Robotics & Automation News

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manufacturing

Caracol unveils large-format robotic 3D printer

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Caracol, a developer of large-format metal additive manufacturing systems, is introducing Vipra AM, which it describes as “a revolutionary technology that transforms how large-scale metal parts are produced”.

The company says its new robotic platform will be unveiled at Formnext (booth C101, Hall 12.1), and “stands out as a powerful tool designed to meet these and more of their evolving needs”.

Vipra AM is a robotic large scale direct energy deposition platform that leverages wire arc additive manufacturing processes, seamlessly developed into a hardware, software, and automation proprietary turnkey system. [Read more…] about Caracol unveils large-format robotic 3D printer

Alabama family business builds lights-out manufacturing process based on Hermle equipment

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After spending most of their younger years in their father’s machine shop, two brothers have applied their knowledge to their own enterprise, Smith & Co, and have built a multimillion-dollar, advanced, lights-out CNC facility in Birmingham, Alabama

Robert and Dell Smith started in the manufacturing industry as kids, working with their father at his part-time machine shop in Tuscaloosa – about 50 miles from their current Birmingham, Alabama location.

In the late 1980s, Robert helped take the business to full-time operations, where they first experienced 5-axis and mill turn technology, primarily for the automotive and defense industries.

The Smiths recognized the need for standard operations – whether tooling, controls or systematic procedures – which led to an exponential growth of over 100 team members. In 2015, they sold the company but continued to work for six more years.

[Read more…] about Alabama family business builds lights-out manufacturing process based on Hermle equipment

Driving Efficiency in Manufacturing with Intelligent Automation: Beyond Robotics

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If you want to stay competitive in today’s manufacturing landscape, you’ll need more than just manpower and machines.

Intelligent automation (IA) has become the force behind efficiency, plus it gives manufacturers the chance to optimize their operations beyond traditional robotics.

When you integrate advanced technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and more, you’re able to automate processes, predict machine failures, and make decisions based on up-to-date data. [Read more…] about Driving Efficiency in Manufacturing with Intelligent Automation: Beyond Robotics

Intretech to open new Mexico factory following $60 million investment

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Global smart manufacturing company Intretech has opened a new manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, following $60 million investment. The project, which is set to create 2,000 jobs over the next five years, represents a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion.

The grand opening event was attended by several notable dignitaries, including the governor of Nuevo León state, the secretary of economy, and Intretech’s chairman, Linden Lin.

Located in the Mirador Industrial Park. The facility is designed to strengthen Intretech’s manufacturing capabilities, support its global growth strategy, and provide robust nearshoring solutions. [Read more…] about Intretech to open new Mexico factory following $60 million investment

Global semiconductor industry plans to invest $400 billion in 300 mm fab equipment over next three years

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semiconductor photoGlobal spending on 300 mm fab equipment is expected to reach a record $400 billion from 2025 to 2027, SEMI highlighted in its quarterly 300 mm Fab Outlook Report to 2027 report.

The robust spending is being driven by the regionalization of semiconductor fabs and the increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips used in data centers and edge devices.

Worldwide, 300 mm fab equipment spending is projected to grow by 4 percent to $99.3 billion in 2024, and further increase by 24 percent to $123.2 billion in 2025, surpassing the $100 billion level for the first time.  [Read more…] about Global semiconductor industry plans to invest $400 billion in 300 mm fab equipment over next three years

Global semiconductor equipment billings increase 4 percent

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Global semiconductor equipment billings increased 4 percent year-over-year to $26.8 billion in the second quarter of 2024, while quarter-over-quarter billings edged up 1 percent during the same period, says industry association SEMI in its Worldwide Semiconductor Equipment Market Statistics (WWSEMS) Report.

Ajit Manocha, SEMI president and CEO, says: “Global semiconductor equipment billings totaled $53.2 billion for the first half of 2024, reflecting a healthy year so far for the industry overall.

“The semiconductor equipment market has returned to growth driven by strategic investments to support continued strong demand for advanced technologies and regions seeking to bolster their chipmaking ecosystems.”

[Read more…] about Global semiconductor equipment billings increase 4 percent

Caracol to debut ‘groundbreaking’ robotic large-format additive manufacturing platform at IMTS

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Caracol will use IMTS to demonstrate how manufacturers can produce industrial large-scale 3D printed parts with more efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability, thanks to its advanced technology.

Via live on-booth 3D printing with its partner, Kuka, (booth #236807, West Hall), visitors will be able to get an up-close look at the capabilities of LFAM via Caracol’s innovative flagship Heron AM integrated AM platform.

This modular hardware-software robotic system works on 6+ axes to enable manufacturers in key sectors like aerospace, automotive, energy and maritime, to produce thermoplastic composite parts with very complex geometries and with no scale or shape limits. [Read more…] about Caracol to debut ‘groundbreaking’ robotic large-format additive manufacturing platform at IMTS

Revolutionising Manufacturing with Vibratory Bowl Feeders

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In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, automation is key to staying competitive. With the rise of robotics and intelligent systems, industries are continually seeking ways to optimise production lines and increase efficiency.

One technology that has quietly revolutionised manufacturing processes is the vibratory bowl feeder.

Though often overlooked, these innovative devices play a crucial role in automating the precise sorting and delivery of components in various industries. [Read more…] about Revolutionising Manufacturing with Vibratory Bowl Feeders

Global semiconductor manufacturing industry ‘strengthens’ in second quarter

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The global semiconductor manufacturing industry in the second quarter of 2024 continued to show signs of improvement with significant growth of IC sales, stabilizing capital expenditure, and an increase in installed wafer fab capacity, according to industry association SEMI. 

The organization revealed its findings in its Q2 2024 publication of the Semiconductor Manufacturing Monitor (SMM) Report, prepared in partnership with TechInsights.

While slower recovery in some end markets impacted the pace of growth in the first half of the year, the surge in demand for AI chips and high bandwidth memory (HBM) created strong tailwinds driving industry expansion.

Seasonality and weaker than expected consumer demand impacted electronics sales in the first half of 2024 resulting in a 0.8 percent decrease year-over-year (YoY). Starting Q3 2024, electronics sales are forecast to see a rebound, growing 4 percent YoY and 9 percent relative to Q2 2024.

[Read more…] about Global semiconductor manufacturing industry ‘strengthens’ in second quarter

A Complete Guide About CNC Machining Services

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In this fast-evolving and advanced world of manufacturing, it is important to ensure that each of our tasks is handled with great precision and efficiency.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining came up as a transformative technology. It is not just beneficial but has become necessary in modern production work.

For businesses that need high-quality components but may not have the resources for in-house CNC operations, CNC machining services offer a practical solution. [Read more…] about A Complete Guide About CNC Machining Services