May 2013
Inherent differences in robotic welding cells make it important to develop a safety strategy for each cell and select the optimal technologies to match that strategy.
Thoughts and Observations On Borrowing from Banks: Steve LeFever of Business Resource Services explains how the “Five Cs of Credit” can help shops improve their relationship with bankers by increasing their “bankability.”
By taking time to review old processes, tooling libraries and programming methods, a shop can implement simple tooling changes that positively impact production, minimize costs, reduce space or downtime, and maximize the return.
Power press brake technology is continuously evolving, and this revised standard provided by Omron Automation and Safety reflects the most commonly used and time-tested state of the art at the time of its approval.
Paul LeTang of LVD Strippit explains how press brake automation is moving toward the eventual outcome of a system where piece cost is the same, no matter how large the batch size, and setup up time is effectively eliminated.
Thoughts and Observations On Borrowing from Banks: Steve LeFever of Business Resource Services explains how the “Five Cs of Credit” can help shops improve their relationship with bankers by increasing their “bankability.”
By taking time to review old processes, tooling libraries and programming methods, a shop can implement simple tooling changes that positively impact production, minimize costs, reduce space or downtime, and maximize the return.
Check out how the tactical advantages provided by a decades-old laser, brake and shear from Cincinnati Incorporated generate productivity that bolsters the business plan of this Canadian fab shop.
By extending the flexibility and accuracy of tried and true flying optics laser cutting technology to a massive 10 ft by 20 ft table platform, the supersized XL Series from Mitsubishi Laser is capable of tackling even the biggest projects.
The decision to automate is a question that most North American fabricators have already faced or will face in the near future. This primer from FANUC Robotics America and Ellison Technologies Automation can help a shop understand everything that goes into automating a metal forming process and, more importantly, recognize all of the benefits that the automation brings to hopefully make the decision much easier and successful.
Buying a CNC plasma cutting machine is not as easy as running down to the hardware store and picking one up. Take time to answer these questions to make your buying decision easier and save you considerable time and expense.
The a51nx and a61nx horizontal machining centers from Makino offer larger work envelopes and next-generation productivity, accuracy and reliability.
The MMC2 flexible manufacturing system from Makino helps shops reduce costs, increase throughput and improve quality while adapting quickly to a constantly shifting production schedule.
With vehicle sales and housing starts on the upswing, AMT anticipates that gains in the consumer economy will also mean buoyancy for the industrial economy, and manufacturing will remain steady for the foreseeable future.
Randy Pearson of Siemens Industry explores how shop owners and major machining departments are discovering the untapped and potential enhancements for worker skill sets.
Mike Riley reports on how this grassroots response – the heart of the new industrial revolution now taking place in America – recognizes how to use shop floor-oriented continuing education in advanced technologies to offset the profound impact of cheap foreign labor on U.S. manufacturing.
The hydraulic shop of this Cat dealer salvages cylinders up to 21 ft long by re-surfacing them with an HTA tube hone, saving their customers 80 percent or more over cost of new barrel.
Buying a CNC plasma cutting machine is not as easy as running down to the hardware store and picking one up. Take time to answer these questions to make your buying decision easier and save you considerable time and expense.
Jeff Herb of Miller Electric explains why no welding power source solution can fit all needs, then shows how an understanding of your application, your future needs and your environment will help you pick the right power source.
Tom Myers of Lincoln Electric examines the size and type of wire needed to weld out of position with a mild-steel, flux-cored wire as fast as possible.
Virtual reality welding technology from Lincoln Electric not only helps future Ag-Ed teachers at Iowa State University train and prepare for upcoming careers, it serves as a recruiting tool to advance the proud ISU tradition of producing the nation’s next generation of skilled Ag-Ed teachers.
The economics for successful U.S. manufacturing appear to be swinging in the right direction, but a skilled labor shortage and economic uncertainty are clouding the view. Strategies for success vary among American manufacturers, but Hypertherm chose to invest here and is succeeding. Here’s how they did it.
Inherent differences in robotic welding cells make it important to develop a safety strategy for each cell and select the optimal technologies to match that strategy.
Power press brake technology is continuously evolving, and this revised standard provided by Omron Automation and Safety reflects the most commonly used and time-tested state of the art at the time of its approval.
Phil La Duke of ERM reports on why more companies are using a prospective supplier’s safety record as criteria for awarding business and why some shops are losing profitable contracts to competitors with better safety records.
By taking time to review old processes, tooling libraries and programming methods, a shop can implement simple tooling changes that positively impact production, minimize costs, reduce space or downtime, and maximize the return.
This primer on various measurement processes by George Schuetz of Mahr Federal shows you how to match different caliper designs with selected applications to prevent measurement errors from creeping in.
Sharad Munda of Marposs walks through some of the basic decision points to consider when choosing between contact and non-contact sensors, different wireless communication methods, and systems that deliver everything from simple presence detection to sophisticated precision dimensional and geometric measurement of tools and workpieces.
