Software & Digital Solutions

Machine tool manufacturer and Industry 4.0 pioneer TRUMPF has opened a new technology center in Chicago that showcases the interaction between people, machines, storage technology, automation, software and Industry 4.0 solutions. The company calls it "the first smart factory for Industry 4.0 solutions that was designed for digitally connected production processes throughout."

Thinking of purchasing shop floor control software but don't know where to start? You might want to start by brushing up on the relevant jargon.

When CNC milling machines were conceived some in the metalworking industry asked why a computer couldn't also manage tool changes. That question was the impetus behind the development of the automatic toolchanger.

Numerous toolmakers provide free programs that will automatically generate G code for a specific thread milling application. The programs vary in sophistication and in whether they are online-only or downloadable, but all are useful tools. Among the suppliers of these apps are Scientific Cutting Tools Inc., Simi Valley, Calif.; Guhring Inc., Brookfield, Wis.; and Kennametal Inc., Pittsburgh.

Metal laser melting has made possible a number of groundbreaking developments in the medical field. One example is a 3D-printed bone drill that, unlike some traditionally manufactured drills, is designed not to damage tissue during surgery.

The cutting of intricate profiles and odd angles is the domain of wire EDM machining processes, capable of creating ultraprecise shapes and superior finishes that are near-impossible to machine by other means. However, just because a shape is difficult to machine does not mean it should be hard to program.

Containing large-size cargo for transport is challenging yet necessary to keep bundles intact for individual orders and to keep them from flying off the beds of 18-wheelers at high speeds. Allstrap Inc., Upper Arlington, Ohio, specializes in the manufacture of the steel and poly straps that hold these sizeable loads together, as well as the pneumatic and battery-operated tensioning tools that keep the straps taut.

Kentucky-based startup MakeTime announced the launch, and participating industry partners, of the MakeTime Shop Advantage Program. The first-of-its-kind program is designed to make technology, sophisticated hardware and business services more accessible to the U.S. manufacturing base, which contributes over $2 trillion to the U.S. economy annually.

In the seventh episode of The CNC Chef, Bob Warfield of the CNCCookbook outlines steps that will help you tame chatter.

Micro Technology Inc., Tullahoma, Tenn., makes parts that are used to mount to automotive engine blocks to be robotically transported through assembly lines. The company uses HAAS VF-3 with CAT40 taper tools. One part is 6061 Aluminum with a tolerance requirement of +/- 0.002" and was being machined with a face mill at 3,000RPM 120IPM with 1.25" axial and 1.2" radial depth of cut. The challenge: Improve productivity without sacrificing quality and accuracy. OSG Tap & Die describes their solution in a recent web feature:

Vero Software Ltd., Cheltenham, England, hired Sales Account Manager David Lee to represent the Edgecam and Surfcam brands from his office in Bellevue, Wash.

With digitalization and rapid changes in technology, training is more important than ever to keep employees' skills up to date with the newest industrial technologies.