To track the expenditure of raw materials, many manufacturing companies use a centralized computer system known as a manufacturing execution system (MES). Featuring both hardware and software, an MES allows manufacturing companies to analyze their production processes in real time … Read More

One of the most misunderstood segments of manufacturing involves the use of a third-party to manage the relationship between an end user and the folks who actually make the parts. With the advent of the world market, realizing lowest manufacturing … Read More

Along with sand molding, plaster molding and shell molding, evaporative-pattern casting is a common casting process used in the metalworking industry. Statistics show that it accounts for up to 29% of all aluminum casting performed in the United States. But … Read More

It’s not uncommon for manufacturing companies to add a layer of metal over the surface of their products or components used to make their products. Known as plating, it’s used in a variety of applications. Jewelry, for example, often contains … Read More

Vulcanization is a chemical treatment process that involves the application of chemicals — usually sulfur — to alter the physical properties of rubber. In its natural state, rubber has numerous attractive qualities, including rust, corrosion and mold resistance. But rubber … Read More

Thermal spraying is a coating process that involves the application of heated particulate matter on a surface to protect against heat, cold, electricity, moisture and rust. The particulate matter — either metal, ceramics, plastics or composites — is heated using … Read More

If you are looking for a list of spectacular manufacturing failures, where products fail to perform as intended, that is not this story (although I would bet at least one of these listed failures happened in every one of those … Read More