ABCs of Automation, For Any Size Shop

Automation doesn't have to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or take months to implement. You can start simple, by adding things like automated gaging, bar feeders and parts catchers. Or you can go all out with robotic cells and flexible manufacturing systems. The key to remember is, any shop of any size can benefit from the increased productivity automation will deliver.

You can check out the possibilities at our live demonstration event (hosted by Okuma and Partners in THINC) – the “ABCs of Automation” to be held Wednesday, June 25 here in Charlotte. At the event you can take a walking tour of various automation technologies, and we welcome you to register and join us. Even if you’re just getting started, you’ll walk away with ideas that fit your production needs and your budget.

The ABCs of Automation: More Than Just Robots

A is for Automation but the list of things you can do with it goes all the way to Z. Sure, this can involve robots. But there are many ways to integrate automation in your shop, some of which are relatively simple. Could you be taking advantage of more items from this checklist?

A – Auto compensation software

B – Bar feeders

C – Conveyors

D –

E – Easier than you think

F – Flexible manufacturing systems

G – Gaging

H – High pressure coolant

I – Integration

J –

K –

L – Labor reductions

M – Metrology

N –

O – Output consistency

P – Parts catcher

Q – Quick change chucks

R – Robots

S –

T – Tool breakage detection

U –

V – Vertical machining center with pallet changer

W – Workholding

X –

Y –

Z – Zoom your productivity!

Bringing It All Together

There’s another way we can make automation easier for you to bring into your shop: take advantage of Partners in THINC! This group includes nearly 50 members that provide best-in-class technologies (including automation) that are integrated to work optimally with Okuma’s machines and controls. As Partners we engineer and stand behind our manufacturing system solutions that enhance your productivity. Partners in THINC exists solely to “bring it all together” for our users, so please feel free to contact us and get the top experts in the industry working for you.

What’s Missing?

Hey, we have some missing letters above! Please comment below and help us fill in the blanks. What else might be missing? Hopefully it’s not you. Join us for the ABCs of Automation event.