Hartfiel Automation - Industry Blog

Supplier of the Year Award from Terex

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:50:34 +0000

Hartfiel Automation received top award for supplying mobile controls to Terex AWP (Aerial Work Platform) Group.

Terex Corporation held their annual AWP Supplier Conference April 12th, 2012 in Seattle, WA. Seventy out of 400 of their top vendors, strategic partners, were invited to attend the conference. The meeting highlighted how business is awarded, how a strategic partner is defined, and the annual supplier awards were announced. Ten awards were given in ten different categories with Hartfiel being awarded as top supplier of mobile controls.

“The Hartfiel CPR process was used to show over $100,000 in savings contributing greatly to us receiving the award,” stated Ted Kraft, Sr. Vice President. “Our mission to strengthen American manufacturing with innovative automation will continue to benefit Terex. Terex strives to increase profitability through strategic partnerships and I believe we exemplify what they are looking for. Great work Russell Sims and the mobile controls team.”

Hartfiel will be closed Friday 4/6/12

admin — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:06:00 +0000

Have a fun and safe Easter weekend.

Coffee-Filled Robot Paw Back in the Spotlight

admin — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 21:33:46 +0000

In December 2010 we showcased a video about a robotic hand comprised of a balloon filled with coffee grounds. It was designed to easily pick up objects of varying size and shape. Now it’s back and able to throw! After you watch the video check out the article.

Operate Machinery with Retainer

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:12:55 +0000

“Many people with debilitating conditions rely on sip and puff technology to get around, which is relatively lo-fi by some standards. Now, a special retainer with magnetic sensors could bring mobility into the smartphone age. Developed at Georgia Tech, the Tongue Drive System uses a magnetic piercing to track lingual gestures. The sensors then transmit data to an iOS app that translates it to on-screen or a joystick movement. Earlier versions used a headset, but the prototype revealed at the International Solid State Circuits Conference in San Francisco, is hoped to be more comfortable and discreet. The system is currently being trialled by 11 participants with high-level spinal-cord injuries, with larger trials planned.”

Read entire article

3D Printing for Manufacturers

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 19:14:03 +0000

3D printers are more affordable when developing prototypes of a new product, for manufacturers, or machines, for an OEM.

“Unlike conventional manufacturing, where products are often mass-produced overseas, 3D printing allows companies to print customized items when and where they’re needed, cutting the costs of materials and shipping goods like shoes from China to U.S. store shelves and then to outlets if they don’t sell. The technology, also called additive manufacturing, makes it possible to build products in remote places, such as outer space. NASA is looking at 3D printing as a possible means of creating replacement parts and tools on the International Space Station.”

See the 3D printer in action.

To read the entire Businessweek article click here.

Hartfiel Will Be Closed Monday 1/2/12

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:05:49 +0000

Have a safe and happy New Year’s!

Hartfiel will be closed Monday 12/26/11

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:16:41 +0000

Have a wonderful and safe holiday!

Trio ARMS new Motion Coordinator

admin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 19:03:21 +0000

“Trio Motion has expanded its Motion Coordinator range with two new motion and machine controllers based on the latest 533MHz ARM11 processor – flexibly and economically providing new levels of multi-tasking servo or stepper control for high performance automation.” – www.motioncontrol.com

For more information about the new Trio Motion Coordinators please CLICK HERE.

Large BIMBA In Stock Selection Available

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:55:10 +0000

Hartfiel now carries a large variety of BIMBA Cylinders IN STOCK.
*available in IA, NE, W. MO, OK, and TX

Click Here for a list of what we carry.

Short Lead Times and Quick Delivery!

New Manufacturing Training Program | Right Skills Now

admin — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:08:14 +0000

A new pilot program in Minnesota, focusing on addressing the shortage of skilled workers needed for manufacturing companies, officially launched October 27, 2011.

According to Manufacturing Institute, “This initiative, called Right Skills Now, is an acceleration of the NAM –Endorsed Manufacturing Skills Certification System, which includes nationally portable, industry-recognized certifications that are combined with for-credit education programs.”

The pilot program, currently available at Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis and South Central College in Mankato, will initially focus on high-demand machining skills. The colleges worked with local manufacturers to develop a curriculum that would teach the skills necessary to operate current machinery. Students, in one semester, can come away with a Right Skill Now Certificate and begin work right away.

Check out one employer’s story below detailing how important this program is to the manufacturing sector.

For more information check out the “Right Skills Now” website.