Hardinge, a worldwide manufacturer and supplier of
machine tools, has also been a long time supplier of custom manufacturing
solutions. Custom solutions cover a wide array of services, ranging from process
development to fully integrated and automated systems.
"One of the challenges facing manufacturers has been to obtain reliable automated systems that are flexible enough for deployment in a 'Lean Manufacturing Environment'," said a company spokesperson. "Automation and small batch machining typically do not go hand in hand. Depending on part shapes and sizes, machining cells can be developed to handle both small batch production or automation allowing unmanned changeover to the next part. Material handling systems that utilize pallets can be very effective in a 'Lean' environment, as the pallets can be machined to accommodate a range of part sizes and shapes."
Robots can be set up to operate in a 'Lean' environment by employing options that allow the robot to automatically change-out the 'end-of-arm tooling' (grippers & fingers). This added capability provides the robot with the flexibility to handle a range of part shapes and sizes without the need for human intervention.
"More often than not, the limiting factor for automatic part changeover is the machine spindle tooling. In some cases this issue can be handled by incorporating 'steps' in the spindle tooling or 'bushing' the spindle tooling to accommodate different parts. But the optimum solution is to have proper spindle tooling that accommodates the part and process. In addition to being an automation solutions provider, Hardinge is a provider of standard and special workholding devices that adequately grip workpieces in the automation process while maintaining the highest of machining accuracy," said a Hardinge spokesperson.
"Error proofing is another area that must be taken into consideration. As the part throughput process becomes more flexible, the chance for both human and non-human error increases. Error proofing systems should be implemented to, not only detect errors, but also protect against them. In some cases, errors may actually be automatically corrected, thus allowing the production to continue and avoid unnecessary downtime."
For more information contact:
Hardinge Inc.
P.O. Box 1507
Elmira, NY 14902-1507
800-843-8801
Fax: 607-734-8819
E-mail: info@hardinge.com