If computers helped usher in the availability of CNC machining, then it will be robotics that take precision machining technology to the next exponential level. Combined with high-production machinery, what used to be a one-off custom approach to part or product fabrication is now becoming a mainstream manufacturing option itself. And, when matched with robotics, CNC precision machining is fast becoming the go-to method for high accuracy fabrication for entire assemblies crafted, built and assembled in the same process and same location. It could, in theory, do away with the current approach of sourcing finished parts and supplies from multiple subcontractors and suppliers and instead craft everything in-house. That would be a monumental game-changer in the manufacturing world.
Going to the Machines
The COVID pandemic really pushed manufacturing and particularly machine shops to rethink what was possible in terms of running production at a distance. Automation started to become extremely popular with many bigger firms who had the means to invest and, with the pandemic in full swing, had the motivation to stay in business driving them to be creative. Automated systems with robotic features for loading, setting, placement, function, ejection and storing finished product have all become very popular as a result. What is going to happen, no surprise, is that the shop floor will be going through a transformation. Even with workers returning and populating their functions again, the ability to have robots doing the same for 24/7 has become more and more of a proven case. And savvy manufacturers are looking to robotic tech to create the first 24/7 machining assembly lines of the future.
Some of the latest automation being applied include:
- Systems with a robust range of toolsets, some up to 13 options total,
- Offline presetting of tool uses and portfolios,
- Magazine bar feeding of supplies,
- Time/experience-based programming that benefits from patterns and AI-learning,
- Advanced metrics software for analytics work and prediction modeling of operational behavior,
- In-system tool breaking detection or wear warning, and
- Automatic part gaging.
- Bad stock part rejecting due to identified defects prior to work initiation.
Much of the above is possible due to new machine technology aggressively incorporating 16 or more sensors for the above as well as constant re-measurement and communication with the system computer management console monitored by the user.
A big emphasis on modular design for systems available also continues with the latest models. Being able to configure and calibrate different functions specific to what a customer needs allows customization while still staying within an overall standardized universe. That provides the benefits of customers being able to get the exact tooling they want as well enjoying the lower cost of readily available features and tooling along with robust support.
High Volume Makes Inroads into Machining
Nothing stays unique for long when people want a lot of it. This is the case with highly popular machined products that need to move into high quantity production but need machining for their actual fabrication versus basic assembly-line make. Transfer machines fill the gap, providing the resources needed for mass production that still apply the unique aspects of tailored machining to the product involved. The latest transfer machines provide the ability to handle coil stock as big as 13mm in width, reduction or elimination of bar stock waste, easy and automated tool-changing, and multi-job operations with different specifications and output expectations.
Multi-application features speed up high production capabilities as well. This is made possible with machining systems that are now applying up to three tools simultaneously, moving in a very tight, computerized dance around the stock material during product creation. Add in the fact that the tools are interchangeable and can handle stock up to 300mm in diameter, and the capabilities of what can be produced in number quickly begin to skyrocket.
Solving the Dilemma of Small Tool Stops and Changeouts
In the detailed machining world, small size tools have to spin incredibly faster to produce the same shaping ability as bigger tools with far more robust strength. That means running speeds for tool swap outs on the same drive doesn’t work. A good amount of manual work is regularly needed to set up, support and connect detailed tools and then disconnect them all over again when it’s time to cool down, purge and connect a different option. With newer systems, the changeout process is becoming integrated within the machine, reducing the need for significant manual steps and instead letting the system do all the work of tear-down and setup for tooling instead. This allows users to switch back and forth on different speeds and tooling without significant maintenance delays in production.
Staying Within the Curve of Advanced Possibilities
Evden Enterprises combines the latest CNC machining technology with proven capabilities and a significant depth of operator experience in all types of machining from 3-axis to 9-axis setups. Because of this specialization, Evden is able to tackle some of the biggest and most complex machining demands on a regular basis. When it’s time to go to the next level on what is possible with machining and your product needs, Evden Enterprises is ready to partner with your team on production. Call us to find out what’s possible; you’ll be surprised at the options available for your goals and product fabrication strategy.