Rotary and Centrifugal Feeders: A Viable Alternative to Vibratory Bowl Feeders?

Many times, it is said that though Vibratory Bowl Feeders have been around since the early part of the Twentieth Century. Till date no major alternative for the same has been invented. However, a Rotary or Centrifugal Feeder which uses a motorized drive is definitely an alternative. There are many advantages of Rotary Feeders vis a vis vibratory bowl feeders, the major one being the speed or feed rate. Rotary or Centrifugal Feeders work at very high speeds and one can achieve a total feed rate of up to 50 meters per minute as against just about 12 meters per minute in case of even high speed vibratory bowl feeders. However, there are several drawbacks as well... [More]

Future Weekend "Honey-Do" List May Include 'Test 3D Printer'

Snake the drain first thing Saturday morning followed by seeding and watering the lawn. After that, maybe take a look at the gutters and make sure that they are clear. If you have time and you haven't fallen asleep on the hammock, test fully functional 3D printer. Huh, whaaa? Most of those in manu... [More]

To Russia with Love: Is the West in too Much of a Rush to Capitalize on Russia's Oil Dollars?

While Russia is swimming in its black gold, the west is seeing green. Also, at the end of 2012, the U.S. granted "Permanent Normal Trade Relations". A lot of companies, including GM, Volkswagen, and others have been looking to Russia, backed by oil, as a potential huge sales market. Despite this, however, there are some dark clouds over this cheery spend and play atmosphere. [More]

Body Parts Factory: New 3D Printers will Allow Scientists to 'Print' Living Tissue

Let's give 'em a hand, or a foot; or perhaps even an ear or a nose. The increasing advances in 3D printing may just allow scientists and doctors to one day "print" up an organ for you -- an organ your body won't reject as it will come from your own stem cells! [More]

On Land, In the Air, and Even In Outer Space: 3D Printing Not Science Fiction Anymore

3d printing has been around for quite some time now, but many people don't realize the advancements made in manufacturing thanks to it, and how mainstream it has become. On land for making engine components, shoes and clothing, and CAD models; to the air and in space for one company's "Microgravity Foundry". No longer is 3D printing something you only see in the movies. [More]

See Spot Train and Seek: Robotics Slowly Replacing Animals in the Classroom and Under the Waves

Cornell University has developed a new tool that could change the way veterinarians are trained. While it might not fetch your paper or shoes the way that your dog might, or completely ignore you like a cat, it can give future vets a realistic device in training. Meanwhile, the US Navy plans to use underwater robots to replace what was typically done by dolphins, sea lions, and human divers. [More]

Nevermind the Bullocks: Outsourcing and the Great Corporate Tax Swindle

It was a big part of the last presidential campaign and most assuredly will be part of the on-going debt ceiling-financial cliff-econopalyspe discussion that will be taking place over the next few FOREVER! Also, because it's the start of the New Year, our thoughts will slowly start drifting to one of our favorite seasons of the year: Tax Season, or more specifically, Corporate Tax Season. One of the heated arguments that was pretty constant and ongoing during the presidential election is how high America's corporate tax rate is compared to the other industrial powers in the world. Politicians, corporate business leaders, bankers, manufacturers- everybody that has a stake in, opinion of or participates in outsourcing- point to America's burdening and suffocating corporate tax as the great push for these companies to go overseas. Is America's corporate tax rate really that high though? Read more to find out. [More]

The Robotic Elephant in the Room: There May be No Choice When it Comes to the Robot vs. Worker Question

In a recent article by Paul Krugman, NYT OP-ED, he floated the idea that the increased development of robotic and automation technology, coupled with the financialization of manufacturing, is slowing hiring in the manufacturing sector and will start displacing workers in other sectors as well. I believe there is an even more sinister element at work that could mark an ongoing hiring decline, not only in manufacturing, but medical and office industries too...EFFICIENCY! [More]

Possible Trend Developing with Foxconn Mulling US Plants?

Taiwanese mega giant electronics manufacturer, Foxconn, may be considering opening a plant or plants in the US sometime soon. Reports have them looking at and doing evaluations in cities such as Detroit and LA. Is this simply a PR stunt or a start of a new 'insourcing' trend? [More]