Autonomous Mobile Robots Drive Manufacturing Versatility September 3, 2020 Robotics have come a long way since the first industrial robot was installed at General Motors. Denise Ebenhoech, Regional Head of Advanced Robotics Applications at KUKA Robotics, sits down with Chris Mahar, Associate Editor, to discuss recent developments within mobile robots. From cleans rooms to job shops to moving entire airplane assemblies, autonomous mobile robots are helping manufacturers succeed in today’s advanced manufacturing landscape.
Fast Times for Machine Spindles January 20, 2021 Driven spindles are the technical core of a machine tool, supplying the power to turn the cutting tools that shape our products and our world. Attaching one to a five-axis movement creates an advanced CNC machine.
VMCs: How Many Axes Do You Really Need? January 18, 2021 The three-axis vertical machining center (VMC) has long been the go-to machine tool for many small to medium-sized shops. Their use is well-understood. Compared to more complex machinery, it’s easier to find operators for three-axis machines.
Making HMCs Nimble Enough for Small Jobs January 14, 2021 Horizontal machine tools (HMCs) have typically been used for longer run production jobs. But as lot sizes decrease, machine builders and their partners have introduced new technologies that speed setups and generally make HMCs nimbler. So much so that one should probably rethink the role HMCs serve.
Fuji Introduces Multitasking Machine January 14, 2021 Fuji Machine has introduced its GYROFLEX Ultimate Multitasking Machine. According to Fuji, the GYROFLEX offers the flexibility to meet a variety of production demands, from low production volume and parts prototyping to high-volume and high-mixed production.
Heidenhain Opens New ACU-RITE Technology Education Center January 6, 2021 HEIDENHAIN has opened a new ACU-RITE Technology Education Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, a Chicago suburb.
Cutting Superalloy Challenges Down to Size December 17, 2020 How people feel about heat-resistant superalloys depends on what they do with them. Those who use parts made of HRSAs are high on the materials because they retain their strength and hardness at high temperatures and also provide excellent corrosion resistance.
The Connected Machine Shop October 30, 2020 In this final installment of the Connected Machine Shop series, we’ll tackle the more technical and implementation-oriented aspects of an Industry 4.0 transformation.
Welding Automation Addresses Skills Shortage October 5, 2020 Like just about every other manufacturing operation, welding has made the leap into the 21st century with automation, agile manufacturing processes, and offline programming.
Marine Engine OEM Gains Production Flexibility with Automated Cells October 1, 2020 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.