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Guides From the Bench
Plain-English answers to the automation decisions we get asked about. Each guide teaches one decision you can act on today, and it stays updated in place. For company news and project write-ups, see the blog.
Conveying
How to Choose a Conveyor: Load, Layout, and Throughput
Gripping
How to Size a Vacuum Gripper: Weight, Surface, Cups, and Acceleration
Parts Feeding
How to Choose a Flexible Feeder: 5 Questions to Ask First
Pressing & Fastening
How to Budget an Assembly Press: Manual, Pneumatic, or Servo
Safety & Guarding
Light Curtain vs Area Scanner vs Fixed Guard: Which Is Best?
Strategy
How to Automate High-Mix, Low-Volume Production Without Betting the Shop
Conveying
Modular vs Engineered Conveyor: Which Costs Less Over Its Life?
Parts Feeding
5 Things That Set the Price of a Parts Feeding System
Parts Feeding
What Is the Best Feeder for Medical-Device Cleanroom Assembly?
Pressing & Fastening
How to Spec Press Force (and Get a Ballpark You Can Take to Management)
Strategy
5 Reasons Automation Quotes for the Same Job Differ
Strategy
What a Supplier Needs to Quote Your Automation Project
Ergonomics
Which Ergonomic Aid Is Best: Torque Arm, Lift Assist, or Workstation?
Parts Feeding
Bowl Feeders and Flexible Feeders Win Different Factories
Parts Feeding
Why Bowl Feeders Fail in ISO 5 Cleanrooms
Pressing & Fastening
When Does Automated Screwdriving Pay Off? The 20,000-Screw Rule
Strategy
How Much Does a Robot Cell Cost? 5 Costs Beyond the Arm
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