On The Edge with Keith Campbell
Vision and Leadership for Packaging
On The Edge with Keith Campbell

Sponsored by Festo

EGSK/P - Compact PRecision Electric Actuator >>
Festo's new EGSP/EGSK electric actuators provide precision in a compact package. Great for end-of-arm/ 7th axis robot applications as well as short-stroke precise positioning to ±3 micron.

VUVG - The new value standard in valves >>
The VUVG line of directional control valves from Festo are designed to provide higher performance in a smaller, more compact package. The interchangeable electrical connection, captured screws, and robust manifold simplify installation.

Video: Multiple delta robots for high-precision applications >>
Video shows a high-precision robotic assembly operation consisting of two Tripod robots, a rotary table, and a load-unload unit, all controlled by Festo electric and pneumatic products.

May Product of the Month - CMMx-AS >>
Built-in Motion Control and Easy Commissioning The CMMS-AS/CMMP-AS intelligent digital servos from Festo are designed to be easy to start up and operate. Singleaxis motion control included, we include sizing and operation software to ideally match these servos to our actuators.

DGC/EGC - Electric or Pneumatic Actuation- Your Choice! >>
The EGC and DGC actuators are designed with the same external dimensions, for easy selection of the right
motion technology for your applications.
Mix and match actuators with Festo, to combine the right performance with the right price.

For more information:
www.festo.com/us/egc
www.festo.com/us/dgc

CalendarKeith's Travel Calendar

Packaging Automation Forum 2010

May 4 | Chicago

PA Association of Workforce Investment Boards

June 16 - 18 | State College, PA

PA Association of Career & Technical Administrators

July 29 | State College, PA

PackExpo

November 1 - 3 | Chicago

ARC reports packaging a bright spot in a dim economy

February 3, 2009

The ARC Strategy Forum being held in Orlando has in its first hour pointed out some positive indicators in which the packaging industry can find optimism.

Although subtle, just the fact that 450 people are expected to attend this conference in a time when many conferences are being canceled, is a positive sign for the automation industry. The revised ARC 2009 worldwide automation forecast has process industries flat; power, consumer goods, food and life science industries growing by single digits; and discrete industries including automotive in single digit decline. Packaging is strong in the growing segments.

Packaging was singled out as one of the bright spots in the forecast, along with more obtuse technologies such as product lifecycle management (PLM) and virtual commissioning. Automation has become cheap in a time when energy and raw materials are expensive and skilled labor is limited.

In the current world business environment, the US is looking better. The 2008 / 09 Global Competitive Index published by the World Economic Forum has ranked the US as number 1. This organization defines competitiveness as "the set of institutions, policies, and factors that determine the level of productivity of a country". ARC claims that most companies are no longer planning to move production to China or other low cost countries and that many are planning investment in new plants either in the US or Mexico.

My own anecdotal experience tells me that packagers and packaging automation suppliers are doing better than most in this down period. As the ARC Forum goes on, we will hear much more about packaging. I'll stay tuned and let you know what I learn.

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Keith Campbell
About Keith Campbell
Leaders learn from the past while looking to the future - and bring both to bear on the here and now. This is the philosophy that has steered Keith Campbell's 30+ years in manufacturing. It has worked for him in operations, maintenance, engineering, R&D, education, consulting and professional organizations--and now he's putting it to work for you--taking you to the edge of his thoughts on packaging operations.
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