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With the mandate for lean operations more prevelant than ever, it’s important to keep interruptions to a minimum. However planned production runs don’t always have the luxury of running without interruptions. With the right CNC machine, and the right set up, unplanned machining can be done with minimal interruption by following these simple steps.

Gibbs and Associates, a developer of CAM software for thirty years, announces its latest release, GibbsCAM 2013. It includes enhancements to the entire suite of GibbsCAM software to improve efficiency and profitability. GibbsCAM will host a webinar on June 12, 2013 from 2-3p.m. EDT. The webinar will discuss the definition of high-speed machining (HSM) factors that contribute to optimization of high-speed machining, why HSM is important in today’s manufacturing environment, what elements comprise HSM, HSM tools, technologies and methods, and HSM and cost reduction.

Hexagon Metrology recently launched the 4.5.4 SF with analog scanning capabilities. The 4.5.4 SF CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine) is the fastest selling product in Hexagon Metrology’s history. It focuses on economical portability, with a small footprint to fit anywhere dimensional inspection is needed. While the 4.5.4 SF with scanning capabilities is the perfect coordinate measuring machine for small job shops, it’s also a great addition for large manufacturers deplyoing scanning measurement operations in their production lines.

One of the most common challenges in the manufacturing industry today is finding quality talent. This means it’s more critical than ever to make sure that the skilled employees already in place are being utilized efficiently. See how it’s done, as Hy-Tech Machine and Gosiger Automation install an Okuma MULTUS B300 CNC turn-mill with a FANUC M-20ia six-axis industrial robot and a fixtureless conveyor system, allowing employees to utilize their time more productively and increase overall throughput.

Elbo Controlli, a worldwide leader in presetting solutions, distributed through Koma Precision, is continuing its innovations in tool management with a new generation of tool presetters. The newly designed Hathor Six and Sethy Six are tailored specifically to meet customer requirements for a powerful tool measuring system at a price point no other solution can match.

It’s no secret that standard tools don’t always “cut it” when it comes to composite machining operations. Finding the right tool for different kinds of composite material always involves both experience and innovative thinking. Check out this scenario where Sandvik proposed a surprising face milling cutter solution that increases tool life, saving time and money.

ZOLLER, a member of Partners in THINC, announces an extensive Lunch & Learn workshop series at their various office locations across the USA and Canada as well as selected partner facilities. A total of 72 free workshops are planned throughout the year and will focus on optimizing production processes via tool presetting, tool measuring and inspection, and tool management software.

Partners in THINC member Kennametal now offers a free iPad application named “Kennametal Innovations.” The app features cutting-edge, interactive animations of Kennametal’s productivity-enhancing technologies for CNC machining and industrial processes. Available at the iTunes™ App Store, it brings to life some of Kennametal’s latest metalworking tooling technologies.

On Tuesday, March 19^th and Wednesday, March 20^th, Morris Midwest will host the second annual Morris Madness event at Okuma’s Chicago Tech Center in Roselle, Illinois. Live CNC machine cutting demonstrations will be available with tooling, accessories, software, and automation from 19 Partners in THINC.

Partners in THINC member, ESPRIT, a leader in CAD/CAM software, will host the ESPRIT World Conference May 6-10, 2013 in Tampa, Florida. This international event offers more than 60 technical sessions, one-on-one consultations and presentations from industry experts from around the world. Training will cover a broad range of tools, processes, technologies and techniques, incorporating eight interest areas and three skill levels.

At Okuma, innovation is on our To-Do list every day, and you can see this in everything from our THINC^®-OSP CNC control to our website! We’ve been stepping it up on our blog too. In fact, recently the Okuma blog featured our first video post. These “vlogs” provide quick tips, demonstrations and fresh new ideas you can put to work in your own CNC machining practices.

Okuma America Corporation will be a leading sponsor and exhibitor at the upcoming MTConnect [MC]2 conference on April 10-11, 2013 in Cincinnati, Ohio. MTConnect is a software protocol standard that allows CNC machine tools, peripheral equipment and software applications to speak to each other in a common language, simplying integration to save you time and help you be more productive. The Okuma THINC^®-OSP CNC Control is MTConnect-ready and will be demonstrated at the conference.

Catering to the oil, gas and aerospace machining industries, Kitagawa-NorthTech now offers the TP530, a new state-of-the-art rotary table with an extremely compact body. It has a 4x smaller footprint than conventional NCRTs, with 440 pounds less weight distribution. This rotary table is ideally suited for machining large work pieces such as oil pipes.

Thanks to the combined efforts of our distributors, partners and Okuma staff, the 2012 Technology Showcase held in December was very successful. During the three-day period we hosted 342 guests from 191 different companies.

We’re pleased to announce that our Lunch and Learn series will continue throughout 2013. Each month, at the Okuma Tech Centers in Charlotte, Chicago, and Houston, we will host a partner-focused event. The dates will change from the third Thursday of each month to the third Wednesday of each month. These educational seminars showcase the latest CNC machining technology and how it can help increase overall productivity. For more information and to register for Partners in THINC events, please visit www.okuma.com/events.

