Radwell International’s Blog

There are many opportunities to increase supply chain efficiency. There are also many challenges that impact the ability to run efficiently. By working through some of the challenges with some practical methods that have a big impact on supply chain management, any organization can increase their supply chain efficiency, regardless of industry.

Let’s start by exploring a few of the challenges to supply chain efficiency that impact most industries.

In the industrial industry there are many instances where two or more requirements must be fulfilled at the same time. Combining gases or fluids, controlling multiple valves, operating pneumatic and hydraulic systems can all demand that multiple functions be performed simultaneously. Incorporating a manifold into a fluid power application in hydraulics or pneumatics can provide an easier and more efficient performance.

The decision to go wireless for machine communication comes down to how much the benefits outweigh the challenges.

Wireless communication in our everyday electronic mobile devices has become so pervasive that it’s difficult to remember when such connectivity didn’t exist. Conversely, this level of connectivity has yet to dominate the factory floor. However, with the increased focus on IIoT, this may soon become a reality.

Pneumatic solenoid valves for many decades have been controlled through discrete wiring, with each solenoid individually wired and connected to a common cable, such as a 25-pin D-sub connector. This has progressed to fieldbus for quicker installation times, reduced wiring errors, and more importantly, diagnostic feedback capabilities.

Controlling the flow and pressure of liquids and gases is an important part of many industries. Industrial, engineering, and manufacturing facilities rely on this capability. The main component that allows them the ability to do so are valves. Valves can vary in size, design, function and operation. But all have the purpose to control flow and pressure of liquids and gases. One of the most common and frequently used valves are solenoid valves.

In the industrial, engineering, manufacturing and scientific industries, valves serve multiple purposes. Their main purpose, however, is to control a specific medium flow through a system. Typically, valves may be used to start, stop, or throttle the flow to ensure safe and efficient operation of the process. Valves come in many different types and arguably the most dependable, cost-effective, and consistent control at relatively low flow rates are proportional control valves.

The end of 2019 was big for the beloved Star Wars universe. The introduction to the new fan favorite character baby Yoda started it off while  Throughout this massive universe in a galaxy far, far away everything seemed farfetched from our own technological capabilities. However, in looking beyond the surface, it is becoming evident that the technology seen in Star Wars has become a lot more plausible in recent years.

With the exception to glowing swords that deflect laser beams and humans who can move things with their minds, there is definite similarities between the galaxy far, far away and the modern world. Although current technology isn’t nearly as complex (yet), the similarities are undeniable.

At its core, Industry 5.0 is about people working alongside robots and smart machines. That may evoke memories of movies about robots taking over the world. But at its core, robotics is about practicality. Robots will help humans work more efficiently and Industry 5.0 is about the co-existing and co-producing that will occur between humans and machines.

Asset management is a broad term that can be applied in numerous contexts, from facilities to finance. In a manufacturing context, it includes all efforts to ensure that tangible assets — including buildings, equipment, tools and so on — are properly operated and maintained throughout their whole life cycles.

What is an Actuator?

An actuator is the main component of a mechanical device that allows the device to move. This movement can be in two forms, one being linear the other being rotary. Linear movement means it can move back and forth on a set path in a straight motion. Rotary movement means movement in a rotational fashion. These two types of movement allow for actuators to be broken down into a linear actuator and a rotary actuator.

What is a temperature controller?

A temperature controller is a device that is used to maintain a preset temperature for a heater or other devices. In everyday life, common temperature controllers are air-conditioners, space-heaters, refrigerators, and water-heaters. However, when it comes to the industrial industry, temperature controllers can be attached to equipment and aid that equipment in maintaining a desired temperature.