Preparing for Lights-Out Production
As manufacturers face the challenges of reducing cost-per-part while meeting quality and delivery demands, adding a workerless third shift is a tantalizing possibility. It’s also a bit scary.
Ethernet Communications System Enables Interactivity Across LNS Product Lines
e-Connect enhances the performance of additional LNS products including chip and coolant management devices, high-pressure coolant and air filtration systems.
Maestro Bar Feeder Reduces Change-over Times
The Maestro 80 No Limits, Bucci’s automatic bar feeder, supports bars ranging in size from 10 mm to 80 mm to work with fixed headstock lathes.
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Edge Technologies Vortex System Designed for Wet Operations
PMTS 2019: Edge Technologies’ Vortex AF series is a soluble coolant mist collection system designed for machine tools performing wet machining operations.
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Making Waves with Lathe Automation
After years of relying on an extensive machining cell for part production, this marine equipment manufacturer has now reduced part handling and improved quality through use of single-setup lathes and automated loading and unloading.
LNS Bar Feeder Loads Small Bar Diameters
PMTS 2019: The GT 112-E automatic magazine bar feeder from LNS is especially useful for sliding headstock machines running unattended or lights-out production using small bar stock.
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LNS Acquires ChipBlaster
The LNS Group has acquired ChipBlaster Inc., the maker of high pressure coolant systems, coolant chillers, cyclonic filtration systems and other machine tool peripherals.
ecoPROFI is a Multi-Channel, Quick-Change, Magazine Bar Feed
Irco’s ecoPROFI bar-feed system is compatible with standard and Swiss-type lathes as well as machining centers and rotary transfer machines and delivers automatic, multi-sized bar feeding in an economical, small-footprint package.
GT 112-E Bar Feeder Loads Small Bar Diameters
LNS’ GT 112-E automatic magazine bar feeder has a dual U-shaped guiding channel with a sectional guiding channel cover, combined with a self-centering bar clamping system that matches the entire diameter range of the lathe.
Choosing an Automatic Bar Feeder
The bar feeder is the most common form of automation for turning operations. Selecting the right one requires consideration of the applications for which it will be used.
The Collet is the Answer
A small workholding change helped this shop deliver the required part finish by resolving vibration and runout issues.
Bar Feeders Evolve to Interconnectivity
Bar feeding continues to broaden its contributions to making turned parts faster and better. Ethernet interconnectivity can be the next step to increased profitability.
#Industry40
Video: Parts Accumulator Allows for Unattended Machining
One of the advantages of a Swiss-type lathe is that once you’ve set up the bar feeder, you’re good to go until you run out of barstock. This accumulator simplifies the other end of the operation.
Peak Performance in the Machining Lab
Matching the right equipment for the job and having quality employees to handle the work is paying big dividends for this precision shop.
Laser Device Helps to Align Bar Feeders
One of the most common issues affecting bar feeder performance is wear and tear on the bar feeder liner or collet caused by inaccurate alignment between the bar feeder and the lathe.
Technology Advances Automation Trends
Shops of all sizes looking for better efficiency are realizing the benefits of a deeper investment into automation.
Celebrating 40 Years by Giving Back
To honor the 40th anniversary of LNS Group (based in Orvin, Switzerland), the company’s more than 800 employees have committed to give back to their communities through public service.
VIDEO: Bar Puller Assists Untended Operation
Automation can bring speed and consistency to many different manufacturing operations. When it can be added with relatively minimal expense, the move seems even more compelling.
Bar Feeder Basics
Some primary factors are often overlooked when considering how to justify the implementation of a bar feeder for turning operations.
Win-Win Scenario Automates a High Volume Turning Operation
What started as a sales call from Bucci Industries to Methods Machine Tools evolved into a true success story at Gardner Denver's Fort Worth, Texas facility.
Bar Feeder Knowledge Center
feeders are perhaps the most common automation accessories used in metalworking. To see a nice collection of information about bar feeders, visit Production Machining’s Bar Feeds zone.
Barfeeding Small Diameters
This shop may be located off the beaten path but it’s certainly found a successful and profitable home by applying top of the line technology to its medical part production mix.
Communication Among Workcell Components
An Ethernet-based system acts as a conduit for relaying operational data between the programming software, controller, bar feeder, machine tool and parts unloader.
The Evolution of Feeding Barstock
When the ancient Egyptians employed the first known turning machines, productivity was probably not a top-of-mind issue. Given an abundance of slave labor, it’s likely the pharaohs enjoyed relatively low production costs. Today, of course, improving productivity is critical in any manufacturing operation that does not rely on plentiful, cheap labor.
The Many Sides of Workholding
Here's a broad look at different ways to approach workholding, from bar feeders to collet chucks to robotics.
