Automation & Controls

Articles • March 1, 2016 • Alan Richter

Chips Away

The chip collection bin at a shop's turning center is full, so a worker grudgingly begins the mundane task of moving the bin via a forklift to the chip collection station at the opposite end of the plant. Unfortunately, the bin leaks and coolant drips on the shop floor, causing the shop's biggest customer to slip and fall while visiting to check on his latest order. There's got to be a better way.

News • March 1, 2016

Putting a forklift into the industrial Internet of Things

Forklifts—the workhorses of the plant floor—are more valuable than ever at ITAMCO (Indiana Technology and Manufacturing Cos.). The Plymouth, Ind.-based manufacturer of gears and other precision components connected its forklifts to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which integrates machine tools and other manufacturing equipment with networked sensors and software.

Products • February 26, 2016

VS 101 Camera System

Schaumburg-based Heidenhain recently introduced the VS 101 camera system as a new feature of its flagship TNC 640 mill-turn machine in order to automatically monitor the setup situation and machining result, according to a a company news release.

Products • February 16, 2016

Briney Precision Test Bars

Briney Tooling Systems, Bad Axe, Mich., recently expanded its test bar offering to include CAT40 and CAT50 models; BT30, BT40 and BT50 models, and HSK50A, HSK63A, HSK80A and HSK100A models, according to a Feb. 9 news release. Briney also offers special test bar designs.

Products • February 15, 2016

GTI PowerReader

GTI Predictive Technology, Manchester, N.H., today announced the immediate availability of GTI PowerReader, the latest tool in the GTI Predictive Technology Tool Box. The GTI PowerReader allows users to optimize machine cycles to help increase output and avoid new capital equipment purchases, according to a GTI Predictive Technology news release.

Products • February 8, 2016

Sinumerik Operate version 4.7

With version 4.7 of the Sinumerik Operate graphical user interface software, Siemens Industry Inc. reportedly improved multi-tasking with machine tools, according to a company announcement release today. Sinumerik Operate and the Sinumerik 840D sl CNC combine several machining technologies such as turning, milling and drilling, as well as workpiece and tool measurement on one machine, which is said to guarantee the complete machining of highly complex workpieces such as those found in the aerospace industry.

News • February 4, 2016

Matrix Design opens new sales office

Matrix Design LLC, South Elgin, Ill., opened a new sales office in Indianapolis, which will be lead by Tim Fenner, who recently joined Matrix as a sales specialist. Matrix Design develops, builds and installs robotic automation systems worldwide. The Indianapolis office gives the company a more focused presence to better serve industries in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and surrounding regions.

Products • February 3, 2016

Walter Tool-ID system

Designed to improve the manufacturing process, the new Walter Tool-ID system reportedly allows users to transfer tool data from the presetting device to the machine tool and evaluate the parameters that are run on the machine, according to a Feb. 2 news release from Walter USA LLC, Waukesha, Wis. The tool data, which may be contained in a laser-engraved matrix code on the tool, can be picked up using a scanner and automatically transferred to a machine control unit, the company explained, noting that "time-consuming and error-prone manual data entry" may be cut from the equation.

Products • February 2, 2016

Keyence IV-H Series vision sensor

The Keyence Corporation of America, Itasca, Ill., recently added a new product to its popular IV Series vision sensor family—the IV-H vision sensor—that reportedly increases the stability and functionality of visual inspection, the company announced in a Jan. 29 news release. The new IV-H models boast increased stability and versatility with a brand new toolset.

Products • February 2, 2016

Coherent PowerMax-Pro HP

Coherent Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., recently enhanced its series of large-area, high-speed PowerMax-Pro laser detectors to enable power measurement of laser beams of up to 375W continuously, 600W for shorter durations, and modulated peak powers as high as 15 kW in intermittent (long-pulse) operation, according to the company. The PowerMax-Pro detectors, introduced in 2014, are based on Coherent's proprietary thin-film sensor technology that combines the broad wavelength sensitivity, dynamic range and laser damage resistance of a thermopile with the response speed of a semiconductor photodiode.

Products • February 1, 2016

KASTOwin saw line

With its new KASTOwin range, KASTO Inc., Export, Penn., presents a flexible, universal solution for serial and production sawing of solid materials, tubes and profiles, according to a recent company news release. Four automatic band saw models were presented at the company's 170th anniversary event. The full line will be on display for the first time at AMB 2016, an international exhibition for metalworking set for Sept. 13-17 in Stuttgart, Germany.

Products • January 27, 2016

Steel Belt Conveyor

PRAB Inc. offers a heavy-duty, open-frame steel belt conveyor designed to minimize downtime and increase worker safety. The exclusive design allows operators or maintenance personnel to quickly and easily see if carry-over has fallen between the belt. The removable guard panels to allow for easy access to the area between the belt and the bottom cover, providing quick and easy removal of scrap.