October 2014
Looking back at IMTS 2014, we all got a peek into the future of additive manufacturing and process chains, plus a few exciting concepts that are going to find their way into the operation of your shop very soon.
MIG gun consumables are often one of the most overlooked portions of the welding operation. However, choosing the right consumables, and using and maintaining them properly, can make a significant difference in gun performance and weld quality.
The dangers of distraction while working have garnered a great deal of attention. Distraction increases the risk of injury, but taking the appropriate steps to reduce distraction are neither easy nor simple. Much thought must be given to the consequences, fairness, and practicality of any regulations aimed at reducing the risks associated with worker distraction.
In the Age of Smart Machines, will humans continue to have a strong comparative advantage when it comes to inspiring the troops, empathizing with customers and developing talent? Martin Dewhurst and Paul Willmott of McKinsey & Co. share insights into the need for softer skills and technology savvy in the increasingly complex role of management.
Here are some reviews of the metal forming and fabrication systems and accessories being exhibited at this year’s show.
Here are some reviews of the measurement systems, metal forming and fabrication equipment and finishing tools being exhibited at this year’s show.
Here are some reviews of the material handling, metal forming and fabrication systems and measurement equipment being exhibited at this year’s show.
Here are five basic areas to evaluate when considering whether it is right to invest in an automated bending solution, and if so, which type of system to choose.
Parts leveling can’t free a shop from the stress caused by a missed shipping date, but it CAN relieve those production frustrations caused by metal components loaded with internal stresses that are released during welding, laser cutting, punching or bending.
This 100 hp direct-drive pump from OMAX uses EnduroMAX® technology to improve reliability and lower operating costs by delivering JetPower at the nozzle that is equal to 135 hp intensifier designs.
For this family-run sheet metal fabricator, moving to Ex-Series servo-electric punch presses solved its power consumption problems and improved productivity at a stroke.
To dramatically shorten design-to-manufacture time, this advanced 3D simulator unveils powerful real-time visualization with collision detection that speeds tube bending program development so that shops can optimize their computer-controlled bending machines.
Designed especially for oil, gas and mining applications, the CenJet 90® cutting system developed by Centura Oil uses Jet Edge equipment to cut up to 300 ft under the surface at any angle: horizontal, vertical and even overhead.
Looking back at IMTS 2014, we all got a peek into the future of additive manufacturing and process chains, plus a few exciting concepts that are going to find their way into the operation of your shop very soon.
Smooth Technology from Mazak is a complete process performance platform that spans the entire part-production landscape from programming and setup to metal removal operations to automation to monitoring/data collection and transfer.
The Puma SMX 3100 S Mill-Turn Multitasking Machine from Doosan offers a rigid 90 deg vertical axis and forward positioned automatic tool changer for improved milling capabilities and enhanced operator ergonomics.
GPES-30 CNC Eccentric Pin / Polygon Grinders from Shigiya grind two different eccentric areas within the same chucking to eliminate or drastically reduce setup time.
ROBERT I. ROBOTICS makes part marking easy with the RMU standard controller for Microdot and Scribe series systems and the ECO easy to use station for basic marking requirements.
Software-based systems for adaptive machining, real time vibration monitoring and shop floor production management from Omative is now available to both shops and machine tool builders.
The FM 200/5AX Linear from Doosan performs simultaneous 5-axis contouring on medical devices, automotive turbo chargers and other precision parts.
The Tongtai HS-22 high speed, high precision slant bed turning center from Absolute Machine Tools uses a 14 pallet work stocker that can load/unload in 4.8 seconds.
ABB Robotics offers the new IRB1200 robot family, the FlexMT machine tending cell, and part handling with the higher payload FlexPicker delta robot for job shops of varying sizes serving different industry sectors.
VivaTurn slant bed CNC lathes from SMTCL-Americas come in a simple 2-axis configuration with standard FANUC 0i-TD control, NSK Bearings, and a hydraulic tailstock.
The TNC 640 milling machine control from Heidenhain allows the operator to transition from milling to turning cycles in the same program.
GV-1200M and GV-1600M vertical turning centers from Yama Seiki use highly rigid construction to easily overcome horizontal turning centers’ problems when machining large diameter, heavy weighted and non-symmetrical work pieces.
The HMC500 from OKK is built for speed and faster cycle times, with exceptionally fast automatic pallet and tool changers and the ability to complete deep boring operations without rotating the pallet.
This orthopedics manufacturer achieves one hit machining in an automated lights-out environment using advanced turn-mill machines that take their custom implants for coated hip replacement to a whole new efficiency.
This is the story of how Bourn & Koch upgraded its older gear hobbers to advanced CNC systems to machine large bull and cluster gears, worms, shafts, splines and pinions for the defense and aerospace, oil/gas drilling, mining, heavy equipment and power generation industries.
