Automation

Aircraft Tooling, a Dallas-based repair center for the aviation industry, was surprised to find that Universal Robots could withstand the high temperatures and harsh environment while performing metal powder and plasma spray processes. The UR “cobots” have been in operation for 3 years without breakdown or service requirements.

Abco Automation Inc., Browns Summit, N.C., a designer and builder of high-end factory automation systems, signed a value-added reseller agreement with Visual Components, Espoo, Finland, a maker of 3D manufacturing factory simulation software.

Harrison Manufacturing, a custom plastics injection molding manufacturer specializing in molded plastics and light assembly, recently deployed Rethink Robotics' Sawyer robot at its Jackson, Miss. facility and saw immediate tangible benefits. Deployed within hours, Harrison Manufacturing is reducing labor costs and increasing throughput by using Sawyer in ergonomically challenging tasks.

FANUC Corporation, supplier of robotics, CNC and factory automation has announced the production of its 500,000th robot. The company is working toward ramping production up from 6,000 to 11,000 units per month. To that end, FANUC is building a new factory, which is scheduled to open in August 2018.

Mazak Corp., Florence, Ky., and MachiningCloud Inc., Camarillo, Calif., announced their partnership.

Just over a year after breaking ground, United Grinding North America Inc., Miamisburg, Ohio, opened its new 110,000-sq.-ft. headquarters.

A novel 3D printing process that relies on melting aluminum wire and manipulating it with electromagnetism is no longer just another lab project. Vader Systems, which developed the process, has announced the first commercial sale of its signature Mk1 3D printer to Becker CAD-CAM-Cast, a tier-one supplier of engineered aluminum automotive components.

Walter Dunkmann, head of the vacuum automation business area for J. Schmalz GmbH, Glatten, Germany, answers queries about digitization.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder toured FANUC America Corp.’s North American headquarters and technical center in Auburn Hills, Mich., accompanied by Dr. Kiyonori Inaba, executive vice president and general manager of FANUC Corp.’s robot division, and Michael J. Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America.

MC Machinery Systems Inc. hosted more than 1,000 customers, visitors and team members for the grand opening of its new headquarters in September. The event was one of the first opportunities for customers and partners to explore the 175,000-sq.-ft. facility, which includes a 50,000-sq.-ft. showroom among many other modern amenities.