ERP/MRP & Shop Management Software

Repairing a spindle--the heart of a machine tool--is more economical than buying new, but part manufacturers need to understand the process.

A machine vision system for inspecting cutting tool wear.

The heart of rail technology beats in Germany, where the Bombardier Transportation division of the Canadian conglomerate is headquartered in Berlin. Its plant in Netphen, Germany, annually produces 2,500 to 3,000 carriage bodies and bogies (a chassis or framework with wheels that is attached to a railway vehicle).

From HEIDENHAIN Corp. comes a new online interactive training tool for CNC instruction called HIT (HEIDENHAIN Interactive Training).

Vending machines can help manage tool and supply usage and keep costs in check.

Retrofitting is an effective and economical option to make new money with old machine tools.

END USER: Attica Hydraulic Exchange Inc., (586) 949-4240, www.atx1.com. CHALLENGE: Increase profitability by effectively managing tools and other industrial supplies. SOLUTION: A vending system.

Look Ahead features an on-demand, integrated adaptive control

More shops and builders are remotely monitoring machine tools, which quickens maintenance and repair.

END USER: Richardson Manufacturing Co., (217) 546-2249, www.rmc-bigcnc.com. CHALLENGE: Achieve a tight tolerance without increasing cycle time. SOLUTION: A combination drill that eliminated an unreliable boring operation.

END USER: Helac Corp., (800) 327-2589, www.helac.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce maintenance and programming time on a large vertical turning center. SOLUTION: Retrofit the VTC with a new CNC and AC digital-axis servodrives and servomotors.

END USER: Cincinnati Mine Machinery Co., (513) 728-4040, www.cinmine.com. CHALLENGE: Improve throughput and maintain higher part-quality consistency. SOLUTION: A machining cell with 24 pallets and two horizontal machining centers.