Automation
Pushbutton NC Programming
With numerical control (NC), shops learned how to automate the machining process. Now, with today's CAM software, they are learning how to automate the NC programming process.
Read MoreEDM And Automation: Not 'Oil And Water' Any Longer
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) was developed in the 1940's, used sparingly for burning out broken taps and dies until the 1970's, then utilized for single part operations, moldmaking and punch-die production in small lots until about ten years ago. This is when the first CNC versions emerged from several manufacturers, including Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi was said to lead primarily because they were the only EDM builder who also built their own machine controllers (through a sister division of the company). Today, CNC and manual machines are still produced, with several thousand units sold each year.
Read MoreNear-Net-Shape Turning Leads The Way To Simpler Automation
With cutting times measured in seconds, near-net-shape applications are the proving ground for automation efficiency, repeatability and accuracy in production turning.
Read MoreAccessories Slash Changeover And Setup Downtime
This propeller manufacturer finds the key to maximizing the output of CNC machining centers and lathes.
Read MoreImplementing A Machining Cell
A large horizontal machining center gives this laser manufacturer the capacity it needs for now as well as a growth path to meet future needs.
Read MoreWhat's It All For?
I once was explaining to a German fellow with perhaps a bit too much enthusiasm all about a Japanese style job shop I'd visited. The shop was the very model of efficiency, of course, and their most impressive achievement was how, through various forms of automation, they'd been able to squeeze the very last drop of unnecessary labor out of the operation.
Read MoreAutomated Wire EDM In Action
From the ground up, this new shop was built around the concept of fully automated, fully palletized wire EDM.
Read MoreDedicated Tapping Machine Optimizes Cell For Milwaukee Manufacturer
As a heavy user of CNC machine tools, Harley-Davidson is a model for applying high-tech manufacturing techniques. Yet, when a machining cell needed an efficiency boost recently, the answer came from a decidedly less-complex, dedicated hole-tapping machine.
Read MoreDNC Puts The Probe To Work
In this robotic machining cell, a custom DNC link "closes the loop" between the machining center's touch probe and the turning center that feeds parts to it.
Read MoreRobotic Laser System Helps Build Better Bikes
Robotic laser cutting system reduces five step manual cutting process to two steps. Immediate benefits of the robotic laser cutting system are cleaner cuts, consistent parts and reduced labor.
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