CNC Machining Automation – Best Practices for Flexibility, Resilience, and Profitability

Field-proven ways with automation technologies to produce small, high-mix batches economically by combining the efficiencies of physical movement, process integration, production planning, and employee engagement.

Nathan Turner, president of FASTEMS LLC, discusses CNC Machining Automation – Best Practices for Flexibility, Resilience, and Profitability

Today’s manufacturing operations are complex with ever increasing product variants along with fast changes in demand and lead time requirements. Further, as CNC machining is evolving towards ‘done-in-one’ processes and the supportive device and data system integrations become more common, the necessity for smart operations planning is of paramount importance. Compounding those constant conditions are the sustainability and skilled labor challenges. Establishing a production environment that is resilient and flexible is the goal, but what are the best ways to achieve that? How does a manufacturer build in flexibility, yet also profitability? The short answer: with the proper tools and mindset. Turner presents field-proven ways to produce small, high-mix batches economically by combining the efficiencies of physical movement, process integration, production planning, and employee engagement.

Learn about:

• The three building blocks for economical batch manufacturing: automating physical movements, production planning, and process integration
• How to automate multi-functional machine tools and even integrate secondary operations such as finishing, washing, and metrology
• The emerging and exciting automation technologies, including AGVs, 3D printing, and 5G connectivity
• How factory automation helps attract and keep talented employees