Process improvement holds the spotlight at the upcoming Motion, Drive & Automation North America (MDA North America), co-located with IMTS and taking place September 12-17, 2016, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The show offers attendees opportunities to discover the latest advances in process improvement and shifts to single sourcing from a variety of exhibitors, including Bimba Corporation, Hiwin Corporation and SolidCAM.
The show, which doubled in size from 2014, provides a networking hub of electrical and mechanical power transmission and control, hydraulics and pneumatics. "As in every area of manufacturing, the impact of technology and the quest for improvement continues to ignite change," said a spokesperson.
Process Improvement through Technology Advancements
The blending of software with equipment presents new ways for manufacturers to monitor performance and improve quality.
"As manufacturers continue to add smart technologies to their equipment, many opportunities exist to improve process efficiency, reduce downtime and increase product quality. However, just because you have more data does not mean you are going to make better decisions," said Jeremy King, Product Marketing Manager, Sensing Technologies, Bimba Corporation. "Manufacturers need to partner with suppliers that not only provide new and different data but also provide actionable insights into their equipment."
"Manufacturers are looking to do more with less to keep competitive," said Shaun Mymudes, COO, SolidCAM. "In the CNC world, this trend means that more and more multi-axis and mill turn machines are being purchased, eliminating the need for multiple set-ups or several different CNC machines. We have been focused on getting the most output from these machines with the easiest programming."
Shift to Simpler Sourcing
In addition to process improvement, MDA North America will offer the latest solutions to help manufacturers optimize their sourcing approach.
"The number of requests for out-of-the-box solutions has increased. Sourcing components from multiple vendors can save money if you have time and can work with integrating components," said Shawn Lawrence, Product Marketing Manager, Hiwin Corporation. "To save time and increase dependability, many buyers now look to their vendors to be a single source for components such as motors, drives and sensors. Motion control manufacturers are working to integrate more components into single systems and integrated sensors for preventative maintenance and safety."
"Many U.S. and Canadian companies are finding that the perceived advantages of outsourcing to Asia do not come to reality," said Mymudes. "To solve this, more companies are buying machines to do their own parts and molds."
Latest Trends Available at MDA North America
Show attendees can learn more about advances in process improvement and the growing number of options for single sourcing, including:
- Bimba Corporation will show the recently introduced IntelliSense, a technology platform combining sensors and software to deliver real-time performance data for pneumatic actuators. "What makes IntelliSense unique is the focus on the actuator - the parts of the machine doing the work vs. a macro level approach to monitoring," said a company spokesperson.
- Hiwin Corporation will present its recently introduced KK single axis robot that combines both ballscrew and guideway to achieve better performance on accuracy, stiffness, rapid installation and space savings. The optimized U-rail both guides the movement and serves as a structural component when assembled into a multi-axis motion system.
- SolidCAM will feature innovative steel and hard material live CNC mill cutting to showcase its iMachining technology. A wizard takes the guesswork out of optimizing each CNC program by providing optimal CNC machine settings like feeds, speeds and depth of cut.
"With so much change occurring in power transmission, hydraulics and pneumatics, it is no small challenge to keep up with trends and best practices," said Larry Turner, President/CEO of Hannover Fairs USA, a subsidiary of Deutsche Messe, the organizer of HANNOVER MESSE. "The dynamic program at MDA North America 2016 on the tradeshow floor as well as the conference program will provide a wealth of resources and solutions on today's big changes."
According to surveys conducted in 2014 at IMTS, Industrial Automation North America and MDA North America, 86% of visitors found solutions to specific manufacturing problems, 85% planned to make a purchase within one year and 64% initiated new business contacts.
For more information contact:
Industrial Technology Events North America
www.industrialtechnology.events