Industrial Machinery Digest - December 2023 by Industrial Machinery Digest

IndustrialMachineryDigest.com | December 2023

North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

Talking Shop with: Al Dopf — National Sales Manager, Hainbuch America How To Adapt Your Workflow Processes When Change Is Difficult Collision Impact Protection Leads to a Safer Warehouse Environment Cherry’s Industrial Equipment Celebrates its 40th Anniversary Cobots Boost Production 200% on TIG and MIG Welding and 600% on Machine Tending for Metal Fabricator Bridging the Skills Gap in Welding Through Gender Inclusivity Dynamically Accelerating Large Workpieces for Efficient Processing

UNWANTED UNWANTEDINVENTORY INVENTORY TAKING UP VALUABLE TAKING UP VALUABLESPACE? SPACE? Radwell.com purchases industrial automation product Radwell.com purchases industrial automation product

Whether you one facility or facilities, ourhave Asset Recovery program is

hether you have one facility or multiple

multiple facilities, our Asset Recovery W hether you have one facility or multiple

an exceptional for your company. facilities, ourresource Asset Recovery program is We offer cash for parts and products you don’t an exceptional resource for your company. We need.

SELLING TOUS US SELLING TO IS AS EASY EASYAS AS IS AS 1. 1.

Gatheritit Gather

2. 2.

Boxitit Box Radwell.com - 800.884.5500 - sellto@radwell.com Radwell.com - 800.884.5500 - sellto@radwell.com

program is an exceptional resource for your company. We offer cash for parts and products you don’t need. In many cases, selling your excess inventory to Radwell gives you the opportunity of BENEFITS - Lower warehousing adding dollars costs to your bottom line. - Lower warehousing costs In cash many cases, your excess inventory offer for parts selling and products you don’t need. to Radwell gives you your the opportunity of adding dollars In many cases, selling excess inventory to to your bottom line. Radwell gives you the opportunity of adding dollars to your bottom line.

3. 3.

Arrange Arrangefree free pick pickup up

BENEFITS

- Increases cash flow

- Increases cash flow - Liquidate aging inventory - Liquidate aging inventory - Liquidate slow-moving inventory - Liquidate slow-moving inventory - Eliminate used or overstock inventory - Eliminate used or overstock inventory - Increases warehouse space - Increases warehouse space A better option placing in a dumpster - A-better option thanthan placing it in aitdumpster - Go Green - Go Green

BENEFITS

• Lower warehousing costs • Increases cash flow • Liquidate aging inventory surplus inventory us gives Selling youryour surplus inventory to us to gives you a you a •Selling Liquidate slow-moving inventory financial return on products normally financial return on products you’dyou’d normally pay pay to have it disposed of.used Radwell’s Recovery have it disposed of. Radwell’s Asset Recovery •to Eliminate orAsset overstock inventory Service always provides FREEFREE freight service for for Service always provides freight service • Increases warehouse space your surplus stock. your surplus stock.

Radwell.com Radwell.com Radwell.com 5/22/2020 4:20:26 PM

5/22/2020 4:20:26 PM

Radwell-FC-01-2022.indd 1

12/16/21 3:32 PM

UNWANTED INVENTORY TAKING UP VALUABLE SPACE?

Sell us your unwanted industrial automation product.

Radwell.com - 800.884.5500 - sellto@radwell.com

SAFETY FIRST

Prevent Lifting Injuries Lifts up to 500 lbs! Ergonomic Portable Lightweight Meets OSHA & ASME Requirements

Customized Safety Lifting Devices For Any Application Available in both

CHAIN & CABLE Configurations

The Sky Hook is your personal safety lifting solution, preventing lifting injuries while saving you both time and money!

800-4-SKYHOOK 800-475-9466 • 208-365-5770

www.skyhookmfr.com

Table of Contents

December 2023 8 10 16

EDITORIAL DIRECTIONS INDUSTRY NEWS BUSINESS 4.0 How To Adapt Your Workflow Processes When Change is Difficult Find out how you can address changes in workflow processes that meet resistance with team members.

TALKING SHOP

SAFETY & MAINTENANCE

MANUFACTURING SHOWCASE

Al Dopf — National Sales Manager, Hainbuch America Collision Impact Protection Leads to a Safer Warehouse Environment

Cherry’s Industrial Equipment Celebrates its 40th Anniversary Commemorates the Milestone with the October 19 Open House: “What Does 2024 and Beyond Look Like?”

INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Cobots Boost Production 200% on TIG and MIG Welding and 600% on Machine Tending for Metal Fabricator

Bridging the Skills Gap in Welding Through Gender Inclusivity By: Guillaume Roeckel, Global Machines Sales Director at Welding Alloys

NEW TECHNOLOGY

PROCESS

Dynamically Accelerating Large Workpieces for Efficient Processing

Fit for the Future Thanks to Smart Robot Welding Technology By: Anton Paar GmbH

INDUSTRY INSIGHT

44 47 49 50

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

What Are You Made Of?

SURPLUS BUYING & SELLING CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISER INDEX

4 | IMD December 2023

36 ON THE COVER Cover Sponsor: Radwell, LLC. Cover Image: Raymath

AMERICAN-MADE SHEARS & PRESS BRAKES

Hydraulic Shears:

1/8” (10GA), 3/16”, 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 1” and 1-1/4”

Press Brakes:

50-Ton to 550-Ton

C-Frame Presses: 40-Ton to 200-Ton Custom Designs: for Custom Applications Retrofit Backgauges: for Shears

and Press Brakes. Made to fit most machines with minimum modifications.

Precision Knife Sharpening

For over 50 years!

www.betenbender.com Call for a free catalog! Phone: 319-435-2378 | Fax: 319-435-2262 | sales@betenbender.com

DRILL. TAP. REPEAT. DRILL. TAP. REPEAT. Engineered Tough for Year After Year Reliability

Engineered Tough for Year After Year Reliability Experts in Automatic Drilling & Tapping Units and Multiple Spindle Drilling Heads Experts in Automatic & Tapping Units and Multiple Spindle Heads

SERVING AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS FOR OVER

North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

37 YEARS

William C. Strickland III, Publisher william.strickland@indmacdig.com 800-366-0676 ext. 103 | Fax: 866-826-5918

Adrienne Gallender, Associate Publisher/Media Advisor agallender@indmacdig.com 888-407-7737

Brian Self, Associate Editor brian@indmacdig.com 800-366-0676 ext. 104 | Fax: 866-826-5918

Shane Bell, Creative Director sbell@indmacdig.com

SALES

Lisa Hanschu, Sr. Account Executive

HYPNEUMAT.COM • 414-423-7400

lisa@indmacdig.com 785-965-9159 | Fax: 785-965-7199

HYPNEUMAT.COM • 414-423-7400 Hypneumat-Q-09-2018.indd 1

Hypneumat-Q-DTR-01-09-2018.indd 1 Hypneumat-Q-09-2018.indd 1

8/23/18 9:33 AM

William C. Strickland III, National Sales 205-903-9178 | fax 866-826-5918

8/23/189:33 11:38 8/23/18 AM AM

DRILL. TAP. REPEAT. DRILL. TAP. REPEAT. Engineered Tough for Year After Year Reliability

Engineered Tough for Year After Year Reliability Experts in Automatic Drilling & Tapping Units and Multiple Spindle Drilling Heads Experts in Automatic & Tapping Units and Multiple Spindle Heads

Susan Strickland, Accounting susan@indmacdig.com 205-542-1098 | Fax: 866-826-5918

CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS IMD, 3590-B Hwy 31 South, Suite 233, Pelham, AL 35124 circulation@indmacdig.com | Fax: 866-826-5918

REPRINTS To purchase article reprints please call 800-366-0676 ext. 103 or email wstrickland@indmacdig.com

source

360 media llc

A PUBLICATION OF:

Source 360 Media LLC 3590-B Hwy 31 South PMB #233 Pelham, AL 35124

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST (ISSN 1542-5223) is published 12x per year by Source 360 Media. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST, 3590-B US Hwy 31 South, PMB 233, Pelham, AL 35124. Printed in the U.S.A. SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Individual subscriptions are available without charge in the U.S. to qualified individuals. Publisher reserves the right to reject nonqualified subscribers. One-year subscription to nonqualified individuals in the United States: $96.00. Single copies available (prepaid only) $20.00 each.

Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association

HYPNEUMAT.COM • 414-423-7400 HYPNEUMAT.COM • 414-423-7400 Hypneumat-Q-09-2018.indd 1

8/23/18 9:33 AM

Hypneumat-Q-09-2018.indd 1

8/23/18 9:33 AM

6 | IMD December 2023

ng (case hardening), SCM415 is normally used. ents for harder material, SNCM220 and/or SNCM420

is determined by production condition. rdness value is informed in a quotation of gears.

sion grade table : equivalent grades are for reference only. pletely match each other.

Largest selection of

Stock Metric GEARS in North America

15/05/21

14:20:18

259 Elm Place, Mineola, NY 11501 Phone: 516.248.3850 | Fax: 516.248.4385 Email: info@khkgears.us

Editorial Direction

William Strickland Publisher wstrickland@indmacdig.com

As we approach the end of the year, it's a time for reflection and looking forward to new opportunities. In this December issue of Industrial Machinery Digest, we bring you a diverse array of topics, underscoring our commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments and insights. In "Business 4.0", we delve into the nuances of adapting workflow processes, especially in environments like SEPCO, where long-term employees might find change challenging. This article provides actionable insights on navigating these dynamics, ensuring that progress is not only achieved but also embraced by all. Our "Talking Shop" section features a fascinating conversation with Al Dopf of Hainbuch America. Here, we explore the evolution of workholding technology and its role in Industry 4.0, offering a glimpse into the future of manufacturing precision. "Safety and Maintenance" is a crucial aspect of any industrial operation, and our article focuses on enhancing warehouse safety. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in preventing accidents, a critical aspect of efficient and responsible operations. In "Manufacturing Showcase", we celebrate Cherry’s Industrial Equipment's 40th anniversary. Their journey from introducing a groundbreaking pallet inverter to becoming a global leader in warehousing solutions is a testament to innovation and persistence. The "Industrial Automation" section highlights Raymath's remarkable journey, leveraging Universal Robots' cobots to achieve substantial production increases. This story is not just about technological advancement, but about visionary leadership and the willingness to embrace change. Our "Workforce Development" article, written by Guillaume Roeckel, sheds light on the welding skills gap, advocating for gender inclusivity as a solution. It’s a call to action for industry leaders to foster a more inclusive workforce, recognizing the potential of every individual, regardless of gender. "New Technology" showcases Zimmermann Inc.'s FZU/FZP42 machine line, a leap in 5-axis portal milling machines. It’s a prime example of how technological advancements can lead to more dynamic, productive, and energy-efficient operations. In "Process", Anton Paar GmbH’s approach to smart robot welding technology is highlighted. Their pursuit of innovation, in consultation with customers, is a blueprint for future-focused manufacturing. Finally, "Industry Insight" offers a unique perspective on materials used in gear manufacturing. It's an interesting analogy between the culinary world and industrial material selection, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right 'recipe' for success. As we close another year, I want to extend my gratitude to you, our readers, for your ongoing support and engagement. Your feedback and participation are what drive us to keep delivering quality content that informs, inspires, and influences. Here's to a successful year past and an even more promising year ahead. Warm regards,

William Strickland William Strickland Publisher, Industrial Machinery Digest

8 | IMD December 2023

A DE I N T H

US A

100%

The Best Tool Cabinet You Will Ever Buy GUARANTEED IN

E V E R Y W AY

MADE BY AMERICAN CRAFTSMEN IN THE USA

WWW.STORLOC.COM • 1-800-STORLOC 1-800-786-7562

sales@storloc.com

Industry News

INDUSTRY NEWS Industrial Machinery Digest's Industry News features the latest news and press releases from some of the industry's top companies. WANT TO BE FEATURED? Send your press releases to editorial@indmacdig.com

Chuck Hull Awarded the National Medal of Technology and Innovation for 3D Printing Innovations

Andy Poplin Elevated to Senior VP at Atlas Machine & Supply's Industrial Products Group

Chuck Hull, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of 3D Systems, has been awarded the prestigious National Medal of Technology and Innovation by President Joseph Biden. This honor, the highest in the United States for technological achievement, recognizes Hull's seminal creation of Stereolithography (SLA)—the first 3D printing technology. Hull's journey in revolutionizing manufacturing began in 1983 with his work on UV resins at UVP, Inc., leading to the first 3D-printed object—an eye wash cup. His pioneering efforts culminated in the founding of 3D Systems in 1986 and the launch of SLA-1, the world’s first 3D printer, effectively giving birth to the global 3D printing industry. Hull's innovation has earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame and the European Inventor Award. Holding 85 U.S. patents and many more internationally, his contributions continue to shape the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Under Hull's guidance, 3D Systems is advancing into new realms, including bioprinting. Collaborating with United Therapeutics, Hull is working on developing transplantable human lungs that do not require immunosuppression. Dr. Jeffrey Graves, President & CEO of 3D Systems, lauds Hull's vision and impact, foreseeing the groundbreaking potential of bioprinted organs within Hull's lifetime. Hull's work stands as a cornerstone in diverse applications, from satellite construction to medical implants, illustrating his lasting influence on technology and innovation.

Atlas Machine & Supply, Inc., a prominent figure in industrial services and compressed air solutions, has announced the promotion of Andy Poplin to Senior Vice President of the Industrial Products Group Andy Poplin (IPG), Compressed Air Division. This strategic move aligns with the substantial growth witnessed by the Compressed Air Division since 2020, which has seen an average growth rate of 25% in the past three years. Poplin's journey with Atlas started in November 2012, and over the past 12 years, he has played a crucial role in driving the division's success. His significant contributions have led to the tripling of the division’s business, illustrating his deep product knowledge, exceptional sales skills, and charismatic personality. His promotion coincides with the division’s expansion into a new 7,500-square-foot facility in Jeffersontown, KY, to accommodate its continuing rapid growth. Dave Sullivan, President of the Industrial Products Group, lauded Poplin's blend of technical and sales expertise, acknowledging his promotion as a well-deserved recognition of his pivotal role in the division’s remarkable growth. Poplin’s advancement represents a new chapter for Atlas Machine & Supply, underlining the company's dedication to maintaining its leadership in industrial air compressor services, parts, and rentals. Poplin's promotion is not just a testament to his individual capabilities but also signals the ongoing evolution and commitment of Atlas Machine & Supply

www.IndustrialMachineryDigest.com 10 | IMD December 2023

IMD – North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

to its core values and market leadership in the industrial products sector.

