Automation & Controls

Articles • June 12, 2018 • Christopher Tate

Despite its advantages, new technology isn’t always embraced

To ensure success of productivity-enhancing technology, shops and other manufacturers must understand and take into account the four main areas of the acquisition process: problem definition, conceptualization, implementation and realization.

News • June 11, 2018

Esben Østergaard wins Engelberger Award

Esben Østergaard, co-founder and chief technology officer of Universal Robots A/S, a manufacturer of collaborative robots, was awarded the automation industry's most prestigious honor, the Engelberger Robotics Award.

Products • June 6, 2018

Mida Laser 75P Hybrid Tool Setter

Marposs has announced the availability of its Mida Laser 75P Hybrid tool setter that combines a noncontact laser and touch probe in one system. While the laser enables measurement and checks on high-speed rotating tools, the laterally mounted touch probe monitors nonrotating, lathe tools.

Articles • June 4, 2018 • William Leventon

Machine tool controls with AI learn on the job

Advanced machine tool controls infused with artificial intelligence (AI) can learn about your machining processes. With this knowledge, a CNC can automatically take action that boosts machining speed and accuracy, as well as slash unplanned downtime for maintenance.

News • June 4, 2018

Teradyne Inc. acquires Mobile Industrial Robots ApS

Teradyne Inc., North Reading, Mass., and the shareholders of Mobile Industrial Robots ApS, Odense, Denmark, announced the acquisition of privately held MiR for €121 million ($148 million) net of cash acquired plus €101 million ($124 million at the current exchange rate) if certain performance targets are met extending through 2020.

News • May 24, 2018

Top five risks impacting manufacturing plant floor operations

While manufacturers around the world have reached new heights in technology adoption and equipment innovation, there are still many pain points that hinder optimization, efficiency and even safety on the plant floor. Sensai, an augmented productivity platform for manufacturing operations, unveiled a list of the top five plant floor risks that reduce efficiency, drain productivity and negatively impact business results if left unattended.

News • May 21, 2018 • Al Youngwerth

CNC automation: Should we?

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.

Products • May 17, 2018

New Generation of Flexible Manufacturing Systems

Fastems LLC is launching a new generation of flexible manufacturing systems engineered to fulfill manufacturers' growing needs to handle shorter product life cycles, higher product mixes and lower volumes.

Products • May 15, 2018

C80 Series CNC

Users of the Mitsubishi Electric Automation MELSEC iQ-R automation platform can now achieve even greater productivity and lower cycle times with the introduction of the C80 Series CNC. The rack-based C80 features a CNC-dedicated CPU to maximize the control's performance.

Products • May 9, 2018

ND 5023 Digital Readout

HEIDENHAIN Introduces the new ND 5023 digital readout (DRO) for use with manually operated machine tools. This new DRO replaces HEIDENHAIN's entry-level ND 522/523 models and consolidates it to one 3-axis product. The new DRO comes equipped with a new TFT color display that significantly improves the readability of the information displayed over older models, plus features other design changes and enhanced functions.

News • May 8, 2018

Tooling Tech Group acquires Century Tool Group

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.

Products • May 7, 2018

Datron next Control System

Make a complex process simple and intuitive. This was the goal for the specialists at DATRON AG intent on developing an innovative control called "DATRON next." The result is a control system with surface optics that compare to the newest smartphone technology--clearly laid out tiled optics, self-explanatory icons with intuitive control logic, clearly illustrated tools in 3D optics. Simply swiping the colored touchscreen activates an integrated camera within seconds.