Case Study: Integrating high end CNC routers and software into manufacturing

By integrating an ART CNC router into the manufacturing process, StyroMAX was able to improve cut quality and and productivity 

Panel manufacturing facility StyroMAX purchased a CNC router from Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) to improve cut quality and increase productivity.

StyroMAX, the panel manufacturing division of Summercool Truck Bodies in Darra, QLD, offers a high level of value-added service to its customers by providing lightweight refrigerated transport bodies and laminated FRP panels for the food and beverage industry, as well as RV caravan panels.

To ensure delivery of their products with the assurance of optimum quality and short lead times, company co-owner Steve Whitelock and his team decided it was time to upgrade the production process by adding a CNC router to the factory.

Founded in 1977 by Steve Whitelock and Bevan Carrick as a manufacturer of refrigerated transport bodies, the company was able to attract customers through competitive pricing, the latest in thermal truck panel technology and extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities. Ten years ago, the company decided to bring all panel manufacturing in-house, but wasn’t producing the high volumes to justify CNC equipment.

The decision to buy the CNC router was taken to meet the increase in volumes as well as the need for the refrigerated truck bodies to meet the ever-changing environmental, legislative and commercial demands placed upon them. The advanced technology allows the company to provide high quality products with quicker turnaround, enabling them to maintain their strong business position in the market.

According to Mr Whitelock, the primary objective was to increase the cut quality as well as become more productive and competitive. The CNC cutter would also enable them to offer more complex type of panels.

They chose an ART router because of ART’s local roots and friendly service. Although the machine involved a huge investment, for StyroMAX it was the service and the relationship that made all the difference, because they knew that the complex machine would require ongoing reliable support. StyroMAX also had the assurance that ART could simply log in, diagnose the problem and fix it straightaway.

The ART RT15600 CNC router delivered to StyroMAX’s Darra factory is one of the largest machines built by ART. Measuring 15.5m in length and 3.8m in width, the machine provides the necessary capacities for both sides of Mr Whitelock’s business, Summercool and StyroMAX.

StyroMAX is already reaping the benefits of the CNC router installation. Where it took two men three days to make a complete truck set, the RT router accomplishes the same task in about three hours, making a huge difference to the business. Working in a very competitive market, Summercool has positioned itself as a premium truck body builder for many RV and truck manufacturers; the increased efficiency and productivity therefore helps the company stay ahead.

http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Advanced-Robotic-Technology/Case-Study-Integrating-high-end-CNC-routers-and-software-into-manufacturing-n2517058

Laser Alignment Tool for CNC Gantry Machines

Pinpoint Laser Systems offers its Pinpoint Gantry Kit, a tool for geometric alignment of three-axis CNC gantry machines.

Pinpoint Laser Systems offers its Pinpoint Gantry Kit, a tool for geometric alignment of three-axis CNC gantry machines. Its straight, weightless laser beam replaces traditional piano wire, heavy steel straight edge and granite references. The company says that its tool is faster, easier and more consistently accurate than conventional methods, checking an entire machine in hours. Other potential uses include machine fabrication and assembly, setup and certification, and maintenance.

The kit measures straightness, perpendicularity, level and other parameters to an accuracy of 0.001" over a longitudinal travel of 150 ft. The measurement values can be used directly to make machine adjustments or uploaded to a PC for display and further computation and compensation. The solid aluminum laser and receiver housings are precision-engineered and anodized for wear resistance. The system is battery-operated, and a USB interface enables connection to a PC. Also included is the company's Pinpoint Capture software for data display, graphing and storage. All components fit in a carrying case for safe transportation.

http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/laser-alignment-tool-for-cnc-gantry-machines

Combining 3D Printing & CNC Milling in 1 Machine

Combining additive and subtractive manufacturing in one machine is on the rise. From Mebotics' Kickstarter project for an all-in-one 3D printing/etching/milling machine we told you about last year, to our recent report on Optomec's America Makes project for repairing metal aircraft parts, lots of people are trying to figure out how to combine the two.

Many of those hybrid manufacturing combinations, like Mebotics' desktop Microfactory -- which didn't reach its funding goal -- are attempts to combine some form of additive manufacturing (AM) with some form of subtractive manufacturing, usually CNC milling. Some are attempts to create an all-in-one prototyping machine using plastic and wood. Others are far larger and more ambitious, aiming at a hybrid manufacturing prototyping and manufacturing machine for metals. A couple of the latest come from Flexible Robotic Environment and Hurco.

