Industry News

Myths and debates swirl around the questions of using robots to automate CNC operations. From “Should we automate?” and “Can we automate?” to “How should we automate?” Are they true or not? Let’s look at a few of the most-discussed topics regarding robotic CNC automation.

On April 10, 2018, CNC Software Inc. hosted local Girl Scout troop #65023 for a tour of its corporate offices. Area Girl Scouts in 5th and 6th grades were able to see where Mastercam CAD/CAM software is developed and learn how it is used by thousands of companies worldwide to manufacture products they see and use every day.

State sales tax bases are both too narrow and too broad.

U.S. factory output rose in April, although new estimates of manufacturing and overall industrial production showed less growth in prior months than initially believed, casting a shadow over the economic outlook.

Avantech recently added two new, large bridge-style CNC machines, significantly enhancing its capability to provide large-scale tooling for customers.

I admit to some bias against school. From about fifth grade on, our educational system and I were rarely on speaking terms. Think oil and water rather than peas and carrots. Needless to say, I left at my earliest opportunity. Aside from that thing with my daughter pulling the fire alarm, my kids were far better students. So when it came time for them to make the big decisions, I kept my opinion to myself and did what most parents do these days: Encourage them to get their college degrees.

March U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $207.08 million, according to the United States Cutting Tool Institute, Cleveland, and The Association for Manufacturing Technology, McLean, Va. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration, was up 8.8 percent from February’s $190.32 million and up 3.5 percent when compared with the $200.05 million reported for March 2017. With a year-to-date total of $581.02 million, 2018 is up 6 percent when compared with 2017.

BIG KAISER Precision Tooling Inc. held its Breakfast & Learn 2018 open house May 8-10 at its headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Ill. Each day include a technical presentation. On the third day, John Zaya, workholding product manager for BIG KAISER, covered multiple-axis, quick-change workholding systems.

TechDay is a dual-location event June 7 by Datron Dynamics Inc. at technology centers on the East and West coasts to demonstrate new CNC control software. Although free and open to the public, registration is required.

The Institute for Supply Management reported that the April Purchasing Managers' Index registered 57.3 percent, a decrease of 2 percentage points from the March reading of 59.3 percent.

Sandvik Coromant Co., Fair Lawn, N.J., and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, Alberta, extended their contract until 2022.

Tooling Tech Group, Macomb, Mich., acquired Century Tool Group, which is composed of Century Tool & Gage Co. in Fenton, Mich., and CTG Bel-Kur Automation in Temperance, Mich.

Machine tool distributor Kaast Machine Tools Inc., Ardmore, Pa., appointed Ebony Goldsmith office manager.

Mahr Inc. has partnered with the University of Rhode Island’s (URI) engineering department to offer students the opportunity to work on real-world engineering and manufacturing problems. As part of the URI capstone project, students in their senior year are selected to take part in a year-long capstone project focused on automation of submicron precision finishing of ring gages.

To celebrate Mikron Tool SA's 20th anniversary, a dozen employees will cycle from the Rottweil branch in Germany to the parent company in Agno, Switzerland, over four days. The participants are using the trip to support the Greenhope Foundation, which benefits children with cancer.

Manufacturing, which shed nearly a third of its workforce between 2000 and 2010, is rebounding as a solid path to the middle class. The industry has taken a more tech-intensive twist, making skills like practice in 3D design critical for future employment. Schools are taking notice.

Peter E. Nuskey, a Southampton, Pa.-based mechanical consultant and custom machining provider, said he had to cut 0.115"-wide clevis slots in the end of 1/4"-dia. 304 stainless steel rods. However, no commercial cutters are available for that slot width, according to Nuskey.

Florence, Ky.-based Mazak Corp. hosted the Midwest Technology + Education Event May 1-3 at its Midwest Regional Headquarters and Technology Center in Schaumburg, Ill. The machine tool builder exhibited and demonstrated an array of equipment, including milling, turning, 5-axis and multitask machines, and nine of the company’s Value Inspired Partners exhibited at the event.

Google and relayr, a leading provider of industrial internet of things (IIoT) solutions, have together helped Aluvation, an aluminum heat-treatment company, disrupt the way automotive companies traditionally process aluminum components for vehicles.

Peter E. Nuskey, a mechanical consultant and custom machining veteran, wrote that he received a request for a 8.312"-dia. hole saw saw to cut holes in 1/4"-thick, multiple-wall polycarbonate. Saws this size are not commercially available.