Automation
Entry-Level Factory Automation Solution
The compact Kiwa-Japan KH-41 HMC is 60. 2" (1,530-mm) wide and can handle a variety of workpieces, providing an ideal entry-level factory automation solution, the company says. The HMC has a full rotary B axis and can be installed in the same space as a vertical machine.
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Feed System Automates Production
According to the manufacturer, the advanced feed system allows companies to increase productivity, decrease setup time, reduce operator error and virtually eliminate waste. The feed system can turn a semi-automatic machine into a fully automatic production machine. Operators can either manually enter dimensions into the controller or pull a cut list directly from the controller.
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CNC Training Software Available On CD ROM
Siemens Energy & Automation offers its SinuTrain solution, a package of CNC training software on CD-ROM that runs with Windows XP. To further speed the program-generation protocol, NC programs can be developed and simulated using a direct connection to the company’s CAD systems. In this way, mill and lathe operators not only learn the control language commands, but also visualize part programs on PC screens that are identical to actual machine screens.
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Software Gives Offline Programming “Real” Robot Feel
Motoman’s enhanced graphics simulator, MotoSim EG, is available with virtual robot controller (VRC) capability, which is said to provide accurate 3D simulation of robot cells. With VRC, the software operates and displays the actual programming pendant interface for the NX100 controller. The interface display is the same whether a programmer uses a teach pendant on the controller or uses the software on a PC.
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Probing Beyond Prismatic
This manufacturer has used on-machine probing to help automate setups and maintain process control for prismatic parts produced on VMCs for years. The metrology products maker recently implemented probing strategies that let it achieve similar results on its turn-mills and Swiss-types. The smaller, more economical batch sizes these machines now produce are better aligned with true production requirements.
Read MoreTurn-Mill Center Features Three Y-Axis Turrets
The company’s B765Y3 has more than 4" of Y-axis travel on all three turrets. Combined with the company’s standard tooling, customers can load as many as 144 cutting tools, allowing them to either machine several different parts without any change-over time or load several redundant cutting tools (using the company’s tool load software to detect tool wear and run “lights out”). The machine has 2.
Read MoreMulti-Spindle Offers Eight Independent Spindle Speeds
The MultiSigma 8 × 24 produces complex parts in one setup. Eight independent spindles allow for high flexibility, while an integrated robot allows for the automatic unloading of parts into a pallet. The machine is supplied with the latest motorspindles, featuring synchronous motors.
Read MoreBar Feeders with Synchronization
The Alpha ST 212 and ST 320 bar feeders provide reliability, stability and ease of operation, the manufacturer says. Model ST 320 feeds round barstock from 0. 12" to 0.
Read MoreSingle Controller Manages Four Robots
Motoman’s NX100 robot controller with a Windows CE programming pendant and a color touchscreen is designed to easily handle multiple tasks. High speed processing capability allows it to control as many as four robots for a total of 36 axes (including robots and external axes). It also features I/O devices from a single point of control.
Read MoreColor-Coded Plant Floor Monitoring
Freedom eLog from MAG Industrial Automation Systems is plant-floor monitoring software designed to provide around-the-clock intelligence on machine uptime. The software uses color coding to identify various machining events. For example, on Web-based reports, the software displays machine uptime in green.
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