Steve Harker Retires After Nearly 50 Years at Burr King Manufacturing Steve Harker, a cornerstone of Burr King Manufacturing known for his dedication and expertise, has announced his retirement effective December 1, 2023. His nearly five-decade-long career with Burr Steve Harker King, a prominent industrial machinery producer, has been marked by significant contributions to the company's growth and success. Beginning his journey in the machine shop while still in college, Harker's commitment to quality helped shape Burr King's products. He transitioned into sales, where he became a pivotal figure for the brand, earning the nickname 'Mr. Burr King.' His role extended beyond sales, as he forged strong relationships with clients and partners, particularly in Southern California and Hawaii. Harker's interests, including his passion for Model A cars and collecting gas and oil memorabilia, mirrored his professional dedication to mechanical engineering. His tenure at Burr King was characterized by his unwavering commitment to the company's values and mission,

contributing significantly to its market presence and reputation for quality and reliability. As Harker steps into retirement, Don MacCarthy Jr., President of Burr King, acknowledges his invaluable role and lifelong friendship. Harker's responsibilities will be taken over by Kenbil Engineering, ensuring a seamless transition. Burr King Manufacturing extends its deepest gratitude to Steve Harker for his exceptional service and wishes him a rewarding retirement. His legacy of passion and commitment will continue to inspire the Burr King team.

Flexxbotics Advances Manufacturing with Hardinge Equipment Integration Flexxbotics, a pioneer in workcell digitalization, has made a significant leap in robotic machine tending by integrating its technology with Hardinge's automation equipment. This integration empowers manufacturers using Hardinge's CNC machinery to enhance their throughput, yields, and profits significantly. The company's FlexxCORE technology enables secure and dynamic communication between robots and Hardinge equipment, paving the way for more versatile robot connectivity. It covers a wide range of Hardinge machine types, including turning, milling, grinding, honing, and multifunctional machinery, and supports both new and older models with Hardinge Fanuc and Mitsubishi controllers.

COLD SAWS That CUT With

PRECISION • Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Cold Saw Models • Manual to Fully Automatic • 3 year Warranty & Financing Available

Convenient & Free. We bring Scotchman machinery to your location. See them in action & test cut your material without leaving your place of business, anywhere in the lower 48. Scan QR code or Call

(800) 843-8844 www.scotchman.com

Scotchman IMD Half Page Ads 2022 and 2023.indd 1

IMD | 11

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM 10/4/23 2:29 PM

Tyler Modelski, Co-founder & CTO of Flexxbotics, stresses the importance of robot-machine communication in maximizing the efficiency of robotic manufacturing. Flexxbotics’ solution extends beyond traditional machine monitoring, allowing robots to not just monitor but actively control and optimize machine operations. Flexxbotics’ system is compatible with various standard protocols, ensuring broad adaptability and seamless integration into diverse manufacturing environments. Tyler Bouchard, Co-founder & CEO, highlights the company's mission to empower robots to fulfill the promise of robot-driven manufacturing fully. This development represents a significant stride in the evolution of smart factories, offering a more efficient, flexible, and intelligent manufacturing approach. Flexxbotics’ SaaS/hybrid architecture operates both online and offline, ensuring continuous production and integrating with existing business systems for holistic synchronization.

Guill Tool Strengthens Team with New Design Engineers Guill Tool, a leader in extrusion tooling, has bolstered its team with the addition of two new Design Engineers, Nick Comeau and Brandon Ribeiro. Announced by Chuck Paull, Chief Marketing Officer, at their West Warwick, Rhode Island headquarters, these hires represent Guill's commitment to innovation and customer service. Nick Comeau, a graduate of the University of Hartford, Connecticut, brings a wealth of experience to Guill. His role encompasses new product design, customer requirement analysis, and detailed design using SolidWorks, along with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) programs. Comeau's responsibilities extend from concept generation to ensuring accurate design documents for manufacturing. He expressed enthusiasm for the hands-on experience at Guill, particularly in optimizing current assemblies and his eagerness to deepen his knowledge of CFDs. Brandon Ribeiro, who earned his degree from Roger Williams University, Rhode Island, previously held roles in metal fabrication and engineering. At Guill, Ribeiro is tasked with creating extrusion die assemblies as per customer specifications, a process that involves close collaboration with the sales team and customers. Ribeiro appreciates the supportive work environment at Guill and is keen on mastering complex geometry creation using SolidWorks. Paull highlighted the importance of these additions, stating, “We are excited to have Nick and Brandon join the Guill family. Their eagerness to learn about the extrusion process aligns perfectly with our mission to serve our customers better.” These new hires underline Guill’s dedication to maintaining a highly skilled team, ensuring continuous innovation in their product offerings.

12 | IMD December 2023

LEEA Welcomes Oliver Auston as New Chair, Succeeding Kat Moss The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is set to welcome Oliver Auston as its new Chair in January 2024, following Oliver Auston the completion of Kat Moss’s successful two-year tenure. Auston, currently the Vice Chair and CEO of Safehold, previously led LEEA in 2016-2017 and is poised to guide the association through an ambitious and pivotal phase. Kat Moss, commencing her role in January 2022, navigated LEEA through challenging times, including the pandemic, and has been instrumental in key initiatives like the Lifting Technician Apprenticeship in England. Her contribution, particularly in digitizing courses, has been significant to LEEA’s progress. Ross Moloney, CEO at LEEA, expressed gratitude for Moss's dedication and acknowledged the support from Catena Inspection & Engineering Services, where Moss serves as IMS Manager. Auston’s return to leadership reflects his commitment to LEEA’s ambitious plans and vision. “Being chosen to lead our board and support our group through this journey is an honour,” he stated. Dave Cormack, Managing Director at Delphini Ltd, will assume the Vice Chair position. Cormack looks forward to contributing to LEEA’s mission of eliminating accidents and promoting best practices in the industry. Other key roles in the LEEA board include Derek Buck as Technical Committee Chair and Chris Towne as Learning & Development Committee Chair. As LEEA enters its 80th year in 2024, Moloney emphasized the board’s role, packed with industry experience and expertise, in supporting the association's objectives. LEEA aims to continue upholding its gold standard and working towards zero accidents in the industry.

Oshkosh Defense Secures $160 Million Order for Joint Light Tactical Vehicles Oshkosh Defense, a key player in defense vehicle manufacturing, has been awarded a $160 million order by the U.S. Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal for additional Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) and related kits. This significant order extends beyond the U.S., as it includes supplying JLTVs to international allies like Mongolia, Romania, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Slovakia. The Oshkosh JLTV is renowned for its versatile modular design and advanced digital architecture, which enables it to support over 100 different mission packages. These packages can integrate a variety of components such as weapons, lasers, sensors, as well as networking and communication systems, making the JLTV a highly adaptable vehicle for modern combat and defense scenarios.

George Mansfield, Vice President and General Manager of Defense Programs at Oshkosh Defense, expressed pride in the JLTV's capabilities and the growing international interest it has garnered. He emphasized Oshkosh’s unique position as the sole original equipment manufacturer capable of supplying JLTVs through Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), reaffirming the company's commitment to supporting the modernization efforts of NATO, Allied, and Coalition Forces. This new order follows a recent $208 million contract from the U.S. Army for additional JLTVs, trailers, and kits, further cementing Oshkosh Defense's role in global military vehicle supply and support.

PRI Show’s 2023 Education Program Empowers Motorsports Professionals The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show, set for December 7-9, 2023, in Indianapolis, will offer an extensive education program featuring 22 sessions across three tracks: EV & Alt Fuels, Business, and Technical. This initiative is part of PRI's efforts to equip motorsports professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel both on and off the track. PRI General Manager Jim Liaw emphasized the show's role in providing industry best practices and essential tools for measurable success in motorsports. The sessions cover a diverse range of topics, from alternative fuels and digital

advertising to race car aerodynamics and social media strategies. Key industry experts, including social media expert Jennifer Carrio, SEMA Market Research Director Gavin Knapp, and The Tuning School's Bob Morreale, will share their insights. A highlight of the program is the Women in Motorsports Panel, moderated by Jeanette DesJardins of CarChix.com. The panel, featuring influential women from different areas of the motorsports industry, will discuss their experiences and contributions to the field. The education sessions at PRI Show 2023, free for attendees, are part of a larger event showcasing the latest in products, services, and technologies in the racing industry. With over 1,000 exhibitors and 3,600 booths, the show is a comprehensive platform for professionals from across the globe. For more details and registration, visit PRI2023.com/Attend.

RDAbbott to Showcase Injection Molding Advances at Open House with ARBURG and Roembke Mfg. & Design RDAbbott is partnering with ARBURG and Roembke Mfg. & Design, Inc., to host an Open House event, showcasing the latest advancements in injection molding. Set for November 2, 2023, at RDAbbott’s Service Center in Barberton, Ohio, this free event will highlight ARBURG’s ALLROUNDER Injection Molding Machines, Roembke’s Quick Prototype

Form your own inserts.

Drill. Tap. Assemble.

Advantages & Benefits • • • •

Cost savings (up to 90%) High load threads - stronger joints High process reliability Faster production cycles

• • • •

No special machinery required Small investment Increased material thickness Long tool life

• •

Chipless process Innovative technology suitable for steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, and aluminum

773-290-1040 | info@formdrill-usa.com | www.formdrill-usa.com INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 13

Systems (QPS), and RDAbbott’s high-performance elastomers and technical support. The event will provide attendees with insights into ARBURG's precision all-electric ALLROUNDER machines, known for their advanced process control in molding a variety of materials. These machines are equipped with a smart control system for adaptive operation, making them ideal for various applications, including medical implants and automated overmolding systems. Roembke’s QPS technology will be another highlight, offering cost-effective and rapid prototyping solutions for both liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and high consistency rubber (HCR) materials. Their standalone cold deck systems are designed for easy maintenance and cleaning. RDAbbott, a full-service supplier to the rubber industry, will demonstrate its comprehensive services, including material design and development, and process engineering. Tom Jenkins, RDAbbott’s Vice President of Business Development, expressed enthusiasm for the Open House, noting the event's role in educating customers on new technologies to improve operations. Attendees can register online for the event, which promises to be an informative session for those involved in injection molding.

REGO-FIX Welcomes Charlie Urbaniak to Enhance Technical Support in Chicago REGO-FIX, dedicated to offering top-tier technical support in the manufacturing industry, has strengthened its Industrial Charlie Urbaniak Partnership Program (IPP) by appointing Charlie Urbaniak as the new Account Manager for the Chicago area. This move aligns with the company's ongoing efforts to enhance customer support and strengthen collaborations with Machine Tool Builders (MTB). Urbaniak, who will report to Bryan Bannister, REGO-FIX IPP Manager Americas, is tasked with maintaining and building relationships with MTBs. He will play a pivotal role in providing comprehensive support and assistance, ensuring that MTB customers receive the best possible service. Bannister emphasizes Urbaniak's commitment to customer support and his ability to bolster long-term relationships as key factors in his addition to the team. With over a decade of sales experience and technical expertise in the industry, particularly in aerospace, medical, and moldmaking manufacturing, Urbaniak brings valuable insights to his role. His journey in manufacturing began during his college years at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, where he worked for a machine tool supply company. “I am thrilled to be part of the REGO-FIX team,” Urbaniak said, reflecting on his passion for the manufacturing industry and his experience in addressing customer manufacturing challenges.

14 | IMD December 2023

The REGO-FIX IPP Team collaborates globally with machine tool builders, cutting tool manufacturers, and other partners to offer the best tooling solutions and systems. The team also provides training, turnkey package assistance, and operational support, ensuring maximum production efficiency for its clients.

Winston F. Erevelles Named SME President for 2024 SME, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing manufacturing technology and talent in North America, has elected Winston F. Erevelles as its president for 2024. The announcement was made during the SME Fall Gala in Long Beach, California, on November 5th, alongside the introduction of new officers, international directors, and council representatives. These newly elected members will commence their terms in January 2024. The 2024 Officers of the SME Board of Directors include: » President: Winston F. Erevelles, PhD, from St. Mary’s University, San Antonio, Texas. » President-Elect: Vincent W. Howell Sr., FSME, CMfgE, retired from Corning Inc., Clemons, North Carolina. » Vice President: Rebecca R. Taylor from The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, Washington, D.C. » Treasurer: Jeffrey A. Abell, PhD, FSME, CMfgE, PE, from General Motors, Warren, Michigan. » Secretary: Marie Kissel from Abbott. The 2024 International Directors of the SME Board of Directors includes esteemed professionals from various educational and industrial backgrounds, bringing diverse expertise to the organization. The 2024 SME Member Council and Representatives are responsible for strengthening local chapters and formulating strategies for member recruitment, retention, and engagement. The council comprises industry veterans and leaders committed to enhancing manufacturing as a diverse and thriving sector. Bob Willig, executive director and CEO of SME, expressed excitement about the new team, emphasizing their role in driving competitiveness, resilience, and national security in North American manufacturing. With these appointments, SME aims to continue fostering the widespread adoption of manufacturing technology and nurturing talent in the field. For more information about the SME Board of Directors and the SME Member Council, visit sme.org/ board-of-directors and sme.org/member-council.

SME Launches EV Training and Certification Program SME, a leading nonprofit in manufacturing technology and talent development, has announced a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Fundamentals certification and training program. This initiative is part of SME's commitment to meet the rapidly growing demand for electrification skills in the automotive industry, particularly in light of the expected rise in EV sales and related job creation.

The program is designed to address the anticipated employment growth in the EV sector, with projections indicating that electric vehicles will constitute 50% of auto sales by 2030, potentially generating over 150,000 new jobs. Furthermore, the overall shift towards electrification could create around 25 million jobs in the U.S. by 2035. Leveraging over 50 years of expertise in manufacturing certification, SME developed this program with inputs from industry and academic experts. The comprehensive curriculum covers foundational automotive assembly and e-mobility manufacturing concepts, along with specific training for electrification. It prepares learners for various job roles, from assembly technicians to quality control inspectors, encompassing critical topics like lithium battery safety and electric vehicle component manufacturing. Supported by industry groups and educational institutions, SME’s initiative aligns with states like Michigan and South Carolina's efforts to upskill their workforce for the EV transition. This program underscores SME's role in facilitating North America's transition to electric vehicle design and production, reinforcing its mission to advance manufacturing competitiveness and national security.

