While the manufacturing industry learns to deal with COVID-19, it is also undergoing seismic change from other critical issues. Four industry leaders take on these issues in a panel discussion titled, “How Smart Manufacturing is Disrupting the Supply Chain - Are You Prepared?”
GWS Tool Group acquiring STF Precision marks GWS’ third add-on acquisition in 2020.
The CEO of an artificial intelligence company discusses how AI affects workers and how AI can be deployed well.
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.
Marposs said its Artis CTM Tool and Process Monitoring System has played a role in a 2020 Henry Ford Technology Award (HFTA) winning program focused on Torque Monitoring of Gear Machining Processes.
Now on its third generation of family ownership, Tapmatic Corp. of Post Falls, Idaho, continues to thrive, and surprise.
