SWJ TECHNOLOGY’s Post

After almost twenty years of motion control engineering, I embarked on a new journey that embraced the commercial side of business. There were some hard lessons along the way and few first-time customer conversations I would like to forget. But, throughout this journey, the two things I was fortunate to have in my corner were a sound technical base and an experienced person to learn from along the way. If you are a recent college graduate, or someone entering automation sales, applications, or product management, from a different segment, here are a few tips to gain technical credibility within your organization and with your customers. First, study up! There are a handful of “must know cold” topics in the motion space, and I feel “Accuracy” versus “Repeatability” is number one. Research the difference and know it cold. These two requirements can drive design cost and complexity immensely, and knowing the difference will help you get the customers’ requirement correct. If you are selling motors or electro-magnetic actuators, understand the difference between Motor Constant and Torque Constant. Engineers love to talk about Torque Constant, but often that thought is premature. Knowing how to select motors based on Motor Constant, meeting a torque at a temperature and at a power dissipation requirement, will gain you credibility. Third, if you are selling servo drives or controllers, understand these two things, and know them well- Centralized versus Distributed Control and Sample rate versus Bandwidth. My last recommendation is finding a technical resource within your company and ask them for a handful of sessions to discuss technical topics you are unsure about. Let your supervisor know you are on this journey to improve your technical credibility, and most likely they will be there to support you. I will offer myself as a resource, as well as a shameful plug for the A3 Organization’s CMCP (Certified Motion Control Professional) Course, which I am Co-Chairperson of. Sessions are offered at every Automate, this year May 7th and 8th, and available online at automate.org.

Learn how automation revolutionizes drive axle assembly in the automotive industry with Atlas Copco! Find out how you can streamline your operation today. #AtlasCopco #Automation #DriveAxleAssembly

INSIGHTS // Precision and accuracy are vital in industrial automation, shaping the quality of manufactured components. How can manufacturers address challenges that can lead to excess scrap and machine downtime, especially considering size and mounting constraints? Magnetic positioning sensors offer a solution, particularly in applications like ultrasonic welding and pneumatic grippers. Learn more in this week’s Automation Insights blog by Balluff Technical Sales Trainee Aiden Dowers at https://lnkd.in/gFXMFJ_m #Balluff #InnovatingAutomation #PrecisionAutomation #SensorTech

Join us on an enthralling exploration of Courtney Fernandez's extraordinary career journey, as she seamlessly transitioned from embedded systems design to the dynamic realm of industrial automation. From the heart of Silicon Valley, Courtney's early career was marked by a relentless pursuit to carve her niche in the tech industry, navigating through opportunities and challenges with unwavering determination. Captivated initially by circuitry and basic electronics, Courtney's passion took a transformative turn as she delved into the world of electric vehicles. Her fascination with the power and complexity of motors sparked a love for larger-scale systems and machinery, setting the stage for her future endeavors. A pivotal moment came when Courtney joined a company specializing in refinery inspections, where she immersed herself in the world of robotics. Overcoming technical challenges with finesse, she worked on a project featuring a water-powered robo crawler for ultrasonic pipe inspections, showcasing her robust design and engineering prowess. Through hands-on experience and a hunger for knowledge, Courtney sharpened her skills in industrial automation, relishing the immediacy of seeing machines respond to her programming with precision and efficiency. Unlike traditional electronics, automation provided instant gratification as she witnessed tangible results of her work in action. Driven by a passion for systems thinking, Courtney's career trajectory has been defined by her relentless pursuit of understanding the interconnectedness of components within a larger framework. Whether optimizing manufacturing processes or automating tasks for enhanced efficiency, she finds joy in orchestrating harmonious systems that yield tangible outcomes. Embark on this captivating journey with Courtney Fernandez as she shares her insights into the transformative power of automation and the exhilarating experience of witnessing the world come to life through the lens of industrial engineering. Discover the limitless possibilities that await those who embrace curiosity, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. #CourtneyFernandez #IndustrialAutomation #TechInnovation

