December 2011
2011 Top Plant winner: NACCO Materials Handling Group
Hire and higher: Building a workforce helps NACCO Materials Handling Group build profits—and world-class lift trucks. » more
November 2011
'Near net-zero' plant sustains profits, productivity
Frito-Lay, inspired by the idea of taking one of their plants off the energy grid, turned their Casa Grande, Ariz. manufacturing plant into a 'near net-zero' facility, running on renewable resources. » more
Flowmeters improve HVAC system performance
Energy efficiency efforts have risen in recent years as environmental and economic concerns have grown, particularly with the recent economic recession. » more
October 2011
PPE is personal before it is protective
A recent study found that many workers aren’t wearing necessary personal protective equipment. Which leaves a question: Why? » more
Safety culture that is rewarded, enforced, honored
When Schneider Electric received the National Safety Council’s Green Cross for Safety Medal this year, it became the first company to receive the council’s two most prestigious awards, Schneider... » more
September 2011
Leaders Under 40: From diversity, a common commitment
Plant Engineering is proud to highlight those leading the manufacturing world, read about 2011’s Leaders Under 40. » more
Plugging the Skills Gap
From industry awareness to mentoring students, everyone has a role to play in workforce development. » more
July/August 2011
Frequency inverters receive output frequency upgrades
Yaskawa upgraded the V1000 and A1000 frequency inverters up to 1000 Hz to allow them to work with high-speed applications. » more
June 2011
Cover Story: What is your relay telling you?
Troubleshoot your motors by understanding your relays. » more
Treating corrosion as a process variable
Corrosion, when examined as a process variable, can be both monitored and controlled in real time. » more
In seeking arc flash solutions, don’t overlook validation
Arc flashes are responsible for about 80% of electrical accidents in the U.S. each year. » more
Process availability can pay big dividends
Does a making an investment in process improvement to increase system integrity during an era of reduced operating and capital budgets make sense? » more
CSIA members find the value in certification, audits
"Certification is not an event; it represents a culture of quality and continuous improvement," said Ed Diehl, chairman of the board of CSIA and president of Concept Systems in Albany, Ore. » more
May 2011
Best practices for ultrasound testing of steam traps
Follow these steps to use ultrasound testing for steam traps with inverted bucket operation, float and thermostatic operation, thermodynamic operation, and thermostatic operation. » more
Best practices for testing steam traps
When it comes to testing steam traps, deciding which method to use can be confusing. This article offers an introduction to the primary testing technologies--visual, temperature-based, and... » more
Best practices for steam turbine maintenance and operation
Steam turbine operation and performance require the correct steam pressure at the turbine inlet and high steam quality (steam without condensate entrapment) to ensure high turbine reliability. » more
Overcoming barriers to wireless adoption
Wireless is flexible, versatile, and can be cost effective; however, concerns with security, reliability, and capacity of wireless continue to prevent conservative end users from reaping its... » more
April 2011
Digital hydraulic tester
Omega's HFP-110/120 digital hydraulic tester is a compact, lightweight, self-contained portable tester with laboratory accuracy » more
Innovation, education key themes at 2011 Summit
The overriding theme of the 2011 Manufacturing/Automation Summit was to help manufacturing professionals operate more efficiently and collaboratively. » more
Understanding variable frequency drives
VFD use is increasing because users say VFDs improve manufacturing processes and reduce cost. Understanding how they do their job can help as you consider deployments. » more
Using smart instrumentation
All you need to know to deploy smart instruments throughout your processes, and get the highest performance available. The capabilities are there if you put them to work. » more
March 2011
Chain lube system uses electrostatic nozzles
AutoJet Electrostatic Lubrication System uses electrostatic nozzles to apply lubrication to ball bearings and other key areas of the chain » more
Product package for special handling applications
Special Product Package from IFH Group is designed for applications involving corrosive chemicals and other abrasive fluids that require special handling for safety and efficiency » more
CNC improvements deliver powerful change to the shop floor
The CNC is the singular most powerful influence in how any shop will fully capitalize on its laser investment, and you need to get the most out of it » more
January/February 2011
Electric lift trucks
The ERC-VA series is among the most productive and highly durable electric lift trucks on the market. New features and updates include: newly designed, industry-leading operator compartments and... » more
Air-powered vacuum
The Model 860/02 is perfect for managers who want to eliminate drum handling, and collect and discharge their powders in a safe, dust-free & convenient way. The Model 860/02 uses an air-powered... » more
HVLS fan control
The touch-screen Fan-Commander control station controls the operation of up to 18 High Volume/Low Speed (HVLS) Revolution Fan or Revolution SP Fan models. With the Fan-Commander, users can optimize... » more
