Robots go stainless
Dean Foods, a division of PET Dairies, has become the first US company to use a stainless steel robot in a manufacturing facility, writes TheManufacturer.com.
The robot, to be used in its dairy case packing process, was supplied by KUKA Robotics, and installed by Forte Automation Systems. "KUKA Robotics` stainless steel robots have been working in many applications and industries in Europe and we are pleased to be able to offer our North American customers this option as well," says Joe Campbell, director of strategic alliances for KUKA.
Toby Henderson, president of Forte Automation Systems, adds that they reviewed Dean Foods` facility and determined that the stainless steel robot would meet their wash down requirements and free up at least four employees.
Manufacturers start blogging
Two top economists are starting up Web logs (blogs) on the manufacturing industry, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) said in a report.
The report, which can be found at the Manufacturing Business Technology site, states that NAM`s chief economist will be writing on economic issues, and VP of NAM`s Manufacturing Institute will be writing regularly on issues concerning the industry.
"NAM represents some of the biggest companies in the manufacturing industry," adds the report.
IBM buys Argus semiconductor software
IBM has acquired Inficon`s Argus semiconductor software, a system for lithography advanced process control for semiconductor manufacturing, according to Manufacturing Business Technology.
"This acquisition further expands and strengthens our portfolio of factory process control solutions," said Joseph Nemeth, VP of semiconductor industry, IBM Engineering and Technology Services.
The report says the software provides users with real-time run-to-run capability to control processes using measurement results from upstream and downstream processes, adding that this helps to improve process yield, reduce lithography rework and improve the production ramp up.
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