Industries of all shapes and sizes are benefitting from an increase in data offered by sensors and manufacturing is no different. With different sensors being added throughout the manufacturing process, companies and their employees can now work smarter and more efficiently than before. The end result is a better-run and safer work environment that produces better results.
So where do sensors provide the most value? A recent article in Modern Machine Shop highlighted two key areas: toolpath optimization and energy optimization.
With toolpath optimization, sensors transmit data on load and temperature. This allows manufacturers to know how fast they can run certain combinations of machines and tools. Knowing when to speed up and when to slow down can greatly improve productivity. Sensors can also help manufacturers know when they are using a non-optimal tool path and provide the data needed to design a more optimized production approach.
By monitoring sensor data, users can also see spikes in load and when tools are most prone to breakage. This is a major advantage over the traditional method of ātuning by ear,ā which, while sometimes helpful, was never precise enough. Now with concrete and tangible data provided from sensors, manufacturers can make adjustments with real value instead of simply guessing at which changes result in the best outcomes.
The second area is energy optimization. Since manufacturers spend so much in energy, the ability to optimize use can mean the difference in being profitable or not. By monitoring energy use through sensors, businesses can tell when they use the most energy, where they can save on the amount they spend, and if it makes more sense to run certain machines in the evening or at night, depending on variable time pricing that impacts users in certain markets from coast to coast.
Sensors are all about helping businesses become smarter, and business owners should embrace sensors and the data they provide. At CNC Masters, we offer a full range of products to meet any lathe and milling needs. Check out our full inventory online, or call us today at 626-962-9300 to learn more.