In the past two decades, output growth in U.S. manufacturing has declined, but the largest firms have managed to thrive, notes a new report form McKinsey & Company. The tech sector, however, including medical device manufacturing, has posted rapid growth in value added since the 1990s.

With the advent of Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing promises speed, directness, and flexibility — so it needs a tool that meets those demands. Fortunately, the right technology has been evolving and is poised to step into that role. Laser systems have long played an integral part in the evolution of...

The increasing sophistication and complexity of medical devices is compounded by strict regulatory requirements that demand systems that can produce consistent, repeatable results. Automation has been key to achieving these goals while maximizing output and minimizing...

A couple of years ago, contract manufacturer Sparton Corporation faced increasing demand for high-quality, highly complex products that were delivered as quickly as possible. The multisite contract manufacturer serves highly regulated end markets, including the medical...

The cost competitiveness of US manufacturing has been improving significantly over the past decade, compared with many of its biggest trading partners—most notably China, according to the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In terms of direct costs, in fact, the US playing field is essentially...

The next industrial revolution is on its way. It is bringing innovative technologies that are available and proven and placing them in the modern manufacturing plants. The cloud, the Internet of Things, mobile computing technology, embedded computing, advanced...

Consider for a moment the modern automobile. A car’s computer can pinpoint for a mechanic exactly what’s going wrong, and provide a thorough history of how things have been working (or not) in recent weeks. Data networks keep tabs on recalls and alert drivers when parts need to be replaced. In some...

Aegis Software, Horsham, PA, announces that the third release of its FactoryLogix R3 software embraces the principles of Industry 4.0 and IoM including resource scheduling, configure to order, and a standardized machine communication technology. The latest version adds a native, factory-wide material logistics module...