Ci-Esse Srl Acquires Velo3D Sapphire Printer to Boost Additive Manufacturing Ci-Esse Srl, an established contract manufacturer in Italy, has enhanced its additive manufacturing capabilities by

acquiring a Sapphire printer from Velo3D. This new addition, marking Ci-Esse as the first in Velo3D's Italian contract manufacturer network, is set to bolster its production of critical metal parts for aerospace, defense, and motorsports customers. Founded in 1978 and transitioning to advanced manufacturing technologies in 2007, Ci-Esse will utilize the Sapphire printer to produce parts with Inconel 718 metal powder at its facility in Fiorano Modenese, Italy. Benny Buller, CEO of Velo3D, recognizes the synergy between the two companies in serving overlapping industries and anticipates a mutually beneficial partnership. Ci-Esse's commitment to quality and precision, as evidenced by its AS9100D certification and in-house metallurgical lab, aligns with Velo3D's integrated solution that combines software, manufacturing processes, and printers. This integration ensures consistent quality across productions and simplifies scaling up operations, as engineers can easily adapt to new printers without extensive requalification. Giorgio Canali, CEO of Ci-Esse, notes that the Velo3D solution complements their history of delivering high-quality parts, enabling them to further validate the quality of their products. This acquisition represents a significant step in Ci-Esse’s journey, continually adapting to meet the evolving demands of the additive manufacturing industry.

Premium features make better parts. • •

•

• • •

Closed-loop servo motors for reliable accuracy Floating head with Digital Torch Height Control that help make cuts to uneven surfaces like corrugated metal Standard breakaway torch holder with collision detection to minimize machine damage if things go wrong Minimized run times with fast rapids (1,000 in./min., 400 in./min. cuts) and acceleration (30 in./sec.²) Integrated water table mounted on sliding rails, ideal for cutting pipes and larger parts The only plasma table built with PathPilot, Tormach’s award-winning CNC controller, and access to PathPilot HUB, Tormach’s browser-based version of PathPilot

Learn more and build yours at tormach.com/1300PL/IMD INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 15

Business 4.0

How To Adapt Your Workflow Processes When Change Is Difficult Find out how you can address changes in workflow processes that meet resistance with team members.

t Sealing Equipment Products Company, Inc. (SEPCO), we are fortunate to have a low employment turnover rate. As a result, we have team members who have worked with us for more than 30 years. While this is a fantastic situation, changes in workflow processes can be challenging and meet resistance. This is true in most industrial facilities, even if the changes are positive for the company and the personnel doing the work. When trying to drive change for the adoption of a new process, “We’ve always done it this way,” may be heard. For many good reasons, this mindset is especially hardwired in the maintenance and reliability world. So how do we combat it?

Take Advantage of Training Opportunities Encourage and reward personnel who continuously strive for improvement. Acknowledge as they work to build toward their next role in the organization while aiming for excellence in their current role. Tribal knowledge is great, but team members must be willing to evaluate and accept external information and guidance. Therefore, training (in the facility and outside) is critical for individual and team growth. In addition, as team members train outside our facility, they bring new techniques and knowledge to the plant that they can share with everyone else. Building a culture based on continuous improvement and development sets personnel up to accept and support changes. It also sets them up for success. If rewards are built into this culture, acceptance may be even greater.

Buy-in from Everyone Success is only realized if everyone lives the culture and accepts it. Managers and supervisors cannot be the only people who believe in the strategy. Champions on the plant floor or within the sales team must be identified and allowed to encourage others to use the new technology or try the new technique. Ownership of the changes must live with the people who make them happen. They should have decision power

16 | IMD December 2023

and be applauded for pushing ideas and questions up the chain of command.

Empower Personnel Continue to encourage fresh ideas and strategies; listen to everyone. Conversation, introspection, and debate can lead to new strategies and the refinement of old ones. Let personnel know that they can and should bring new ideas to your management team. They need to feel empowered to think for themselves and know that they are heard.

One Example: Reinforcing Our Safety Culture SEPCO has had a dedicated safety team in our facilities for many years. However, from time to time we wrestle with the challenge of an us-against-them environment. To combat that potential and to decide how to better integrate safety policies and procedures, we empowered a safety committee. This committee was made up of volunteers of both plant and office personnel. While policy changes must ultimately be approved, the committee designs and recommends change. Perhaps most importantly, this committee is backed by a budget. The committee members regularly have additional external training opportunities. Employees have a “train the trainer” mentality and bring their knowledge back to work. This more fully involves all team members.

SH-350DM

SH-500M

CUT IT

ON A COSEN

V-1822

G320

+1-704-943-1030 info@cosensaws.com

www.cosensaws.com

Talking Shop

We offer flexible solutions that cater to different needs, allowing shops to start with basic setups and gradually integrate more advanced systems. FEATURING:

TALKING SHOP WITH: Al Dopf — National Sales Manager, Hainbuch America

In this insightful edition of Industry Insights, Brian Self and William Strickland from Industrial Machinery Digest engage in an enlightening conversation with Al Dopf, the National Sales Manager for Hainbuch America. Al brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table, discussing the cutting-edge workholding technology that Hainbuch offers. From the origins of the company in the 1950s to the innovative developments

Hainbuch's Background and Innovations Can you introduce yourself and your role at Hainbuch America? I'm Al Dopf, the National Sales Manager for Hainbuch America. We specialize in workholding for OD and ID clamping, including collet chucks and ID mandrels, primarily for round parts ranging from six inches down to a few millimeters. We also work on specialized engineered products.

What is the history and key innovation of Hainbuch? Hainbuch was founded in the 1950s and made a significant breakthrough in the late 70s by patenting the segmented collet

18 | IMD December 2023

in collet chucks and ID mandrels, Al sheds light on how Hainbuch's solutions cater to both OD and ID clamping, with a particular emphasis on their flexibility and efficiency. The discussion delves into the company’s groundbreaking hexagonal technology, its role in automated manufacturing, and how it integrates with Industry 4.0, offering insights into Hainbuch’s vision and contribution to the future of precision workholding.

chuck with vulcanization. This innovation allows for flexible and efficient clamping of parts, offering both ID and OD clamping with high adaptability and precision. Transitioning from Hainbuch's foundational innovations, let's explore how their technology has evolved to meet modern manufacturing demands.

Technological Evolution and Industry 4.0 Integration How has Hainbuch's technology evolved, particularly with hexagonal technology? After our original patent on the round collet chuck expired, we developed

hexagonal technology. This approach increases surface contact between the chuck and the collet, resulting in up to 25% more clamping force. It's especially effective in ID clamping and offers significant torque, enhancing our workholding capabilities.

What advancements have been made in workholding automation and data integration? We've integrated automation and Industry 4.0 technologies into our workholding systems. This includes our IQ Chuck, a smart chuck with embedded sensors for measuring various parameters like spindle speed and clamping force. We also utilize the MT Connect protocol for data transfer, allowing for efficient,

IMD – North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

lights-out manufacturing. With these technological advancements, Hainbuch not only enhances the efficiency of workholding but also paves the way for futuristic manufacturing practices.

Access to Hainbuch Products and Industry Trends How can shops access Hainbuch's products and integrate them into their operations? Shops can access our products through regional managers, distributors, machine tool dealers, and OEMs. We offer flexible solutions that cater to different needs, allowing shops to start with basic setups and gradually integrate more advanced systems for various clamping requirements.

What trends do you see in the industry, and how is Hainbuch positioned for the future? The industry is experiencing shifts

with a focus on aerospace, defense, and medical sectors. Hainbuch is well-positioned to cater to these markets with our advanced workholding and automation solutions. While predicting exact future trends is challenging, we're preparing for steady growth and adaptation to new demands. As we dive deeper into the capabilities of Hainbuch's technology, let's understand how it uniquely serves various workshop sizes and the impact of the global economic situation.

Workholding Technology Benefits and Economic Impact What unique features does Hainbuch offer in its workholding technology? Our workholding technology is highly flexible and efficient. We offer a system [centroteX] that allows for quick chuck changes, with repeatability within three microns.

This includes adapting competitor chucks and our own, with a quick 15-degree turn and lock mechanism, significantly reducing downtime. Our technology also supports both small and large diameter clamping with various adaptations like ID mandrels and collet chucks.

Can you explain how Hainbuch's technology supports lights-out manufacturing? Our technology is conducive to lights-out manufacturing as it allows for robotic integration. Robots can change entire chucks or adapt clamping heads for different diameters, enabling continuous and unmanned operations. The integration of our IQ Chuck further enhances this, providing real-time data for predictive maintenance and process control.

How does Hainbuch's technology contribute to Industry 4.0? Our smart chuck technology, part of Industry 4.0, enables real-time

Call to find out more:

251 937 0947

Scan or Call to find out more:

251 937 0947 INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 19

THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE YOU IS TO SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTERS!

What’s in YOUR InBox? SERVING AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS FOR OVER

37 YEARS

Business & Workforce Development Fabrication & Manufacturing Showcase Products & New Technology Industry Insight, Safety & Maintenance Manufacturing Process & Automation

North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

www.IndustrialMachineryDigest.com

data collection and transmission. This includes monitoring spindle speed, clamping force, part diameter, temperature, and confirmation. The data is transferred wirelessly, which is crucial for rotating chucks, and can be integrated with machine monitoring systems for on-the-fly adjustments and predictive maintenance.

What are the benefits of Hainbuch's technology for different sizes of workshops? Our technology offers significant benefits for both small job shops and large production facilities. It provides flexibility in workholding, rapid changeovers, and enhanced productivity. This can be particularly valuable for shops that require frequent changes in workholding due to varying part sizes or production requirements.

How does the current global economic situation affect Hainbuch and the industry?

While the global economic situation presents challenges, certain sectors like aerospace, defense, and medical remain robust and are driving demand. Despite a general downturn in the machine tool industry, these sectors continue to invest in high-quality, precision manufacturing technology. Hainbuch, with its specialized focus and innovation in workholding, is well-positioned to cater to these industries.

Looking Ahead: Hainbuch's Future Outlook What future trends and business forecasts does Hainbuch anticipate? Looking ahead, we anticipate a steady but cautious market environment. While we've experienced strong performance, we are preparing for potential flat growth in the coming year, given the global economic uncertainties. Our focus will continue to be on delivering high-quality,

innovative workholding solutions tailored to the evolving needs of key sectors like aerospace and defense.

Conclusion This discussion with Al Dopf from Hainbuch America not only highlights the company's commitment to innovation in workholding technology but also sheds light on its adaptability to the changing landscape of manufacturing. With a keen eye on future trends and a strong foundation in technological advancements, Hainbuch is poised to continue its role as a key player in the precision manufacturing sector.

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 21

Safety & Maintenance

Collision Impact Protection Leads to a Safer Warehouse Environment

he warehouse is a hub of activity for storing, shipping, receiving, and circulating goods on the way to their destination. It’s a vital link in the material handling chain and a prime area for accidents. By its nature, the warehouse environment presents potential safety hazards. Forklift and pedestrian traffic, noise, material handling, the amount of activity, distractions, tight spaces, blind corners – all are ingredients for cooking up an accident. Creating and maintaining a safe warehouse environment is not just about traffic management or safety equipment or even training – it’s about a comprehensive program; one that considers every option possible to prevent accidents and injuries to people, equipment, and facilities. Two areas of concern are racking systems and building columns. Both are regularly subjected to abuse and damage; with most of that damage caused by forklift impact. Impact-absorbing products like rack protectors and column protectors provide excellent protection from lift truck/structure collisions. Sentry Protection Products’ column and rack protectors created and manufactures the highest quality column protectors and rack protectors to absorb impact and reduce the severity of collision damage. Sentry’s Rack Sentry® and Rack Sentry® CONTOUR rack protectors minimize the force of forklift impact that can damage the structural integrity of the rack. Both models absorb impact by flexing and returning to shape to work again. These rack protectors install directly to the rack upright, eliminating the need to drill into the floor or putting any stress on the floor. Ideal for intermediate rack uprights, both the Rack Sentry and Rack Sentry CONTOUR are available in sizes to fit rack uprights three inches to 4.75 inches and are eighteen inches in height. Both models are also available in end-of-rack applications. Building columns are the backbone of a facility’s structural integrity. Continual hits from forklifts can do damage – expensive damage – to these columns, to the forklifts, and the drivers. Column Sentry® and Column Sentry® FIT minimize the force of forklift impact and damage to columns, surrounding supports, vehicles, and operators.

22 | IMD December 2023

Column Sentry is the original column protector that surrounds columns with a cushion of air by way of an air chamber. The air chamber allows the Column Sentry to absorb impact without splitting the sides of the column protector. Available in seventeen size applications, including I-beam and models to accommodate fire extinguishers mounted on the column. The Column Sentry FIT addresses the challenge of variable column sizes. Featuring four interlocking sides that slide into place, the FIT adjusts to fit every column. No more guessing at sizes or finding the “closest” size. A tight, secure fit around square, rectangular or round columns. Corner to corner protection. Available in two sizes – small to fit columns 4” x 4” up to 8” x 8” and medium to fit columns 8” x 8” up to 12” x 12”. Column Sentry and Column Sentry FIT are 42” in height and are easily installed. For more information visit www.sentrypro.com.

POLISHERS& VIBRATORY 6 0-438- 9 8•INFO@BUR KING.COM EQUIPMENT W W.BUR KING.COM GRINDING • POLISHING SURFACE CONDITIONING DEBURRING • CLEANING DESCALING • FINISHING

Buy American - Buy Quality

Manufacturing The finest BELT GRINDERS DISC GRINDERS, POLISHERS & VIBRATORY EQUIPMENT

660-438-8998 • INFO@BURRKING.COM WWW.BURRKING.COM

Manufacturing Showcase

Cherry’s Industrial Equipment Celebrates its 40th Anniversary Commemorates the Milestone with the October 19 Open House: “What Does 2024 and Beyond Look Like?”

herry's Industrial Equipment, an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to solving workflow and safety issues in the workplace, is celebrating its 40th year in business in October.

