Injection Moulding Industry Exhibiting CAGR of 4.1% During 2020-2027 - billion injection moulding

EPTAM Precision Plastics has relied on machine monitoring and benchmarking from Datanomix for years, using it during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to optimize production and meet rising demand for semiconductor parts. This success (which we previous covered in 2021) proved to be only the first of many, and EPTAM has continued to implement new Datanomix features to achieve multiple years of 15% year-over-year growth.

Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

Structured light scanning is used to create a digital twin of a manufactured part, but we must understand the measurement reproducibility to best use the data.

User-friendly inspection software for CNC machining centers is shown monitoring measurements between and after machining while performing SPC based on recorded measurement values.

Mitsui Seiki USA Inc. appoints Joseph Farkas as its director of sales West and Terry Ritterbush as its director of sales East.

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

At any time, up to 12 interchangeable inserts can be loaded to the side magazine and then swapped automatically into the injection molding machine. By integrating an HB-Therm temperature control system with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s machine control, automated mold insert changes can be completed safely and efficiently, even when running the process at high mold temperatures.

For BASF, solving the punch challenge was one of the greatest engineering accomplishments. Due to its extensive application profile, BASF tests a wide range of materials from soft and tough to stiff and brittle polymers. There are also many different sample geometries, including thicknesses varying from 0.8 to 4 mm. All BASF test specimens are manufactured in accordance with the ISO 294 standard. This specifies the precision of the sprue system and specific requirements each sample geometry must fulfil. “Removal by punch is a pre-requisite, as it does not change the material properties and eliminates dust particles,” explains Hausmann.

As a result, EPTAM Precision Plastics has continued to expand a robotic automation initiative it began in 2019 to increase the uptime of its machines. These robots perform a variety of processes from loading and unloading to product conformance verification to in-process deburring.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Datanomix’s benchmarking works in tandem with the shop’s quoting software to determine the maximum cycle time on a part that would still result in profitability, then keeps operators aware of how close machines are running to this boundary.

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.

When EPTAM Precision Plastics first began implementing Datanomix, the Northfield, New Hampshire, facility used about 75 CNC machines to create plastic and metal parts. After several years of rapid expansion, the facility now has 110 CNC machines, 80 of which are connected to Datanomix. Those machines that aren’t connected to Datanomix are older machines that lack Ethernet ports and can’t communicate with the DNC — though the plant plans to swap them out for updated machines compatible with Datanomix over the next few years.

JD Machine, 2024’s Top Shops Honoree in Human Resources, embodies its “Education for Life” core value with a robust apprenticeship program and significant continuous improvement efforts.

Consistency is key for beryllium manufacturing, so the data visibility granted by Harmoni has swiftly become a vital, profitable tool in the shop’s arsenal.

Heidenhain and Acu-Rite Solutions are offering several hands-on experiences at their booth this year, as well as internal components that reduce energy use.

By automatically gathering data from the machines and sorting it into actionable reports for stakeholders at different levels of management across the facility, Datanomix eliminated a large portion of the legwork associated with data collection and continuous improvement. Bunnell says the greatest challenge the facility has faced with Datanomix is properly conveying to the shopfloor team that this software is meant to support their work, not act as a way to blame operators for any production difficulties.

Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

The granularity of Datanomix’s reports has also come in handy for EPTAM as it qualifies the repeatability of its parts. Bunnell cites a recent project that required operations qualification and performance qualification, noting that “if we see some anomalies in the metrology side of this product, we can actually cross-reference that to when these parts had run on the machine and see if there was something happening in the machine. For example, if we look back at the data and Datanomix says the machine sat for 15 minutes — and that machine does not have thermal compensation,” then EPTAM can take steps to ensure that machine is properly warmed up before cutting operations.

For operative safety and efficiency, a linear SDR 5-35S robot serves two purposes. A new feature is full automation of the selection and placement of 12 interchangeable mold inserts from a magazine located within the cell. After the part is molded, the same robot fitted with a multifunctional gripper gently extracts the test specimen from the mold and passes it to the small six-axis, articulated-arm Yaskawa GP8 robot for precise cutting of the specimens from the gate using a servo spindle drive punching machine.

