Software, CNC Interface Gains Push Programming Productivity September 11, 2019 Connected manufacturing and digitization technologies are spurring many of the major innovations in CNC machine controls that help machine shops cut metal and create parts as quickly and efficiently as possible. In most cases, software leads the way in helping both CNC programmers and operators on the shop floor to easily manufacture parts with the highest possible precision.
Continuous Insulation Resistance Testing Boosts Motor Productivity September 11, 2019 For decades, plant personnel have performed insulation resistance tests with handheld megohmmeters to prevent motor failures that lead to costly unplanned shutdowns, failure-to-produce penalties and rewinding repairs. However, these tests only provide a “snapshot” of motor health. In a matter of days, motor windings and cables exposed to moisture, chemicals, contaminants or vibration can be compromised and fail at startup.
CAM Software Automates, Maximizes Five-Axis Machining September 5, 2019 Implementing five-axis machining can be an excellent strategy for efficiently producing accurate, complex parts. However, it takes more than the right machine tool to realize the full potential of a five-axis process. In addition to the right machine, tooling and fixturing options, CAM software must be selected carefully.
IoT + analytics = cool new stuff to sell October 16, 2019 Put the paper and pencil away. Hybrid data management and analysis systems-where users combine paper tracking with computer processing-are no longer meeting the needs of manufacturers for speed, accuracy, traceability and compliance with regulations.
American, German, Swedish manufacturers gladly adopt factory-within-factory concept October 14, 2019 Manufacturers of all sizes see an uptick in productivity after adding a factory within a factory via an automated machining cell. The cells are small-scale, clearly defined production units, often for a family of similar parts or a product, and they typically include a robotic arm and one or more machine tools. These can include horizontal and vertical lathes, machining centers and grinders. The cell may also include a conveyor component.
Virtual Reality Factory Model for Manufacturing Innovation October 30, 2019 The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), Prince George County, Va., brings together industry, academia, and government to solve advanced manufacturing challenges.
At long last, IoT is breaking down walls between IT, OT October 16, 2019 With an influx of investment in digital factories, the playing field is changing and the ROI for digitizing production is becoming ever more apparent. However, restraints, such as company size and a disconnect between IT and OT, means the road to a successful digital transformation is one very few will be able to do alone.
Going digital helped mailbox maker supersize its product October 16, 2019 Cloud technology presents manufacturers with opportunities to improve the flexibility, scalability and efficiency of their operations. Realizing these benefits will require more than simply doing a one-to-one transfer of current technology to cloud-based servers.
PIM Is Transforming Data Sharing for Automotive November 1, 2019 Much has changed in the world of automotive accessory designing, engineering, and manufacturing in the past few years. Sales and after sales of automotive parts have witnessed a surge in data-usage across the horizontal and vertical value chains between suppliers, business partners, internal departments, and the end-customers.
PTC Announced It Will Buy Onshape October 25, 2019 Acquisition to Position PTC as CAD and PLM Industry Transitions to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)