December 2013
From packaging to tuning to visualization
Applied Automation covers aspects of the bagging process, PID tuning, and HMI system standardization in the December 2013 issue. » more
Standardizing control room HMIs
Next generation HMIs create an environment where operators and technicians can move at speed of manufacturing and make decisions that increase the bottom line. » more
Top Plant 2013: A spark of excellence
Many factors determine how well a manufacturing plant performs. Those that perform best are qualified to become a Top Plant. » more
Take a risk by challenging ‘conventional wisdom’
Conventional wisdom…is the safest route, the path of least resistance, but it isn’t a path to greater success. It is just an avoidance of possible failure. » more
Top 10 ways to streamline a ‘live factory’ project
When designing a new project, consider these ten tips to evaluate whether you and your A/E are employing best practices » more
Plant Engineering in 2013: The Top 15 online stories
The most-read stories on Plant Engineering for 2013 include stories on motor repair and replace, rolling resistance, and the 2012 Product of the Year award winners » more
To develop Lean culture, first build ‘wildfire engagement’
Building an understanding of Lean manufacturing and showing how it can benefit manufacturers in the short- and long-term is vital » more
Use an FEB to ensure safe installation, operation of electrical equipment
Complying with FEB and NRTL standards are vital to ensuring worker safety and standards for electrical products and systems » more
November 2013
Got a wish list? You’ve come to the right place
Lifecycle management brings in new products, though the basic wants and needs and desires remain the same. » more
A road map to reliability
How Premier Silica’s Brady operation used evaluation to improve plant performance. » more
Maintenance must take lead in machine guarding checks
In a letter to the editor, Chris Mumford from ManagerPlus argues that establishing a thorough preventive maintenance checklist is vital to improve safety. » more
Finding the hidden value in asset hierarchy validation
Make the effort now to save time and money down the line. » more
Six strategies to mitigate arc flash incidents
From analysis to equipment; you can reduce the exposure to a dangerous event » more
VFDs: The path to prolonged life
Proper maintenance and attention to detail can stretch productivity » more
Wireless M2M increases value of wired infrastructure
New technology overcomes limitations of previous systems to deliver value. » more
Apps for Engineers: Sound meter, friction calculator, mechanical basics
CFE Media’s Apps for Engineers is an interactive directory of more than 170 engineering-related applications for Android and iOS operation systems, created by various companies. This month, gain access to a sound meter, a… » more
Condition-based maintenance offers a system check-up
Condition-based maintenance (CBM), when used with a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), can help to implement a preventative maintenance plan. » more
October 2013
Safety and risk minimization in the operator control of plant machinery
Machine and operator safety must be considered at all stages of its service life and never become an afterthought » more
Technology an essential element of safety and asset management
Technology should be considered a key component of asset management and safety rather than just another tool » more
Study finds safety is a path to productivity
Results of a recent study showed that companies reporting the lowest injury rates also had the best productivity » more
The new Hazard Communication Standard: What you need to know to be compliant
Changes to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) covers more than 43 million workers who produce or handle hazardous chemicals in more than five million workplaces across the country » more
Consider your technology, your workers to achieve effective crisis communications
Technology advances help make crisis management easier, but facility managers and planners need to remain vigilant and to keep their workers in the know about potential developments » more
U.S. safety codes: How we got here
An overview of the safety standards and organizations that have been formed since 1970 » more
Meeting regulations through networked safety
You shouldn’t sacrifice productivity—and with a good system, you don’t have to » more
A plant sets aside one day to focus on safety
Sapa Extrusions halted operations for a day to emphasize safety and best practices with its 6,500 workers » more
September 2013
Examine all factors when choosing between a reciprocating piston or rotary compressor
Making the correct choice between a reciprocating piston and a rotary compressor can be greatly beneficial for operations » more
Five ways to reduce energy consumption in your plant
Electrical power management systems deliver intelligence required » more
The uncompromising result of an unsafe workplace
Safety must be paramount and a major and permanent priority in the workplace and in life » more
July/August 2013
Despite hot issues, plant managers keep their cool
Companies all over the world are thriving and growing amidst the challenging economy, but certainty about the future remains murky » more
Of PLCs, control panels, and VFDs
PLCs have come a long way since the late 1960s and their applications in engineering are both innovative and seemingly endless. » more
Panel building: Optimizing control panel design, construction
Modern control panel wiring methods can reduce the costs of manufacturing and ownership. » more
June 2013
Bearing isolator
The Bearing Isolator has received IP66 rating for applications in severe duty and/or wash down environments at risk of contamination » more
Develop and execute a sound lubrication strategy
Ahmet Guven from Shell discusses lubrication strategies and methods for companies looking to improve efficiency and maintenance » more
Investing in economic efficiency
State-of-the-art specialty lubricants contribute to economic, success, or how a small investment makes the difference » more
May 2013
‘Trust, but verify’: A motto we can live with
Safety is becoming more and more important as counterfeit goods continue permeating the market » more
Pressurizing with dust collectors: Making the right decision
Indoor air quality: Choosing positive or negative pressure is a multi-faceted decision » more
April 2013
Investment in excellence
One plant’s improved productivity and quality was repaid when the company expanded the facility » more
New tactics needed to develop a new workforce
Companies that invest in the right learning and development programs will better position themselves to accelerate skills development, improve organizational capability, and sustain business success » more
E-Stop buttons designed to enhance machine safety
While a risk assessment is a starting point to determine effective safety devices and methodologies, a key risk reduction component is the Emergency Stop » more
Pump efficiency drives cost savings
Many plants continue to consume far more power than is necessary to run their pump systems, simply because there is a lack of awareness of the losses. Recent educational efforts are starting to bring those issues to the forefront. » more
March 2013
NEP program guidelines should apply to any plant
An overview of the 14 elements that makes up the National Emphasis Program » more
Making sense of process safety
More than just a safety program, the National Emphasis Program focuses on change » more
Training, mentoring needed to address skilled worker shortage
Placed workforce development on top of their list of plant floor issues in the 2012 Plant Engineering salary survey, which is an issue that will continue to be a problem if it is not addressed » more
ARC President: Pick up the pace of technology adoption
Rapid growth of devices, technology use requires faster implementation on plant floor » more
January/February 2013
‘Are we there yet?’ isn’t the question to get you there
The jobs picture and the housing market are brightening, which both bode well for the manufacturing sector in particular and the economy as a whole. » more
2012 Salary Survey: It’s time to turn insight into action
View the results of Plant Engineering’s 2012 Salary Survey and insights from industry experts.
Additive technology carves a ‘path toward production’
Additive manufacturing has become a significant part of AMT’s long-term strategy. » more
Additive manufacturing is shaping the future
3D printing technology will change the way we make things » more
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