Automation & Controls

U.S. companies continue to invest in robots, even as the world set a record with 3.9 million operational robots in 2022.

Shop owners and project managers are facing today's potential skilled labor shortage head on by seeking solutions that allow them to maintain and, in many cases, expand their cutting capacity to meet demand today. In addition, their potential solution must set them up for success in the future. OMAX's OptiMAX abrasive waterjet achieves both.

ABB has opened its refitted US robotics headquarters and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan, which will support ABB Robotics' global leadership in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge robotic solutions in the US, for the US and the Americas.

Rapid expansion and the complexity of its products, puts a company on the search for a real-time data solution.

ARIA's Standard Base option is designed for various industry applications where flexibility and mobility are a must. The Machine Tool Base is designed for tending CNC Mill, Lathe, and Swiss applications. Both bases are suitable for Mitsubishi Electric collaborative, vertical/articulated, and SCARA robots. Included in the ARIA package is an FX5 PLC, an external 120V outlet, casters with jackscrews, a network switch with an external EtherNet port, an Operator station w/button pan- el, floor mounting brackets, and much more.

The EZ-AutoCart, part of Lyndex-Nikken's EZ-Automation product line, easily automates CNC machine tending of CNC lathes, mills, and similar machines. The EZ-AutoCart machine tending solution enables machine shops to streamline machine tending with minimal effort; no-code automation empowers manufacturers to easily operate the EZ-AutoCart. Results include significantly boosting spindle time and enhancing overall machine efficiency.

ABB announced the appointment of Giampiero Frisio as the new President of its Electrification Business Area and Brandon Spencer as the new President of its Motion Business Area. Both will take over their new roles and join ABB's Executive Committee on August 1, 2024.

At IMTS 2024, ANCA CNC Machines is celebrating its anniversary and showing new and upgraded technologies, including its new high-precision tool grinder, the MicroX ULTRA, and the next generation of integrated manufacturing technology, AIMS Connect.

Accumold will display examples of "impossibly small and intricate parts" that it has developed for medical device OEMs over its nearly 40-year history at the upcoming MD&M South event on booth 1911, June 4-6, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Jergens will present its expanded range of modular quick-change workholding solutions and automation capabilities at the International Manufacturing Technology Show. Featured products will include the company's range of 5-axis vises and top tooling, cast iron tooling columns, Zero Point System, low profile clamping, and Quick-Loc (QL Combo) pallets.

Continuing a global relationship that spans more than 20 years, eight-year Kuka Strategic Partner Engel, a leader in plastic injection molding machines, technologies and turnkey solutions, has become a Kuka Robotics System Partner.

The MT-S spindle gripper allows continued machined cycles by picking and placing finished components in a temporary part loading tray located within the machining area. The MT-S is stored in the tool magazine like any tool and engaged at the end of each cycle allowing continuous machining until the part loading tray is full. Advantages of the new gripper are no additional floorspace needed, lower initial investment compared to robotics, and fast training without extensive programing.