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The Sheet Metal MES
An integrated manufacturing execution system controls and records the transformation of raw materials into finished products. In the new world of connectivity and digitization, guest columnist Juan José Colás of Lantek explains how the MES has made production management the key factor in productivity and competitiveness for sheet metal fabricators, far beyond other traditional factors, such as the use of material, calculation of times and costs, elimination of paper, and faster transfer of information.
Maintaining TCP: How Does Your Robotic MIG Gun Neck Factor In?
To maintain weld positions and weld in the same place every time, the MIG gun neck used in a robotic welding system must stay in its expected position as an accurate tool center point (TCP) that provides consistent repeatability from part to part. A weak neck that easily bends during routine welding can lead to problems with system accuracy over time. Here are some ways to protect, setup and maintain the neck and help ensure that your system maintains optimal TCP with minimal downtime.
The Hidden Champions: Punch-Laser Combination Machines
Once seen as a machine that can do anything but nothing to completion, there are now countless applications where the versatile punch-laser combination machine easily outperforms a laser cutting machine when a second application is included.
The Chamfer that Changed the World
It all began with “Scuffgate,” a small chamfered edge that became a critical priority and evolved into a growing demand for fine finishes and feel in a world of myriad applications that only precision chamfering can deliver.
On the SPOT: How to Improve Safety When Using Power Tools and Accessories
Here are some basic rules to follow for safely operating right-angle grinders, flap discs, die grinders and cutoff wheels, or other handheld tools and accessories. That’s not all: you’ll save some time and money too.
From One Hundred Parts Down to One
By combining RF design simulation, mechanical engineering and system optimization focused on additive manufacturing, this antenna maker greatly reduces the size, weight, lead times, part count and cost, with as-good or better RF performance than conventionally manufactured systems – and creates structures that simply were not possible to produce in the past.
Tips for Successful Aluminum MIG Welding Repairs
With its low melting point, the presence of an oxide layer on its surface, prone to burn-through with a difficult-to-control weld pool, aluminum can be somewhat tricky. Here are some insights that will provide you with the best course of action to take for making a repair.
Why Prospecting Fails and What To Do About It
How to engage prospects so they want to find you. It’s called Pull Prospecting.
Rebuilding American Manufacturing, One Veteran at a Time
A perfect storm: One million veterans leave the service every five years as a projected two million manufacturing jobs go unfilled in the U.S. over the next decade due to lack of skilled labor. Take a closer look at how veterans are forging new careers in metalworking through Workshops for Warriors – and how manufacturers can put skin in the game with support.
Avoid These Costly Mistakes in the Welding Operation
Looking to improve productivity and reduce costs to be more competitive? The one key to getting ahead is reducing the time spent on non-value-added activities – i.e., any time spent not welding. Here are some of the best ways to reduce downtime.
Deep Etching with a 2D Fiber Laser
Laser etching is a useful tool, but its limits as a light surface effect are apparent when a part number needs to be visible through paint or a powder coat. In these cases, deep etching can provide a simple solution – the trick is finding the right combination of hertz, laser wattage, focal diameter, and gas for your specific material.
Time to Reconsider Holding Taps with Collet Chucks
The next time you think about setting up a tapping operation with a collet chuck the same old way you always have, you may want to think again. There are now tap holders designed specifically to mitigate the load imposed on the tap by essentially absorbing synchronization error.
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