Manufacturing: Automation, Multitasking Trends Continue To See Demand

Manufacturing Engineering recently sat down with two imX eXperience partners to discuss manufacturing trends and the future of the industry. Both topics will be salient to imX. The article appears in the August 2011 issue and features interviews with Dan Janka, President of MAG IAS, LLC and Tomo Ishibe, President and CEO, FANUC FA America. Read a portion of the interview below:

Manufacturing Engineering: What is the market asking for with regard to new machine tool technology?

Dan Janka: We regard the machine tool platform as the basis for any complete solution for our customers. It’s critical that machine tool technology is dynamically designed to enable high-precision and high-speed machining that optimizes processes to reduce overall cycle time.

Tomo Ishibe: In the last ten or fifteen years, we have focused on high-speed machining. In fact, that was my focus when I was a software engineer working in the FANUC laboratory. Today, that is still true, with the addition of five-axis machining and multitasking machining.

ME: What educational activities are you planning for imX?

Janka: We’ll highlight real-world cryogenic machining for difficult-to-machine materials like titanium, Inconel, hardened steel and CGI. We’ll also feature multifunction machining of extremely large parts, and tie in the importance of volumetric accuracy in production of large, high-precision complex parts.

Ishibe: Our goal at imX is to educate end users, machine tool builders, and distributors on how the integration of cutting edge CNC and robotic technologies can increase their productivity. One important point that will be discussed in our learning labs at imX is that our newest technology provides the most cost-effective solution when measured by the total cost of ownership (TCO) and life cycle of machines.

ME: What outcomes do you expect from imX? Janka: We’re looking for quality interaction with our customers and manufacturers that will lead to a much greater influence in their investment decisions as they look to improve their productivity. We’re looking to not only inform and provide meaningful ideas about our innovations, but we’re looking forward to closer ties, especially when they make future inquiries.

ME: How has FANUC recovered from the recent tragic events in Japan?

Ishibe: FANUC HQ executives worked quickly and diligently with each of our component suppliers and were able to secure a sufficient inventory of components by the beginning of June. Additionally, FANUC FA America sources quality components locally which also minimized the impact of any parts shortage.

Manufacturing: Automation, Multitasking Trends Continue To See Demand

Manufacturing Engineering sat down with two imX eXperience partners to discuss manufacturing trends and the future of the industry. Both topics will be salient to imX. The article appears in the August 2011 issue and features interviews with Dan Janka, President of MAG IAS, LLC and Tomo Ishibe, President and CEO, FANUC FA America. Read a portion of the interview below:

Manufacturing Engineering: What is the market asking for with regard to new machine tool technology?

Dan Janka: We regard the machine tool platform as the basis for any complete solution for our customers. It’s critical that machine tool technology is dynamically designed to enable high-precision and high-speed machining that optimizes processes to reduce overall cycle time.

Tomo Ishibe: In the last ten or fifteen years, we have focused on high-speed machining. In fact, that was my focus when I was a software engineer working in the FANUC laboratory. Today, that is still true, with the addition of five-axis machining and multitasking machining.

ME: What educational activities are you planning for imX?

Janka: We’ll highlight real-world cryogenic machining for difficult-to-machine materials like titanium, Inconel, hardened steel and CGI. We’ll also feature multifunction machining of extremely large parts, and tie in the importance of volumetric accuracy in production of large, high-precision complex parts.

Ishibe: Our goal at imX is to educate end users, machine tool builders, and distributors on how the integration of cutting edge CNC and robotic technologies can increase their productivity. One important point that will be discussed in our learning labs at imX is that our newest technology provides the most cost-effective solution when measured by the total cost of ownership (TCO) and life cycle of machines.

ME: What outcomes do you expect from imX? Janka: We’re looking for quality interaction with our customers and manufacturers that will lead to a much greater influence in their investment decisions as they look to improve their productivity. We’re looking to not only inform and provide meaningful ideas about our innovations, but we’re looking forward to closer ties, especially when they make future inquiries.

ME: How has FANUC recovered from the recent tragic events in Japan?

Ishibe: FANUC HQ executives worked quickly and diligently with each of our component suppliers and were able to secure a sufficient inventory of components by the beginning of June. Additionally, FANUC FA America sources quality components locally which also minimized the impact of any parts shortage.

The countdown to imX is on!

It’s hard to believe that imX is only a couple of months away. After years of planning, we are getting ready to head to Las Vegas for an event like no other, an “invitation only” event created by the industry and created just for you.

If you have already been invited and confirmed as an eXecutive guest, you will be receiving personalized correspondence that will help you build your plan for this event. You can also see all the latest developments.

If you haven’t yet registered for this event, you need to act quickly and apply to join imX as soon as possible. You can click on this link to apply imXevent.com/apply

One of the commitments we made early on – based on your feedback – was to ensure that this event focused on “relevant and implementable” learning. You wanted to leave imX with information that could immediately help your operations. You wanted the learning to happen right on the event floor, and you wanted to meet with the experts.

There was no question of the importance of education at this event. From demonstrations to hands-on learning to client testimonials and case studies, you wanted to see, hear and learn all in one place, at one time.

It’s important that you know that the imX executive committee and our partners have worked diligently to create this unique education program that provides every imX guest with FREE and total access to all the learning available at imX. This includes all keynote presentations, the interactive Industry Panels, more than 100 sessions in the 8 dedicated Learning Labs and more than 40 unique sessions hosted by our industry experts in the Knowledge Bars.

Again, there are no registration fees associated with any of these programs for imX invited guests. Your investment is your time and your commitment to ensuring your organization’s and youy industry’s future.

We can’t wait to see you at imX.

Please don’t hesitate to email me with any questions or comments that help us to continually improve your event at sprahalis@sme.org.

One more reminder – If you haven’t booked your room yet, please note that there is a limited number of rooms reserved at the Bellagio at the imX rate of $169/night. This rate includes no additional resort fees, free internet and unlimited complimentary transportation to and from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Click on imXevent.com/accommodations to reserve your room today.

Best regards.