Automation & Controls

Products • March 1, 2017

Machining Simulator

FANUC America has developed a new machining simulator that encompasses the complete manufacturing process from part design and engineering to CNC programming to virtual production simulation. The FANUC Machining Simulator features Autodesk Fusion 360 CAD/CAM/CAE software and a custom machining simulation program designed by ModuleWorks.

Products • February 28, 2017

Sinamics V20 Smart Access Web Server Module

Siemens announces the launch of its Sinamics V20 Smart Access web server module, designed to mount directly onto the drive, transforming a mobile device or laptop into a virtual operator panel for drive control. By providing a wi-fi hot spot, the wireless connection on this module facilitates setup, programming, commissioning, production monitoring and maintenance on a variety of machines and production equipment.

Articles • February 27, 2017 • Alan Richter

Culture-changing tools

One of the activities I enjoy most in connection with my job is visiting production facilities, because I get a chance to see how parts and products are made and have face-to-face interactions with talented metalworking professionals—not to mention that it gets me out of the office now and then.

Products • February 27, 2017

Universal Robots Academy

Learning how to set up and program a collaborative robot – or cobot – no longer depends on real-life access to a robot or a training class. Now everybody with a desire to learn the concepts of cobots can log in to the Universal Robots Academy and get the introduction necessary to master basic programming skills.

Products • February 23, 2017

Sinumerik CNCs Facilitates 4-axis Turning on Lathes

The expanded contour machining cycle for Sinumerik CNCs now facilitates 4-axis turning on lathes. Two turning tools, opposite one another, machine the workpiece simultaneously enabling the machining time to be significantly reduced.

Products • February 23, 2017

“readychain” Ready-to-Use Robotic Dress Packs

igus offers standard "readychain" ready-to-use robotic dress packs for simple installation as well as multi-axis cable guidance and protection. In automated plants and other manufacturing facilities, downtime creates a critical situation. Once production stops, every minute counts, making new standard, fully assembled dress packs for industrial robots suitable to get systems back up and running.

Products • February 21, 2017

TNC 640 Mill-Turn Control with 3D Probing Cycle

HEIDENHAIN's popular TNC 640 mill-turn control is now available with an exciting new option, a 3D Probing cycle, called Cycle 444. Already equipped with both manual and automatic probing cycles for datum setting, workpiece alignment and inspection, the TNC 640 offers this additional 3D probing cycle to meet manufacturers' increased requirements for automation and advanced probing routines that inspect free form surfaces where measurement positions are often difficult to capture.

News • February 15, 2017

Student apprentices showcase skills for industry reps

Student apprentices graduating from a new automated equipment program will hold demonstrations in front of high-tech industry representatives in February and March at Oakland Community College and Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Calif.

Articles • February 13, 2017 • Don Nelson

AI to guide cutting tool selection in the future

Engineers who currently ask humans for advice about cutting tool selection will one day direct their questions to advisers derived from artificial intelligence. So says MachiningCloud Inc. (www.machiningcloud.com), a single-source provider of digitized product data gathered from manufacturers of cutting tools and workholding devices.

News • February 8, 2017

Robot workforce sees huge gains in quality, productivity

A growing global movement toward automation, and it comes at a time in China when demands for fair working conditions and wages have led to increased volatility, resulting in labor strikes in different parts of the country.

News • February 2, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

Record-breaking robot orders in N. America

The Robotic Industries Association has announced that in 2016 the North American robotics market broke all-time records for orders and shipments. During the year, 34,606 robots valued at approximately $1.9 billion were ordered in North America, representing growth of 10 percent in units over 2015.

Articles • January 31, 2017 • William Leventon

Machine Technology: Alternatives to hand-feeding machines

More lathe purchasers are choosing automated material handling options, according to the February 2017 Machine Technology column by Bill Leventon.