Without precise comparative data, the concept of interchangeable parts, as advanced by cotton gin inventor Eli Whitney in the early 1800s, could not have changed the face of manufacturing. Today, collecting, analyzing and applying data to improve productivity and achieve tighter tolerances is central to virtually any manufacturing process.
Taking this concept one step further is the enabling of CNC machine tools and peripherals to share part production data to improve productivity and minimize material waste. For example, the products LNS America Inc. produces, including bar feeders, chip and coolant management systems, vacuum unloaders, workholders and air filtration systems, enable CNC machines to operate more efficiently, according to Randy Lewis, the company’s control manager. “Several years ago we recognized that by making it possible for our various products to communicate with the CNC machine tools they work with, we could improve the customer’s productivity,” he said. “That’s why we developed e-Connect, which is a database and data transfer system.”
The production/remnant management flow for the e-Connect system from LNS America.
Lewis added that the system can share real-time data between a lathe’s CNC and an LNS bar feeder while using the LNS parts library function. The library can store 500 part programs, each of which has a unique identification number. Through e-Connect, the bar feeder automatically detects the program the lathe is running and loads the correct setup data for that part from the library to changeover—on the fly—without operator intervention, thereby eliminating downtime. This enables running a large family of parts or even a group of unrelated parts with little or no operator involvement after the initial setup.
The system can also reduce material costs through its data transfer function, which enables the bar feeder to continuously tell the lathe how much bar stock is available for machining, Lewis explained. After each part is machined, a CNC lathe’s production-scheduling program checks the remaining parts to be produced and determines if there is adequate bar stock to machine the next scheduled part. If not, the system scans the production list for another part that could be made from the remaining material. Users can even set priorities for each part in the schedule, in which case the system identifies the highest-priority part that can be machined from the remaining stock.
The production-scheduling program then loads the appropriate part program in the lathe. The bar feeder recognizes the new program, recalls the associated part data from the parts library and automatically changes to the new configurations, Lewis added. If the new part requires a change in bar stock diameter or profile, e-Connect can send an e-mail to a remote computer or mobile device, altering the operator that a mechanical adjustment is needed.
If the system determines there is no part in the schedule that can be made from the remaining stock, the remnant is ejected, the system confirms the next part to be made, makes any necessary adjustments and the next bar loads into the bar feeder.
Article by LNS America Inc., Cincinnati. For more information, call (513) 388-5017 or visit www.lns-america.com. CTE
About the Author: Alan Richter is editor of CTE. Contact him at (847) 714-0175 or alanr@jwr.com.
Related Glossary Terms
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- coolant
coolant
Fluid that reduces temperature buildup at the tool/workpiece interface during machining. Normally takes the form of a liquid such as soluble or chemical mixtures (semisynthetic, synthetic) but can be pressurized air or other gas. Because of water’s ability to absorb great quantities of heat, it is widely used as a coolant and vehicle for various cutting compounds, with the water-to-compound ratio varying with the machining task. See cutting fluid; semisynthetic cutting fluid; soluble-oil cutting fluid; synthetic cutting fluid.
- family of parts
family of parts
Parts grouped by shape and size for efficient manufacturing.
- interchangeable parts
interchangeable parts
Parts and components produced to specified tolerances, permitting them to be substituted for one another. Essential to mass production, permitting the high-volume output that results in economies of scale. Less critical to operating costs in computer-integrated manufacturing operations but facilitates maintenance and repair. See CIM, computer-integrated manufacturing; modular design, construction.
- lathe
lathe
Turning machine capable of sawing, milling, grinding, gear-cutting, drilling, reaming, boring, threading, facing, chamfering, grooving, knurling, spinning, parting, necking, taper-cutting, and cam- and eccentric-cutting, as well as step- and straight-turning. Comes in a variety of forms, ranging from manual to semiautomatic to fully automatic, with major types being engine lathes, turning and contouring lathes, turret lathes and numerical-control lathes. The engine lathe consists of a headstock and spindle, tailstock, bed, carriage (complete with apron) and cross slides. Features include gear- (speed) and feed-selector levers, toolpost, compound rest, lead screw and reversing lead screw, threading dial and rapid-traverse lever. Special lathe types include through-the-spindle, camshaft and crankshaft, brake drum and rotor, spinning and gun-barrel machines. Toolroom and bench lathes are used for precision work; the former for tool-and-die work and similar tasks, the latter for small workpieces (instruments, watches), normally without a power feed. Models are typically designated according to their “swing,” or the largest-diameter workpiece that can be rotated; bed length, or the distance between centers; and horsepower generated. See turning machine.
Author
Alan holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Including his 20 years at CTE, Alan has more than 30 years of trade journalism experience.
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