The multifunctional gripper ensures all sample geometries are placed with exacting precision onto the punch plate. This is complex in itself because BASF works with many materials that have high fiber glass content, which can cause warpage. Describing how the servo driven parallel punch gripper overcomes the challenge of placing parts securely onto the punch plate, Hausmann notes: “If the test specimens are not held sufficiently well in place, the punchings could be crooked or not conform to specified quality standards.”

The choice between buying a new machine or refurbishing the current one will become clear after a thorough assessment of the machine.

The L.S. Starrett Co. has been manufacturing precision measurement tools in Athol, Massachusetts, since 1880. Attention to U.S. manufacturing often focuses on reshoring manufacturing from other countries, but Starrett never left. The facility in Athol employs hundreds and produces thousands of tools that remain vital for measurement in machining and other fields.

New U.S.-based event announced in 2021 finally debuts next year: focuses on complete additive manufacturing value chain. More at formnextchicago.com.

Automation is no longer a luxury in manufacturing today – it’s a necessity. The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect job shops with experts who offer advice and considerations for this process.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.

Through its years of using Datanomix, EPTAM Precision Plastics has relied on the software’s utilization benchmarking features. When performance regularly drops in comparison to a senior machinist’s initial run, the shop knows to focus on that area for continuous improvement projects. Images courtesy of Datanomix.

Formnext Chicago is an industrial additive manufacturing expo taking place April 8-10, 2025 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Formnext Chicago is the second in a series of Formnext events in the U.S. being produced by Mesago Messe Frankfurt, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, and Gardner Business Media (our publisher).

Rob Guiao, Chris Hall and Bassanio Peters will demonstrate relatable situations to equip you with data to improve predictability, future-proof operations and maximize ROI. Agenda:  Explore the importance of data in decision-making, especially for facility upgrades or new projects Learn how comprehensive solutions for manufacturing and construction projects can improve predictability and ROI See real demonstrations of machine integrations, facility layouts and automations to ensure proper throughput and integration

Take a look inside James Engineering, a high-end CNC Deburring OEM that became a job shop when they decided to produce their own parts in-house.

Angelika Homes comments: “Unlike our former MES systems, this one logs every single aspect of a trial and the results, giving us insight for every single shot. This data is extremely valuable as it represents the entire processing sequence and enables us to draw deeper conclusions about how materials perform under certain conditions and how a customer might later process it.”

Reinvestment in automation has spurred KCS Advanced Machining Service’s growth from prototyping to low-and mid-volume parts. The key to its success? A young staff of talented programmers.

Zoller’s open house in Ann Arbor, Michigan, provided attendees with a glimpse of the connectivity and efficiency the company’s products offer to users.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

For established, production-focused machines, however, Bunnell was able to point to a growth in OEE from about 35% to around 60% in a 12-month period. This is shy of EPTAM’s 77% OEE goal, but a massive improvement from where the shop started before adopting Datanomix. As with the “missing operator” downtime insight, Bunnell points to difficulty in fully staffing the facility’s second and third shifts as the primary challenge in maximizing machine utilization.

Standards for surface finishes and profiles are not static; they change as technology changes or new processes come along that need to be considered.

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

That “action” can take many forms but usually requires examining data from Datanomix in further detail. Key to dealing with unexpected downtime is the software’s Downtime Insights feature, which categorizes downtime reasons without requiring operator input. Bunnell says the facility’s most common downtime cause is a “missing operator” as the machine waits for an operator to clear chips or verify an alert. This alert can be especially difficult to solve for second and third shifts, which Bunnell says the facility has not been able to fully staff.

Whereas even the most productive machining groups at the facility averaged around 65% productivity before the introduction of robots, machine groups paired with optimized robots see reduced staff strain and can perform weekend operations, leading to about 78% utilization.

Many of the specimens processed at BASF’s technical centre are high-temperature thermoplastics, fiber reinforced and often flame retardant. Consequently, melt temperatures can reach up to 400°C with mold temperatures hitting 180°C.

Chiron Group combines the best of both worlds at IMTS 2024, featuring live demonstrations of their Micro5 and Mill 2000 machines, alongside a cutting-edge virtual showroom. This innovative approach allows visitors to explore Chiron’s full product lineup without the logistical challenges of transporting large equipment.

