That leads us to the question:
In short, automation is any type of industrial production where machines, not people, carry out a function.
Well, there are quite a few.
To understand the importance of consistency, imagine you are at the grocery store to pick up a gallon of milk. How would you feel if all of the gallons were filled with different amounts of milk? If some were filled exactly to the top of the gallon while others were filled with noticeably less you might be somewhat upset (at least I would!). I’m guessing you might ask why the gallon with less milk in it costs the same as the one that was filled to the top. Quality Control would have to answer a few questions about consistency in this situation! While this may be an exaggerated circumstance, a similar situation could be a possibility without the use of automation to precisely measure and fill each gallon to the exact ounce.
As if automation didn’t already benefit the manufacturing industry enough, automated systems can collect data on its processes while running those very processes. This means that each action the systems take is analyzed as that action happens in real time. The reason for this is to collect specific information, whether that information be run-time, temperature, humidity, supply levels, etc. to help improve the process as a whole. Companies utilizing automated systems can go back and look at that specific information and use it to reduce waste and improve the overall process. With the help of an analytical mind, automated systems assist in finding ways to improve and optimize the manufacturing process.
Automation can be used in virtually every step of the manufacturing process from design to installation in order to improve quality and consistency, among other things. It doesn’t get nearly enough credit. So next time you’re sipping your favorite beverage and it tastes exactly as you remember, go ahead and thank automation for helping get the flavor right every time.
It’s an open secret that industrial automation is on the rise. But here’s a nuance: while big corporations are increasingly adopting automation, many small to mid-sized machine shops are trailing behind, missing out on potential benefits.
The machine shop industry is incredibly segmented. There are thousands of machine shops worldwide, each operating independently without the dominance of a giant like Apple or Microsoft in the tech industry. Most of these shops depend on CNC machines, which are indispensable and profitable assets.
Why Many Machine Shops Hesitate to Automate?
The hesitation for many Machine Shops lies in the perceived high costs and complexities of full automation. It might seem more feasible for a machine shop to invest in another $50,000 to $60,000 CNC machine than to spend upwards of $200,000 on full-scale automation.
But there’s a middle ground: In-Machine Automation.
Here is a $150K+ Robotic Loading System from Trinity Robotics is depicted. While incredibly effective, ROI is measured in years due to high cost of purchase.
In-Machine Automation: The Game Changer for Machine Shops
In-Machine automation solutions refer to components like spindle grippers and vises that can be integrated directly into CNC machines. These solutions offer numerous benefits:
Affordability: They come with lower upfront costs, making them accessible to machine shops.
Ease of Implementation: Unlike external robotic systems, which may require substantial alterations to existing infrastructure and processes, in-machine automation can be integrated swiftly and smoothly.
Quick ROI: With the right job, the ROI can be seen in as little as three days, compared to the potentially years-long wait with full robotic systems.
Simplified Programming: The spindle gripper, vise and CNC machine movements are all controlled by the same machine. With templates and tools, like the one by Gimbel Automation, the programming becomes a breeze.
The Potential Impact on Business
Imagine the potential uplift for machine shops. Reduced manual labor costs, increased consistency, and enhanced productivity. There’s a reduction in time lost due to machine downtimes or re-training for different parts. And all this leads to quicker ROI and a more streamlined production process.
The Market Gap and the Way Forward
While industrial automation has garnered significant attention, there’s a glaring market gap when it comes to in-machine automation solutions tailored specifically for machine shops.
At Gimbel Automation, we are dedicated to bridging this gap. We understand the challenges and limitations faced by machine shops and have developed in-machine automation parts that seamlessly integrate with CNC machines. Our products are not only affordable but also user-friendly, ensuring that businesses can achieve a rapid ROI without the need for extensive training or installation periods.
For machine shops, embracing in-machine automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With the evolving market demands and increasing competition, it’s essential to optimize processes and maximize returns. Gimbel Automation stands as a partner to machine shops, ready to usher them into this new era of efficient, affordable, and streamlined manufacturing.