Latest news and insights
Smart Manufacturing Forum Delivers New Insights on the Future of China’s Manufacturing Sector
The rise of smart manufacturing, Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0 has and will continue to revolutionise China’s manufacturing sector. On the leading edge of these trends is Haier, Facteon’s parent company. Haier Industrial Intelligence and Automation (Haier i2A) hosted its first Forum of Industrial Robotics and Intelligent Equipment in Qingdao, China earlier this month. The theme of the day was Communication, Cooperation and Synergy.
Delivering Robust, Corrosion Resistant & Cosmetically Appealing Laser Welds
Over the last 25 years, Facteon has developed revolutionary laser welding technologies. To ensure our customers are always competitive, we have continued to develop and refine many proprietary techniques and processes. Whether you’re operating in the appliance, automotive or any other industry, there are three key laser weld requirements that our customers and their customers expect.
Facteon People: Patty Walsh – Trades Assistant to Tradesman
Manufacturing Manager, Phil Webb, catches up with Facteon’s most recent apprentice graduate, Patty Walsh. Patty started his career with Facteon in 2014 as a Trades Assistant. After realising his passion for machining, he accepted an apprenticeship. Four years on, he’s a fully qualified Facteon Tradesman.
Robotics: Industry 4.0’s Latest Quality Control Team Recruit
The pace of robotic implementation across industries is accelerating. Sensor-equipped robots are a great addition to almost any manufacturing environment. Facteon’s design engineers have collaborated with our in-house robotics specialists to develop a tox and clinch measuring robot. This new technology will perform quality control functions. It can be incorporated into any production facility that completes forming or joining metalwork, such as in the automotive and appliance industries. Manufacturers will be aware of the challenges that result from employing human operators to perform QC functions.
Automation, Control Systems & Industrial IoT: Creating Flexible Manufacturing Systems
Flexibility is key to survival. We need to constantly change our ways of thinking and manufacturing to thrive. There is no such thing as business as usual in manufacturing and there shouldn’t be. You need to consistently innovate to meet the demands of your customers. There are clear challenges in forecasting these demands. The best solution is to employ flexible manufacturing systems.
Customer Stories: High Quality Components for Medical Device Designers & Makers
Bringing a new product to market, Aroa employed a world-class manufacturing expert.
Uni Grad to Intern to Junior Industrial IoT Engineer
The transition from university study to an internship can be a challenge. Connor has swapped study sessions for team stand ups and energy drinks for coffee. Now, Connor embarks on his next transition: Industrial IoT Intern to Junior Industrial IoT Engineer. He reflects on what he’s learned so far and considers where this journey might take him.
IT vs OT: Why they’re converging & why you should care before it’s too late
As manufacturing technology has evolved over the decades, IT has played an increasingly important role. However, throughout the Industry 3.0 era, with the introduction of computer control and automation, IT has remained largely separate from OT (operational technology) in the manufacturing environment. IT is commonly used at the business level without connection to the OT servicing at the production line. Both IT and OT have grown in sophistication and value to business, but the next revolution will come with the bridging of that IT/OT divide. It’s a revolution that is happening now.
Enabling Machinery Intelligence with 3D Vision
Here at Facteon, we’re on the leading edge of automation, robotics and software systems. We’re also working to explore the potential of 3D vision systems. Our research has found that whilst 2D vision is of great value, it doesn’t offer the technical edge of 3D vision. 3D machine vision allows production robots to better visualise their environment. It allows the machines to adapt to their environment, increasing flexibility, speed and utility.
People, Process & Experience: Building a Quality Production Line
Facteon is a vertically integrated solutions provider. We focus on consistently offering the latest in production machinery to customers across the globe. Our commitment to quality has led us to establish our own in-house Build Shop and Machine Shop that cater to internal and external customers.
Spare Parts Management, Preventative Maintenance & Operational Insights
The manufacturing industry’s continued commitment to Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT has contributed to pressure on manufacturers to continuously upgrade and improve their operations. This process can be daunting. In a previous post, I discussed the Industry 4.0 journey. Informed by the Industry 4.0 journey of Facteon and our global customers, we decided to build a specialised software product, COSMOline. It’s an innovative Industrial IoT tool that integrates with existing MES, ERP and SCADA systems in the management of manufacturing operations.
Former Trade Commissioner appointed head of Group Sales at Facteon
John Cochrane joins the global experts building factories for the internet age