Rusty Arant of North Carolina’s Northeast Tool is a true believer in applying the latest manufacturing technologies to keep his family business competitive. That includes adding a robotic automation system designed by Gosiger Automation that dramatically reduces time and cost-per-part. You can read the full case study elsewhere on the Gosiger Web site.
In the recent national elections much was made of the loss of American manufacturing jobs (7 million since the peak employment year of 1979). Most politicians place the blame squarely on unfair trade policies and lower offshore labor costs. Although these certainly were contributing factors, according to the Department of Commerce, the reality is this: Despite employing fewer workers, manufacturing output in the U.S. has actually doubled since 1979 to an adjusted-for-inflation $1.91 trillion in 2015.
An interesting trend popped up in a recent study of high-performing CNC shops: Many have greatly improved the efficiency of their machining processes by switching from a Vertical Machining Center (VMC) to a Horizontal Machining Center (HMC).
In its latest report, Gardner Business Media reports that the metalworking industry grew in January for the first time since March 2015 with the Gardner Business Index reaching 53.8.
Using the BlueSwarf tap testing and dashboard to determine end mill cutting parameters, an Okuma GENOS M560V vertical machining center (VMC) is captured on video as it engages in various dynamic machining methods.
There are many compelling reasons to invest in a new CNC machine tool including: replacing an older model that, literally, just can’t cut it any longer, expanding capacity and/or capabilities to take on new orders, and improving productivity. However, before you start comparing speeds and feeds and other performance indicators, step back for a moment to consider the bigger picture. Ask yourself five strategic questions, the answers to which will help sharpen your perspective.
The Okuma OSP control’s open architecture allows users to create custom programs and shortcuts that can reduce costs, enhance quality and increase productivity.
Much is being said about a fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) and what it bodes for the future of manufacturing. To put it in context, each of the preceding three centuries have seen dramatic shifts in the way technology impacts our world:
Practical Machinist online community and industrial equipment supplier Grainger conducted a survey in early 2016 to find out how metalworking manufacturing is changing.
On January 9, 2017 Gosiger moved its West Coast headquarters from Fullerton, CA to a new, 17,500 square foot building in Cypress, CA, The new facility is approximately twice the size of the previous space with an expanded showroom, training area and replacement parts inventory.