Misapplication of these important CNC features will result in wasted time, wasted or duplicated effort and/or wasted material.

Attend TASC, The Automated Shop Conference, in Novi, Mich on Oct. 11, 2023 for a comprehensive look into how to use automation to transform your machine shop.

Each tool setting technique has merit, and it depends on where you are as a shop and the type of work you do, as cost and efficiency all come into play.

Q-Mark has built its metrology business by providing what customers need, when they want it. This goes for its IMTS booth, too, with free drinks alongside custom technology.

Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.

Across a range of technical presentations aimed at small and mid-sized job shops, the first-ever Automated Shop Conference (TASC) offered insights into several automated technologies, implementation strategies, shopfloor training tips, and even the untapped power of automated coolant delivery.

In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."

In this episode of Made in the USA, several executives and senior staff at Hardinge give their first-person account of how they formulated the plan to shift the manufacturing of its milling and turning product lines from its Taiwan plant to its plant in Elmira, New York, the major challenges they encountered and the rewards that made it worth the effort.

FABTECH 2024 will be held October 15-17, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center. FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, discover innovative solutions, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. There is no better opportunity to network, share knowledge and explore the latest technology, all here in one place. Future U.S. Show Dates and Locations 2025 – September 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL 2026 – October 21-23 at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV 2027 – September 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

Manufacturers continue to feel the pressure to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and meet their sustainability strategies. As the industry evolves to keep pace with these priorities, there are opportunities within metalworking processes to use less resources with advanced lubricants and technical expertise. Agenda:  An overview of metalworking lubrication Evolutions in metalworking lubrication Experience on the shop floor Key takeaways

Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.

Effective team collaboration is a critical component of success in today’s manufacturing world. With cloud-based technologies that make it easy for team members to brainstorm and problem solve remotely from various locations, design-to-manufacturing processes can become faster and more efficient. This webinar will demonstrate how fully integrated CAM software can be utilized with 3DExperience SolidWorks in a seamless work environment to accelerate product development. Agenda: See how HCL CAMWorks can be used as an add-in for all SolidWorks applications working with the cloud-based 3DExperience platform Learn how fully integrated CAD/CAM saves significant amounts of time during the design to manufacturing process Gain a new understanding of how software can connect users worldwide to accelerate product development Watch a demonstration of team collaboration using platform tools in the CAD/CAM software environment

At the pilot center, the BASF research team typically configures 20 test settings daily on this machine. That means the control program of the cell has to be adapted to different materials, sample geometries, temperatures, and processing parameters. Every single setting that runs is recorded and documented digitally.

FANUC’s IMTS 2024 booth includes real-time demonstrations that show the abilities of its equipment, including robots, controllers and machine tools.

Integrating BASF’s existing mold insert concept and special features into the injection unit, the installation also includes a thermal temperature control unit and a new digital Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to map each test sequence. Reinhard Jakobi, Head of Performance Materials Processing at BASF, describes the project as an achievement of advanced engineering combining mature technology with state-of-the-art automation and molding precision.

Are AMRs the next big trend in job shop automation? System 3R’s IMTS booth will emphasize both its specialty EDM tooling and its automation products, including an autonomous moving robot.

Datanomix has aided in EPTAM’s automation transition just as it does for the company’s staffed operation. Just as the software provides downtime reasoning for machines, the software can identify where robots stop and why in real time. Bunnell also says After Action Reports work well with robots, establishing functional baselines and enabling the shop to test different process changes to maximize robotic operation and uptime. During the handful of months EPTAM needs to optimize the performance of newly automated cells, the automation engineer works off this data in tandem with manufacturing subject matter experts and the quality team to ensure that production is successful on both efficiency and quality standards.

