Automation & Controls

Videos • April 25, 2020

Presenting an automated coolant delivery system

Precision Tool Technologies Inc., Brainerd, Minnesota, developed the FullShop automated coolant delivery system to eliminate manually monitoring and replenishing coolant so that the shop could enable unattended machining.

Products • April 23, 2020

MetLogix Mx200 Digital Readouts (DRO)

he Mx200 is a shop-hardened DRO. A sealed rubber keypad and durable powder-coated enclosure provide lasting performance in any environment from the shop floor to the Quality Control Lab. Capable of Optical Edge Detection and Crosshair Measurement, Mx200 probing options are spontaneous. The exclusive EdgeLogic™ feature enables gesture-driven control of start and end measurement commands, minimizing the need to interact with the DRO directly. Users simply cross the same edge twice to start and end measurements.n

Products • April 20, 2020

Eyes Vision System

Eyes is ideal for sorting a wide variety of objects or for CNC machine tending with metal parts that are defined by outer shape, as well as many other pick-and-place applications where orientation is important. Eyes also offers depth perception within its affordable and easy-to-deploy 2.5D vision.

News • April 17, 2020

Tolomatic Inc. develops open-source, low-cost ventilator actuation prototypes for COVID-19 patients

In an effort to support the global need for medical ventilators, Minnesota-based Tolomatic Inc. has dedicated a team of engineers to the development of highly efficient emergency ventilator concept systems using electric linear actuators. The proposed technologies are the first step in creating innovative emergency ventilators for patients around the world.

Articles • April 14, 2020 • Christopher Tate

CNC takes machine shops to new levels

CNC machines and CAM software enable advanced milling techniques

Products • April 13, 2020

ActiNav Autonomous Bin Picking Kit

ActiNav combines real-time autonomous motion control, collaborative robotics, vision and sensor systems in one easy to use, fast to deploy and cost-effective kit. The system requires no vision or robotic programming expertise, but is instead based on a "teach-by-demonstration" principle.

Products • April 9, 2020

D3 and D1 Dryve Motor Control Systems

The D3 dryve controls simple linear or rotations axes with DC motors without any software or a PC. For more complex travels, such as with multi-axis robots or delta robots, igus offers the D1 drive, which is a control system for stepper motors, DC motors of EC/BLDC motors. The motor control system can be modified live or simply operated via a web browser.

Articles • April 1, 2020 • Kip Hanson

Twin-spindle machining centers deserve a second look

To maximize productivity, a twin-spindle machining center is great, but a shop must be prepared.

Products • March 16, 2020

Hands-on and Online CNC Training

Hands-on and online learning bring growth opportunities. Programmers, operators and maintenance professionals can maximize results with a Siemens CNC to become indispensable on the shop floor and in their careers. Owners can maximize ROI in all areas of investment: machines, people and operations.

Articles • March 13, 2020 • William Leventon

AI checks spindle health

Mazak's new Spindle Health Monitoring System tracks vital data.

News • March 12, 2020

Industrial control robotics – the next great leap in manufacturing and automation

The industrial control robotics systems perform, control and monitor a wide range of industrial operations and automated processes. The objective is to improve the overall quality, reliability and precision of these processes.

News • March 11, 2020

Solar Atmospheres, Western PA invests in a new microscope

Hermitage, Pennsylvania-based Solar Atmospheres of Western PA (SAWPA) now offers in-house metallographic testing, with its purchase of a Zeiss AxioVert A1 Inverted Materials Microscope, with an accompanying Axiocam digital camera and Zen Core Materials Analysis software package. The investment represents the continued commitment by SAWPA to anticipate and meet customers' needs.