General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

A report from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab, Woburn, Mass., found that in the first half of 2017, manufacturing was the industry most susceptible to cyberthreats, with the industrial control system computers of manufacturers accounting for almost a third of all attacks.

The Röhm Lubritool enables automatic lubrication of tool-clamping sets. And, according to the manufacturer, it performs the job in seconds instead of minutes.

Walter has introduced the TC120, TC121 and TC122 Supreme, three new blind-hole taps that combine maximum performance in steel with improved tool life and process reliability. These new entries in the Walter Supreme line have been specially developed for machining steel.

When regrinding tools, clean filtered coolants are an important quality factor. The filtration system manufacturer VOMAT from Germany ensures that clean and pure cooling lubricants are available for an extended period of time to the production process. The compact VOMAT FA 70 is particularly suited to tool regrinding.

PI (Physik Instrumente) LP has released a new high-performance motion controller designed to handle 4, 6 or 8 axes of PIglide air bearing positioning stages and precision automation sub-systems. Air bearings provide many advantages compared to mechanical bearings, such as no-particle generation, frictionless, vibration-free motion, highly constant velocity control, nanometer-precision repeatability and optimal geometric performance.

EXAIR's new Gen4 Super Ion Air Knife eliminates static electricity 34 percent better at low inlet pressures, which saves compressed air and money. Production speeds, product quality and surface cleanliness can improve dramatically.

Mencom's inside-outlet (GFDP1) power port features three GFCI-protected receptacles; two outside and one inside the panel to provide a simple solution to comply with NFPA 79, The Control Panel Utility Receptacle Standard.

MAPAL offers its tool management services based on the c-Com platform, a product of c-Com GmbH. Tool Management 4.0 guarantees maximum overview of all data and inventory movement, as well as costs, according to the company.

I'm one of those annoying people who stays current on technology. I store my stuff in the cloud, patch my software religiously and have my fifth smartphone in as many years. Despite my geeky tendencies, however, I'm apprehensive about the effect that Industry 4.0 and the industrial internet of things will have on … well, the industry. Call it smart manufacturing if you like, but many shop owners and managers—especially those who grew up with black-and-white TVs and rotary phones—might secretly call it scary manufacturing instead.

A smart floor eliminates missing information, reinforces standards and keeps people safe. A smart floor answers questions. Marking floors is one of the fastest, easiest ways to direct behavior and create visual communication in a work environment. Floor markings not only communicate what is supposed to happen but reinforce existing standards in the workplace. Floor marking products, such as floor decals, A-frame signs, floor marking tape and floor symbols, promote safety and improve efficiency, saving time and money and reducing injuries. By utilizing these types of products, a facility can become a safer, more productive workplace.

Hands-on learning is quickly becoming the best-known way for students to fully grasp concepts and curriculum, especially in the world of technical education. To this end, classrooms have started to change in accommodation for this type of hands-on teaching. This early exposure to machine tools preps kids for the work they'll see throughout their careers.