In this webinar, industry-leading experts will demonstrate how additive manufacturing can revolutionize your operations and answer the question: Can you afford not to? From rapid prototyping to robust fixturing and specialized custom tooling, it’ll showcase the diverse applications that can drive your business forward in a time where cost and time saving can be crucial. Discover how to reduce costs, accelerate production cycles and achieve unparalleled design freedom through the strategic integration of 3D printing technology. Phillip’s panel of seasoned professionals will share real-world examples and practical insights to help you understand the potential of additive manufacturing. Learn how to overcome production challenges, improve product quality and gain a competitive advantage. It will explore the cost-benefit analysis of 3D printing — including material and labor savings — as well as the potential for increased revenue. Join this webinar to discover why additive manufacturing is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for success. Agenda:  Prototyping example: quick-change prototype Custom tooling real-world example: press brake, tube bending die CMM fixturing and workholding example: CMM fixture and soft jaw

Certain “hybrid” machines combine some form of additive manufacturing with CNC subtractive manufacturing. Columnist Mike Lynch, President of CNC Concepts Inc., explores three types of these machines here.

The Walter Turn toolholder features rake-face cooling to help break and control chips, and double flank-face cooling directly at the cutting edge to extend tool life.

The MB45 series is designed to deliver the low cutting force benefits of positive inserts and the fracture resistance of negative inserts.

Understanding all the things that contribute to a machine’s full potential accuracy will inform what to prioritize when fine-tuning the machine.

Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.

EPTAM Precision Plastics has achieved multiple years of 15% YoY growth by effectively applying Datanomix’s benchmarking and machine monitoring features.

Part of Major Tool’s 52,000 square-foot building expansion includes the installation of this new Waldrich Coburg Taurus 30 vertical machining center.

In the latest episode of our View From My Shop series, MMS Editor-in-Chief Brent Donaldson visited the JN Shapiro Watches headquarters and production facility where Founder Joshua Shapiro—a history teacher turned watchmaker—realized his dream of "making a watch from scratch and everything in it."

There are usually better solutions to chatter than just reducing the feed rate. Through vibration analysis, the chatter problem can be solved, enabling much higher metal removal rates, better quality and longer tool life.

When it comes to utilizing the spindle’s power, there is a lot of headroom at the upper limits, provided it’s in short bursts. Be mindful of your time at these loads so you don’t stall out.

Did you know that the show was postponed for WWII? Or that McCormick Place was expanded in the ’70s just to accommodate IMTS? A fascinating look at the show’s history from 1927 to today.

When Puneet and Neelam Neotia moved from India to the United States several years ago, they brought with them a family background in manufacturing and CNC machining. Now the couple is working to get their startup machine shop off the ground, sourcing new customers and getting the word out about their shop in Clarksville, Indiana. The couple — proud to publicize their "Made in the USA" parts — is leveraging family connections and manufacturing capabilities back in India, but not in the way that some people assume.

BASF’s MES informs the cell when the current produced sample setting is about to end, lining up the next mold application. Immediately after the injection process stops, cooling of the mold insert is directed by the integrated temperature control unit interface.

Then, the change of the mold inserts is synchronized to the cell control via output and input signals with transmission of the new mold data record via the robot interface. After the change of the mold insert, the temperature control units are heated up again. Automatic operation resumes and a new mold data record is initiated as soon as the target temperature is reached.

Each tool setting technique has merit, and it depends on where you are as a shop and the type of work you do, as cost and efficiency all come into play.

Horn USA’s new booth concept is designed to enable attendees to (literally) get a better feel for its various tooling offerings.

Women in Manufacturing is excited to announce that the 2024 SUMMIT will be a hybrid event — both an in-person and virtual experience. Both program offerings will enable you to grow through education and connections that are insightful, meaningful and actionable. Join Women in Manufacturing Oct. 6-9, 2024, in Boston or digitally for an event filled with plant tours at leading manufacturing facilities, professional development sessions, roundtable discussions on important topics, and inspiring keynotes.  All while engaging and interacting with peers through social and networking events! __PRESENT __PRESENT

Entrepreneur Scott Colosimo found early success in China producing parts for his Cleveland-based motorcycle company in the mid-2000s. This is the story of how IP theft issues overwhelmed the business, prompting Colosimo and his team to start over from scratch — and move production back to the United States.

The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will give shops of all sizes and production volumes key insights and practical guidance on how to implement automation.

Faced with rising customer demand for high-precision parts EPTAM Precision Plastics used Datanomix Fusion to streamline data collection, improve quote accuracy and discover training gaps.

