One of the most cost-effective ways to obtain the benefits of automation is by adding a bar feeder to a CNC lathe or other bar machine. Costing anywhere from about $10,000 to $40,000 depending on configuration, the devices can add hours of untended operating time for part volumes of a few hundred to tens of thousands.
Vecna Robotics’ David Clear and SVT Robotics’ TJ Fanning go into reasons manufacturers might want to consider automation and AI. They also look at how to test assumptions and scale with so many variables changing moment by moment. The adage “change is the only constant” has never been more apropos. So, it’s a great time to hear what separates a complex system from a complex adaptive system.
Catalytic CEO Sean Chou explains the difference between process automation and robotic automation, as well as what it looks like to use automation to augment existing workflows. Importantly, he describes how manufacturers can use automation to do more with less—to lessen supply chain pressures that have grown because of globalization and the Covid-19 crisis. And he details which processes manufacturers can automate to optimize resources and productivity.
In a world where machine shops are struggling to stay open and maintain their business and in a day when “going into dad’s business” is not what it once was, Platinum Tooling is an exception to the rule.
SINUMERIK ONE digital-native CNC selected as the control of choice for new line of milling and turning production machines
The COVID-19 pandemic clearly proved challenging to the manufacturing industry in myriad ways. Now, as nations and industries begin to navigate their way forward as restrictions are lifted, manufacturers have an opportunity to put into practice some lessons learned.
Artificial Intelligence combined with endless cloud computing resources means more machine involvement and a faster progression to end-to-end automation for manufacturing plants.
Feature-based Product Line Engineering refers to the engineering of a portfolio of related products using a shared set of engineering assets, a managed set of features, and an automated means of production.
Targeting small and medium sized shops, the supplier of collaborative robots is expanding welding, cutting, and machine tending by continuing to work with an expanding network of qualified partners.
Cobots are an ideal, entry-level robotic device for smaller shops to begin using automation.
