Like just about every other manufacturing operation, welding has made the leap into the 21st century with automation, agile manufacturing processes, and offline programming.
Since 1996, the Plant 15 machining operations at Mercury Marine have included a reliance on automated machining cells. Over the years, the Fond du Lac, Wis.-based manufacturer and distributor of marine engines, parts, accessories and integrated systems has phased out some traditional manufacturing methods in favor of modern cells.
While the manufacturing sector generates large amounts of data, relatively few companies have fully harnessed that data to improve operational efficiencies.
Manufacturers have begun using sensors and actuators to monitor their cutting processes and adjust parameters to optimize tool life and workpiece quality. However, traditional monitoring systems have some drawbacks.
Improvements in manufacturing management software, robotics, additive manufacturing and thermal controls are making small batch sizes more cost effective—even for smaller shops. Manufacturing plants are able to reduce inventory, improve throughput and reduce demands on human operators.
Held on August 11, 2020 and streamed live from Mazak’s Midwest Technology Center, the All Axes LIVE digital event drew large crowds from across North America and worldwide, according to Mazak.
From September to November, optical measurement supplier Bruker Alicona is hosting a U.S roadshow. In more than 20 cities, exclusive demos of their optical metrology equipment will be organized under consideration of COVID-19 regulations.
The National Safety Council says it is highly alarmed to see that the mortality numbers for COVID-19 already have surpassed the total annual number of preventable, accidental deaths in 2018, the most recent year of final data—and it is only August. At this pace, COVID-19 likely will be the third leading cause of death in 2020, behind only heart disease and cancer.
The distribution agreement between Nikon Metrology, Inc. – Americas and WENZEL America sees two of the biggest global players for metrology create a new partnership in North America. This distribution partnership provides customers with a combination of CMMs and Nikon Metrology’s laser scanning technology.
Automation has been an understandable focus in manufacturing for years now. And despite the recent wave of layoffs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the push will probably continue.
