Conference to Examine ‘Crisis’ in Auto Toolmaking March 24, 2017 The auto industry’s constraint in introducing new models because of a labor shortage to make dies, molds, jigs, fixtures and other tooling will be the focus of a conference next month.
Sense and Sensibilities: The Evolution of Automation March 16, 2017 The latest trends in automation are wide-ranging. They include the integration of the cloud, Big Data and the Internet of Things; protecting the software that runs a plant from hackers; manufacturing execution system (MES) apps that can be deployed a la carte; collaborative cobots that can safely do the heavy lifting side-by-side with humans; and robots that can do more than ever before—both on the production line and well away from it.
Materials Choices Test Innovative Cutting Solutions February 8, 2017 With advances in material sciences and the ability to design composite parts with new virtual software technology, cutting tool manufacturers are being challenged to continually evolve and develop solutions for these versatile materials.
ERP Software Gives Real-Time Data Access February 6, 2017 Enpress LLC (Eastlake, OH) selected ERP software from Epicor Software (Austin, TX) in March 2014 to gain real-time access to data to improve operational efficiencies internally and communications with its customers.
Raising the Stakes with High-Speed Aerospace CNCs February 6, 2017 In the aerospace world, as in all sectors of manufacturing, the race is on for faster, more automated and connected machining operations. Aerospace builders have steadily pushed for more automotive-like automation over the past several years in order to improve productivity and more effectively handle large order backlogs in commercial aviation.
The Future of Manufacturing – Big or Small? February 1, 2017 Taking stock of a surprising and challenging 2016, a number of trends may point to a future where manufacturing output increases while continuing to decentralize.
Technology: The Job Shop Differentiator January 4, 2017 Contract manufacturers, aka job shops, are the heart and soul of US manufacturing. Their survival and success are imperative.
Advanced Technology Depends on Controls, Design January 6, 2017 Nothing seems so obvious in subtractive machining than that milling and turning processes really are very different: single point vs. multipoint tools; rotating workpiece vs. rotating tool; static tool vs. rotating tool, etc.
3D Laser Gaging Ensures Flawless Engine Fasteners January 6, 2017 In an automobile engine, seven types of screws out of approximately 70 are considered critical to achieving the engine’s specified design performance, despite high vibration and heat. The seven include bolts for the cylinder head, crankshaft, con rod, flywheel, and main bearing cap, as well as for the camshaft cap, camshaft sprocket and VCT.
The Digitization of Modern Manufacturing January 4, 2017 Today, the ideal factory can achieve levels of self-controlling (and perhaps self-learning) production processes, in which production reacts autonomously to changes or faults and takes appropriate measures.
