Ways to Automate Changeover for the Era of Mass Customization
Manufacturers are turning manual changeovers into a strategic advantage by deploying recipe‑driven control systems, servo‑motor adjustments, and MES‑linked automation. These technologies shrink changeover cycles from hours to minutes, delivering consistent line performance and higher overall equipment effectiveness. Faster, repeatable changeovers enable plants to accept smaller, customized orders that were previously uneconomical. The shift supports mass‑customization strategies while reducing waste, labor reliance, and downtime.
How to Save Money by Avoiding the What-Ifs of Valve Corrosion
The article explains how valve corrosion can cause costly replacements and plant downtime, especially in oil and gas where an hour of unplanned outage costs $200,000‑$600,000. It highlights that simple preventive measures—such as corrosion inhibitors during hydrotesting, vapor corrosion inhibitors...
Why Valves and Seals Are Important in Compressed Air Systems
Compressed air systems rely on a diverse set of valves—such as MPCVs, BDVs, and pressure regulators—and matching seal materials to maintain efficiency and prevent costly downtime. Improper sizing, neglected maintenance, or the use of non‑OEM components can cause premature valve...
For the Machines that Don’t Take Days Off. How Electrification Is Reshaping On- and Off-Road Machinery.
Electrification is rapidly reshaping construction, agricultural and mining equipment as tighter emissions rules and advancing battery tech force OEMs to replace diesel powertrains. Parker Hannifin argues that a systems‑level strategy—starting with detailed energy‑mapping of work cycles—delivers higher efficiency, lower operating...
Voting Is Open for the 2026 Plant Engineering Product of the Year Program
Plant Engineering has opened voting for its 2026 Product of the Year program, inviting qualified print and online subscribers to select the most innovative products across manufacturing and non‑manufacturing sectors. The voting window runs until April 30, 2026, and nominees are showcased...
Lubricant Viscosity Is Critical to Efficient and Reliable Manufacturing
Lubricant viscosity is a decisive factor in manufacturing efficiency, governing friction, heat generation, and energy use. Standards such as ISO and SAE provide consistent grading, while the Viscosity Index (VI) indicates how well an oil maintains its thickness across temperature...
Think Lighting Audits Are Just About Energy Savings? Think Again
A lighting audit does more than cut electricity bills; it uncovers hidden operational risks and opportunities. By pinpointing fixtures that are near failure, audits help schedule replacements during planned shutdowns, avoiding costly unplanned downtime. They also improve worker safety, health,...
Read the January/February 2026 Issue of Plant Engineering
Plant Engineering released its January/February 2026 issue, spotlighting a range of industrial topics from lighting selection and LED safety benefits to AI‑driven automation platforms. The issue also tackles workforce salary challenges, electrical trends, OSHA/NFPA 70E alignment, harmonic mitigation for VFDs,...