Radwell International’s Blog

AC and DC are different types of voltage or current used for the conduction and transmission of electrical energy.

AC stands for alternating current. AC Drives are frequency converters designed to control the speed and torque of an electric motor. The speed is controlled by changing the frequency of the electrical supply to the motor.

The types of motors that ac drives control normally operate at constant speed. Enabling the user to control the speed of motor potentially gives the user benefits in terms of process control and energy savings.

DC stands for direct current. DC motor drives are a type of amplifier or power modulator that integrate between the controller and a DC motor.

Product lifecycle management, or PLM, is the process of managing the entire lifecycle of a product from inception through end-stage disposal. It is sometimes considered one of four information technology cornerstones for a manufacturer, alongside customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP).

The PLM concept began in the mid-1980s when American Motors Corporation (AMC), intent on establishing a competitive advantage over the auto industry giants of the time, put its focus on using technology to speed the product development process. Although AMC was ultimately acquired by one of those giants, its innovations were integrated into modern manufacturing tech and have played an invaluable role there ever since.

What is an HMI?

HMI stands for Human-Machine Interface.

A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a user interface that connects a person to a machine. HMI can technically be applied to any screen that allows a user to interact with a device. It is most commonly used in the context of an industrial process.

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an electronic device used to monitor or control production processes. It is a device that a user can program to perform a series or sequence of events. These events are triggered by inputs received at the programmable logic controller through delayed actions such as time delays.

Designing and fabricating manufacturing-related tools — dies, molds, patterns, jigs, fixtures and so on — in ways that maximize efficiency while also minimizing cost is commonly referred to as “agile tooling,” and it is an important trend for modern manufacturing.

Techniques used to create an agile tooling environment range from the traditional to the cutting-edge. These may include the following:

Like most companies, the story of Radwell International is one of humble beginnings. The company story began 38 years ago in Mount Laurel, NJ and has survived and thrived through many changes. Brian Radwell, too, has gone through his share of challenges, both personal and professional. To read the detailed story of Radwell, you can check out this blog post The Story of Radwell.

To truly understand the Radwell story, you have to understand a little bit about Brian Radwell's motivation, which stems from supporting his father who was the kindest man in the world according to many people within the company who knew him when he was alive. I had the rare opportunity to ask Brian Radwell a question about fear of failure and the family culture of giving back .

If you’re a manufacturing plant manager, what don’t you want to see out to the production floor? Probably a significant number of things, but near the top of that list would probably be a large group of workers congregating around a critical piece of machinery that should be running—yet isn’t. Rarely does such a sight have positive implications.

Video transcribed by Ryan Neuman for Radwell International

Blog Transcribed from Video by Ryan Neuman for Radwell International

My name is Paul Fashaw and I’m a Logistics Breakdown Specialist. I am assigned to ensure that the orders that our company receives from their vendors are accurate and that they match their purchase order. I also need to make sure that the material that we receive is in good condition and acceptable. 

How did you develop your work ethic?

My work ethic developed as a child. I started a job at 9 years old as  an order boy at Acme markets. At the of 21, in 1954, I entered the military and served for four years before I was honorably discharged in 1958. At that time,  I started in the workforce as a computer operator.  I continued to work in that capacity in the data processing field for 55 years. After I retired I began working  at Radwell International. I’ve been here 13 years and I continued to use my work ethic at Radwell as a Breakdown Specialist. I need to ensure that all the orders and materials that the company receives are according to our specifications.  It’s very interesting and I enjoy my work.

Industrial projects - which can include anything from warehouses and distribution centers, to printing plants and manufacturing facilities - can have complex MEP/FP engineering needs. They aren't just big storage facilities; they often house advanced equipment and technology, and need to be designed for optimum productivity and safety.