Testing the Metal November 27, 2018 Materials science has opened new possibilities for designers of cars, planes and other products. Metal alloys are now as precisely engineered as they are machined. The result is longer lasting, stronger parts. But with a wider selection of materials comes risk—how can you be sure that one piece of gray metal stock is different than another? Careful warehousing procedures and paperwork only go so far.
Bridge Tool & Die: CNC Turns ‘Feel’ Into High-Precision Carbide Grinding November 28, 2018 Glenn Bridgman describes the difference between his shop’s manual grinders and its newest state-of-the-art CNC ID/OD grinder, a Studer CT960 OD/ID from United Grinding (Miamisburg, OH), as “feel vs. facts.” Bridgman, president of Bridge Tool & Die (Buckley, MI), believes that manual grinding is a somewhat personal operation.
Six-axis cobots serving as automation ambassadors April 3, 2018 Have collaborative, six-axis robots reached a tipping point in establishing their niche in manufacturing? And could they be opening doors for manufacturers to adopt automation overall?
Will Automation and Robots Change the World? April 3, 2018 I’ve had quite a month, again, covering clever software and gadgets that continue to inch their way into performing tasks once reserved for humans. These tasks range from mundane material handling to highly skilled engineering design. It has made me think quite a bit about how our world of manufacturing and engineering will be affected by all this artificial cleverness.
Tangible Future: Aluminum and BEVs July 18, 2022 Blake Zuidema, director, of automotive technical services at Novelis and technical chair of the Aluminum Association’s Transportation Group, discusses the results of a study.
Why Wait? Ask an Automation Trainer for Guidance May 27, 2022 Even for those well on the automation path, there can be stumbling blocks to overcome or additional areas to be automated. A new, objective view from a different source could provide a satisfying solution.
RAPID + TCT Shows the Promise, Challenges of 3D Printing May 20, 2022 At this week’s RAPID + TCT show, the promise of additive manufacturing was on display. There was also talk of challenges facing the industry.
Executives Urge Greater 3D Printing Efforts May 18, 2022 Two executives, speaking at RAPID + TCT today, called on increased efforts in 3D printing.
Whether Hogging or Finishing, End Mills Are Up to the Task May 31, 2022 There’s a type, geometry and coating for virtually any application or material.
Pushing the Envelope with Pallets and Robots May 24, 2022 The range and requirements of flexible machining cells are increasing.