At the Okuma and Partners in THINC 2012 Technology Showcase, Steve Kline presented findings from the Gardner Research 2013 Capital Spending Forecast. The full presentation details the types of equipment, workholding, and tooling that metalworking facilities will buy in 2013. The data includes an emphasis on hot industries for 2013.

Partners in THINC is pleased to welcome its newest member, GibbsCAM, a leading provider of cutting-edge CAD/CAM technology. Gibbs and Associates provides state-of-the-art, PC-based computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems for programming computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine tools. GibbsCAM provides full-featured CAM systems that deliver powerful capabilities without sacrificing ease of use.

Gosiger’s East Coast division recently completed their third seminar of a 3-part series on lights out CNC machining. This series featured several members of Partners in THINC. Gosiger would like to express their appreciation for the support of their programs designed to educate customers on the newest CNC machining technology that is available to help them gain an edge over their competitors.

Okuma America Corporation and Partners in THINC will hold the 2012 Technology Showcase December 4 through 6 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event will feature 20+ CNC machines, including the MCR-BIII double-column machining center, the new MU-10000H 5-axis horizontal machining center and other new CNC machines that were shown at IMTS. A wide variety of equipment, including small and large horizontal lathes, 5-axis machines, multi-function machines and vertical and horizontal machining centers will be tooled up and running. Featured applications and peripherals will include Turn-Cut, Machining Navi, a flexible manufacturing system and more.

Partners in THINC is pleased to welcome its newest member, ABB, a leading provider of power and automation technologies. ABB, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, operates in 53 countries and in more than 100 locations globally. ABB manufactures and supplies robots, robot software, peripheral equipment, process equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service tasks such as welding, handling, assembling and finishing just to name a few. Their target industries include automotive, energy, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage applications.

SMW Autoblok’s AXN Automatic Indexing Chucks, with hydraulic clamping and indexing, are designed for high productivity CNC machining of complex workpieces such as valve bodies, spiders or fittings in a single setup. Indexing movement is possible during spindle rotation, allowing for quick changing between the multiple working axes.

Many manufacturers are experiencing a shortage of skilled labor and are looking to automation to bridge that gap and expand their business. They are looking for a way to go from having one operator dedicated to only one machine to having that same operator running four or more machines. Tool setting and workpiece probing can help bridge that gap.

Partners in THINC is pleased to welcome its newest member, Velocity/SU-matic, a leading provider of tooling technology. Velocity/SU-matic distributes driven and static tooling for Okuma lathes that have M-turret functionality. These tools allow Okuma lathes to perform milling, drilling, turning, boring and gear cutting operations that reduce, and in many circumstances eliminate, the need to move the parts to other machine types for these processes. Velocity/SU-matic also makes special application tooling for these lathes which further reduces the total machining time required to make parts.

When a manufacturer of air compressor rotors wanted to improve the safety and efficiency of their grinding operation, Okuma and Gosiger Automation found a solution! Combining an Okuma GA-47 grinder with a single-handed FANUC robot with vision system and manually adjustable grippers, the new grinding cell reduced cycle time from 45 minutes to 16.8 minutes.

In order to keep ahead of the competition, many manufacturers are incorporating more complex machine tools into their manufacturing processes. These multi-function, multi-turret and multi-spindle machine tools require more sophisticated programming to maximize productivity. The right CAM system can handle this complex programming environment.

Partners in THINC members have solved a number of manufacturing problems for companies across the country. No matter what challenges you face, we are confident that our breakthrough collaboration can help you improve your operations.

As part of the IMTS Conference series, Partners in THINC members will be presenting a seminar discussing the use of existing technology to bridge the skills gap. Is finding the needed talent to support your business growth becoming an obstacle to your continued growth? If so, this session is for you.

Cost reduction, shorter cycle time, and high productivity are required to complete in today’s global market. For many operators lengthy setup processes can inhibit productivity and in turn be costly. Chatter and vibration are just two of the many reasons for inefficiencies. Okuma's Machining-Navi assists machinists at all experience levels to make the very best part possible with undetectable or no chatter present.

Are you interested in learning about the latest in manufacturing technology, but don't have time to attend lengthy seminars? Partners in THINC has the solution with its Lunch & Learn series of events. Give us 60 minutes and we'll show you how to improve your productivity.

With 31 members of Partners in THINC having booths at IMTS 2012, and a majority represented in the Okuma booth S-8500, Partners in THINC experts are ready to help manufacturers “Go Beyond.” We encourage you to bring your part, drawing or idea to the Okuma booth, and we’ll put our experts to work to help you solve your manufacturing challenges.

Traditional workholding for machining centers can require large amounts of time to install, set-up and load/unload. Additionally, the use of simple vises or clamps on the worktable may not provide a secure and vibration-free method of holding the part, thus reducing the cutting rate and the life of the cutting tools. Flexibility is also a major concern, especially in shops that currently use more time in setup/change-over than in the actual machining process.

Partners in THINC member, Edmunds Gages, will be exhibiting its new Accu-TouchTM readout at IMTS 2012. This revolutionary universal gaging amplifier provides remarkable visual displays of virtually any shop floor, or production based dimensional measurement.

Last month, Okuma and Partners in THINC participated in the “A Better Way to Manufacture” events sponsored by Hartwig in Houston, TX and Kayesville, UT. Both events had great turnouts and lots of positive feedback from customers.