Introduced stand-alone 180° Pallet Inverter to the marketplace in 1983 In 1983, a gallon of gasoline cost $1.23. Ronald Reagan was the U.S. President, James Thompson was Governor of Illinois, and the average price of a home was $69,900 and lastly, Cherry’s Industrial Equipment company founder/entrepreneur Bud Cherry introduced a standalone 180° Pallet Inverter to the U.S. market. The inverter was a new type of material handling equipment with the ability to turn over entire pallet loads. With that, Cherry’s Industrial Equipment began the journey that would lead it to where it is today, 40 years later – a leading provider of warehousing solutions across a wide range of industries and serving customers across the globe engineering highly manufactured pallet handling and ergonomic equipment to assist the warehouse, dock, or line worker.

Change in ownership and new location Initially located in Bensenville, IL, Cherry’s then expanded to Elk Grove Village and then finally to its current location in Roselle, IL, which has twice the space of its previous location. In 2006, Bud Cherry retired and sold the company to long-time employees John Costello and David Novak. In 2014, John Costello bought out his partner’s interest and became the sole owner and CEO, at the same time expanding the Cherry’s team by hiring additional employees.

Cherry’s Industrial Equipment reaches a milestone Cherry’s Industrial Equipment continues introducing a number of market innovations Cherry’s continued to make its mark with many industry innovations. In 1985, Cherry’s Industrial Equipment became a select distributor of molded plastic pallets, introducing the concept of replacing wood pallets with plastic pallets in production areas for food companies. Four years later, the company designed and introduced the Load Inverter, built to reduce injuries among workers in printing operations. This product was followed by the development of Freezer Space Removal Equipment. In 1994, working with the Grocery Manufacturers Association, Cherry’s Industrial developed a machine to complete a damage-free transfer of finished goods from a standard-grade pallet to a rental pallet for use in the facility. Other innovative designs included developing Inline Systems for food manufacturing and warehouse operations and Pallet and Container Dispensers. In keeping with its mission of worker safety and efficiency, Cherry’s Industrial product line has expanded to include pallet retrievers, tippers, and dispensers.

24 | IMD December 2023

By 2017, Cherry’s had placed more than 3,000 machines worldwide and continued to produce new product lines with an eye toward the future.

Cherry’s joins Great Game of Business and adopts Open Book Management In 2018, under John Costello’s leadership, Cherry’s put the power of open-book management into practice through the game GGOB, better known as “The Great Game of Business.” Open Book Management is a business philosophy of financial transparency to all employees. Cherry’s takes it a step further and tells the stories behind the numbers, sharing with everyone in the organization how the business works and giving employees a voice in how the company is run and a stake in the outcome. Mr. Costello has spoken of the importance of Open Book Management before a number of groups and recently served as a panelist at the Great Game of Business Conference™ in Kansas City, MO. Cherry’s Industrial Equipment was honored as a 2022 All-Star Company by The Great Game of Business®, which recognized its commitment to create a winning workplace

IMD – North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

culture and deliver industry-leading financial performance. And the company won Best Places to Work in IL in 2023, in a statewide competition promoted by the Daily Herald.

Celebrates anniversary with October 19 Open House Cherry’s Industrial Equipment will host an Open House on October 19, themed “What Does 2024 and Beyond Look Like?” The event will take place at Cherry’s headquarters at 68 Congress Street West, Roselle, IL. The Open House will celebrate the past 40 years and bring leading Material Handling experts to look at what the future holds. Presentations include: “IoT and Predictive Maintenance,”; “Sustainability and Energy Efficiency,”; “Warehouse Automation Adoption,”; “Labor Savings and Efficiency with Safety Improvements,” and a panel discussion, “Emerging Technology in Material Handling for 2024 and Beyond.” Guests will also see live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies, have a chance to tour the facility and participate in networking events. Anyone interested in attending may RSVP by visiting Events | Cherry's Industrial (cherrysind.com) “We are very pleased to celebrate this important milestone,” Mr. Costello said. “I am very proud of our company’s culture and the people who make up our team. We are like family; we all work together and support each other. We are very grateful to our customers for entrusting us with their workplace solutions. We love our work

and look forward to celebrating the anniversary at our upcoming event.” He added, “We’re excited for the future. New technology allows us to remotely monitor the performance of the machines that we place in service at our clients’ locations. With this technology, the machines can communicate with us and their operators and tell us what they need in the way of maintenance, parts replacement, and repairs. This will revolutionize the way we support our clients through maintenance. We can only imagine what other innovations will take place in the next 40 years!” ABOUT CHERRY’S INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT Cherry's Industrial Equipment Corp is an engineering company that solves workflow problems and safety issues and creates ergonomic solutions across a wide range of industries. Founded in 1983, the company’s product lineup, all #madeinamerica, has expanded to include Pallet inverters, Plastic pallets, 90° tippers, Roller skids, Pallet dispensers, Lifting tables, and Pallet washers. Industries include automotive, food, agriculture, defense, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, printing, distribution, beverage, and more. Headquartered in Roselle, IL, Cherry’s Industrial Equipment serves the needs of businesses throughout the United States and beyond. John Costello is the company’s Chief Executive Officer. For additional information, please contact Michelle Clewer, Marketing Manager by email mclewer@cherrysind.com or call 847-354-6140.

NOW AVAILABLE

HIGH PERFORMANCE DG4V3 INTERCHANGE VALVES Our Genuine Metaris DSG-01 Series Directional Valves are a direct interchange valve option for Vickers® DG4V3 High Performance Directional Valves. Engineered for higher pressure & higher flow, with lower pressure drop when compared to the standard D03 pattern valves – these valves utilize the D03/NG6 mounting pattern and are available in a Terminal Box type and a Plug-in Connector type design. To learn more, give us a call, email us or visit us at HYDRAULEX.COM

1.800.422.4279 sales@hydraulex.com

www.hydraulex.com

All manufacturers names, symbols and descriptions in this document are used for reference purposes only, and it is not implied that any parts listed is the product of these manufacturers.

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 25

Industrial Automation

Cobots Boost Production 200% on TIG and MIG Welding and 600% on Machine Tending for Metal Fabricator

All UR cobot-based weld solutions from THG Automation are based on Fronius weld process controls and are all water-cooled CMT (Cold Metal Transfer). “The watercooled systems are great because you don’t have any over-heating issues, and the amount of options that come on the welders will handle anything that you need to do,” says robotics specialist at Raymath, Nick Ogle. “Fronius as a weld source is top of the line with the best wavelength to avoid weld spatter.”

hio-based Raymath turns to user-friendly Universal Robots to automate complex TIG welding, as well as MIG welding and machine tending applications, driving revenue from $15M to $50M in three years. “I’m always one who wants to try things myself—that’s what’s going to show me whether it’s going to work,” says Greg LeFevre, CEO and president of Ohio-based sheet metal fabricator Raymath. While researching automation options, LeFevre had discovered Universal Robots (UR), and when he found a UR certified systems integrator, THG Automation, close by, THG’s CEO Matt Hendey invited LeFevre to bring parts with him to get hands-on with the

26 | IMD December 2023

company’s UR cobot-based MIG welding system. “Within the four hours that I was there, we programmed 20 weld points,” says LeFevre. “I was actually practicing and sampling on the parts that I was going to make. It proved to me without a doubt: if I can program this in four hours and actually have my parts running, there’s no doubt this can work in our shop. I wrote the purchase order that same night.” Raymath started with a cobot-based MIG welding application and expanded its automation strategy to include complex TIG welding applications. The company has grown from $15M in revenue to $50M in about three years, and

IMD – North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

LeFevre attributes the growth to the fast adoption of technology. “The learning curve isn’t as steep as what people think it is. The cost to get into it isn’t as much as people think,” he states. “Don’t be afraid to take that step. You’re going to find out that even if it doesn’t go perfect, that ROI is going to be there in a pretty short time, and you’re going to find a new way and better ways, that will spur ideas from other people in the plant.”

Cobots bring automation advantages to high-mix, low-volume manufacturing Raymath welds, presses, brakes, lasers, and machines metals of all sorts, for almost any industry. The company produces parts that go into conveyors for large warehouses, construction equipment used worldwide, transportation and parking automation systems, food equipment, and more. LeFevre and his business partner, Jay Woeste bought the 40-year-old tool-and-die shop in May 2019 and quickly expanded the company, despite the immediate challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Customers want to have fewer suppliers,” says LeFevre, “So instead of having a hundred suppliers, they would like to have ten that can do more. We wanted to satisfy those 2022 IMD AD final 11-21-2.pdf 1 11/22/22 12:16 AM needs.” With a background in automation, LeFevre knew

automation would be key to meeting their goals, but his experience was in high-volume, low-mix manufacturing. “It was very easy to automate when you make millions of a specific part. Moving into the fab-shop, sheet metal-type business, we’re now looking at a large number of different parts, but much smaller volumes of those parts.” Because traditional automation doesn’t lend itself to high-mix, low-volume, the company needed a much more flexible approach. “For us, robotics, and especially Universal Robots,

TRIMS AND SEALS C

E B R AT I N G

YEARS

CMY

CALL US TODAY!

Trim-Lok Corporate 6855 Hermosa Circle Buena Park, CA 90620

TrimLok-HH-2023.indd 1

800-663-9507 www.trimlok.com info@trimlok.com

Trim-Lok Midwest 5540 Beck Drive Elkhart, IN 46516

IMD | 27

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM 1/22/23 4:18 PM

has been who we turned to for a wide breadth of different parts with the same equipment,” he explains.

Automated MIG welding yields 4X productivity improvement and “invaluable” customer relationship Raymath, like most manufacturers, struggled to fill manufacturing and welding positions, especially during Covid. Raymath robotics specialist Nick Ogle says: “The THG robot units weld almost 50 percent faster than manual weld, sometimes more.” That lets Raymath produce parts more quickly with its existing staff, but also allows the company to support higher-volume orders. With robotic welding, fixtures, push angles, speed, and heat are the same every time, which leads to faster, more consistent, and higherquality welds than manual welding. Cobot arms can also reach all the way around a part in ways a human welder can’t, so almost all welds can be done without rotating the part. And with fewer starts and stops, robotic welding produces a cleaner weld that also reduces required grinding time. As a high-mix shop, Raymath started with about twenty different parts on the THG welding system, but LeFevre quickly saw new opportunities to add more parts. He says, “Within two months, we decided to buy a second robot because we had filled the first one up, and the guys—Nick especially, who is our leader in that area—was picking up on the programming as fast as we could add parts. We had people now coming to us saying, ‘This would be a good part to put on the THG unit.’” Some of these requests came from operators who didn’t want to manually weld difficult parts; some came from the plant manager who saw the ability to fill larger orders; others came from supervisors who needed additional manpower to fill orders.

Gratifying to see all four cells run At Raymath, two robot operators typically run two THG welding cells each, depending on workload and cycle times. “The operators will

28 | IMD December 2023

typically run one robot, hit start, and while that one’s running, they’ll be loading the other one, and then will just jump back and forth,” Ogle explains. “Seeing all four cells run at the same time is pretty gratifying, knowing you’re pushing that much product out the door that much faster.” For one aluminum part, the UR-based THG welding system has reduced weld times from 15 minutes per part manually to five to six minutes per part; for another, weld times shrunk from three to four minutes each to 30 to 40 seconds. Cobots handle hard-to-staff processes with half the number of operators, and weld at twice the speed, resulting in 4X productivity improvement. But LeFevre says, “Really, it’s the opportunity cost that I view as the most invaluable. There was business that we were able to take on that we would have never had the manpower and the ability to do.” Now that Raymath can satisfy all of customers’ needs, customers are less like to go to a competitor who might also gain future business. “It builds a better relationship with our customer, and how you measure that is hard to tell, but I know that it’s extremely valuable.”

Automated TIG welding system addresses both stainless and aluminum parts up to 6X faster than manual welding Complex aluminum welding was one of Raymath’s biggest challenges for growth, as it was all TIG welded by hand

with precise welds on top and underneath, with difficult angles and heat settings, and multiple moving parts. After seeing success in MIG welding, LeFevre approached THG for a TIG solution. “It was an extension of what we were doing with our MIG welding, so adding TIG to our package with the Universal Robot was pretty seamless,” says Hendey. “Once you get the precision and everything down, the THG unit can make a very, very good TIG weld, and can do it anywhere from two to six times faster than doing it by hand.” Hendey notes that while automated MIG welding can be applied to many different materials and applications, it may be difficult for manufacturers to justify both a MIG system for aluminum parts and a TIG system for stainless parts, especially at low volumes. With the THG cold wire feed push/pull TIG system, Raymath can weld both stainless and aluminum parts with the same system. The UR cobots in the THG system can also work around fixtured parts in one process. Some parts are much larger than the table they’re being welded on, so those parts are fixtured so the TIG weld occurs on the table and the rest of the part hangs off the edge.

Easy programming for both TIG and MIG welding LeFevre says, “I’m always looking at ease of use, and I found that the Universal Robot’s programming method was probably better than anyone’s out there. I really wanted to

F X PERMANENT LIFT MAGNETS Lift angled iron, round surfaces, thin sheets & so much more!

 LEARN MORE 

Industrial Magnetics Inc. imi@magnetics.com PHONE: 1.888.582.0822

magnetics.com INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 29

Nick Ogle (right) programs the UR cobot based TIG welder from THG Automation, developed by THG CEO Matt Hendey (right) and his team. “Ogle, a manual welder by trade, found the system easy and intuitive to use. “I simply move the robot arm where it needs to be for the weld, and at the correct angle, then use the teach pendant to save the point,” he says, adding that UR and THG is the first time he ever used collaborative robots. “I was very surprised at the ease of use.”

find a solution, knowing that we were going to change parts all the time, that had the programming and the implementation as easy as possible, and Universal Robots just fit the bill.” THG’s Hendey adds, “With UR, unlike other robot brands, you get an open platform. There’s a lot of templates, there’s a lot of functionality that’s already built into the software, and the capabilities through the load-sensing that they offer and the intrinsic safety that allows it to be collaborative.” This open platform allowed THG to create a customized robotic welding system with their own software to address customer needs. THG created URCaps (software handshakes between the UR cobot and peripherals) that made the welding system easy to use, even for operators without previous robotics experience. Ogle, a manual welder by trade, simply moved the robot arm where it needed to be for the weld, and at the correct angle, and used the teach pendant to save the point. “UR and THG is the first time I’ve ever used collaborative robots,

30 | IMD December 2023

and I was very surprised at the ease of use,” says Ogle. This ease of use is a key element of the THG design. While THG provides one to three days of training for new systems, “A lot of times our customers will already have an application running in the welding before we even show up,” says Hendey. “When they call us down the road, it’s not about, ‘How do we make this thing still work?’ It’s about ‘Now I know how to do all this stuff, I want to get into the more advanced functionality of it.’”

