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Got Scrap?
Though scrap metal is often regarded as a waste or by-product from fabrication operations, it is actually a viable revenue source – in fact, it is the second largest revenue source next to the finished product. This is why shops should have a formal management system in place to maximize the revenue they generate from scrap.
How to Troubleshoot Five Common Robotic Welding Issues
The problem may be as simple as a loose contact tip or something more complex, like incorrect TCP. Understanding the steps for proper troubleshooting helps narrow down potential causes, prevents replacement of components that don’t need replacing, and quickly gets you back to producing quality parts.
Technical Service in the Era of Industry 4.0
As machine tool manufacturers work on enabling technology to make the Smart Factory possible, the field of machine service and support has started to drastically minimize the window of lost productive time that shops must deal with.
Yes, You CAN Automate Without a Robot
The average shop taking their first steps into automation doesn’t need to break the bank by investing in lights-out production with advanced robotics. There is a simpler, less expensive way to impact your bottom line.
Precise Metal Cutting to Prepare for Welding
Precise cutting starts with preparation. Here are three tips to help you optimize performance and produce clean, smooth, straight cut lines in preparation for welding to minimize secondary operations like deburring and cleanup, and help operators achieve better weld penetration for higher quality welds.
Increase Tool Life with Preventive Maintenance
Deliberately pull a die out of the stamping press for tool maintenance even though it is still producing perfect parts? That’s right. Don’t wait for that next emergency to shut everything down to put out fires. You can actually reduce downtime by regularly scheduling preventive tool maintenance that provides longer tool life, fewer scrapped parts and improved productivity.
Easy Robotic Automation for a Stronger Workforce and Better ROI
Smart manufacturing tools are helping shops of all sizes deal with labor shortages and production inefficiencies. When implemented and managed correctly, these tools can aid human workers, create a more productive workforce and increase overall competitiveness.
Consider the Big Picture When Manufacturing Complex Tube Assemblies
Fit-up, fixturing and assembly of multiple tubes can be difficult when coping, mitering and other secondary operations are required after bending. This is where new tube fabrication technology shines. Though it may bill out at a higher machine rate/hour, the time, material, tooling and labor it saves delivers a lower cost per assembly – and higher profitability.
Autonomous Machine Vision: The Total Quality Assurance Revolution
Flexible, easy-to-install and affordable visual quality assurance systems can inspect every stage of production, using artificial intelligence to self-adapt and self-adjust to changes. After reviewing samples, they learn – without any human interaction – all of the part’s attributes, surface characteristics, etc. and begin inspecting in only a few minutes.
There’s More to Equipment Financing Than Rates
The interest rate is a very small component of overall financing costs. It’s more important to match the lender to your overall financing needs. Here are some key factors that can help you find a good fit for a financing partner.
Don’t Let Low-Hanging Fruit Hold Back Your Sales
Choose to pursue this and fall into the trap of competing for business in the piranha-like pool of customers who treat every type of sale the same: price trumps quality, reliability, and guarantees. There’s a better way.
A Look Ahead
As the metal fabrication business remains strong, watch for more shops to adopt digitization, the principles of Industry 4.0 and integrated process flow as they move toward smaller batch sizes, shorter lead times, high-mix parts to compete – and to address the lack of skilled labor.
