Automation & Controls

NUM's latest-generation CNC systems are helping the Star Cutter Co. to maintain its position as a world leader in cutting tool machines. Star Cutter's new 5-axis tool and cutter grinding machine – the NTG 6RL – is based entirely on NUM's Flexium+ CNC platform, and fully automates the high-speed production and reconditioning of complex cutting tools.

Earlier this week we shared the conclusions of the McKinsey Report, which concluded that it may be possible for U.S. manufacturing to grow by 20 percent and add more than 2 million jobs by 2025. That was the good news. It can only happen, however, if manufacturers embrace Industry 4.0 technology. The Integr8 conference in Detroit showed how to get started.

Mazak Corp., Florence, Ky., and MachiningCloud Inc., Camarillo, Calif., announced their partnership.

Just over a year after breaking ground, United Grinding North America Inc., Miamisburg, Ohio, opened its new 110,000-sq.-ft. headquarters.

A novel 3D printing process that relies on melting aluminum wire and manipulating it with electromagnetism is no longer just another lab project. Vader Systems, which developed the process, has announced the first commercial sale of its signature Mk1 3D printer to Becker CAD-CAM-Cast, a tier-one supplier of engineered aluminum automotive components.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation introduces the M80W computer numerical controller, the latest in its M8 series CNCs. The M80W features a touch screen Windows-based display that is separate from the control unit, providing expandability and flexibility.

My October 20 post on adding capabilities to your current CNC brought a response from a reader who who shares a problem. "We have a few Kitamura MyCenter 4XiF VMCs with FANUC 16iMB controls running daily on our shop floor," he writes, "The control hasn't given us a single problem since they powered on for the first time. However, we haven't been able to get the machines onto our network and we have given up trying."

Walter Dunkmann, head of the vacuum automation business area for J. Schmalz GmbH, Glatten, Germany, answers queries about digitization.

Slewing rings from igus are used in applications that handle high cycle speeds and loads, including control desks, welding equipment, indexing tables and chainsaws. Therefore, the slewing rings need to be extremely durable and reliable.

The new M800 EDM control is now included in Mitsubishi wire EDMs to increase productivity and help keep track of production jobs. MC Machinery Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp., says it continues to invest in technologies to better serve its customers and make them more competitive.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder toured FANUC America Corp.'s North American headquarters and technical center in Auburn Hills, Mich., accompanied by Dr. Kiyonori Inaba, executive vice president and general manager of FANUC Corp.'s robot division, and Michael J. Cicco, president and CEO of FANUC America.

Mechanical engineers often need a basic, space-saving linear guide when designing technology that performs simple tasks, such as vending machines. Since such technology does not handle high loads, high speeds or high positioning accuracy, intricate linear guides are not necessary. However, most solutions on the market are advanced, leaving manufacturers forced to either pay for features they do not need or develop their own linear guide.