Process Management Tool for Real-Time Monitoring

TIMS, an acronym for Tongtai Integrated Monitoring Systems, is a new software initiative from Absolute Machine Tools, Inc. (Lorain, OH) created between engineers and technology experts from Tongtai Machine Tools and FANUC.

There are four main functions in TIMS: Machine Situations Monitoring, Production Line Management, Operation History Recording, and Alarm History Recording. Machine Situations Monitoring is used by team members to check the real time machine conditions pertaining to spindle speed, loads on axes, and the current program number in operation.

Production Line Management assists production managers in monitoring cycle times on all machines within a cell, monitors operations for comparison of cycle times and statuses of jobs. Management can fully inform themselves as to if the job is currently on time and running to full capacity, or needs improvements to meet deadlines and quality control specifications.

Operation History Recording allows for comparing variances of functionality with the machine that can potentially affect capacity and volume. This function helps both management and maintenance understand where problems are arising that may affect the machine’s performance. And lastly, Alarm History Recording tracks the CNC control alarms which will assist in resolving potential issues before they become a serious problem.

These four functions together create the optimal production line information base for proper factory management in real-time. Another benefit is that it can be used by sales to secure additional production jobs by offering data and security to customers, ensuring their job will be properly supervised and controlled for exceptional quality and timeliness. TIMS is now being used by many large manufacturing facilities in North America, and is offered exclusively by Absolute Machine Tools, the North American distributor for Tongtai brand machine tools.

Absolute Machine Tools sells and supports Nexturn Swiss-type lathes; Precihole gundrilling Machines; AccuteX EDM wire, sinker, and hole drilling machines; You Ji Vertical Turret Lathes; Johnford Sliding Double Column Machining Centers; Tongtai Horizontal Machining Centers; and APEC 5-axis gantry-style linear motor machining centers.

The company has worked with several of its principal machine tool partners for 25 years to offer some of the most heavy-duty, accurate, and productive machines in the industry, building its reputation on exemplary applications engineering, service, customer support, comprehensive training, and effective preventive-maintenance programs. In addition to its headquarters in Lorain, Ohio, the company has established direct full-service technical centers in Mason, Ohio, Elgin, Illinois, and Livonia, Michigan.

www.absolutemachine.com