your quality needs.

Model-Based Definition (MBD) offers a modernized approach to implementing GD&T into electric motor production using 3D models instead of traditional 2D drawings.

Materials testing ensures quality by subjecting materials and products to controlled conditions to evaluate properties and behavior under stress. Learn how mechanical, physical, and chemical properties are evaluated to determine suitability for different applications.

This article explores the transformative impact of incorporating rotary stages into coordinate measuring systems, enhancing their capabilities and the efficiency of the measurement process.

Don't cut corners on color-matching tools. Professional equipment has advantages that imitations can't match. Learn more in this article.

Manufacturing ERP software impacts every aspect of a business and enables automation and data-driven planning for operational efficiency, which is crucial for maintaining profitability in today's market.

Quality control in manufacturing and engineering relies heavily on compression force testing to determine material strength, durability, and stability. This article highlights the key uses and equipment needed for such testing.

This month, I'm honored to speak at the ASQ Columbus (Ohio) Section’s annual conference on the theme "What is in Your Toolbox?" I'll discuss the seven basic quality tools I've extensively used over my 30+ years as a quality professional. Interestingly, unlike with my children, I do have a favorite among these tools.

In a world where every minute matters, a car rental turns into a frustrating ordeal of delays and inefficiencies. Will I reach my important meeting on time, or will I be exposed to the 8 deadly wastes?

I looked into national voices for manufacturing and visited the NAM (National Association of Manufacturers), which has about 14,000 member companies employing around 13 million people. NAM advocates for manufacturers at the government level and has been focused on bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. since 2020.

American manufacturing is making a comeback, fueled by billions in investments and new technologies. This reshoring not only boosts job quality and economic opportunity but also mitigates supply chain risks exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But is there a catch?

Women are increasingly sought in manufacturing, a field now prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. Employers recognize that diverse perspectives boost creativity and morale, and they are actively showcasing opportunities for success in this dynamic industry.

Serving as the Chair of the ASQ Inspection Division has been a remarkable journey of leadership, collaboration, and growth. It has been both a privilege and a responsibility to guide the division through strategic initiatives aimed at empowering our members and elevating the quality profession.

We are missing an untapped reserve of excellent human material.

Express pride in what you do and draw young workers in.

Manufacturers are prioritizing low-code AI tools to simplify application development, enabling non-experts to create and customize AI workflows.

Advancements in AI and machine learning offer hope to revolutionize industrial automation and tackle modern manufacturing challenges.

In-process verification uses high-tech tools like 3D scanners and laser trackers on the factory floor to monitor products as they're made, allowing instant analysis and immediate problem-solving.

Design of Experiments (DOE) helps improve products and processes more efficiently, providing a comprehensive understanding of influences on the end result.

Manufacturing compliance goes beyond ticking boxes; it's about trust and excellence. Small manufacturers can navigate complex regulations by understanding compliance history, using technology, and implementing effective strategies for success.

In today's tech-driven world, companies use software to collect data, but the analysis can be flawed. Charts with only specification limits, arbitrarily chosen warning and action limits, and misused Process Behavior Charts contribute to misinterpretation.

Regulatory bodies like the FDA and MHRA are adapting guidelines to accommodate the evolving AI landscape, stressing the importance of innovative compliance approaches alongside traditional software regulations, including audit trails, electronic records, and signatures.

Today’s manufacturing environment demands greater product variety, shorter lead times, and higher customer expectations. To meet these challenges, manufacturers need agile and efficient intralogistics solutions, specifically scalable, modular systems that adapt to production changes and optimize resources while ensuring high quality.