Automation

EL34x3 Series EtherCAT Terminals

Beckhoff Automation has introduced new EL34x3 series EtherCAT Terminals for advanced power measurement and mains monitoring. Energy management for machine operation and the energy industries creates a range of demands, starting with basic monitoring of the supply network and process control to high-end power monitoring. The new EtherCAT I/O terminals from Beckhoff answer exactly these demands.

Lights out machining tips from the CNC Chef

For shop managers considering "lights out machining," Bob Warfield of CNCCookbook.com offers a host of tips to help ensure your success. Watch the 15th episode of the CNC Chef, a collaboration between Bob Warfield of the CNCCookbook.com and Cutting Tool Engineering.

For more lights out tips, check out Bob's CNCCookbook blog on the subject here.

Bye, robot? Bringing back human workers bucks manufacturing trends

Lately, a very different trend has begun to manifest itself: Manufacturers have started replacing robots with humans. This is not driven by nostalgia or from a desire to provide more manufacturing jobs. It is simple, practical self-interest on the part of manufacturers.

Onboard Reference System

Prophesee SA (formerly Chronocam) introduced its first commercial implementation of the company’s event-based vision technology for machines. The Onboard reference system is aimed at developers of vision-enabled industrial automation systems such as robots, inspection equipment and monitoring and surveillance devices.

Alexa, what's manufacturing?

There’s a new woman in my life, and my wife is jealous. Really? I admit that I’ve been a little preoccupied lately with automating my house, but to say that I talk to Alexa more than the mother of my children is unfair. No, it’s not obsessive behavior; it’s an experiment in what’s possible.

KMR iiwa with Metrolog X4 i-Robot

The industrial version of the 3D inspection, robotized, collaborative and autonomous solution KMR iiwa is now available with Metrolog X4 i-Robot. KUKA Systems Aerospace and Metrologic Group thus confirm their partnership and commercialize an enhanced, more robust version of their turnkey 3D measurement solution.

Coordinate Measurement Robot

Metrologic Group says its first-of-its-kind Coordinate Measurement Robot (CMR) offers CMM accuracy to robotic inspection beside the production line, with no associated tracking devices. This off-the-shelf solution, jointly developed with robotics manufacturer Stäubli, combines a Stäubli mechanical robot (6-axis TX60, TX90 or TX200 series robots) and state-of-the-art robot-dedicated 3D measurement software suite, Metrolog X4 i-Robot and Silma X4 i-Robot.

Sankyo Automation RollerDrive Reducer

The Sankyo Automation RollerDrive Reducer is a precision gear reducer that uses a zero backlash roller gear mechanism. The unit is constructed from an input shaft and a turret (output shaft) that is assembled with roller followers. The roller followers are preloaded against a screw-like input shaft to eliminate backlash.

EMAG Technology Days set for June 6-7

EMAG LLC announces its plans to hold its annual Technology Days at the North American headquarters in Farmington Hills, Mich., June 6-7. On June 6, the event will run from noon til 9 p.m. On June 7, from 8 a.m. til 2:30 p.m. The event will include a variety of machine tools under power for live demonstrations, plus a series of technical and market presentations by industry experts from the company.

Haas Automation Inc. celebrates 30th anniversary of product

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Haas Automation Inc.’s first vertical machining center, the VF-1.