Automation

Cobots give RCM Industries a global competitive advantage

RCM Industries Inc., a Wheeling, Illinois-based manufacturer of die-cast aluminum components for industries such as automotive and consumer products, found itself in competition with low-wage suppliers in Mexico for a large outsourced project. “We had to look at how to drive cost out of the product without reducing the value that we provide our customers,” said Mike Higgins, RCM Industries director of sales and marketing. “Without the cobots, we would not have had a shot at that work.”

Living Large With 3D Printing

12/03/2019

Author:

Ken Schnepf

Ingersoll's MasterPrint 3D printer tackles extra-large parts seamlessly

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Veo FreeMove Vision System

Veo Robotics announces the launch of Veo FreeMove, a safety-ratable, production-ready vision system for safe human-robot interaction. The Veo FreeMove system gives manufacturing engineers the freedom to combine the strength, precision and speed of standard industrial robots with the ingenuity, judgment and dexterity of humans.

DHEF Adaptive Shape Gripper

The new DHEF adaptive shape gripper from Festo offers maximum gripping flexibility with minimal engineering. The adaptive shape gripper automatically grips mixed objects with multiple shapes, unaligned objects and numerous objects at once. The gripper gently forms around an object and is ideal for gripping fragile items. It is suitable for human/machine interaction.

Automation’s effect on African American men

A report from McKinsey & Co., “The Future of Work in Black America,” highlights the challenges American workers will face during the next decade as automation continues to take away blue-collar jobs. While the negative effects of automation are expected to hit all demographics, black American men are the group who will be most affected.

Dorner Latin America building conveyors from new facility in Mexico

Dorner’s facility in Guadalajara, Mexico, (Dorner Latin America), is already expanding its manufacturing capabilities by now building its popular-selling 2200 series modular belt conveyor for customers throughout Latin America. Dorner Latin America is staffed with experienced employees well versed with Dorner’s entire product line.

ASTES4 Laser Automation System

Mitsubishi Electric Corp., an established MC Machinery automation solutions partner, has teamed up with ASTES4 to offer its laser automation solution. This multifunctional system is the first fully integrated system capable of controlling the entire production process from loading, cutting, sorting and unloading through to the storage of finished parts.

Magswitch Switchable Magnetic Gripping and Clamping Solutions

Festo offers Magswitch switchable magnetic gripping and clamping solutions to automotive and OEMs through a new distribution agreement. Magswitch automation solutions are designed to last the life of a production line. The company has shown that energy costs can be lowered by as much as 90%, throughput can be increased by up to 30%, and capital costs reduced as much as 25% compared to systems using vacuum cups and pneumatic/electric grippers or clamps.

Collaborative Arc Welding Robot

FANUC’s new collaborative arc welding robots offer the same high level of performance that FANUC ARC Mate robots are known for, including world-renowned technology and proven reliability. A built-in sensor allows the welding cobot to work safely alongside people without the need for expensive guarding.

New Standard Warranty Programs for Machine Tool Purchases

Okuma America Corp. announces new standard warranty programs for new machine tool purchases. The new, standard warranty includes coverage for all Okuma core and high tech products, as well as OSP and FANUC controls.