The Benefits of Lights-Out Machining

25 Nov 08

With the squeeze being put onto manufacturing businesses accross the globe, every machine shop is looking for ways to cut costs and increase efficiency. Looking past the doom and gloom, a case can be argued that now more than ever is the right time for smart investments in technology to extract more from your existing capital equipment.

Untended machining can lead a shop down a short road to higher production, which of course should equate to higher profits and faster return on investment for its machines. Greater product demand in both domestic and international markets (and competition to land these jobs) is prompting an increase in automation and lights-out operations. Companies are working hard to find ways to get the most from their machines.

But untended machining is not as simple as just starting a job and walking away. Much preparation and planning must go into the process first. You need to consider the type of material being run and that there is an adequate supply of consistently sized stock loaded in the bar feeder. Accurate forecasting of tool wear and proper tool monitoring should be in place to ensure quality parts. And accessories such as chip conveyors, mist collectors, coolant delivery and fire suppressant systems should be installed and correctly maintained.

A useful investments for enabling confidence in lights-out operation is a laser tool setter for your milling machine. The laser constantly checks the tool for excess wear and breakage. If either occur the machine can be stopped automatically saving any wasted machine running time.

Investment in the right equipment and enhancements to your current machinery could provide the extra edge over your competitors you need to keep afloat.

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