🚀 Elevate Your Manufacturing Process with ABB's Spot Welding Functional Module 🤖 Key features of our Spot Welding Functional Module: 🔧 Complete, Ready-to-Use System: The module integrates all necessary hardware and software, including the IRB robot, controller, welding gun, DressPack, and spot welding cabinet. Delivered tested, configured, and validated, it's designed to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. 🌍 Global Support: With a simplified ordering process, comprehensive documentation, and a dedicated global support team, you can rely on ABB for seamless implementation and ongoing maintenance. 💡 High Performance & Flexibility: Our modular design adapts to your specific needs, offering solutions like tool changers, adaptive welding options, and servo-driven guns. Whether you require a robot-held or stationary setup, our system ensures consistent, high-quality welds with minimal maintenance. 🔄 Easy Maintenance & Longer Lifespan: The integrated Lean ID interface and compact design make for easy maintenance, with a mean time to repair (MTTR) of less than 18 minutes. Plus, our advanced tip dressing solutions ensure even and reliable cutting, reducing electrode costs and enhancing overall performance. With ABB's Spot Welding Functional Module, you’re not just getting a product; you’re getting a solution that has been thoroughly tested and validated, ensuring a fast startup and long-term reliability. Join the ranks of industry leaders who trust ABB for their most critical welding operations. Let’s drive innovation together! #SpotWelding #Automation #Manufacturing #Robotics #ABB #Industry4.0 #Efficiency #HighPerformance

INSIGHTS // Precision and accuracy are vital in industrial automation, shaping the quality of manufactured components. How can manufacturers address challenges that can lead to excess scrap and machine downtime, especially considering size and mounting constraints? Magnetic positioning sensors offer a solution, particularly in applications like ultrasonic welding and pneumatic grippers. Learn more in this week’s Automation Insights blog by Balluff Technical Sales Trainee Aiden Dowers at https://lnkd.in/gArYgTXK #Balluff #InnovatingAutomation #PrecisionAutomation #SensorTech

Enhance your assembly line's efficiency, productivity, and functionality with our solutions. Whether you seek a blend of automation with skilled manual input or aim to fully automate your stations, we've got options for all your needs: 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 - Push a button and let the machine do the work! Our fully automated solutions maximise productivity. 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗶-𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 - Still need the personal touch of human interaction in your assembly process? Our semi automated solutions provide just that in a safe manner. Assist workers by transporting workpieces or providing mechanical help. These are just a few of the solutions we can offer. 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 - With the flexibility to perform complex movements, robotic assembly is often the top choice. Want to learn more? Head over to our website - https://bit.ly/4bC59WL #Automation #Engineering #SemiAutomation #ProductionLines #ManufacturingUK #UKMfg

INSIGHTS // Precision and accuracy are vital in industrial automation, shaping the quality of manufactured components. How can manufacturers address challenges that can lead to excess scrap and machine downtime, especially considering size and mounting constraints? Magnetic positioning sensors offer a solution, particularly in applications like ultrasonic welding and pneumatic grippers. Learn more in this week’s Automation Insights blog by Balluff Technical Sales Trainee Aiden Dowers at https://lnkd.in/gCTjc2gt #Balluff #InnovatingAutomation #PrecisionAutomation #SensorTech

Before choosing or using any manufacturing process, companies should ask themselves: What are our goals here? In the case of robotic welding automation, ASSEMBLY Magazine has 4 more specific questions you should answer before jumping in head-first: https://hubs.ly/Q02x64TP0

🎥 Exciting News! 🚀 Missed the Synera live webinar together with EDAG Group on "𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 (𝗗𝗳𝗔𝗠): 𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲"? No worries! We've got you covered with the recorded session! Say goodbye to manual tasks, software integration issues, script maintenance, and sharing challenges! Learn how advanced automation can revolutionize engineering workflows and shape the future of innovation. In this recording, together with Moritz Maier & Richard Kordaß, we dive deep into: 🔍 The current landscape of process automation in engineering and challenges faced by AM Engineers 🌟 Real-world examples and solutions of process automation 🛠️ Automating AM processes to specific needs, reducing manual tasks, and enabling focused problem-solving 🚀 Boosting productivity with pre-designed templates 💻 Seamlessly integrating Synera with various AM software tools And much more! Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your engineering game. Watch the recording now and unlock the power of automation! https://lnkd.in/eESzx8AJ #Engineering #AdditiveManufacturing #ProcessAutomation #Innovation #WebinarRecording #Engineering