UR cobots manage CNC machine tending with Hurco and Easy Robotics ProFeeder Beyond welding, Raymath also turned to UR for its machine tending automation needs, adding the UR cobot-based ProFeeder machining cells from ProCobots to its two 3and 5-axis Hurco CNC machines. LeFevre says, “Using the ProCobots Hurco solution seemed like a very natural fit for us. We already had

Hurco units, and we loved the conversational programming that goes on there.” Larry Dare, CNC machining supervisor at Raymath, had never worked with robots and according to LeFevre, quickly became efficient at making the system work

well. LeFevre says, “Now, not only can Larry be sitting at his desk attending to his paperwork, he’ll have two Hurcos running right in the background for him, that he can attend to only when they need parts, setting them up so that they can run parts when he is gone.” That allows the second shift to simply monitor the automated systems while running other machines, and the systems are still running when the first shift arrives the next morning, without having someone on third shift attending to them. “We get 24 hours of machining time where we’ve never been able to get that before,” LeFevre states. That lights-out processing gives Raymath more than a 600% productivity boost in machining, getting double the hours with the same number of workers. This is especially important when workers—especially for third shift work— are in short supply. ProCobots provided training and has simplified the systems over time with software updates. Dare says, “I’ve managed CNC areas for probably 15 years now. But the robot portion of it—we don’t have a whole lot of people that have their hands in that. It’s really just me and one guy on second shift. With the training that we’ve had, we’re usually able to get in and troubleshoot any problems we might have, and work through them ourselves and do all the programming of any new parts.” The programming itself is straightforward. “The robot has a general path that it follows to take the part into the machine,” Dare explains. “Really, all you’re teaching it is from that point to the vise and where to place the part in the vise.”

Future cobot uses, from grinding to press brakes Raymath expects to continue its growth-throughautomation strategy, likely beginning with grinding—a dirty, dusty job that is perfect for robotics—as well as press brake tending. And if business needs change, UR cobots can be easily redeployed into other applications, from material handling to screw driving or any other manufacturing process. When customers ask how difficult that is, THG’s Hendey tells them, “Well, it’s a couple settings and re-bolting the equipment to the tables, and they can be off and running again within a day or so.”

Cobot-based systems deliver ROI and workforce advantages In terms of ROI, LeFevre says, “Any time you’re investing in a new technology, you’re going in with the belief that it’s the right investment, that the ROI is going to be right. With these units, there’s no doubt that we’re getting about a one-year ROI at this point in time.” But while immediate ROI is easy to measure from a labor-saving standpoint, he emphasizes the ongoing return from additional opportunities and growth that technology has provided. And as the company grows, LeFevre expects to continue to grow Raymath’s workforce who will be employed in more interesting, valuable jobs. “We are hoping to use the robots to attract talent,” he says. “We want to be

Larry Dare, CNC machining supervisor at Raymath had no prior robotics experience. “The programming itself is straightforward,” he says. “The robot has a general path that it follows to take the part into the machine. All you’re teaching it is from that point to the vise and where to place the part in the vise.”

known as a technology company that happens to do metal parts. Because then we can attract the talent to allow us to take us the next step.” LeFevre is adamant about the role of robots and jobs. “People believe robots take away jobs. I will always say robots add jobs. The more you can do for your customer, the more jobs you’re going to end up having. For every robot that I’ve put in, I’ve probably added four people,” he says adding that he sees manufacturing as the basis for many countries’ economies. “And it’s going to take things like collaborative robots to allow not only the United States—but a lot of industrialized countries—to stay strong in manufacturing. UR has been the leader in collaborative, and they’re a good partner to try to make that happen.”

C-FRAME PRESSES • Heavy Gauge Steel Design • Press Bed bolted on, not welded, to prevent distortion. • Large press bed to accommodate a variety of tooling other than just punching. • Pump, motor, valve and reservoir are all easily accessible for maintenance. • Large rectangular tubes used at base of machine to give safe, instant portability.

HYDRAULIC MACHINES OF IOWA

A Division of Betenbender Mfg. Inc

Phone: 319.435.2378 | Fax: 319.435.2262

www.betenbender.com WE CAN BUILD A CUSTOM MACHINE FOR YOU! INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 31

Workforce Development

Bridging the Skills Gap in Welding Through Gender Inclusivity By: Guillaume Roeckel, Global Machines Sales Director at Welding Alloys

he UK construction industry is bracing for a significant workforce shortfall. The latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report forecasts that by 2027, an additional 225,000 workers will be needed to meet construction demands. Welding, a critical sector within construction, is not immune to this trend. Currently, the number of welders in the UK has decreased by a quarter in the past five years, and with half of the nation's welders expected to retire by 2027, this creates a need for 36,000 new jobs.

The Current State of the Welding Workforce Welding has traditionally been a male-dominated field. However, more women are entering the profession, finding rewarding careers despite comprising only 4% of applicants for welding jobs. This disparity partly stems from unequal pay conditions and societal perceptions of welding as a male-dominated profession. The underrepresentation of women in welding is a missed opportunity, considering the UK's overall female workforce stands at 47%, but only 12% are in engineering roles, despite the country facing a shortfall of 59,000 engineers.

Advantages of Gender Diversity in Welding Diverse workforces bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to industries. Women, in particular, bring several advantages to welding. Research indicates that women have greater hand stability than men, an essential skill in precision welding. Additionally, women's lower center of gravity aids in maintaining balance and posture in demanding welding positions. Women also tend to take better care of their health and adhere more strictly to safety protocols, leading to fewer injuries and respiratory issues in welding environments.

and North East London (CONEL) and Ardmore, aim to provide skilled workers for the industry. Their Welding Level 3 Apprenticeship program guarantees jobs upon successful completion, addressing both the skills gap and providing economic opportunities.

Strategies for Enhancing Gender Inclusivity in Welding

Challenges and Opportunities

Educational Outreach and Changing Perceptions To attract a more diverse range of candidates to welding, it is crucial to start at the educational level. Programs like Tomorrows Engineers Week, supported by The Welding Institute, showcase the opportunities in engineering to young people, particularly highlighting the role of welding in various industries. Such initiatives aim to dismantle the stereotype of welding as a male-only profession and inspire more young women to consider careers in this field.

Attracting more women to welding requires overcoming societal stereotypes and providing equal opportunities and pay. The negative perception of welding as a tough, dirty, or dangerous job needs to be addressed. In reality, welding can be a creative and safe profession, thanks to technological advancements and stringent health and safety regulations. Educational initiatives like the London Welding Academy, launched by the College of Haringey, Enfield,

Role of Apprenticeships in Bridging the Gender Gap Apprenticeship programs are vital in equipping potential welders with the necessary skills. The London Welding Academy's approach, offering an accelerated 18-month training resulting in guaranteed job placements, is a model that could be replicated. By focusing on hands-on training and immediate employment opportunities, these programs

32 | IMD December 2023

IMD – North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

can be particularly appealing to women seeking stable and rewarding careers. Addressing Workplace Culture and Pay Disparity Creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace culture is essential. Efforts must be made to tackle discrimination and harassment, as these are significant barriers to attracting and retaining women in the welding profession. Additionally, addressing the pay gap between genders is crucial. Although recent years have seen a narrowing of this gap, continuous efforts are needed to ensure equitable pay for women in the trade. Health and Safety: A Priority for All Welding has undergone significant advancements in health and safety. Employers are now more aware of the risks associated with welding and are required to adhere to strict health and safety regulations. This includes ensuring proper ventilation to mitigate fume hazards, providing adequate personal protective equipment, and ensuring safe working environments. Emphasizing these safety measures can help change the perception of welding as a dangerous job and attract more candidates, especially women.

ACTEK HOIST RINGS 200% PROOF LOAD TESTED INDIVIDUALLY SERIAL NUMBERED FOR BETTER TRACEABILITY ORDERS SHIPPED SAME DAY RATED LOAD 400 LBS - 250,000 LBS

Towards a More Inclusive Future

Source Reference List » Construction Skills Network (CSN) Report - 2023-2027. "CSN Industry Outlook - 2023-2027." CITB. Accessed 2023. » "New London Welding Academy will provide a skilled workforce to help build back the capital’s economy." FE News. Accessed 2023. » "Tomorrow's Engineering Week." The Welding Institute. Accessed 2023. » "Health and safety in welding." TWI. Accessed 2023. » "Weld Like a Girl! Welding is not just a man’s career!" Free2Learn. Accessed 2023.

» Roeckel, Guillaume, Global Machines Sales Director. "Laser PTA." Welding Alloys. Accessed 2023. [https://www. welding-alloys.com/services/engineered-wear-services/ application-methods/laser-pta/]

0° 18 ts vo

The welding sector, like many others within the construction industry, stands at a crossroads. With the impending skills shortage, the need to attract and retain a diverse workforce, including women, has never been more critical. By addressing educational, cultural, and safety concerns, the industry can not only meet its immediate workforce needs but also pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future. Efforts like the London Welding Academy and Tomorrow's Engineers Week, combined with a concerted push towards gender parity in pay and workplace culture, are key steps towards this goal. As the industry evolves, embracing gender inclusivity in welding will not only help bridge the skills gap but also enrich the profession with diverse perspectives and skills.

Side Load Hoist Rings

Forged Street Plate™ Swivel Hoist Rings

Hoist Ring Kits

Mold Handler™ Swivel & Pivot Hoist Rings

Forged Swivel Hoist Rings

Round Base Swivel & Pivot Hoist Rings

Swivels 360°

Drop Forged Hoist Rings

ACTEKMFG.COM ISO 9001

800-752-7229 | SALES@ACTEKMFG.COM INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 33

New Technology

Dynamically Accelerating Large Workpieces for Efficient Processing

ith the FZU/FZP42 machine line, Zimmermann Inc. offers users efficient 5-axis portal milling machines for heavy workpiece machining. The specific aspect of these improved machines is a thermosymmetrical design, incorporating a centrally-guided Z-slide. This particular construction, as well as the guide layout, increases machine stability, while also saving weight – resulting in a more dynamic, productive and energyefficient machine. “We have developed suitable machine designs for light processing, such as composite materials or aluminum used in aerospace, as well as for highly dynamic heavy machining,” reports Cornelius Kiesel, president at Zimmermann Inc. in Detroit, the U.S. operation of F. Zimmermann in Germany. While further developing its machine portfolio in the last several months, heavy machining for automotive, other transportation and off-highway are gaining an even higher priority in the company’s market targets. At the same time, Zimmermann is on the cutting-edge in its traditional segments, explains Frieder Gaenzle, CEO of F. Zimmermann. “We are focusing less on classic heavy machining, using large tools and high material removal rates per cut. Instead, the FZU/FZP42 model range provides tool and mold makers with a 5-axis system for highly complex components, which enables more dynamic milling of free-form surfaces.” Dynamic heavy machining is precisely the challenge in this new market segment. Because the more difficult it is to process the materials, the higher the requirements for rigidity in the machine, Kiesel further notes. Weighting in at several tons on average, the machines are quite massive. How can this massive design deliver great dynamics, so that users can work even more productively? “Our machines mill out contours with a maximum speed of 60 m/min and may accelerate with 3 m/s2, if needed. “This resembles a motorcyclist, accelerating in a curve to run it more dynamically,” says Kiesel. Despite the acceleration, the machines must be able achieve very high accuracy as well as high-quality surfaces. “This connection

34 | IMD December 2023

of dynamics and heavy machining may be compared to a truck, loaded with stones, performing in a Formula 1 race,” Kiesel muses.

Thermo-symmetry for more precision In order to achieve this result, Zimmermann is setting up its complete machine portfolio thermo(load)-symmetrically. This occurs because changing ambient temperatures, as well as processing temperatures, inevitably influence machine geometry featuring a portal design. The idea behind a thermo-symmetrical design is based on the ability to substantially absorb incurring thermal influences, achieved by the design of the machine structure itself. Considering this factor, Zimmermann engineering has appropriately designed and intelligently arranged the machine structure and drive unit components and guides, as well as other components responsible for accuracy, for all machines in this newly developed portfolio. In this way, the machine structure may expand in directions that are non-critical. The centrally guided Z-slide of the portal in doublebridge construction has a large cross-section which

IMD – North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

makes it especially stable. Using this design, Zimmermann achieves a very high degree of rigidity. Since there is no possible one-sided temperature rise, accuracy is greatly increased, as well. With this structural design, the machine manufacturer constructively reduces the effects of errorinducing variables to a minimum. Due to the fact that less leverage forces apply in comparison to a serial design with a classic guide layout, Zimmermann has increased rigidity of the FZU/FZP, without having to increase the cross- sections of the components. Because less mass needs to be moved, the machine works faster and more dynamically. “Moving less mass also requires less energy. This results in clear cost benefits”, states Kiesel. Additionally, the thermo-symmetrical design makes it possible to omit complex cooling circuits, which also has a positive impact on cost reduction. By offering the new FZU/FZP42 machine lines, Zimmermann seeks to gain a better foothold in heavy machining. For a long time, the machine manufacturer only occasionally sold systems in this market segment. This has changed following these new developments. “We are already seeing the first successes in the market, says Kiesel. “We were able to sell three ‘heavy’ machines in the first quarter alone.” The company’s customers are equally convinced about the technical data and the priceperformance ratio. “A particular customer only wanted to purchase one of our machines for post-processing, since they were already using a heavy machining system provided by a competitor. During the discussions, they then spontaneously decided on a second machine from Zimmermann,” notes Kiesel. Among the new customers for this line is an automotive manufacturer, who required a new machine for their tool making, in order to process large sheet-metal forming tools and to replace older systems. In the end, Zimmermann was able to successfully assert itself against the competition with its FZU42 machine. The customer realized that this innovative machine concept will enable them to meet their requirements to a high machining accuracy with excellent surfaces on their tools. The high tool weights of up to 40 tons do not pose a problem for the FZU42 system, because the components are not being moved. The movement system, consisting of the portal, Z-slide and milling head, can operate with consistently high dynamics, regardless of the tool weight.

