Automation & Controls

HALTER's LoadAssistant is a robotic system for loading workpieces into CNC machines. It is a universal for both CNC lathes and machining centers, with a rotating loading system that can handle a large range of workpieces quickly. It assists in increasing production output and improves profit immediately, even when dealing with small batches, according to the company.

Much like its predecessor, the EROWA Robot Compact 80 has a small footprint (less than 22 sq. ft.) and can load two machines, but a number of upgrades reportedly has made it an ideal solution for tool and mold making.

The Haas Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) system delivers a steady flow of compressed air and a small quantity of cutting oil directly to the cutting tool or tap, which reduces heat, removes chips and provides lubrication, according to the Haas Automation Inc. website, which features a video report looking at the key features and benefits of MQL.

Addressing the need for a fast, precise and affordable CNC for complex machining applications, Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. offers the M800 and M80 series CNC and components. The M800 is a high-grade CNC for high-speed, high-accuracy machining and multiaxis, multipart system control and features a fast CNC, while the M80 provides high productivity and easy operability.

Teach your robot well: A new control system can reduce the time to set up and program industrial robots from an hour or more to just minutes, according to the Finnish research organization that developed it.

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.

FANUC America Corp. has released the new FANUC CNC simulator, bringing the popular CNC to the classroom and providing students with exposure to FANUC CNCs without the need for a full mill or lathe. The FANUC CNC simulator is based on the FANUC series 0i - Model F platform and can be operated in either milling or turning configurations.

WALTER says it offers a completely new type of loading system for new machines of the types HELITRONIC MINI POWER, HELITRONIC DIAMOND EVOLUTION and HELITRONIC ESSENTIAL. The new space-saving and cost-effective automation solution "Top loader" is integrated directly into the machine, therefore requiring no additional floor space and no restriction of the working envelope of the machine.

Lang Technovation Inc. has introduced its new ECO Compact 20 space-saving and simple automation system.nThe ECO Compact 20 is reportedly designed for complete ease of use and flexibility within a production shop. It is ideal for use with vertical machining centers, housing 20 pallets in a 2m x 2m footprint, saving valuable manufacturing space without sacrificing capacity.

The TNC 640, HEIDENHAIN's mill/turn control, has added powerful new cycles and features. Enhanced graphics, interpolation turning and gear hobbing are some examples that will extend the versatility of the TNC 640 to new applications such as for machining large parts for power plants.

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.

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.