Automation

Productive Times. End user: Specialty Carbide Products. Challenge: Productively and consistently grind carbide burs. Solution: A CNC grinding machine integrated with a robot for loading/unloading. Solution provider: Excalibur Tool Inc.

While some may question its use, on-machine probing can reduce setup time while boosting in-process dimension control and enabling part verification.

Even low-volume operations producing many different parts can benefit from lights-out production.

A multitasking lathe, coupled with robotic loading or bar loading, is a simple but effective form of automation.

Automation of sawing operations. Just as there are numerous ways to saw bar stock, multiple methods exist to automate the sawing operation.

Targeting only certain processes for automation and maintaining flexibility can pay big dividends.

By fostering creativity and teamwork among its equipment suppliers, an auto parts maker creates cost-effective automation technology.

Pick-and-place robots boost productivity and, say experts, may save U.S. shops.

Abrasive selection and automation are keys to successful finishing of artificial implants.

The efficiency of a die-sinker EDM operation can be enhanced by automating at least part of the work handling or tool handling. This article describes the automation that is available, from the simplest electrode grippers to fully automated toolchanging systems.