Flexible setup “We were able to successfully impress the customer with our concept and our price-performance ratio,” says Kiesel. Another important aspect adds to this scenario. The FZU system does not require a solid machine foundation and can therefore be placed flexibly on the factory floor. Extensive construction, which creates high costs and disrupts manufacturing, are completely eliminated. “We continue to develop and are able to find the right answers for many applications, concludes Frieder Gaenzle. “We have the right overall package. We offer these improved machine concepts in all market segments. Besides the

machine structural upsides, these improvements include fitting mounts for the spindles, milling heads for the tools and an extensive service package for our customers.” ABOUT ZIMMERMANN INC. F. Zimmermann GmbH in Germany is a leading global high-tech builder of portal milling machines. These machines are characterized by large workspaces, substantial machine dynamics and cutting performance. The company, founded in 1933 by Friedrich Zimmermann, now has over 250 employees worldwide. With its product range, this innovative company has one goal above all: to offer the right solution for its customers and to be able to guarantee high economic efficiency. "Quality made in Germany" is its motto. Zimmermann special machines are used worldwide in the automotive, aerospace, off-highway, moldmaking and transportation sectors. The company has its North America headquarters in Wixom, Michigan, near Detroit, where it operates a full tech center, offering engineering assistance, commissioning, parts and retrofit services, as well as multiple machines for demonstration purposes.

ZIMMERMANN INC. 30587 Century Drive, Wixom, MI 48393 Phone: 248-956-8511 www.zimmermann-inc.com

CHAR-LYNN HYDRAULIC PRODUCTS LOW SPEED HIGH-TORQUE MOTORS… The Char-Lynn

motor range consists of three major types based on the valving used to distribute fluid through the Orbit gear set (geroler or gerotor), Spool Valve, Disc Valve and VIS (Valve-in-Star). A variety of displacement sizes are available in each of the three motor types to provide a wide range of speeds and torques.

STEERING CONTROL UNITS… offer these advantages: • Minimal steering linkage reduces cost, provides design flexibility. • Complete isolation of load forces from the control station. • Continuous, unlimited control action with low output torque. • Wide selection of control circuits and meter sizes. • Works with many kinds of power steering pumps or fluid supply. GEAR PUMPS… Eaton Series 26 gear pumps with 13-tooth gears minimizes flow ripple to reduce noise and vibration. Bearing lubrication system uses inlet oil rather than high pressure oil, improving volumetric efficiency and power output. The 13 available displacements and many mounting configurations provide for an easy retrofit. Other series available. 7355 N. Lawndale Ave., PO Box 6, Skokie, IL 60076

PHONE: 847-676-2910 FAX: 847-676-0365 WWW.MACMHYDRAULIC.COM INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 35

Process

Robotic welding cell: TIG welding is performed on so-called main carriers; handling robot positions the pallet with components

Fit for the Future Thanks to Smart Robot Welding Technology By: Anton Paar GmbH

ursuing progress and innovation in consultation with the customer, trendsetting Austrian company Anton Paar manufactures high-precision measuring devices for a wide range of industries. Its dedicated research, engineering, and production teams aspire to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Today, Anton Paar GmbH is the world leader in density and concentration measurement, rheometry, and the analysis of dissolved CO2. A growing shortage of skilled workers and ever-increasing quantities call for intelligent production solutions, so the company invested in a latest-generation robotic welding cell.

36 | IMD December 2023

Up until now, all components of the measuring and control devices Anton Paar produces in Graz, Austria have been welded by hand. This was because robotic welding systems were deemed uneconomical for small batch sizes between one and 400 pieces. Ongoing sales growth, the increasing shortage of skilled workers in the domestic job market, and innovative robot technologies—which now make automated welding economically viable even for small batch sizes—prompted the high-tech company to invest in a modern robotic welding system. The measurement and control specialists at Anton Paar were looking for flexibility all along the line, combined with a high degree of cost

IMD – North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

effectiveness. This meant flexibility in terms of the number, shape, and size of the components, in their positioning, and in the use of different welding processes. Dominik Santner, COO at Anton Paar GmbH, says, “The shortage of skilled workers and ever-increasing quantities call for new solutions in production. The new robotic welding cell represents a huge step towards automation of our manufacturing. If we were to weld our process sensors manually like before, we would encounter huge difficulties achieving the planned quantities in the coming years.”

Programming welding sequences and simulation using Fronius Pathfinder

Autonomous welding and a broad range of components From the outset, the emphasis has been on system autonomy for the experts at Anton Paar. Once set up, the welding system needed to be able to process a complete order from start to finish in a single pass. For example, welding a batch of different objects such as oscillator housings, main carriers, or countercoolers. And the system had to be able to do this completely independently and without the intervention of welding specialists. A range of factors made designing the system especially challenging for engineering and programming teams, including components of various shapes, weights, and sizes, different gripping, positioning, and storage possibilities, the option to use two different welding processes (TIG and MIG/MAG) on a single component, as well as the use of forming gas to protect the components against tarnishing, which is necessary for cylindrical bodies. “We were looking for a reliable partner who was very similar to us in terms of precision and quality. We wanted someone who would really listen to us, respond to our preferences, and propose sustainable solutions. A partner that would give us a competitive edge for years to come,” explains Daniel Moik, department manager for joining technologies. “Fronius International met these criteria for a sustainable partnership. In close cooperation with our technicians, the welding automation team developed a robotic welding cell that meets our requirements in every respect. On top of that, Fronius is ready to work with us to evolve the system and adapt it to new needs.”

Synonymous with efficiency: Fronius Pathfinder At Anton Paar, new welds are programmed offline—away from the welding system—rather than directly on the system, as is often the case. Rather than stopping ongoing welding work, welding continues during programming, increasing productivity. The welding technicians create the conditions for this by importing the CAD data of the measuring device components to be welded into the

Fronius Pathfinder®. Various joining scenarios are then tested and welding sequences are defined and optimized in the course of simulations. Starting points, work angles of the welding torches, torch offsets in the corner areas, and all reorientations of the welding robot are all taken into account during these simulations. Pathfinder identifies instances where the robot range is exceeded, known as axis limits. By the software operators correcting the storage location of the workpiece and positioning it within arm's length of the welding robot, potential collisions between the torch and various component edges are avoided at an early stage.

Sources of errors are identified in good time If the track needs to be corrected, the affected teach points can be easily moved by dragging and dropping them. When the approach to the component needs to be changed, the specialists simply press “Reset.” The virtual robot then moves to the home position to start a new approach run. Under real-life conditions, operators would have to complete the time-consuming process of retracting the robot, moving it to the home position with the robot controller, and restarting the teaching process. By opting for the Pathfinder offline programming and simulation software, the experts at Anton Paar not only gain valuable time for welding work but also identify sources of error ahead of time. Once a welding program has been set up in Pathfinder, it is translated by a so-called post-processor into the specific code of the Fanuc welding robot. It can then be transferred to the welding system via data transfer using a LAN connection, for example. A key feature that provides effective support for production planning as a whole is the “Determination of cycle time” function, which includes welding speeds as well as gas pre-flow and end crater filling times. Compared to teaching with the robot controller, Pathfinder can achieve a time savings of up to 90%, depending on the component geometry and welding requirements.

Customized for Anton Paar Anton Paar has access to custom workflows for welding its many different components, including the three main INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 37

A pallet filled with components is removed from the pallet rack

workflows, which are a prime example of the incredible flexibility in the range of components. » Workflow 1: The components are welded on the turn-tilt positioner. A pallet loaded with components is removed from the pallet rack and temporarily stored on a pallet storage table. The handling robot then attaches a suitable gripper for picking up components, with six different ones being kept in what is known as a gripper station. Equipped with the gripper, the handling robot picks up the components and fixes them in a component-specific clamping device, which is already installed on the manipulator. The robot always removes one component at a time, which is then joined and returned to the pallet. » Workflow 2: The components are welded directly on the pallets, with the handling robot transporting the pallets from the pallet rack and positioning them in front of the welding robot. The handling and welding robots can then perform coordinated movements together during the welding process, enabling them to weld not just simple seam geometries but complex ones as well. » Workflow 3: The components are removed individually, positioned by the handling robot, and move in sync with the welding robot during welding. This is called “coordinated motion.”

38 | IMD December 2023

Making sure the system knows what to do In addition to the innovative Fronius welding technology, controls, tool center point (TCP) measurement, torch cleaning station, and enclosure, the robotic welding system consists of seven core modules that collaborate on the basis of software control. These consist of a handling robot, a welding robot, a turn-tilt positioner with forming gas unit, a pallet store with two racks, a gripper station, a torch changing system, and a pallet repository inside the system. The following steps are required in order for those modules to interact precisely during the working cycles. First, pallets and components are created together in the HMI-T21 RS system controls, which are provided with four important pieces of information by the relevant welding specialist: (1) the pallet type and (2) the type, (3) the number, and (4) the position of the components on the pallet—for example, how many main carriers or oscillator housings are located in which position on which pallet. If it is an offset pallet, the component position is calculated on the basis of the so-called offset distances between the components, with the first component assuming the master position. For example, an offset might be 200 mm on the y-coordinate and +200 mm on the x-coordinate. The pallets manufactured by Anton Paar consist of perforated plates that are centimeters thick and function as a plug-in system. They are located in a pallet store consisting of

two racks and are designed to accommodate each of the different workpieces, with the receiving and depositing positions of individual components often varying depending on the nature of the component and the gripper of the handling robot. The robot controller contains a hierarchically superordinate robot program for each workflow type. This is where the welding programs created with Pathfinder are stored. If a pallet for Workflow 2 is created on the HMI (components are welded directly on the pallet), the robot controller filters the corresponding robot welding programs, and Anton Paar’s welding specialist can conveniently choose between all the programs that are available for Workflow 2 and assign the right one to the pallet. There is also the option to not only use a single welding program but also create an entire work sequence. For example, a TIG program can be created for a pallet, followed by a MAG program (e.g., CMT) in the same sequence. In this case, the robotic welding system would execute both programs one after the other and automatically change the welding process. In addition, the experts at Anton Paar can insert certain special steps into the HMI process. For instance, the system knows the special “Turn component” step, which can be used between the two welding processes (TIG and CMT) if necessary. If a specific gripper is required for pallet handling, as described in Workflow 1, the system operator must select

Daniel Moik carries out a visual inspection of a fully welded oscillator housing

it in the system. As previously mentioned, there are a total of six different grippers available, all of which are kept in a gripper station.

Teaching gripping and depositing positions The conventional handling sequence itself—picking up the pallet, positioning it for welding, transporting it back, and depositing it—is a standard program and requires no intervention from the operator. This is referred to in the field as an “encapsulated” function. Only the gripping positions have to be specified.

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 39

If a new component is “moved in” and not recognized by one of the depositing or receiving stations, the automatic run pauses. The welding specialist is prompted to start a teaching process with the robot controller—the Fanuc iPendant—and receives step-by-step instructions from the system software. Based on this, the system “learns” the required gripping/depositing position for the relevant station (e.g., for the clipboard). This position is stored in a register and is available for the handling process from that point on. The automatic run can then continue to the next station. If the component is also unknown there, this position must also be taught. Once all the stations have been worked through as described, the handling robot transports all other identical components through the system automatically, without interruption. If a pallet should have seven components but there are only three components on it, this is no issue for the system. It detects an “empty grip” and automatically moves to the next component position.

Custom-made: the teach pallet In addition to the standard offset assignment, which favors simple component shapes, Anton Paar wanted to be able to deposit up to 30 metal components at any point on a pallet. Fronius responded by creating the “Teach pallet” function. Selecting this function makes it possible to separately teach the position of each component on the pallet. “These two versions, offset and teach pallet, offer us maximum flexibility in component placement,” explains Dr. Ingo Riemenschneider, department manager for production automation. “It doesn’t always make sense for us to define component positions using offset distances. We have to fix some components in different orientations because of their complex shapes.”

As precise as on the first day—even after months When the welding specialists want to start a welding process, they use their

40 | IMD December 2023

CMT welding, handling robot moves the component into position

handheld scanner to scan the item number on the component data sheet. “If the system detects the item number and thus the component, it knows about the handling and welding process and starts operation. Everything is controlled via the HMI-T21 RS. The system stores which gripper and which device are needed for each of the components,” explains Riemenschneider. “The same applies to the argon flushing time during forming and the seam time. The system also knows whether and what data is required for process data recording.” Months later, the robotic welding cell is still just as precise as on the first day, and the weld seam is perfectly positioned in the same place. This can also be attributed to the fact that Anton Paar manufactures the components with micrometer precision and joins them with an exemplary level of quality.

The handling robot then positions the components and the system sends the signal for clamping. Forming can now be carried out, followed by welding. The system is designed in such a way that the components can be turned several times on a single clamping device. “It is important to us that all processes and properties that were implemented in the system are open in terms of their repeatability. The matter of whether a turning process is carried out once or a hundred times has to be irrelevant from the perspective of the system. Given that the complexity of our components is constantly changing, we and the experts at Fronius put a lot of energy into making the processes as unrestricted as possible,” notes Riemenschneider.

Components can be turned multiple times—even during forming

When forming on the tilt-turn positioner, the residual oxygen in the component is measured with the company’s own Oxy 5100 measuring device. It carries out drift-free measurement of the dissolved oxygen in the gas stream in real time during the entire welding process. Normally, the component is fixed between two sections of a line. The forming gas flows in on one side, on the supply line, and out again as a flow of exhaust gas on the other side, where the residual oxygen content is measured. This procedure would be counterproductive for the automated welding process, as the robot would have to take the extra step of inserting and removing an exhaust gas hose during each welding process. The decision was therefore

The turn-tilt positioner has a media conduit for four flow-through lines, two for air and two for argon, and can transmit up to 32 input-output signals (IOs). It is made of plastic and was produced by Anton Paar using 3D printing. If components need to be formed, the handling robot first retrieves the required clamping device from the pallet rack and clamps it on the manipulator with the help of a special clamping system. From that point on, both the air lines for the pneumatic cylinders and the gas lines for flushing with argon are connected. The electrical signals are now also transmitted by the clamping device.

