Robots and Automation in Metalworking
Machine-tending robots are often key components used to enable unattended or lights-out machining operations, adding capacity by taking advantage of time that’s currently unused, like nights and weekends. In many cases, robot integration enables shopfloor employees that were previously loading and unloading parts from machines to perform duties of greater value. Plus, today’s robots are faster and more intelligent than in years past and are also becoming increasingly viable for small-batch/high-mix production. In addition, collaborative robots, or “cobots,” use sensor technology that enables them function safely alongside humans in a shared work environment. That means no more isolating fencing is needed to separate worker and robot.
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4 Steps to a Cobot Culture: How Thyssenkrupp Bilstein Has Answered Staffing Shortages With Economical Automation
Safe, economical automation using collaborative robots can transform a manufacturing facility and overcome staffing shortfalls, but it takes additional investment and a systemized approach to automation in order to realize this change.
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Made in the USA - Season 1 Episode 2: The Automation Puzzle
There is a fundamental question we need to answer when we talk about automation: To what extent is automation an answer to the skilled workforce shortage, and to what extent is automation vs. Skilled labor the wrong comparison to make in the first place?
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Choosing a Five-Axis Machine Tool With Automation in Mind
While much focus is placed on the machinery that moves parts, the features most important for automating five-axis machining are arguably found in the machine tool itself.
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5 Tips for Automating Laser Marking With Robots
Automating laser marking can be a useful way to increase robots’ utilization, but the process requires careful planning for success.
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Reducing Machine Cycle Times Both In and Out of the Cut
Increasing automation means setup times are lower than ever. How can shops optimize cycle times to match and win more business?
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Turn-Mills 101
Turn-mills are a type of multitasking machine that can shorten cycle times and help facilitate lights-out machining for two common machining types.
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Latest Automation News And Updates
Mazak Custom Machining Solutions Feature Automation, Digitalization
IMTS 2024: Mazak features advanced machining solutions designed to boost productivity in automation, multitasking capabilities and machine tool technology.
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Jergens Workholding Lineup Enables Automated, Continuous Machining
IMTS 2024: Jergens Inc.’s lineup focuses on quick-change workholding solutions and automation capabilities, such as the custom MT-S spindle gripper for continuous machining.
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Automating Part Programming Cuts the Time to Engaging Work
CAM Assist cuts repetition from part programming — early users say it could be a useful tool for training new programmers.
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DMG MORI Event Showcases “Machining Transformation”
DMG MORI’s Chicago Innovation Days event featured technologies designed to address the difficulties manufacturers face today.
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Seeing Is Believing: 3D Vision System Enables Bin-Picking Robot
With the help of a 3D vision system and robotic arms from FANUC, MetalQuest was able to automate a physically challenging bin-picking task.
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Stäubli Appoints New Robotics Director for North America
Christopher Clark will provide sales, service and support for the full range of Stäubli customers in North America.
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Using Automation to Reduce COGS and Stay Globally Competitive
Decade-long, multiphase automation investments lower operating costs and maintain technology lead in an increasingly competitive global market.
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Robotic applications are expanding thanks to rubber and silicone-based systems that can handle fragile materials or parts in varying sizes and shapes.
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Shops need to look at their people, processes and technology to get the most of out their automation systems.
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Recognizing the demand for automation solutions in grinding and finishing applications, this abrasives manufacturer is providing free consulting services to help shops develop automated processes.
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5 Stages of a Closed-Loop CNC Machining Cell
Controlling variability in a closed-loop manufacturing process requires inspection data collected before, during and immediately after machining — and a means to act on that data in real time. Here’s one system that accomplishes this.
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Studer's Automation, Entry-Level Solutions Take Center Stage
At its 2024 Music Motion Meeting, Studer AG showed off its entry-level line of grinding machines, as well as its newest universal loading system.
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FAQ: Automation
What is automation?
“Robot” is the first picture that comes to mind, but it means more than that. Automation could be machines that are able to do more in one setup, one handling. It also refers to other options like pallet systems for moving work around, in and out of machines. It refers to software that can automate certain operations. Automation is not a replacement or an alternative for people.
What is a cobot?
A collaborative robot or “cobot” is a robot that is safe to run unguarded near people. Most cobots are safe because they are speed- and force-limited, and they stop upon sensing contact with an obstacle. Cobots are also easy to relocate and reprogram for different tasks in a shop.
What should you know about cobots?
1. Cobots, vision and AI all go together.
2. Cobots do not guarantee safety.
3. Cobot applications need not feature collaboration.
4. Automation’s payback period is declining.
5. Trends in manufacturing favor collaboration.
6. Cobot adoption might be held back by lack of people.
7. Advancing AGV technologies make cobots mobile.
8. Attention recognition is coming.
9. Collaborative can be done in different ways.
10. “Collaborative” can be a bigger idea.
How do robots and 3D printing intersect?
1. 3D Printed End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT)
2. 3D Printed Off-Robot Accessories
3. Robot-Tended 3D Printers
4. Robots As 3D Printing Systems