Hurco, a major supplier of CNC machines, has applied for a patent on its new additive manufacturing adapter. The adapter plus the company's proprietary control software can turn its CNC machines into combination milling/3D printing systems that produce both plastic prototypes and metal finished parts.
(Source: Hurco)

Hurco, a major supplier of CNC machines, says it's applied for a patent on a new additive manufacturing adapter. The adapter, combined with the company's proprietary control software, can turn its CNC machines into combination milling/3D printing systems that produce both plastic prototypes and metal finished parts. This cuts down on setup time and labor, as well as materials for multiple prototypes, not to mention floor space.
Although Hurco is not revealing which 3D printing technology it's using on the adapter, the company did say it plans to expand to other AM processes. The new control technology will debut next month at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

This configurable 6-axis robotic work cell from Flexible Robotic Environment can combine laser scanning, CNC milling, and metals laser sintering, among other functions. The VDK6000 has a build platform measuring 2 feet high by 3 feet in diameter, and is aimed at both making and repairing metal parts.
(Source: Flexible Robotic Environment)

Meanwhile, one of the most impressive has got to be the complete 6-axis robotic work cell that can combine laser scanning, CNC milling, and metals laser sintering from Flexible Robotic Environment. The VDK6000 has a build platform measuring 2 feet high by 3 feet in diameter, and is aimed at both making and repairing metal parts.
The system is completely configurable, and can integrate tool heads for a number of different processes, such as laser scanning, milling, ultrasonic inspection, polishing and grinding, and plasma welding, among others. One machine, for example, can print metal parts using AM techniques, scan them via ultrasound for defects, and then finish them via traditional subtractive grinding, polishing, and drilling.

http://www.designnews.com/document.asp?doc_id=274350&itc=dn_analysis_element&dfpPParams=ind_183,industry_auto,industry_aero,industry_machinery,kw_robotics,aid_274350&dfpLayout=article

Okuma and Hartwig Open House Offers Preview of CNC Machines and Technology to Be Displayed at IMTS 2014

Okuma America Corporation, a world-leader in CNC machine tool manufacturing, and Hartwig Inc., the largest machine tool solutions distributor in the Midwest, partner to host an Open House, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at the Okuma Tech Center, Houston, Texas.
This one day event will feature select CNC machines in addition to new technology, tooling and workholding that will be displayed at IMTS 2014. Attendees will get a preview of special event pricing on a variety of machines including Okuma horizontal lathes and machining centers, Tsugmai Swiss turn centers, EDM machines, and inspection and measuring equipment.
The event will include live cutting demonstrations and seminars and attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Okuma, Hartwig, members of Partners in THINC and other suppliers. The Open House schedule is:
*9:00 - 10:00 a.m. – Welcome
*10:00 -11:00 a.m. - ABB, KUKA Automation Seminar
*12:00 – 1:00 p.m. - Lunch
*1:00 -1:30 p.m. - Okuma Technology, Jeff Estes
*1:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Demonstrations
To register for the event and for more information on CNC machines that will be on display visit http://go.hartwiginc.com/hartwigopenhouse.
About Okuma America Corporation
Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools, founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. The company is the industry’s only single-source provider, with the CNC machine, drive, motors, encoders, spindle and CNC control all manufactured by Okuma. Okuma’s innovative and reliable technology, paired with comprehensive, localized service protection, allows users to run continuously with confidence – maximizing profitability. Along with its industry-leading distribution network (largest in the Americas), and Partners in THINC, Okuma facilitates quality, productivity and efficiency, empowering the customer and enabling competitive advantage in today’s demanding manufacturing environment. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @OkumaAmerica.
Hartwig
Founded in 1960, Hartwig has become the largest distributor of machine tool solutions and inspection equipment in the Midwest and Mountain regions. Built on a foundation of fairness, after-sales support and hard work, the company has grown to more than 170 employees covering eight office locations in 15 states including: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Hartwig partners with its customers to optimize machining performance, decrease downtime and improve overall efficiency of equipment and applications. The company prides itself on not just being a machine tool distributor, but a true solutions provider intent on assisting customers in controlling their destiny and keeping manufacturing within the U.S. Hartwig delivers applications, service and sales to numerous industries, including aerospace, computer, construction, farming, fluid power, industrial machining, medical, oil and gas energy, and semiconductor processing. Hartwig’s name is synonymous with quality, service, support, and engineering. http://www.hartwiginc.com

