How to Purchase Custom Automation and Process Equipment
Investing in new automation machinery or custom process equipment should start with a step-by-step approach. Make a list prioritizing features the new equipment should have to meet project goals. Identify all costs associated with the current manufacturing process and determine ROI from the new equipment purchase. Is your company dealing with problems caused by labor […]
5 Applications of Worker-Industrial Robot Collaboration in Manufacturing
Forced limited collaborative robots have changed the rules of the game in manufacturing. Barrier-guarded work zone method keeps workers and industrial robots separated by a physical barrier whenever the robot has power applied. Safety-monitored stop, hand guiding, speed, and separation monitoring, and power and force limited methods all allow worker-robot collaboration to varying degrees. For […]
Five-Axis CNC Machine Tool Enhances Productivity
DMG Mori Seki DMC 160 U five-axis universal mill features 66” x 55” table travel, 43” of vertical travel, a 12,000 rpm spindle, and a rotary pallet. Dual pallet allows for reduced spindle downtime and continued machining, while simultaneously setting up the next part for machining. 240-position automatic tool changer helps reduce spindle downtime with […]
Keller Technology Continues Quality Focus with Favorable Audit
Keller Technology Corporation’s Huntersville, NC, facility successfully completed its annual surveillance audit during the second week of May 2016. Conducted by the ANAB accredited registrar British Standards International (BSI), the audit’s scope included the full facility adherence to both the 9001:2008 and 13485:2003 regulatory standards. With no quality-related non-conformances identified during the course of the […]
How to Sniff Out a Real ISO/Quality Management System
Just because a company has an ISO certificate, it doesn’t mean they have an effective QMS program. Dig deeper into a company’s ISO certification by asking QMS-related questions. Make sure your company maintains the proper records to show you are meeting your identified quality objectives. After only a few years managing an ISO-compliant QMS program, […]
How to Source Precision Fabrication And Welding Work
Not all fabricated assemblies are created equal. While it may not be difficult to find competent fabricators for basic tubular frames, tanks or plates, great care must be taken when sourcing precision fabrication and welding services for more complex, technical or detailed assemblies. For highly technical steel, stainless steel, aluminum or exotic alloy fabrications, a […]