Legacy Precision Molds takes us on a tour of their moldbuilding facility. They've recently implemented two automated 5-axis cells for metal and graphite machining that run lights out during nights and weekends.

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

Ever wonder what sets Top Shops apart from the competition? Dive into their award-winning practices and explore behind-the-scenes strategies for operational excellence.

Okuma America Corp. announces its plans to create a global service and repair facility, set to open in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2025.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

AccuRounds has created synergy between culture and technology, driving a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Most improvements therefore come down to the After Action Report, a feature that enables Bunnell and the EPTAM team to tag machines and jobs that are having trouble reaching their necessary productivity. The system saves the performance of the machine and job as a baseline. From there, the EPTAM team can experiment with machining parameters to see what effects they have on the machining process and whether they enable the job to meet its profitability requirements.

Creating tomorrow’s polymer innovations starts with understanding the chemical and mechanical performance and processing conditions of materials. At BASF’s Injection Molding & Extrusion Pilot Plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, the newest all-electric, fully-automated injection molding cell from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag is delivering pioneering and repeatable results for more than 4,000 tests a year.

So far, Made in the USA has looked into system-wide effects of broken supply chains, automation, skilled workforce issues and our perception of manufacturing jobs — examining each topic through a prism of individual experiences. For this final episode for Season 1, let’s look at one more system-wide question and bring it back to personal perspectives: Is there today a new dawn, a new moment for American manufacturing?

Weldon Solutions is demonstrating three grinders at IMTS 2024. Though they differ in size and use case, all feature the company’s hallmark customizations.

“To assume it’s a people issue out of the gate is just not a good way to conduct business,” Bunnell says. With EPTAM’s growth continuing at its meteoric pace, this philosophy appears to be correct.

This presentation focuses on the vital role that linear and angular encoders play in ensuring precision in machine tools. Attendees will learn about the common challenges compromising accuracy, such as thermal expansion, mechanical misalignments and vibration. Whether you're an OEM, integrator, or machine operator, this webinar will offer valuable insights into optimizing CNC performance. Agenda: Challenges to CNC machine accuracy Understanding encoder technology How encoders address accuracy challenges

Though most frequently used for diameter measurements, an air plug and platen can be readily configured to measure perpendicularity.

Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s IntElect 1000 kN injection molding machine is at the core of a fully digitized manufacturing cell producing test specimens for product development and research involving thermoplastic polymers and compounds.

Looking to automate your shop floor? The Automated Shop Conference (TASC) will connect shops with experts who can advise them through this transition.

The latest episode “Made in the USA” podcast explores a company that uses collaborative robots, one of the key tools helping US machine shops and other manufacturers compete with lower cost countries by automating production.

Automatic, real-time shopfloor data collection tempers the bias that blinds manufacturers to the real reasons for downtime.

Incremental mode can be more advantageous when programming sculptured surfaces or for certain hole-machining canned cycle applications.

From quadruped robot dogs, to an in-booth putting green where you can test out a new golf putter, to a 3D-printed car and more, attendees enjoyed cutting-edge technology and innovations all week long. Take a look to see what (or who!) you might have missed this week!

Misapplication of these important CNC features will result in wasted time, wasted or duplicated effort and/or wasted material.

Working closely with customers and making careful investments has enabled this Wisconsin machine shop to tackle difficult jobs with tight deadlines as a core part of its business.

Modern Machine Shop is the leading publication and media brand in North America devoted to CNC machining. MMS combines unprecedented editorial access to manufacturing facilities with decades of experience to provide long-form content that is both insightful and impactful. About Us

Taking center stage in the cell is Sumitomo (SHI) Demag’s ultra-precise IntElect 1000 kN injection molding machine. Selected for its compact design, energy efficiency, and repeatability, the IntElect’s enhanced welfare and safety features were also welcomed by the team of 30 research operatives at the facility. Progressive solutions to automate mold changes and low noise emissions combined with fully-digitized robotic processing solutions also received high marks.

