Data-Driven Manufacturing
Increase Machining Efficiency through Machine Monitoring
A manufacturer that is distinctive for its attention to in-cycle machining productivity describes its efforts to obtain efficiency improvements outside of the machining cycle. The shop’s primary tool is a simple, daily, graphical recap that illustrates when each machine tool was and was not making parts.
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Winter Blahs Setting in? Watch this Video!
Andrew McAfee's presentation at the Opening General Session of Autodesk University in December made me feel pretty darn good. His message was simple: Technology, especially computer software, has done much to improve the human condition. The recording of his presentation is likely to lift your mood, too, if a dreary, post-holiday winter day is dragging you down.
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A New Generation of Sensors Is Here
. . . and it is ushering in the next industrial revolution. In the interconnected world of the Industrial Internet Things, some of the most important data about connected machines and equipment will come from sensors the likes of which we have not seen before. Here are some representative examples.
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Standard Tool Classification for Better Data Communication
Cutting tool manufacturers have worked together to create a generic tool catalog format that helps link cutting tool information with applications supporting data-driven manufacturing.
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Bearing Down on Industry 4.0
A research project in Europe is developing what could conceivably be the prototype for machine tools ideally suited for implementing data-driven manufacturing within the Industry 4.0 framework. One of the most interesting aspects of the project is embedding digital sensors in the bearing components inside the machine tool.
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Data-Driven Manufacturing Enabled with Tool Lifecycle Management
This video presents a lively and easy-to-follow scenario of how information about cutting tool availability links design, planning and production. Although TDM's tool lifecycle management software is brought into focus at relevant spots in this video, the larger message that "tool data management will be the control room of digitally controlled production" is sound and compelling.
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The CNC as Nerve Center
In the move to data-driven manufacturing, communication and data transfer have to be possible in all directions. The machine control is a sort of "hub" in the manufacturing environment.
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What's So Smart about the Mazak SmartBox?
The Mazak SmartBox was showcased at this machine tool builder's Discover 2015 event. The company wants it to be the smartest (and securest) way to connect machine tools to the Industrial Internet of Things.
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Cyber Security for Machine Shops and Manufacturers
Cyber security is now a major issue for manufacturers. Here's a handy list of guides, software and training centers offered by key U.S. government agencies to help companies lower the risk of cyber threats.
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Actionable Data Is the Key
"Retrieve, store and analyze" summarizes the main steps a production monitoring system follows to provide actionable data: the information a shop can act on to make better decisions about manufacturing processes.
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