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. The following articles will give the interested reader a sufficient background on the many differences between Job Shop Lean and Lean.

Continuing its leadership role in secure digital connectivity and Industry 4.0 manufacturing, Mazak has joined major cybersecurity research universities and enterprises throughout the country as a collaborative partner with the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII). 

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.

With Closed Loop, Kapp Niles offers a system that enables the integration of machining and measuring machines. By using Closed Loop, efficient processes and optimized production are realized. This tool helps companies to improve the quality of their workpieces and to make their processes more efficient.

Platinum Tooling, the exclusive importer of Heimatec live tools and angle heads plus other global brands of precision machine tool accessories, is pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Twomey as the company’s Regional Sales Manager. In his new role, he will oversee all activities in eighteen states located in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast Regions of the United States. Company President, Preben Hansen, made the announcement at the company’s headquarters in Prospect Heights, Illinois. 

At this year's traditional Chicago Innovation Days 2023, hosted at DMG MORI USA's headquarters in Hoffman Estates from April 11–14, Machining Transformation (MX) was the omnipresent highlight, including Technology Integration, Automation solutions, Digital Transformation (DX), and Green Transformation (GX). 

In the fast, cost-effective, sustainable future, smart software is paving the way to optimized production and improved decision making. Digital technology and smart software have already transformed the machining industry with unprecedented access to actionable data for better results in less time. With a wealth of data generated from production processes of all kinds, shops need to understand how to use that data to their advantage. Now, progressive manufacturers can move toward even greater benefits with software that fulfills the promises of Industry 4.0.

The closed-loop concept has become widespread in recent years, especially in relation to the Industry 4.0 concept. The term “closed loop” will be used herein to refer to the pairing of specifications and checking (Figure 1) which all ISO standards, starting with ISO 1, the “mother” of all standards, use in relation to GPS (Geometrical Product Specifications).

It’s little wonder there’s more and more interest in the potential of lights-out or unattended production. The benefits seem immediately obvious. Staffing costs fall significantly if you can run equipment unsupervised, or with far fewer operators. Production capacity of the business greatly increases, offering the opportunity to add more customers without the expense of adding new equipment or staff.

Leela AI will present a webinar – Visual Intelligence for Industry 4.0 – to demonstrate Leela Platform on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 12 p.m Eastern time.