For its connected machines, EPTAM still relies on Datanomix Benchmarks (formerly known as Fusion Factors), which rate each machine’s productivity according to a benchmark that constantly recalibrates in response to real machining performance, but the facility now combines this information with data about product movement and cost breakdowns from EPTAM’s ERP software. Datanomix then turns this combination of ERP data and machine monitoring data into a Daily Operations Report analyzing each day’s production, broken down by value streams and departments throughout EPTAM. Plant Operations Manager Jesse Bunnell says that data should correlate between the ERP and Datanomix sides of the report. “If there is not a direct correlation, that is a red flag,” he says. “The appropriate leaders or managers make a note of it and take action.”

Join Mahr for an informative webinar to discover the latest advancements in precision measurement, designed to elevate your quality assurance processes and unlock peak productivity. It'll explore cutting-edge technologies — such as modern height gages and contour measuring systems — along with their applications, benefits and technical capabilities. Discover the power of height gages: Learn how intuitive and sophisticated height gages can revolutionize your measurement processes, enabling quick and accurate results in inspection and production areas. Explore the practical functions and ease of use that make height gages an ideal solution for manufacturers seeking high-performance and reliable measuring technology. Examine sample applications and industries where height gages excel, such as qualifying first parts, inspecting incoming parts and measuring series of parts in industries like aerospace, automotive and medical. Unlock efficient contour measurement: An introduction to the latest contour measuring technologies that enable fast, simple and comprehensive contour measurement in the production environment. Discover how these innovative solutions ensure reliable measurements, saving time and increasing efficiency while measuring a wide range of workpieces. Learn how to streamline your contour measuring process with speed and simplicity, achieving fast and precise measurements with incredible versatility. Register now and discover how to unlock peak productivity with new innovations in precision measurement. Agenda: Insights into the latest precision measurement technologies and their applications Understanding of how to improve quality assurance processes and increase productivity Knowledge of how to select the right measurement solutions for your specific needs Tips on how to optimize your measurement processes for maximum efficiency

Tool-holder-spindle-machine combinations each have a unique dynamic response in the same way that each person has a unique fingerprint, which can be revealed using modal testing.

Walter USA has acquired PDQ Workholding, intending to strengthen its offering of workholding products and develop future cutting tool sales.

EPTAM does not directly quote through Datanomix, but by inputting the quote from its quoting software, Datanomix can analyze productivity and determine cycle time targets for profitability. The software can perform this analysis midway through a job, enabling the company to make changes partway through a day instead of only catching issues after the accounting department reviews the completed job. If the shop is unable to meet a quote after dialing in machining parameters through the After Action Report, EPTAM then drills down to see if there is a misquote or a misunderstanding about machining capabilities.

Dialing in machining parameters and solving for unforeseen difficulties is not just a task EPTAM takes on for new jobs, but also for new machines. The rapid expansion of EPTAM Precision Plastics’ CNC machining fleet from 75 machines to 120 has meant the facility’s OEE has not grown as quickly as its productivity increases would suggest. Bunnell says Datanomix has proved useful for finding machines’ most productive parameters, but continuous improvement staff cannot be everywhere in the shop at once.

Supplementing CNC connections with sensors and machine learning enables predicting performance on the level of the individual part.

Pooling its engineering competences and technological resources, BASF’s Performance Materials division in collaboration with Sumitomo (SHI) Demag and H + S Automatisierung have created a manufacturing cell to produce a range of test specimens for the product development and research activities of thermoplastic polymers and compounds.

When revising part designs, investigate the 3D CAD, the 2D drawing and the part’s functional requirements to determine which details should be tightened up.

Job shops are implementing automation and digitalization into workflows to eliminate set up time and increase repeatability in production.

Learn more about the variety of technology and machinery Hwacheon Machinery America, Inc. is featuring at its IMTS 2024 booth.

Lee Wimmer invited us to tour his second-generation family-owned machine shop in Perkasie, PA. This video explores the production processes behind precision-machined parts for both Wimmer Custom Cycle and LS Wimmer Machine Co., and shows how ingenuity and determination are still at the heart of American manufacturing. Today, both companies are now managed by Wimmer’s three sons.

Automation Systems Senior Engineer at Sumitomo (SHI) Demag, Markus Hausmann explains: “In order to lower the temperature to 80°C and depressurize the insert to guarantee that the SDR robot can remove the mold insert safely, our machine control has to talk and interact seamlessly with BASF’s MES.