Production Machining

OCT 2017

Production Machining - Your access to the precision machining industrial buyer.

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created overnight can also cause backups. For lights-out production to run smoothly, the chip conveyor must be capable of handling all types and sizes of chips, as well as adequately filtering coolant. LNS SFcompact chip conveyor, for example, uses a self-cleaning filtering system to remove particles as small as 50 microns. For lights-out production using several workstations, another option is a 3D chip conveyor that moves chips from multiple machines through a piping system to central repositories either within or outside the factory. Preventive maintenance. Even the most reliable machinery requires routine maintenance. When it comes to lights-out production, keeping the machine tools and all peripheral equipment in optimum condition is a must. When a work cell goes down during the day, operators may be able to move production to another workstation, but a breakdown during lights-out stops production altogether. at's why it's important to have a preventive maintenance schedule in place and to buy equipment from an OEM that keeps an adequate inventory of replacement parts on hand plus has a staff of readily available service technicians. Remote monitoring. If nobody is around to address the failure of a work cell, a number of production problems can arise. LNS bar feeders constantly monitor the work cell and, via a built-in web server, can instantly send email trouble alerts if necessary. Standard machine status information messages that the system transmits include Availability, Mode, Machine State, Alarm State, Alarm ID and Alarm Description. Analytical data. In addition to the machine status infor- mation for remote monitoring, other data is available for use in refining operations and quantifying results. is data includes production information such as part number, part diameter, part length, production volume and remaining parts; machine data including machine type, machine SN and PLC SN; and statistics for total cycles and total time in automatic mode. ese data provide essential information used within Industry 4.0, MTConnect and the Industrial Internet of ings (IIoT). e e-Connect system can also work with proprietary machine tool data systems and provides customized data reporting, as requested. Documentation. Because lights-out requires a lot of pre-planning, once the process is perfected, it is wise to codify the plan, including specific instructions on how to set up the work cell for overnight production. is may include procedures for checking fluid levels, tool life monitors and ensuring adequate tooling is in place for extended, unattended operation. is document will be both a reference for current machine operators and a learning tool for new hires. For an informed decision for determining if lights-out is a good fit, a shop should consider the above points, then compare notes with other manufacturers who have implemented successful overnight, unattended produc- tion. Equipment suppliers who have established proven lights-out knowledge and experience can help lay the groundwork for a successful operation. For more information from LNS America Inc., call 513-528-5674 or visit lns-america.com. CONTRIBUTORS Kirby Gehrum is applications and technical support, CMTSE, and Randy Lew is is soft ware and systems control manager at LNS America Inc. Here's another article on this topic: Choosing an Automatic Bar Feeder e bar feeder is the most common form of automation for turning operations. Selecting the right one requires consideration of the applications for which it will be used. LINK :: short.productionmachining.com/bfeed Preparing for Lights-Out productionmachining.com :: 35

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