Automation & Robots
Robots as Precision Machine Tools
To remain competitive, high-end manufacturing companies are looking for accurate, reliable and maintenance-free machine tools offering fast change-over, programming and setup. Industrial robot technology could provide an excellent base for machining because it is flexible and affordable.
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Member Profile: Great Lakes Automation Services Inc.
Great Lakes Automation Services Inc. (GLASi) was established only 10 years ago, but its roots go back much farther.
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Wear Abatement Strategies for Capital Equipment
The machining industry, like many other manufacturing market segments, has been forced to scrutinize capital equipment purchases in an effort to squeeze the most from a tight capital project budget with short expected returns.
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Get Ready for Robotics
A weakened dollar combined with increased global demand has many factories scurrying to increase production and hiring. And while there is a larger pool of potential employees, it has always been difficult—especially for smaller firms—to find qualified people.
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The Evolution of Feeding Barstock
When the ancient Egyptians employed the first known turning machines, productivity was probably not a top-of-mind issue. Given an abundance of slave labor, it’s likely the pharaohs enjoyed relatively low production costs. Today, of course, improving productivity is critical in any manufacturing operation that does not rely on plentiful, cheap labor.
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Practical Automation for a Variety of Turning Applications
A key way to reduce labor costs on turning centers is to add automation for part loading and unloading.
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Automation, Parts Cleaning and Coolant Filtration in One System
As bids came in for new systems for plant automation, parts cleaning and deburring, as well as centralized coolant filtration systems for the company's engine block and head production line, Cummins found that Dürr Ecoclean could handle all three tasks.
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Investing in a Computerized Maintenance Management System
A computerized maintenance management system is a valuable tool to help automate preventive maintenance schedules on operational equipment.
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Take the Highland Road
From programming to setup to production, this Ohio job shop plans everything it does around untended machining. The company has been refining the process for more than a decade and has become very good at it.
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Five Options for Higher Productivity
Today’s market is more competitive and time-driven than ever, and seemingly small workflow improvements can often result in huge gains in the medium and long term. Accuracy and throughput can be greatly increased simply by choosing the best tool for the job.
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