Residual oxygen measurement made by Anton Paar

made to place the measuring device in the supply line. As soon as the device reports that the desired residual oxygen content has been reached, welding is started, taking into account a time delay for the time it takes the argon gas to flow through the component. This period is needed to ensure that the required residual oxygen content is not exceeded. The time it takes for the component to be completely filled— the time delay—is determined for each of the components based on a manual measurement and stored in the system. If the component comes up again, the controller can access the values and respond accordingly.

and the required resistance of the individual components. “Our welding tests are the deciding factor in whether we use special processes such as CMT (cold metal transfer), PMC (pulse multi control), or LSC (low spatter control). The process we then decide on depends on the wall thickness of the component, on the type of weld, for example square butt or fillet weld, and on the required welding depths and micrographs,” Moik explains. “We need about six or seven tests before we go into series production. If the heat input would be too great due to the nature of the material, the CMT ‘cold’ welding process is At the apex of welding technology of course suitable. If we want to It was particularly important for Anton boost productivity by increasing the Paar’s welding specialists to be able welding speed, we look at PMC. If to combine two welding processes welding needs to be particularly low for a component—for example, TIG spatter, LSC might be a good choice, for welding the root pass and MAG primarily because this prevents for welding the final run. However, expensive rework.” the final choice of welding method The welding data is recorded in 2022 IMD AD final 11-21-2.pdf 1 11/22/22 12:16 AM depends on the welding calculations the HMI. If the welding specialist finds a

fault during the visual inspection, they can check the welding data record to see whether there have been any deviations from the limit values. Every component is subjected to a visual inspection (VI) as a matter of principle, and every tenth component undergoes a color penetration test (PT). This method can be used to detect cracks, pores, and lack of fusion of down to 1 µm. The PT-tested metal components are regularly subjected to micrographs at the end of the test cycle. The innovative Fronius processes, a system concept that is both intelligent and flexible, and the ongoing potential to continue developing the robotic welding system ensure that Anton Paar’s sensitive, high-precision measuring devices will have perfect weld seams for years to come. The company’s welders simultaneously benefit from increased safety and protection of their health as they are shielded from the arc and its emissions by the enclosure and extraction system.

TRIMS AND SEALS C

E B R AT I N G

YEARS

CMY

CALL US TODAY!

Trim-Lok Corporate 6855 Hermosa Circle Buena Park, CA 90620

TrimLok-HH-2023.indd 1

800-663-9507 www.trimlok.com info@trimlok.com

Trim-Lok Midwest 5540 Beck Drive Elkhart, IN 46516

IMD | 41

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM 1/22/23 4:18 PM

Industry Insight

What Are You Made Of?

Different materials make gears suitable for the desired application. The key involves identifying the right recipe.

f you have ever sat down for Sunday dinner in an authentic Italian American home, you know not to question the red sauce known as “Grandma’s Gravy.” This tomato-based elixir coating your pasta is a gift from heaven itself. But the ketchup served with your French fries at the local fast food drive-thru is also a “sauce” made from tomatoes. Therefore, they must be interchangeable, right? Absolute sacrilege! However, this same type of comparison occurs all too frequently with gear materials; there are certain materials that are universally suitable for gearing, but others that are only appropriate for specific applications.

Gear Racks Gear racks are most frequently produced from carbon steel. This is a very suitable material for racks in most environments and under most use conditions. The reason that this material works well is due to the relative strength of the rack tooth in combination with the pinion. In almost

42 | IMD December 2023

every application, the pinion is inherently the weaker member in the mesh and will fail long before the rack. The material also lends itself to being heat-treated for additional strength, permits the addition of threaded or bolt holes, maintains dimensional stability, and can be straightened if necessary. For washdown or in food environments, stainless steel is frequently used. This material shares all the attributes of carbon steel except for the ability to be heat-treated for additional strength. In some applications, the need for the rack to be self-lubricating or to reduce system weight, a plastic rack is used. These racks are very durable and useful only when selected for the proper environment. For example, an acetal rack will not maintain its straightness over a long length (> 1 meter) and is known to have the possibility of voids. This makes adding bolt holes or threaded holes a risk. Alternatively, a nylon rack will not maintain its dimensional accuracy when exposed to varying temperatures or changes in humidity, as this material reacts

IMD – North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

to both temperature and moisture. For a direct replacement, based on the relative tooth strength, a nylon gear rack will need to be 6x larger than a carbon steel rack in order to handle the same loading.

Driving Gear For gearing that operates as a friction mechanism, such as a worm gear pair, it is critical that the drive gear have a surface strength (durability) that is greater than that of the driven gear. It is because of this requirement that most worms are made from carbon or alloy steel and most worm wheels are made from bronze, cast iron, or aluminum bronze. Consider a 60:1 worm gear pair. In this arrangement, the worm will be rotating one tooth in and out of mesh continuously. However, the worm wheel will be engaging just one tooth every revolution. Therefore, each tooth of the worm wheel has a duty cycle of one worm revolution engaged and 59 revolutions disengaged. This implies that the worm needs to have a durability 60 times greater than that of the wheel. If the wheel was produced from a material that has the same durability as the worm, the worm would fail in an accelerated manner due to scoring. This is a condition that occurs when metal-to-metal contact causes the tooth flanks of the gears to weld together. This process pulls metal from the pair and begins to scratch the tooth surface in the sliding direction. Although proper lubricant can minimize scoring, using materials that allow for heat dissipation is the better design consideration.

Bevel Gears Bevel gears are typically used in high torque environments and are therefore usually produced from carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy steel. However, there are applications where acetal or nylon bevel gears are suitable, such as R/C helicopters, hand-crank applications, or for mass-produced toys. Plastics can be used to produce straight tooth bevel gears, but they cannot be used to produce spiral bevel, Zerol bevel, or hypoid bevel gears, as the material would deform because of the heat generated by the cutting process.

Spur Gears Spur gears are the most popular form of gearing and can be produced in almost any material. Gears produced 100 years ago were typically produced from cast iron. This was an economical method for producing change gears for industrial equipment. Materials commonly used today are various types of steel, plastic,and specialty metals.

Carbon Steel Gears Carbon steel gears are economical and suitable for most applications. Carbon steels offer moderate strength, low cost, and ease of machinability. Stainless steels also offer moderate strength and ease of machinability but at a higher material cost. Some stainless steels are also non-magnetic. Alloy steels offer superior strength and can be hardened for superior durability but at a high raw material cost. All

carbon steels, some stainless steels, and most alloy steels can be heat treated to improve surface durability. All steels are dimensionally stable and suitable for keyways and tapped holes.

Acetal Gears Acetal gears are typically the most economical, as they are generally injection molded. The moderate cost of raw material and low cost of machining make this a common material for prototyping. Acetal is a very dimensionally stable plastic due to its low absorption of moisture. It is recommended that acetal gears not be subjected to shock loading as they are less resilient to impact. Nylon gears are common in power transmission applications due to the material’s moderate cost, the ease of machining, the material’s self-lubricating properties, and its vibration absorbing abilities. Nylon gears are sometimes made from a reinforced nylon. Depending on the reinforcing material, a nylon gear can improve its bending strength by 30 to 90 percent. Fiberglass filled nylons maintain the self-lubricating and weight-saving properties, reduce the dimensional growth due to temperature and moisture, and increase the bending strength by 30 percent, albeit at a 50-percent increase in raw material cost. Carbon fiber filled nylons also maintain the self-lubricating and weight saving properties, greatly reduce the growth due to temperature and moisture, and increase the bending strength by 90 percent. However, the raw material cost is at least 600 percent more expensive than unfilled nylons. Spur gears are also produced from titanium, Inconel, and other exotic alloys for classified military and space applications. As detailed in the examples above, there are many distinct materials for gearing. Each has a purpose and each application will dictate what material should be selected. So please don’t put ketchup on your spaghetti. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Brian Dengel is general manager of KHK-USA, which is based in Mineola, New York. Go online to www.khkgears.us. INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 43

Product Showcase

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Industrial Machinery Digest's Monthly Product Showcase features the latest from some of the manufacturing industry's top suppliers. WANT TO BE FEATURED? Send your latest product information to editorial@indmacdig.com

Introducing the TPS "Tripper Position Switch" for Conveyor Control

Epson Unveils High-Performance SCARA Robots with Integrated Safety Technology

Conveyor Components Company presents the TPS "Tripper Position Switch" designed for shuttle conveyor systems in the coal and mining industries. This heavy-duty control device features two SP/ DT micro switches rated for up to 20 amps at various voltage levels. Its bi-directional switch actuation and field-adjustable roller make it adaptable for multiple discharge points. The durable 3" acetyl roller withstands pressure, wear, and chemical exposure. The rugged cast aluminum housing is available in NEMA 4 weatherproof or NEMA 7/9 explosion-proof options.

Epson Robots introduces the GX-B Series of high-power-density SCARA robots, including GX4B, GX8B, GX10B, and GX20B models, powered by the RC700E controller with integrated SafeSenseTM technology. These robots offer exceptional performance, safety features, and versatility for various industrial applications. They provide payloads from four to 20 kg, reach up to one meter, and multiple arm configurations. SafeSense technology ensures safe human-robot collaboration without safety fences. The RC700E controller enhances productivity and reduces system footprints, featuring GYROPLUS® vibration reduction technology for fast production speeds. The GX-B Series combines innovation, productivity, and safety for automation in medical device, electronics, and consumer electronics markets.

Dynabrade Unveils the Renny Doyle Signature Series Electric Polisher Dynabrade, Inc. proudly presents the Renny Doyle Signature Series Geared Dual-Action Polisher, designed in collaboration with master-level automotive detailer Renny Doyle, the official Detailer of Air Force One. This electric polisher features a lightweight, precision-balanced design suitable for 5" and 6" diameter pads. Its extended ergonomic handle enhances user comfort, while a single-action lock trigger prevents accidental start-ups, and a rubberized grip reduces vibrations. The 1000-watt electric motor offers variable speeds from 150 to 350 Orbits per minute with a 6.8 mm orbit, making it ideal for cutting and polishing tasks, including oxidation removal and imperfection correction. The 20' swivel cord provides extended reach during operation. For over 55 years, Dynabrade has been a trusted supplier of industrial abrasive power tools and accessories worldwide.

44 | IMD December 2023

IMD – North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

ESAB Introduces Cutmaster® 50+ Portable Plasma Cutting Package

ProCAM Software Suite Optimizes Profiling with Precision

ESAB presents the Cutmaster® 50+ portable plasma cutting package, an addition to the Cutmaster+ lineup. With a recommended pierce and cut capacity of 5/8 inches and the ability to sever metal up to 1 ¼ inches, this system offers powerful cutting capabilities. It operates at 50A with a 60% duty cycle, weighs 35.3 lbs, and is available in 110V – 240V 1ph and 480V 3ph versions. Notable features include a user-friendly 4.3-inch TFT LCD display and a built-in 14-pin CPC port for easy CNC mechanization. The Cutmaster 50+ excels in straight line cutting and gouging applications, making it versatile for various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, HVAC, and more.

HGG Profiling Equipment BV introduces ProCAM and ProCAM Lite, a dedicated suite of software designed exclusively for HGG profiling machines. Drawing from 40 years of 3D profiling expertise, this in-house developed software aims to boost efficiency, enhance material utilization, and reduce costs for users. The ProCAM suite includes ProCAD for seamless integration with CAD/ CAM systems, ProGRAM for manual part programming, ProMIS for real-time performance reports, and ProQMS for quality control documentation. HGG has collaborated with prominent CAD/CAM companies like Tekla® Structures and SDS/2 to ensure smooth data transfer and integration. ProCAM Lite provides a free tool for reviewing cutting details on various profiles without the need for a cutting machine or intermediary software.

Hyperion Launches PCD Lines for Enhanced Toolmaking

Flexxbotics Enhances Robot Compatibility with Haas Automation CNC Machines Flexxbotics, a pioneer in workcell digitalization for robotdriven manufacturing, has announced that its robot machine tending connectivity is now compatible with Haas Automation's full range of machine tools, including vertical machining centers, horizontal machining centers, CNC lathes, rotary tables, and more. This compatibility enables next-generation machining environments to achieve greater throughput, higher yields, and increased profit per part. Flexxbotics utilizes its patent-pending FlexxCORE technology to securely connect and communicate with Haas Automation equipment, providing powerful, flexible, and open connectivity. This compatibility covers both current and older Haas machine models, making it a versatile solution for manufacturers.

Hyperion Materials & Technologies, a leader in hard and super-hard materials for industrial applications, introduces two new polycrystalline diamond (PCD) lines, the P-Series and U-Series, expanding its offerings for the toolmaking industry. These PCD lines offer exceptional quality and consistency, ensuring high performance and cost savings. The P-Series PCD is tailored for machining nonferrous and nonmetallic workpieces in precision applications, while the U-Series PCD is designed for utility applications in woodworking and heavy machinery. Both lines provide flexibility and reliability, catering to diverse machining needs.

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 45

Kinetic Technologies Unveils HT Headstock-Tailstock Positioners to Revolutionize Cobot Welding Automation Kinetic Technologies introduces the HT headstock-tailstock positioner family, aimed at transforming cobot welding. These servo-driven positioners offer unparalleled flexibility with precision down to 0.01 degrees, enabling infinite table locations and in-weld rotation. This innovation maximizes welding efficiency and part quality, addressing a clear need in the industry. Mark Barglof, Owner of Kinetic Technologies, emphasizes the advantage of adding positioning to cobot welding. The HT1 opens doors for consistent, high-quality welds, giving manufacturers a competitive edge over those using industrial automation alone. Kinetic Technologies also debuts the RT Lite rotary welding table alongside the HT positioners, enhancing welding capacity for cobots. These advancements promise improved weld quality, consistency, and production efficiency, making them indispensable in cobot welding operations.

Kinetic Technologies Unveils HT Headstock-Tailstock Positioners to Revolutionize Cobot Welding Automation

Designed for motion applications, KHK® gear couplings come in three sizes and offer a choice of 17 bore sizes. Crafted from 1045 carbon steel and featuring induction hardened teeth, these couplings ensure durability and reliability. They are part of the KHK® J series program, allowing for customization with open bores, keyways, and sets screws, all with a quick 3-day production turnaround.