AHR Expo sees big crowds, bigger innovation
Manufacturing had some major innovations at the show designed to deliver increased performance, better energy management and a quicker return on investment. » more
2011 Top Plant winner: NACCO Materials Handling GroupHire and higher: Building a workforce helps NACCO Materials Handling Group build profits—and world-class lift trucks. » more
Motor circuit analysis
During routine operation of a coal-fired steam plant within a corn milling facility, a 100-hp motor that drives one of the two coal pulverizers was tripping offline shortly after start-up. » more
During routine operation of a coal-fired steam plant within a corn milling facility, a 100-hp motor that drives one of the two coal pulverizers was tripping offline shortly after start-up. » more
New energy efficiency rules
The U.S. Dept. of Energy's energy efficiency legislation that goes into effect in 2012 will mandate that lighting manufacturers cease the production of non-efficiency lighting and related products. » more
The U.S. Dept. of Energy's energy efficiency legislation that goes into effect in 2012 will mandate that lighting manufacturers cease the production of non-efficiency lighting and related products. » more
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ABB, Baldor combine sales force
ABB and Baldor plan to combine their U.S. sales forces selling low- and medium-voltage industrial drives and electric motors. » more
ABB and Baldor plan to combine their U.S. sales forces selling low- and medium-voltage industrial drives and electric motors. » more
Conducting data collection - beware of interference
Users involved in data collection on a motor who are aware of the potential reasons and risks for interference can be instrumental in improving productivity and safety. » more
Users involved in data collection on a motor who are aware of the potential reasons and risks for interference can be instrumental in improving productivity and safety. » more
'Near net-zero' plant sustains profits, productivityFrito-Lay, inspired by the idea of taking one of their plants off the energy grid, turned their Casa Grande, Ariz. manufacturing plant into a 'near net-zero' facility, running on renewable resources. » more
ISM report shows manufacturing slowly grows
Manufacturing expanded for the 27th consecutive month based on economic activity, according to the latest ISM report. The economy overall grew for the 29th consecutive month. » more
Manufacturing expanded for the 27th consecutive month based on economic activity, according to the latest ISM report. The economy overall grew for the 29th consecutive month. » more
Flowmeters improve HVAC system performanceEnergy efficiency efforts have risen in recent years as environmental and economic concerns have grown, particularly with the recent economic recession. » more
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Think everyone is using PPE? Think again.
It’s a simple choice – of COURSE we want to be safe at work. No one wakes up each morning and says, “Can’t wait to get to the plant today so I can injure myself!” » more
It’s a simple choice – of COURSE we want to be safe at work. No one wakes up each morning and says, “Can’t wait to get to the plant today so I can injure myself!” » more
PPE is personal before it is protectiveA recent study found that many workers aren’t wearing necessary personal protective equipment. Which leaves a question: Why? » more
Book excerpt: Implementing inventory management policies, procedures
Inventory management requires much more than just knowing the numbers. Knowing the relevant formulae is the easy part » more
Inventory management requires much more than just knowing the numbers. Knowing the relevant formulae is the easy part » more
Implementing “time-of-day” energy load shed project reduces costs
Valuable lesson learned at huge aero-structures fabrication plant about energy conservation projects from the maintenance department. » more
Valuable lesson learned at huge aero-structures fabrication plant about energy conservation projects from the maintenance department. » more
Safety culture that is rewarded, enforced, honoredWhen Schneider Electric received the National Safety Council’s Green Cross for Safety Medal this year, it became the first company to receive the council’s two most prestigious awards, Schneider... » more
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Get the most out of your compressed air system
While we only work about 40 hours a week, a compressed air system is, in most instances, much more dependable and loyal, taking breaks only for routine scheduled maintenance. » more
While we only work about 40 hours a week, a compressed air system is, in most instances, much more dependable and loyal, taking breaks only for routine scheduled maintenance. » more
Book excerpt: Overcome operational biases if you want true inventory optimization
Successful inventory management, and the achievement of true inventory optimization, requires a focus on people, policies, procedures, and, with that, behaviors. » more
Successful inventory management, and the achievement of true inventory optimization, requires a focus on people, policies, procedures, and, with that, behaviors. » more
Leaders Under 40: From diversity, a common commitmentPlant Engineering is proud to highlight those leading the manufacturing world, read about 2011’s Leaders Under 40. » more
Plugging the Skills GapFrom industry awareness to mentoring students, everyone has a role to play in workforce development. » more
