General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Keeping a machine running can be a challenge. An expensive challenge. At Fabtech, Olis Robotics, specialists in remote control and error recovery systems for industrial robots, partnered with Mid-Atlantic Machinery to monitor a press brake being fed by a robot from Universal Robots. Using a new App from Olis running on an over-the-counter Android smartphone, a Mid-Atlantic application engineer monitored the data to ensure the robot and press brake were operating efficiently. "To help us support our customers as efficiently as possible, we've started using an app called Olis. This is Olis right here on this tablet. We set this up on site. It has video of the cell. In this case, we have a press break tending robot. We can also see a lot of different diagnostic data of the robot. So for example, if a customer calls me and says, "Hey, the robot just ran into a protective stop," I can click under the events right here and I can click on protective stop. I can see every instance for the timestamp of all the protective stops they've gotten on the robot."

The old adage is that if it "ain't broke, don't fix it." While this has been tried and true wisdom for ages, it might be a little suspect in today's modern age, when one technology advantage can make the difference between standing apart from the competition or falling behind. That is one of the observations imparted by Visual Components, which at the recent Fabtech Show in Chicago gave Cutting Tool Engineering a "walk-through" of its newly released, highly anticipated, Visual Components 5.0 software platform.

From moving cobots to novel mobile automation solutions, Güdel Inc. highlighted two new technologies at FABTECH 2025. The equipment included the CoboMover, a 7th-axis linear track purpose-built for collaborative and lightweight robots. The CoboMover is designed to help integrators and end users expand the range of cobot and lightweight robot applications. In addition, the company showcased an air bearing track motion product. The modular track system was fitted with air bearings and used just 5 psi to levitate a track and a Fanuc robot, which weighed over 7,000 lbs., 1/2" above ground.

Peak Toolworks, a North American manufacturer and servicer of engineered diamond and carbide cutting tools, has acquired Southern Carbide, Inc., a tooling and sharpening company specializing in industrial cutting tools, sharpening, and repair services designed to extend tool life and reduce production costs.

Achieve next-level precision in your turning applications with Tungaloy's Non-Ferrous Application Series. Engineered with ultra-fine-grained PCD-tipped inserts, this series delivers unmatched edge sharpness, exceptional wear resistance, and flawless surface finishes even at high cutting speeds. Its advanced 3D chipbreaker geometry ensures stable chip control from roughing to finishing. Whether you're machining aluminum, acrylic, or other non-ferrous materials, this series offers the performance you need to enhance productivity and maintain consistent high-quality results.

The Giant Tooling System (GTS) from Erowa is designed for machining large and heavy workpieces. Engineered specifically for rotary applications such as mill-turn machining, the GTS provides a robust and reliable solution for even the most demanding manufacturing environments.

Iscar's HELI-ALU LINE of tooling includes a new insert with serrated edges. The new insert, designated as HSM90S APCR 140520R-FWP28, features a radius of 2.0mm (.0787"). It has a super positive and sharp serrated cutting edge geometry, along with a polished rake surface, which ensures efficient milling for aluminum alloys and other non-ferrous materials. (ISO N grade of application)

The Sidekick from Methods Machine Tools Inc. pairs with any FANUC RoboDrill for light, unattended machining. Supported by FANUC CRX-10iA/L robot mounted to a standardized table design, the Sidekick holds up to 30 workpieces. The company says the Sidekick is ideal for those smaller shops looking to make their first leap into automation alongside the most trusted and proven vertical machining center in the industry.

Will, Aaron and Dennis sit down and enjoy a glass of bourbon while discussing the milling operations for the Vargus Pump Shaft Project.

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Monaghan Tooling Group now offers the Diatool easyZERO runout compensation nuts in a kit form. Designed for round tools using ER collets (ER16 to ER40), the easyZERO quickly and easily corrects runout errors and misalignment for round tools, providing reamers with the stability to hold tolerances as tight as 0.0011".

Tungaloy Corporation has expanded its RoundSplit series of tooling to include inserts with a serrated cutting edge and wear-resistant PVD grade AH3135 for improved stability and surface finish in steel and stainless steel machining.