Kistler Introduces Handheld 5811A Family for On-Site Piezoelectric Measurements

KHK USA Inc. Introduces New Line of Gear Couplings for Misaligned Shafts KHK USA Inc., a distributor of KHK® metric gears, presents its latest offering – the GC series of gear couplings. These couplings, manufactured by Kohara Gear Industry Co. in Japan, enable the connection of two shafts, accommodating minor misalignments.

46 | IMD December 2023

Kistler presents its new 5811A handheld family, designed for convenient on-site measurements using piezoelectric sensors. These devices incorporate integrated charge amplifiers, making process parameter verification and quality control more accessible. The 5811A models offer a wide measuring range, high-performance signal conditioning, and are designed for use in various industries, from machine-building to maintenance processes. The devices come in two models: the 5811A00, serving as a charge amplifier and insulation tester, and the 5811A01, which includes three channels for multi-channel measurements. With a rugged

design, touch-operated screen, and customizable measurement modes, these devices provide a user-friendly solution for data acquisition and visualization in challenging environments.

Surplus buying and selling STRUCTURAL STEEL CO., INC. Stay Connected

ESSEX PROVIDES

Denver Breaker & Supply

Pre-Engineered Buildings Built to Withstand the Rugged Northeast Winters.

Mention SBSDA2023 for a 10% Discount!

Commercial, Industrial, and Agricultural Buildings Built to Satisfy Your Building Needs.

YES...We Have That!

Steel Structure, Sub-Structure, and Sheeting

Call For A Quote On Your Next Project STRUCTURAL STEEL CO., INC.

800-323-7739 www.EssexStructuralSteel.com

607-753-9384 • FAX: 607-753-6272 • 607 Route 13, Cortland, NY 13045

One of the Nation’s Largest Inventory of New, Obsolete, Inspected & Tested Electrical Equipment!

Circuit Breakers • Controls Panel Mount Switches Motor Bus Duct Plugs • Transformers Starters and More! Providing Same Day, Next Day Air Shipments for Emergency Needs!

YOUR COMPLETE AUCTION RESOURCE With our user-friendly website, users can easily find the type of auction they are looking for, regardless of size or location. The site has the latest technology to make it simple for users to engage with an auction of interest.

WE ALSO BUY YOUR USED EQUIPMENT…

CALL US TODAY!

855-4UR-BRKR www.DenverBreaker.com

Subscribe now to receive FREE news on upcoming auctions!

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 47

Standard-Direct.us

What’s in YOUR InBox? SERVING AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS FOR OVER

36 YEARS

THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE YOU IS TO SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTERS!

North America’s Manufacturing Resource for Industry Professionals Since 1986

IndustrialMachineryDigest.com

October 2021

the

ryDigest.com IndustrialMachine

March 2019

IMPACTING DROP ZONE Wildeck Provides Increased Safety for Moving Palletized Loads

WCASE: RING SHO MANUFACTU

www.IndustrialMachineryDigest.com

48 | IMD December 2023

IMD-Newsletters-1/2H-2022.indd 1

Inc. Cincinnati, STORIES: FEATURED Processes Credential Streamlining gy al Technolo Bringing Glob Level to a Local turing cal Manufac Ethi is t Wha nt? it So Importa and Why is Transparency Enhanced e tal Enterpris at the Digi

P WITH: TALKING SHO O ident, 3DE tt Sand — Pres

» Empowering Employees » Surpassing Energy Savings Manufacturer in Oxnard, CA experiences the benefits of Green Hydraulic Power Units

» Lifting Higher Combi-PPT - A High Capacity Powered Pallet Truck

» Streamlining Control Siemens Offers Optimized Control Panel Construction to Machine Tool Builders

IndustrialMachin eryDigest.com

June 2021

GETTING BACK TO WORK!! ESTABLIS HED IN 1986

Most Exten AND IS THE INDUSTRY’S sive Indus Publicatio trial n.

2021 INDUSTR

IAL MAC

HINERY DIGE

ST’S

THIS IS SOME TEST HERE MANUFACTURING SHOWCASE:

TAP ASSOCIATES INC A Good Tool Is Like A Bar Of Gold

THIS IS SOME TEST HERE THIS IS SOME TEST HERE

ANNUAL SU

SERVING AMERICAN MANUFACTURER FOR OVER S

35 YEARS

THIS IS SOM E TEST HER E ECTORYTHIS IS SOME TEST HERE THIS IS SOM d Supplie » 2021 Ann E TEST HER ual Supplie rs E rs Guide List THIS IS SOM ings E TEST HER

THIS IS SOME TEST HERE

PPLIERS DIR

» TEST 2021 HERE THIS IS SOME Feature

11/8/21 4:23 PM

classifieds

INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT

SAVE MONEY! DON’T WASTE THE UNUSED AREA OF YOUR DISCS!

OIL MIST & SMOKE IN YOUR SHOP?

MachineShopWeb.com

www.mistcollectors.com Tel: 1-800-645-4174

........... Visit Online Today!............

THE MORGAN TRIMEEZER DISC CUTTER

SAVE 75% ON FLEXIBLE ABRASIVE DISCS • Trims 9” Disc Down 4 Times • Shapes 9” Disc 4 Times • Maintains Perfect Balance • Discs Run Cooler and Longer FOR ALL INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

(Limted

........... Visit Online Today!............

AmericanMachineShop.com

Use and Re-Use Discs.

BoothLocation.com

800-423-4692

CustomerService@MorganMfg.com

www.morganmfg.com

www.enmco.com

$24.00 Need Work Benches 40% off listBenches price Need Work www.enmco.com $24.00 In Stock-Factory Direct (Limited time Direct InIn Stock-Factory Stock-Factory Direct In Stock-Factory Direct 40% off list price promotional pricing) $24.00 (Limited time 5 other 40%styles off listavailable price

Need NeedWork WorkBenches Benches

........... Visit Online Today!............

Morgan Manufacturing, Inc.

www.enmco.com

???

www.enmco.com workbenchmarket.com workbenchmarket.com promotional pricing)

www.enmco.com workbenchmarket.com workbenchmarket.com (Limited time promotional pricing) www.enmco.com 5 workbenchmarket.com other styles available www.enmco.com 5 other styles $24.00 $24.00 available

40% off list price www.enmco.com $24.00 www.enmco.com $24.00 (Limited www.enmco.com (Limited time time 40% off list price

40% off listpricing) price www.enmco.com promotional $24.00

40% off listavailable price (Limited $24.00time promotional pricing) 5 other styles $24.00 40% off listprice price 40% off list promotional (Limited time www.enmco.com $24.00pricing) 5 other styles available (Limited time (Limited time promotional pricing) 40% off list price

40%styles off listpricing) price 5 other promotional $24.00available promotional pricing) 5 other styles available (Limited time 5 other styles available 40% off list price (Limited time promotional pricing) promotional pricing) 5 other styles available (Limited time promotional pricing) 5 other styles available 5 other styles available 5 other styles available Electronics Customer Pre-settable LCD Timer

Series TB45

ENM’s Series TB45 is a pre-settable AC/DC hour

Electronics Pre-settable meter. It features a 6Customer digit LCD with self-powered Electronics Customer Pre-settable LCD Timer LCD Timer CMOS circuitry. The unit is Pre-settable powered by an Electronics Customer Pre-settable Electronics Customer LCD Timer internal lithium battery. Series TB45 LCD Timer Series TB45

Series TB45

ENM’s Series TB45 is a pre-settable AC/DC hour

meter. It features a 6 digit LCD with self-powered Electronics Customer Pre-settable LCD Timer meter. It features a 6 digit LCD with self-powered Electronics Pre-settable LCD Timer CMOS circuitry. The unit powered byAC/DC an Electronics Customer Pre-settable CMOS circuitry. The unit isispowered by an Electronics Customer Pre-settable ENM’s Series TB45 is aCustomer pre-settable hour met internal lithium internal lithiumbattery. battery. LCD Timer LCD Timer Series TB45 ENM’s Series TB45 is a pre-settable AC/DC hour

Series TB45 ENM’s TB45 is a pre-settable AC/DC hourcircu It features a 6 Series digit LCD with self-powered CMOS Electronics Customer Pre-settable Series TB45 ENM’s Series TB45 is a pre-settable AC/DC hour meter.meter. Series TB45 meter. It features a 6 digit LCD with self-powered ENM’sisSeries TB45 is aby pre-settable AC/DC hour LCD Timer TheCMOS unit powered an internal lithium ENM’s Series TB45 is a pre-settable AC/DC hour It features a 6 digit LCD with self-powered CMOS circuitry. battery. ENM’s SeriesThe TB45 is a pre-settable AC/DC circuitry. unit is powered byhour an

Series TB45

It featuresThe ameter. 6unit digit LCD with CMOS features a by 6 digit LCD withlithium self-powered isIt powered anself-powered internal battery. circuitry.

CMOS circuitry.The powered by an features a by 6 unit digit LCD with self-powered internal lithium battery. Themeter. unit isItcircuitry. powered anis internal lithium battery. internal lithium battery. CMOS The unit is powered by an

F U R N A C E

C O , I N C

MADE IN THE U.S.A MADE IN THE U.S.A internal lithium ENM’s Series TB45battery. is a pre-settable AC/DC hour e-mail: MADE IN THE U.S.A customerservice@enmco.com meter. It features a 6 digit LCDe-mail: with self-powered TOLL FREE 888-372-0465 Electronics Customer Pre-settable LCD Timer e-mail: customerservice@enmco.com CMOS circuitry.The unit is powered by an Electronics Customer Pre-settable customerservice@enmco.com TOLL FREE 888-372-0465 FREE 888-372-0465 internal lithium battery. LCDTOLL Timer

Series TB45

Series TB45 MADE IN THE U.S.A

ENM’s Series TB45 is a pre-settable AC/DC hour mete TOLL FREE 888-372-0465 MADE THE U.S.A ENM’s TB45 is aIN pre-settable AC/DC hourcircu It TB45 features a 6 Series digit LCD with self-powered CMOS NEW AD feb 2021.indd 1 2/19/21 10:23 A e-mail: meter. It features a 6 digit LCD with self-powered MADE IN THE U.S.A TheCMOS unit iscircuitry. powered by an internal lithium battery. customerservice@enmco.com The unit is powered by an e-mail: customerservice@enmco.com

TOLL FREE 888-372-0465

e-mail: internal lithium battery. customerservice@enmco.com

Only $5000 $5000 Only

MADE IN THE U.S.A

TOLL FREE 888-372-0465 e-mail: customerservice@enmco.com

TOLL FREE 888-372-0465

MADE IN THE U.S.A e-mail: customerservice@enmco.com

TOLL FREE 888-372-0465

INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY DIGEST.COM

IMD | 49

Advertiser Index Actek Manufacturing and Engineering Inc. — www.actekmfg.com .............................................................33 ATTCO, Inc. DBA Syclone ATTCO Service — www.skyhookmfr.com ............................................................3 Attica Hydraulic Exchange — www.hydraulex.com .........................................................................................25 Betenbender Manufacturing, Inc — www.betenbender.com ..........................................................................5 Burr King Mfg Co. — www.burrking.com ...........................................................................................................23 Carell Corporation — www.carellcorp.com .......................................................................................................19

SERVING AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS FOR OVER

37 YEARS

Clamprite — www.clamprite.com ........................................................................................................................39 COLE-TUVE Inc. — www.COLETUVE.com ........................................................................................................ 49 Cosen Saws, USA — www.cosensaws.com ....................................................................................................... 17 Denver Breaker & Supply — www.denverbreaker.com ...................................................................................47 Design-2-Part Shows — www.d2p.com ...........................................................................................................IBC Dynabrade, Inc. — www.dynabrade.com ..........................................................................................................BC Eagle Bending Machines — www.eaglebendingmachines.com ....................................................................19 ENM Co — www.enmco.com .............................................................................................................................. 49 Essex Structural Steel Co. — www.essexstructuralsteel.com .........................................................................47 Formdrill USA Inc. — www.formdrill-usa.com .................................................................................................. 13 H&K Equipment, Inc. — www.hkequipment.com ............................................................................................ 48 HMI div of Betenbender Manufacturing — www.betenbender.com ............................................................ 31 HyPneuMat Inc. — www.hypneumat.com ...........................................................................................................6 IMDauctions.com — www.imdauctions.com ....................................................................................................47 Industrial Magnetics, Inc. — www.magnetics.com ...........................................................................................29 KHK Gears — www.khkgears.us ........................................................................................................................ 7, 21 L&L Special Furnace Co., Inc. — www.llfurnace.com ..................................................................................... 49 MacMillin Hydraulic Engineering Corporation — www.macmhydraulic.com ............................................35 Morgan Manufacturing, Inc. — www.morganmfg.com .................................................................................. 49 Pro-Line — www.1proline.com ............................................................................................................................ 49 Radwell International, Inc. — www.Radwell.com .................................................................................... FC, IFC Royal Products — www.mistcollectors.com ..................................................................................................... 49 Schweiss Doors — www.schweissdoors.com .................................................................................................. 49 Scotchman Industries, Inc. — www.scotchman.com ...................................................................................... 11 Standard Direct — www.standard-direct.us ...................................................................................................... 48 Stor-Loc — www.storloc.com ................................................................................................................................9 Tormach — www.tormach.com ........................................................................................................................... 15 Trim-Lok — www.trimlok.com ........................................................................................................................27, 41

50 | IMD December 2023

ARE YOU LISTED? We have launched our online, searchable directory with over 400 categories specifically designed for the industrial machinery industry. IF YOU’RE NOT LISTED, YOU’RE MISSING OUT!

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ALABASTER, AL. PERMIT NO. 44 3590-B Hwy 31 South PMB #233 Pelham, AL 35124

IndustrialMachineryDigest.com

WE LISTEN. WE OBSERVE. WE OPTIMIZE.

DIE GRINDERS & DISC SANDERS – Durable, American made air tools are ideal for rapid material removal, deburring, finishing and polishing. – Straight-Line, Right Angle and 7° Offset models offered in front and rear exhaust configurations. – Tools available in horsepowers ranging from .3 hp to 3 hp, with speeds ranging from 3,200 RPM to 100,000 RPM.

PROUDLY DESIGNED, ENGINEERED AND BUILT IN AMERICA SINCE 1969

Dynabrade, Inc. | 1.800.828.7333 | dynabrade.com |