This article requires that the reader be familiar with Job Shop Lean, an approach to adapt the principles of lean manufacturing for a job shop, regardless of its size or industry sector. A job shop typically executes a different schedule every day. Each day’s schedule could have a different mix of jobs, due dates, lot sizes, and number of gear operations. Regardless of all these differences, it is important that the shop receives a feasible schedule that does not exceed available capacity constraints on key resources (machines, labor, materials, dies, etc.).

Zeiss and CleanControlling, a leading test laboratory for technical cleanliness, signed a cooperation agreement in April. The goal of the cooperation is to optimize products and industrial analysis techniques, and to set new market standards.

Schunk expands digital planning options for automated solutions with two new tools for designing and configuring linear modules. This easy access to expert knowledge is a further step towards offering customers an uncomplicated and secure way to customize design and quickly integrate it into the system planning.

Jergens announces that Omar Andino will take the lead as the WSG national sales manager. Andino, who has been with the company since October of 2018, will leverage his wide range of manufacturing and engineering experience in his new position to continue the sales growth of the many workholding products.

Congratulations Gear Technology on your 40th Anniversary! This magazine has been publishing emerging technology in gearing before we used the term, “emerging.” I constantly search past issues to get information on topics we are discussing in committees. From skiving to electric drive development, and lubrication to the beginnings of strain wave gear technology, I have found great information for the work that we are doing today. Thank you!

TL Aerotek, a small job milling shop customer, experienced a large influx of orders. To keep up with demand, they sought a solution that would alleviate labor uncertainty and help to grow the business. TL Aerotek turned to their long-time supplier of milling machines for support, Expand Machinery. 

Murata Machinery USA (Muratec), a manufacturer of industrial automation, celebrates its 50^th anniversary across North America. Various activities are planned throughout 2024 to commemorate Muratec's golden year. Operating as a subsidiary of Kyoto, Japan-based Murata Machinery Ltd., Murata Machinery USA provides sales, service, and support for the Muratec brand. Muratec has a rich history in North America of offering automation solutions. 

Southern Gear has equipped two Doosan CNC Horizontal Turning Centers with advanced RoboJob Turn-Assist robots, thus reducing workpiece load/unload times by 50 percent and allowing skilled machine operators to perform many other tasks.

GROB Systems, Inc., a global leader in the development of manufacturing systems and machine tools, announced it broke ground in December 2023 on a 135,000 sq. ft. expansion project that will add approximately 35% more space for production and shipping to the existing 400,000 sq. ft., and add 200 new jobs to its US headquarters and manufacturing facility in Bluffton, OH. 

To ensure all customers and their machines benefit from digital assistance, GF Machining Solutions (GFMS) has launched their new My rConnect platform engineered for the company’s EDM, milling, and laser texturing machines. The all-encompassing platform allows shops to connect any model of GFMS machine for fast, responsive, and easily accessible service and support while also providing expanded digital capabilities.