- Can you really save money by relocating and repurposing used equipment? - One of the services that we offer our clients is machine relocation. Our construction personnel, who are experienced with process equipment, are seasoned in the discipline of dismantling, crating, moving, and re-installing used machinery to other sites, or for other uses. While we have the ability to perform this work, one can certainly observe all… Continue Reading
- Weighing System for a Food Manufacturer - Optimation has just been awarded a batch weighing system for food grade products. The system handles sequencing of different ingredients into a scale and then discharge of the scale into a mixer. These formulations are normally 10 to 12 different ingredients and there are hundreds of different formulations. The typical run size is in tons… Continue Reading
- Year-End Planning in Manufacturing - We’re approaching the fourth quarter and companies are beginning to do their year-end planning. As systems integrators and fabricators, we find it interesting to see how the results of this planning are played out in different years for different clients. Depending on their analysis and plans it can mean feast or famine for companies like… Continue Reading
- Using data acquisition and control systems to monitor plant subsystems - How well do you know your weak link? If you operate a continuous manufacturing process, then you know the importance of maintaining your systems' operational performance. No doubt you gave a considerable amount of thought to your system architecture, understanding the critical parameters for producing the highest possible quality product. You pay attention to safety,… Continue Reading
- The Silver Lining in Machine Guarding Implementation - As a provider of multiple services to our clients in the manufacturing segment, delivering our product offerings, whether it be labor hours or machinery, necessitates an awareness of the inherent health and safety risks in all that we do. We must be able to assist our customers with support and machine solutions that are properly… Continue Reading
- Is There an Engineering Shortage in the United States? - We often hear or read about a shortage or anticipated shortage of engineers in the United States. To address this, programs are developed in elementary and high schools to encourage students to develop a love of math and become prepared for a careers in engineering or other applied sciences. Everyone knows that the United States… Continue Reading
- Device Calibration - Whether designing dedicated test stands or developing control systems, it may be necessary to calibrate the signals that are being measured. One of our test system specialists has written a detailed article for Control Design magazine, Process variables and the art of calibrating instruments. In this article, Jim McCarty, walks us through the key elements to… Continue Reading
- Postcard From the (Leading) Edge - I'm fortunate to again be attending NIWeek, the annual business and technology conference run by National Instruments (NI) in Austin, Texas. It's a scene of thousands of engineers, scientists, and businesspeople converging to look at the latest and greatest technologies, applications, and success stories while also having the opportunity to learn new techniques and advance… Continue Reading
- What it Takes to Win Over a New Client – Customer References - In today’s age, it’s easy to search and get reviews for pretty much any product or service. If you’re looking for a hotel, you probably read the reviews of the hotel before you book. If you’re looking to buy a new product, you do the same before adding it to your cart. It’s the same… Continue Reading
- Cybersecurity and Hacking the Manufacturing Plant Network - We hear a lot about hacking into networks these days. Most recently the news has been about email and email servers. But hacking is hacking and if someone can figure out the passwords and break through the security for an email server there is no reason to believe that the same hacker can’t break into… Continue Reading
