How Machine Shops Can Benefit from New Automation Technology October 9, 2020 As automation technology becomes more effective, cost effective, and easier to implement, job shops are automating more and more of their processes. In this episode, Alan Rooks, editor in chief of Manufacturing Engineering magazine, talks with Michael Gaunce, group manager, stationary workholding for Schunk Inc., about what a small to medium size job shop should consider when starting and exploration into automation; the particular machines or jobs that are easier to automate over others; why high part quantities are not needed in order to automate a job; what types of skills a shop should look for in employees working with automation; and how to define categories for the different styles of automation used in machine tool tending.
New Management, Processes Deliver Growth to SPM October 9, 2020 Long-term customer contracts are a lofty goal for every contract manufacturer. At Shapes Precision Manufacturing (SPM), that goal is being achieved by a strong new management team using new fabricating processes initiated by a skilled workforce.
Automate the Process, Recover the Profits October 8, 2020 Aerospace OEMs and their supply chains are evolving plans to manage the economic impact caused by the health-related shutdown last spring.
Mazak Optonics Expands N. American Headquarters October 7, 2020 Mazak Optonics has confirmed expansion plans for its North American headquarters in Illinois.
AISI Official Discusses Vehicle Lightweighting October 6, 2020 John Catterall, vice president, automotive program for the American Iron and Steel Institute, discusses vehicle lightweighting trends in an interview with SME Media.
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.
Experts: Increased Automation Critical to Meeting Aircraft Demand October 5, 2020 Before the coronavirus pandemic upended normal life and essentially shut down commercial airliners, the aviation industry had a projected need for 40,000 new aircraft—planes, helicopters, air taxis, and unmanned aerial vehicles—in the next 20 years.
No Burrs, No Defects October 2, 2020 A burr could become a danger point in the turbine engine. Classical manufacturing processes like turning, milling and grinding can lead to burr formation and unwanted sharp edges.
Manual Work Meets Modern Automation, Empowers Workers With Handicaps October 2, 2020 In spite of advancing digitalization, manual workstations are still indispensable because automation is not always profitable with small batch quantities or complex processes.
How Wheel Arbors Affect Grinder Performance September 28, 2020 Precision grinding operations cover all applications that require dimensions with tight tolerances and low Ra surface finish requirements, including cylindrical external grinding (OD), internal grinding (ID), surface grinding and creepfeed grinding.