Automation & Controls

Products • August 3, 2017

Software Facility for Latest-Generation Flexium+ CNC Platform

NUM has released a new software facility for its latest-generation Flexium+ CNC platform that places an advanced tool management system at the disposal of manufacturers operating multiple CNC machine tools. It is especially suitable for complex high-end milling applications, as well as HSM applications in the mold and die market.

Products • July 28, 2017

TNC 620 control with Touch Screen

TNC contouring controls from HEIDENHAIN are popular with users thanks to their workshop-oriented operational design and conversational programming. And now, HEIDENHAIN's compact TNC 620 control combines its advantages of HEIDENHAIN contouring controls with the latest in touchscreen technology.

News • July 27, 2017

Motion Industries Inc. to acquire Numatic Engineering Inc.

Motion Industries Inc., Birmingham, Ala., a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Co., Atlanta, has agreed to acquire Numatic Engineering Inc., Sun Valley, Calif.

Articles • July 26, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

Look Ahead: a novel 3D-connector inspection system

G2 Technologies has developed a customizable, automated 3D inspection system in response to a customer's need to inspect small electronic connectors. This niche is very specific, but impacts aerospace, automotive and other industries. The global market for the connectors industry is projected to reach $80.3 billion by 2022, according to G2.

News • July 21, 2017

System 3R marks 50th anniversary

Lincolnshire, Ill.-based GF Machining Solutions LLC's System 3R, which supplies modular workholding/tooling systems, automation and software, is celebrating its 50-year anniversary.

Articles • July 13, 2017 • William Leventon

Machine Technology: Preparation automation pays

Are your spindles cutting most of the time? Or are they often idle because you're getting ready to cut? If you answered yes to the latter, consider the lift that an automated pallet-handling system could provide. These systems allow pallets to be set up and moved into position while workpieces on other pallets are being machined.

News • June 28, 2017

Boeing, Georgia Tech unveil new research center

Boeing and Georgia Tech formally opened a new advanced development research center designed to solve some of the toughest technical challenges in manufacturing. In the Boeing Manufacturing Development Center, company researchers and Georgia Tech engineering students will work together to implement automation in industrial applications. The center is located in Georgia's Tech new 19,000-sq.-ft. Delta Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility.

News • June 28, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

Capgemini report: Smart Factory investments, expectations are booming

Capgemini's Digital Transformation Institute reports that manufacturers expect investments in smart factories will drive a 27 percent increase in their operation efficiency over the next five years. This would add $500 billion in annual added value to the global economy. Fifty-six percent of surveyed manufacturing executives said their companies have invested $100 million or more in smart factory initiatives over the past five years, while 20 percent claim to have invested $500 million or more.

News • June 27, 2017

Analysis of US manufacturing sector warns of possible pitfalls, severe declines

Creditsafe USA has released the findings of an in-depth analysis of the US manufacturing industry. Despite recent overall consistent performance, the study highlights several areas of concern across the entire sector in particular the rate of bankruptcy signaling the possibility of an industry slowdown. With the manufacturing industry being the largest area of employment in the US, any decline could have a catastrophic effect on the overall US economy.

News • June 23, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

Large-volume robotic machining just got more accurate

In 2007 the KUKA Titan entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest and strongest robot in the world. A decade later a modified version of the behemoth has been given accuracy unprecedented for its size—better than 100µm (0.0039").

Articles • June 21, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

Look Ahead: Point-and-click robot control

It takes knowledge and skill to get a robot to do exactly what a manufacturer wants. A new interface designed by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers is reportedly simpler and more efficient than most control interfaces and doesn't require significant training.

Products • June 9, 2017

GT2107 Wide Series Human Machine Interface

Driven by end user demand for improved visualization into their automation solutions portfolio, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. has introduced the GT2107 wide series human machine interface. The GT2107 is an interface that monitors and controls machine components with a graphical touch screen that connects to equipment such as PLCs, VFDs and servos.