Coronavirus, COVID-19
Manufacturing accidents still too common, say officials
Increase digital technologies and existing tools to decrease too-common occupational accidents, say officials from the WHO and Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
Seven steps to plan for re-entering the workplace
When people return to the office after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided enough, it is important to have a concrete plan in place during those early days to enhance safety and worker confidence.
Top 5 Plant Engineering articles July 6-12, 2020
Articles about predictive maintenance value, energy assessment tips, manufacturing index automating manufacturing workflow, data integration and energy assessment tips were Plant Engineering’s five most clicked articles from July 6-12, 2020. Miss something? You can catch up here.
Virtual meetings are the rule rather than the exception
COVID-19 has forced virtual meetings to become the primary focus of interaction with co-workers and clients, which means an adjustment for many. It also represents an opportunity for companies.
New production sources of tungsten are critical for manufacturers
Tungsten is a rare metal that has everyday value for manufacturers. As production ramps back up after COVID-19, finding new sources of the metal is key for U.S. manufacturers.
Comply with social distancing by automating workflow on manufacturing floor
Social distancing guidelines are a challenge for manufacturers, but linear displacement transducers (LDTs) and plastic molding production lines can help improve automation while maintaining safety.
Wireless sensors for N95 masks could enable more accurate decontamination
University of Michigan researchers are developing tiny wireless sensors for recycled N95 masks could verify, in real time, whether the respirators are being exposed to proper decontamination conditions
Better data management for manufacturers during COVID-19
Will COVID-19 compel manufacturing companies to streamline connected data management more than previously?
COVID-19’s impact on Chinese automation markets
Influence of COVID-19 on China’s automation market: Initial impact of COVID-19 on the domestic Chinese automation market less than expected; most first-quarter sales came from orders last year. Negative COVID-19 effects on Chinese automation in the second or third quarter may increase; opportunities for automation growth exist.
Manufacturing index rises in June as industry rebounds
The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) purchasing manufacturers' index (PMI) registered at 52.6% in June, which is up almost 10% from May's reading of 43.1%, as the industry rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic and look to pick up where they left off.