Dart masters the “peaks and valleys” of custom engine block production with an advanced American-made Sunnen SV-20 flexible honing system that uses programmable control to replicate “best” engine parameters and produce expert results with minimal operator expertise.
Here are some reviews of the weld fixturing and accessories, tube & pipe equipment and other systems being exhibited at this year’s show.
Here are some reviews of the welding equipment and other systems being exhibited at this year’s show.
Here are some reviews of the welding equipment and cutting systems being exhibited at this year’s show.
Here are some reviews of the welding systems and tube and pipe fabrication machinery being exhibited at this year’s show.
MIG gun consumables are often one of the most overlooked portions of the welding operation. However, choosing the right consumables, and using and maintaining them properly, can make a significant difference in gun performance and weld quality.
ESAB offers the Swift Arc SL side-load robotic cell with new tandem Swift Arc Transfer MIG welding and the Hydrocut LX combination waterjet and plasma cutting system.
FabCO 712M gas-shielded flux-cored wire from Hobart Brothers is ideal for offshore drilling rig applications and jack-up rig fabrication.
There are certainly differences in strengths for aluminum alloys, whether they are heat-treatable or not. These different characteristics impact the final strength of the weld because these alloys differ in their chemical and metallurgical structure and in how they react during the welding process.
Getting started with a robotic welding automation project may seem like a daunting task at first. But by breaking the project into steps and evaluating a complete solution, you will achieve success by selecting the best robotic welding integrator for your specific operations. Here’s how to do it.
Galvanized steel, with its protective layer of zinc oxide on the surface, offers excellent corrosion resistance and high strength, even at thinner gauges. These features make it an increasingly popular material in automotive applications, because it allows manufacturers to build lighter-weight vehicles capable of greater gas mileage, while still maintaining safety and quality.
Planetary gearboxes and matching stepper motors from Neugart are ideal for automated machine tool systems and controlled-motion applications.
Bosch Rexroth offers open, scalable CNC platforms, advanced automation technologies and open programming tools that help optimize cutting, forming and machining times and improve production flexibility and precision.
New AC servomotor and AC drive systems from HPB Motion Control include a Direct Drive Torque Motor, a permanent magnet Linear Servomotor, and an indexing Rotary Table.
Direct drive motors from ETEL improve the performance of machining centers, milling/turning machines, rotary tables/milling heads, and multi-spindle and transfer machines.
Here are some ways to evaluate and correct offset or centerline misalignment and parallelism or angular misalignment on boring mills, lathes and other rotating machine tool equipment.
Employing source capture in the welding operation helps maintain compliance with regulations, avoid potential fines and create a safe and comfortable work environment. Because selecting the appropriate type of system for a given welding operation can be more difficult, here are some factors to consider in terms of cost, space requirements and the actual welding application.
The dangers of distraction while working have garnered a great deal of attention. Distraction increases the risk of injury, but taking the appropriate steps to reduce distraction are neither easy nor simple. Much thought must be given to the consequences, fairness, and practicality of any regulations aimed at reducing the risks associated with worker distraction.
These high quality, user friendly products from Rigid Lifelines offer engineered fall protection at a cost effective price.
The Low Pro and Low Boy hoppers from Camfil APC are used where space constraints dictate the use of a low-profile dust collection system.
While the FDA states that ophthalmic drug products should be sterile, ANSI does not require that emergency eyewash solution or its delivery mechanism be sterile. Yet the dangers of administering non-sterile eyewash can have profoundly negative impacts on injured individuals, as well as their employers.
Today’s holemaking techniques need to be more efficient than ever to meet greater demands and closer tolerances. Ultimately, the tool — and its application — matter. For optimal success, it’s time to see the whole picture.
The Vardex MiTM 19 from Vargus uses an extensive array of single-flute tools to machine standard and conical applications.
This rotary broach from Polygon Solutions is used to make hexagon or square holes and also stamp or mark the part in the lathe or milling machine without having to remove it.
The MSX mill from Sumitomo is ideal for ramping and helical applications using general steel, alloy steel, stainless steel and cast iron.
Examine the design of these machine tool vise jaws to understand how they enable aggressive 5-axis machining of high-value medical and aerospace parts in a single setup by clamping on as little as 2 mm of surface.
Verisurf X8 makes CMMs, portable CMMs, and 3D scanners more productive for automated inspection, guided assembly, and reverse engineering.
The SB-2000 and the portable SB-2000-P from Schmitt Industries provide exceptional balancing accuracy to within 0.02 µ displacement in a spindle speed range of 30 to 100,000 rpm.
This technical assessment explains how the new inspection methods for diagnostic measurement of sheet metal components and body-in-white assemblies at this Turkish automotive manufacturer involves cross scanners being used on coordinate measuring machines.
Industry News
