Software

CNC machining takes a blend of computer skills and machining skills. Some competent machinists, especially old-timers, lack the computer skills needed to go from print to part using CNC machines. I previously lacked the computer skills, but couldn’t tolerate not having complete control of the jobs I was running. Therefore, I taught myself the computer side of CNC machining so I could create my own programs. 

If you’re considering implementing a real-time machine monitoring system and looking for solid reasons to make the investment, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Real-time machine monitoring and overall equipment effectiveness software can help address many issues, whether they’re obvious or not. There are a number of warning signs indicating that it might be time to investigate acquiring OEE software.

Four major players involved in industrial automation are collaborating on the development of a platform that connects CNC machines, robots, peripheral devices and sensors. The purpose of the system is to deliver analytics that optimize manufacturing production.

As CNC machining gets more complicated, the chance of programmer and operator errors increases. These errors can cause collisions involving machine components and workpieces during the cutting process, resulting in downtime and part, tool and machine damage. Costly crashes aren’t inevitable, however, thanks to technologies aimed at preventing collisions and minimizing their impact.

Contrary to the history lessons from middle school about “the” Industrial Revolution, it is a widely held belief that the modern world has experienced three industrial revolutions. In the first, industry harnessed the power of steam and water. Mass production, reliable electrical power and division of labor drove the second revolution. Electronics and the computer defined the third. 

It’s fitting that “Technology” is part of Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Cos.’s name. In addition to providing a full slate of machining and assembly services, ITAMCO created what it says is the first industrial Bluetooth transmitter (called iBlue) and continues to develop a broad range of manufacturing apps for mobile devices and Google Glass. What's more, ITAMCO has produced a virtual manufacturing showroom and developed a manufacturing forklift simulator that allows users to interact with factory equipment using the MTConnect protocol, Autodesk Factory Suite, Unity 3D game development platform, Oculus Rift virtual-reality headset and Leap motion controller.

Barrel cutters are applied for specialized milling applications, and recent advancements in CAM software expand the use of these tools. Geometrically, a barrel cutter has a large cutting radius on its side that closely matches the curvature of a part’s surface and allows a large step-over between passes. The result is cycle-time reductions of up to 90 percent when finishing while imparting fine surface finishes.