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/06/prweb11975008.htm

PAU to organize two-week training course on CNC Machines

LUDHIANA: Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) will organize a two-week hands on training course on "Operational and Programming of CNC Machines" from May 19-30, 2014 for Agricultural Machinery Manufactures, ITI pass out and educated village youths.

PAU authorities said, "In this course, training will be provided on CNC Lathe, CNC Milling, CNC Drilling, EDM Machine and latest manufacturing technologies. The training will be useful in enhancing the skill of the employees of the agricultural machinery manufacturers of the state".

"The village youths will get more employable opportunities in the production/manufacturing units. There are 15 seats for the participants and the training fee for the program will be Rs 3000 per person. The participant will be awarded certificate after the successful completion of the training".

PAU spokesperson said that the boarding and loading will be arranged at the PAU as per university norms and expenditure will be born by trainees from their own pocket. He added that further detail about the training, are available with Dr G S Manes, Head Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, PAU, Ludhiana or on phone.   http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/PAU-to-organize-two-week-training-course-on-CNC-Machines/articleshow/35163857.cms

CNC Machine Tool Builder Okuma America Corporation Announces New Member Of Partners In THINC

Okuma America Corporation announces that 5ME joins Partners in THINC, a collaborative effort by more than 40+ members bringing specialized equipment, expertise and a commitment to provide the best possible integrated machining solutions to the end-user.
Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) - Okuma America Corporation, a world leader in CNC machine tools, is pleased to announce that 5ME, a leader in innovative technologies, products, and value added services solely focused on increasing manufacturing efficiency, has joined Partners in THINC.
5ME, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and complemented by a Technology Center in Warren, MI, provides technologies, products, and value added services that are brand agnostic, allowing solutions to be applied to all types of machinery and manufacturing systems. 5ME addresses five critical components – the five "M's" of Man, Material, Machines, Methods and Metrics – to improve a manufacturing enterprise's efficiency (the "E"). 5ME solutions are used by a variety of Okuma customers across multiple industries.
Benefits of 5ME solutions include:

• Cryogenic Machining - game changing metal-cutting technology that increases throughput, part quality, tool life, and profitability while reducing energy consumption. Environmentally friendly, it also facilitates a safer work environment for plant floor personnel.
• Manufacturing Solutions – comprehensive portfolio of manufacturing consumables such as tooling, tool holders, and coolants, as well as process technology solutions ranging from process optimization, work-holding / fixture design, clamping and automation, and turnkey systems
• Manufacturing Software - suite of software focused on manufacturing efficiency that integrates seamlessly into production and business systems to provide full transparency into manufacturing processes such as asset utilization, performance, quality, “OEE”, in addition to machine health, process health, and energy consumption

“Partners in THINC's newest member, 5ME, has proven expertise and dedication to helping manufacturers obtain the highest level of profitability possible through a suite of solutions for the entire manufacturing enterprise. We’re excited about our partnership and look forward to working with 5ME,” says Jeff Estes, Director of Partners in THINC.
For more information on 5ME and other members of Partners in THINC, visit http://www.okuma.com/partners-in-thinc.
About Okuma America Corporation:
Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools, founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. The company is the industry’s only single-source provider, with the CNC machine, drive, motors, encoders, spindle and CNC control all manufactured by Okuma. Okuma’s innovative and reliable technology, paired with comprehensive, localized service protection, allows users to run continuously with confidence – maximizing profitability. Along with its industry-leading distribution network (largest in the Americas), and Partners in THINC®, Okuma facilitates quality, productivity and efficiency, empowering the customer and enabling competitive advantage in today’s demanding manufacturing environment. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @OkumaAmerica.
About Partners in THINC:
Partners in THINC is a collaboration network of more than 40 industry leaders who come together to solve problems and explore new productivity ideas for real-world manufacturers. With the open architecture, PC-based THINC®-OSP control as its nucleus, Partners in THINC brings specialized equipment, expertise and a commitment to provide the best possible integrated solutions to the end-user. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com/partners-in-thinc.
About 5ME:
5ME brings a proven suite of capabilities to industry, solely focused on increasing customers’ manufacturing efficiency as a means of building profitable, competitive and sustainable businesses. 5ME addresses five critical components – the five "M's" of Man, Material, Machines, Methods and Metrics – to improve a manufacturing enterprise's efficiency (the "E"). 5ME services and products are brand agnostic, allowing solutions to be applied to all types of machinery and manufacturing systems. 5ME solutions include cryogenic Machining, manufacturing solutions and manufacturing software. For more information about 5ME, visit their website at http://www.5ME.com.

