Matt Danford Former Senior Editor
Tech Trends from TIMTOS
This slideshow offers examples of some of the technology spotted at this year's iteration of TIMTOS, Taiwan's biennial machine tool exhibition.
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An (Un)common Approach
Although differentiation is key to competitiveness, successful manufacturers seem to have a lot in common. Some of these shared principles were on full display during a recent tour of Studer’s plant in Switzerland.
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Taking the Long View on Short Runs
Certain jobs require a processing strategy that strikes a balance between the needs of high-volume production and low-quantity toolroom work. Reorganizing material flows and investing in machining centers designed specifically for small lots helped this manufacturer find that middle ground.
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A Different Approach to Tool-Break Detection
A standard feature on the CNC of this shop's workhorse machine helps improve confidence in unattended runs.
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Relocated Steelmaker Forges New Efficiencies
Here's an inside look at steel production at A. Finkl & Sons' new plant, where revamped workflow and new equipment promise to significantly increase capacity and shorten lead times.
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From Scrap to Steel to Forging
Here's an inside look at A. Finkl & Sons' new plant on the South Side of Chicago.
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Don’t Discount the Small Stuff
At least in the short term, the most significant machine design changes aren’t always the most significant difference-makers on the shop floor.
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Is Automation a Job Killer?
A recent segment on “60 Minutes” suggests advances in robotics and associated technologies account for why the economic recovery so far has often been referred to as “jobless.” An automation industry association takes issue with that conclusion.
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Scratching the Surface
Although this shop has yet to fully explore the capabilities of a new wire EDM’s unique motion system and other precision-boosting features, more incremental improvements have already spurred management to order a second, identical model.
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Innocent Until Proven Guilty
When something goes wrong with a machining process, it can be easy to misplace blame.
Read MoreRacetrack Success Begins in the Shop
Andretti Autosport says a chuck and a tool presetter from BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling have been critical in manufacturing parts for its redesigned 2012 IndyCar lineup.
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Beyond the Essentials
This shop discovered that it needed more than equipment and expertise to address the challenges of dealing with a diverse, complex workload.
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