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Frequency inverters receive output frequency upgradesYaskawa upgraded the V1000 and A1000 frequency inverters up to 1000 Hz to allow them to work with high-speed applications. » more
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Cover Story: What is your relay telling you?Troubleshoot your motors by understanding your relays. » more
Treating corrosion as a process variableCorrosion, when examined as a process variable, can be both monitored and controlled in real time. » more
In seeking arc flash solutions, don’t overlook validationArc flashes are responsible for about 80% of electrical accidents in the U.S. each year. » more
Process availability can pay big dividendsDoes a making an investment in process improvement to increase system integrity during an era of reduced operating and capital budgets make sense? » more
CSIA members find the value in certification, audits"Certification is not an event; it represents a culture of quality and continuous improvement," said Ed Diehl, chairman of the board of CSIA and president of Concept Systems in Albany, Ore. » more
6 of 23
Best practices for ultrasound testing of steam trapsFollow these steps to use ultrasound testing for steam traps with inverted bucket operation, float and thermostatic operation, thermodynamic operation, and thermostatic operation. » more
Best practices for testing steam trapsWhen it comes to testing steam traps, deciding which method to use can be confusing. This article offers an introduction to the primary testing technologies--visual, temperature-based, and... » more
Best practices for steam turbine maintenance and operationSteam turbine operation and performance require the correct steam pressure at the turbine inlet and high steam quality (steam without condensate entrapment) to ensure high turbine reliability. » more
Overcoming barriers to wireless adoptionWireless is flexible, versatile, and can be cost effective; however, concerns with security, reliability, and capacity of wireless continue to prevent conservative end users from reaping its... » more
Dig deeper to find root cause of leaks
No part is 100% sealed. Whether it is meant to or not, every fabricated product leaks to some degree, even if it’s a tiny amount. » more
No part is 100% sealed. Whether it is meant to or not, every fabricated product leaks to some degree, even if it’s a tiny amount. » more
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Digital hydraulic testerOmega's HFP-110/120 digital hydraulic tester is a compact, lightweight, self-contained portable tester with laboratory accuracy » more
Innovation, education key themes at 2011 SummitThe overriding theme of the 2011 Manufacturing/Automation Summit was to help manufacturing professionals operate more efficiently and collaboratively. » more
Understanding variable frequency drivesVFD use is increasing because users say VFDs improve manufacturing processes and reduce cost. Understanding how they do their job can help as you consider deployments. » more
Using smart instrumentationAll you need to know to deploy smart instruments throughout your processes, and get the highest performance available. The capabilities are there if you put them to work. » more
6 of 19
Chain lube system uses electrostatic nozzlesAutoJet Electrostatic Lubrication System uses electrostatic nozzles to apply lubrication to ball bearings and other key areas of the chain » more
Product package for special handling applicationsSpecial Product Package from IFH Group is designed for applications involving corrosive chemicals and other abrasive fluids that require special handling for safety and efficiency » more
Define and celebrate the role of a RCA Site Champion
An effective Root Cause Analysis program is only as good as the people leading the effort » more
An effective Root Cause Analysis program is only as good as the people leading the effort » more
CNC improvements deliver powerful change to the shop floorThe CNC is the singular most powerful influence in how any shop will fully capitalize on its laser investment, and you need to get the most out of it » more
Picker automation
QuickPick Remote Advance system allows order selectors to remotely advance the truck to the next pick location without having to return to the operator’s compartment » more
QuickPick Remote Advance system allows order selectors to remotely advance the truck to the next pick location without having to return to the operator’s compartment » more
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Electric lift trucksThe ERC-VA series is among the most productive and highly durable electric lift trucks on the market. New features and updates include: newly designed, industry-leading operator compartments and... » more
Air-powered vacuumThe Model 860/02 is perfect for managers who want to eliminate drum handling, and collect and discharge their powders in a safe, dust-free & convenient way. The Model 860/02 uses an air-powered... » more
HVLS fan controlThe touch-screen Fan-Commander control station controls the operation of up to 18 High Volume/Low Speed (HVLS) Revolution Fan or Revolution SP Fan models. With the Fan-Commander, users can optimize... » more
AHR Expo sees big crowds, bigger innovationManufacturing had some major innovations at the show designed to deliver increased performance, better energy management and a quicker return on investment. » more
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Click below to read content from other years
- 2013 Plant Engineering magazine archive
- 2012 Plant Engineering magazine archive
- 2010 Plant Engineering magazine archive