For recyclers involved with the rapidly expanding lithium-ion (Li-ion) and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery recycling market, there is an ongoing debate within the industry concerning the merits and pitfalls of dry versus wet (water-based) processing. Although dry battery recycling systems are prevalent, these typically require the disassembly of packs or modules and discharge of the individual battery cells before further processing and can be at risk of thermal events. Wet systems have distinct advantages in this regard and can be very efficient at recovering the most valuable materi ..read more

ExtraHop, a leading provider of cloud-native network detection and response (NDR) solutions, recently unveiled their third annual Global Cyber Confidence Index. Generally speaking, the report found that most organizations are struggling to manage and mitigate cyber risks, even as they face a growing number of ransomware attacks and incident-related downtime. Some key findings from the research includes: 88 percent of IT and cybersecurity decision makers said they are confident in their organizations’ ability to manage cyber risk. 22 percent of respondents deemed ransomware the bigge ..read more

SGS, a testing, inspection and certification company, this week alerted manufacturers to a key tool for combating cyberattacks: IoT standard IEC 62443. The digitalization of processes and systems to improve supply chain management, drive efficiencies and optimize cost-effectiveness has transformed manufacturing. Yet, the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud technologies into value chains opens them up to the risk of cyberattack. As the most widely recognized industrial IoT standard, IEC 62443 provides critical infrastructure agencies and industrial sectors with establishe ..read more

A divide is growing in advanced manufacturing. Engineers are successfully designing new, advanced components for critical industries with tougher materials, tighter tolerances and improved surface quality, all enhancing the parts’ capabilities and lifespan. However, these advancements are stifled by the inherent limitations of conventional material removal processes, including heat-affected zones, recast layers, and tool wear. In short, advancements in part materials or designs can only go so far as the manufacturing processes needed to produce them. These limitations are further exacerbated w ..read more

In March, Nexperia, a leading manufacturer of silicon-based processors based in The Netherlands, and a subsidiary of China-based Wingtech Technology, was the victim of a ransomware attack. The hack has been attributed to a RaaS group called Dark Angels, or the Dunghill Group. This is the same group that hit Johnson Controls with a $51 million ransomware demand late last year.  This latest exploit targeted the chipmaker’s servers, encrypting over 1TB of data that included semiconductor designs, production dashboards, research and development information, detailed employee data, and privile ..read more

Ever since the passing of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the pipeline industry has added thousands of miles of natural gas, crude oil and carbon dioxide pipelines to the national network. And while the law provided $1 billion in grants for new natural gas distribution lines, it did not add money to the PHMSA’s pipeline safety program. This would seem contrary to the industry's needs, given the escalation of spills, environmental concerns and criminal activities surrounding these projects. To get further insight on the issues and challenges surrounding pipeline expansion and safety, I ..read more

Pharmaceutical manufacturers that need to power a wide array of computing equipment now have an option that can dramatically ease the addition of new hardware when regular outlets are not readily accessible: Power over Ethernet (PoE). With PoE, electrical power is provided through the network switch and passes through a single Ethernet cable alongside data. This allows system integration and network installers to deploy powered devices in locations that lack electrical circuitry. With the newest improved standards in high-power PoE, 802.3bt Type 3/4 PoE can now provide sufficient wattage, up t ..read more

With increasing federal mandates on stormwater system monitoring and maintenance, municipal departments encounter significant budget and workforce challenges. In this context, the utilization of floor cleaner devices becomes imperative. These devices are crucial for eliminating sand, mud, sludge and heavy debris from storm lines, sanitary lines and culverts by directing powerful streams of water to clean pipelines effectively. The challenge becomes more demanding in large-diameter stormwater pipes as they face issues with the accumulation of oversized debris like bricks, concrete chunks, wood ..read more

Any company or service provider that washes forklift, vehicle or equipment batteries must meet federal and local wastewater requirements for effluent, including those under EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which gives the agency the authority to control hazardous waste from the “cradle-to-grave.”  This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous waste.  Failing to do so can result in severe fines that quickly escalate. Cleaning the batteries is vital to extend their service life and for safety.  Typical oper ..read more

Over the last 10 years or so the importance of pricing as a strategic function and a contributor to the bottom line has become part of the strategic direction of many companies. Pricing is becoming more complicated for most organizations. While 15, or even 10 years ago, the purpose and value of pricing functions was still being understood and companies that placed a bet on the importance to drive bottom line improvements through pricing had some key commercial advantages. The reality today is most organizations are fighting to control the areas of opportunity they can capture related to the va ..read more