The proverb “time is money” applies to almost every profession today, but especially to manufacturing, and certainly to CNC machining. Lights-out facilities are becoming more prevalent, and the importance of active controls with automated feedback is growing, too.
Recently, I walked through the premier U.S. exposition featuring world class manufacturers of measuring systems in Chicago and modular fixturing is now even more popular than ever. I guess the concept is now a proven “missing link” and wrestling with parts and work holding challenges are nearly a thing of the past.
Let’s see a show of hands. Does everyone here know what modular tooling/fixturing is by now? If yes, are you an advocate yet? If no, why not? Still think it’s not good enough? Just Tinker Toy, Erector Set or Legos? Well, think again.
NRL partners teams of middle school, high school, and post-secondary school students with local NTMA manufacturers to build robots designed to do battle.