http://www.machinetoolsonline.com/doc/cnc-machine-tool-builder-okuma-america-corporation-announces-partners-thinc-0001

New CNC Machineries from ECVV Become A Daring Challenge to Its Competitors

SHENZHEN, China – March 26, 2014: A cluster of new CNC machines has been introduced by ECVV which are poised as a direct challenge to other major B2B online portal. The new CNC Milling Machine and CNC Router Machine displayed on the catalogues expected to infuse fresh waves in the online marketing business and increase the competition.
Machineries play vital role in the overall development of countries in the growing sector. Gone are the days, companies depends on few suppliers. Ever since the arrival of ECVV in the B2B market and their introduction of CNC machines have changed market perspective. Today ECVV enjoys an enviable position in the online business other than its cotemporary competitors. They have consolidated their presence further by adding new products of CNC machineries especially CNC Milling Machine and CNC router with easy terms of supply. From the vast pool of 334 milling machines and 2,681 models of router machines, selection of machines became a convenient option with few mouse clicks.
With the introduction of cutting edge technology incorporated CNC machineries, the sales of CNC Router Machinery re-gained the lost momentum of sales that has been badly affected by the world economic recession. Mr. Steven Chen, the CEO of ECVV put the facts in an overwhelming enthusiasm that “China is expected to rebound in the machineries export market with a projected growth of 6.8% per years. This projected growth is much more than any other industrially developing countries. The new favorable trend shall continue for few years and we have the price flexibility in China’s advantage”. He further said, “We have streamlined our marketing efforts by adding more CNC milling machines and CNC routing machines in our portfolio, which are economically priced with quality assurance. To boost the confidence of our clients we have introduced lot of support service, after sales service with the strong backup of our principles”. There are some unique features which are special with ECVV such as product guarantee and replacement or free repair or free service during the warranty and guarantee period. It is could be seen as a bold initiative by ECVV and that marks the differenceof comparing the relatively new incumbent with veterans of this field.
ECVV has a strong presence in machinery portfolio
Buyers would be bemused to see the machinery portfolio of ECVV. Well laid details along with product pictures, technical specification and make of the product gives an ample positive feel of the product. The brand name of the product let the buyers to do a market survey and reach in to a conclusion with justifiable reasoning. It would be a tough experience in going through all the product details. But ECVV has special key word options which allow the customer to search for the exact machine what they are looking for. With these options, clients will be getting few short listed machinery details that would help them to narrow down the selection.State of the art net software is used to give quick computing with lightening speed and accuracy. The site optimized well to meet the customers challenging demands. The overall business environment with ECVV is turned out be a pleasant engagement.
The impact of recession on machinery sales with a global perspective
The world economic recession played an important role in slow down the pace of rapid growth of Chinese machinery tool industry. By 2012 CNC cutting machine touched a whooping growth of 25.8% and CNC forming machine had a growth of 5.8%. This is considered as an exploding growth when compared with world machinery growth and sales. Presently the machinery Chinese industry had a considerable sales drop and the 2013 statistics had shown the growth rate as 5.5 percentage. This is in fact a healthy situation comparing to the other contemporary competition from developing countries. The efforts of ECVV to trap the desperate importers who are looking for cheap and reliable CNC machineries have shown promising results.
Media Contact
Company Name: ECVV Technology Development Ltd.
Contact Person: ECVV Online Marketplace for Wholesale
Email: Send Email
Phone: +86 731 89824048
Address:Rm.407, Software Bldg., No.662 Lugu Road
City: Changsha
State: Hunan Province
Country: China
Website: http://www.ecvv.com