Automation & Controls

The Talking Shop column in the December 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering offers an interview with the president of RS Precision Industries. Look for the print article here, as well as a link to more of the interview online.

Manufacturing was a star in 2011 and looks to shine brightly in 2012.

The Look Ahead feature in the October 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine mentions a CNC rotary transfer machine that approaches the productivity of a mechanically controlled machine and can produce microscale parts.

ACU-RITE's 3500i CNC control has been designed with innovative, operator-oriented enhancements that will facilitate an intuitive transition for customers to the next generation of control technology.

CTE Editorial Director Alan Rooks laments the long and winding road to economic recovery in this Lead Angle editorial in the September 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine.

FANUC FA America featured a seamlessly integrated automotive solution at the imX event held in Las Vegas Sept. 12-14. The new system integrates CNCs, robots, Rockwell Automation PLC Pack Motion and Enterprise Software solutions.

Joseph A. Cvengros, Marketing Director at FANUC Robotics, Rochester Hills, Mich., points out the new connectivity driving FANUC's Intelligent Machining Center: Fixtureless IR Vision, Force Sensing device and Machine Tool Connect software.

Kitamura Machinery has expanded its machining center line-up with the Mycenter-Supercell400 horizontal 5-axis machining center.

SICK offers its new A3M encoder with integrated Profibus output.

Reid Supply Co. offers a free online Carbon Footprint Calculator and other calculators to help industry and education take proactive steps to lower their energy use.

With a substantial portion of the U.S. manufacturing base in earthquake-prone California, we would be wise to study how Japan orchestrates this recovery, suggests CTE Editorial Director Alan Rooks in his April 2011 Lead Angle editorial.

END USER: RCBS, (800) 533-5000, www.rcbs.com. CHALLENGE: Automate ID finishing of ammunition reloading dies. SOLUTION: Flexible brush hones on CNC equipment that improved quality and throughput while eliminating operator injury and fatigue. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Brush Research Manufacturing Co.