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milling

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

How to Reduce Chatter in Robotic Milling Applications

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Have you optimized the performance of your robotic arm as it performs milling operations? Machining with articulated robot arms is an attractive alternative to machine tools because they offer ease of set-up, repeatability, a large workspace, and versatility.

However, machine tools are as much as 50 times stiffer than robotic arms. This lack of stiffness in robots makes it challenging to produce the desired performance. Minimizing chatter is a frequent concern and should not be overlooked to ensure the right results the first time.

In this article, we explore some best practices for reducing chatter with a focus on the spindle and tooling. [Read more…] about How to Reduce Chatter in Robotic Milling Applications

Ideal Spindles for High-Speed Robotic Milling of Plastics and Composites

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By Mark Fairchild

Robot arms are finding their way into a wide variety of applications because of their precision, strength, and versatility. Robotic milling systems have become more common in recent years and have several advantages over traditional machine tools for certain applications.

One application for which robot arms are well suited is using a kind of deburring tool as a cutting instrument when working with relatively soft materials like plastics and composites. [Read more…] about Ideal Spindles for High-Speed Robotic Milling of Plastics and Composites

A Helpful Guide to CNC Machining

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Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines are computer-programmed automated tools used in manufacturing to monitor and control movements and machine operations. Many manufacturing companies, including automotive, aerospace, and prototyping, use these machines to enhance their products and processes.

The best part is that CNC machines offer accuracy and precision, producing parts with tight tolerances while maintaining uniformity and quality. Once you understand how they operate, they’re also not that challenging to use.

This guide covers the basics of CNC machining, including the types, components, key considerations, and application. Read on for more information. [Read more…] about A Helpful Guide to CNC Machining

How to Reduce Chatter in Robotic Milling Applications

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Article by Mark Fairchild, Precision Drive Systems

Have you optimized the performance of your robotic arm as it performs milling operations? Machining with articulated robot arms is an attractive alternative to machine tools because they offer ease of set-up, repeatability, a large workspace, and versatility.

However, machine tools are as much as 50 times stiffer than robotic arms (details). This lack of stiffness in robots makes it challenging to produce the desired performance. Minimizing chatter is a frequent concern and should not be overlooked to ensure the right results the first time.

In this article, we explore some best practices for reducing chatter with a focus on the spindle and tooling. [Read more…] about How to Reduce Chatter in Robotic Milling Applications

Kuka milling robot used to manufacture film props

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Whether it is in series like Stranger Things or in blockbusters like Men in Black: International, filmmakers continuously need creative and high quality props.

To make these, a company called Robocarv, from the UK, is now using automation made in Germany – and have a Kuka milling robot manufacture the props.

The Kuka robot mills the props from blocks of plastic. (See video below.) [Read more…] about Kuka milling robot used to manufacture film props

CNC Machining Services: One Machine, Many Functions

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An overview of CNC machining services, contributed by RapidDirect

Computer numeric controlled machining (CNC) is a manufacturing process, first introduced between the 1940s and 1950s.

The process involves different accurate cutting instruments that remove material from the item – contingent upon the Computer Aided Drawing (CAD), with cutting edge programming tools can control.

This manufacturing process helps you in designing a sketch for production with the opportunity of altering and making changes. [Read more…] about CNC Machining Services: One Machine, Many Functions