2019 Event Schedule

Hear from George Barnych an independent consultant currently developing a new manufacturing automation cell concept at the University of New Hampshire’s John Olson Advanced Manufacturing Center.  Barnych has developed a low risk entry option for small and medium manufacturers wanting to adopt IIoT and automation and is currently integrating an industrial scale CNC machine tool and robotics demonstration of the concept at UNH. The keys to the concept rely on a multi-use CNC layout, an open standard based IIoT system that connects directly to machines and PLCs and a newly developed, no cost, open source cell controller capable of lights out automation.

Most manufacturers agree that digitally connected systems and machines will determine who survives in the coming decades of data-driven analytics and automation. The toughest decision is knowing how to get started. With so many options and so many products, it’s difficult to know if you’re making the right long-term choices, however, waiting is not the answer. The key is to first invest in a standards-based IIoT “backbone” that enables two-way communication between systems in a manner that synchronizes all the data with respect to time regardless of whether the systems are proprietary, home grown or open source. The two-way communication not only enables data collection for analytics and machine learning but serves as the command structure for controlling automation at the cell level. Once the backbone is installed, each individual manufacturer can tune their data driven systems to ideally suit their operations regardless of specialty or diversity.

Hear from W. Scott Tobey on the advantages of deep learning for quality control in a casual, knowledge bar session in the SME ZONE at SOUTHTEC.

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We’re in the midst of Industry 4.0 – the fourth industrial revolution. As the digitization of our world continues, where does CAM fit? Don Davies, Vice President of North American Sales at DP Technology, will tackle this question and others during an engaging talk. Learn why CAM is the hub of automation, filling the important gaps in smart manufacturing.

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This presentation will describe the application of artificial intelligence to machining. The innovation is the combination of data-driven and physics-based models to provide hybrid physics-guided data learning approaches that improve the accuracy of model predictions. The research capitalizes on the adoption of the digital thread that links a part’s solid model that is developed using CAD software, CNC instructions produced using CAM software, and the digital twin, which accompanies the part throughout its lifetime.

Aaron LaLonde of SLM Solutions discusses alloy development for additive manufacturing during a knowledge bar presentation at SOUTHTEC.

Buying new equipment or expanding factory footprints are two ways of making manufacturers more productive. There is also a complimentary way of achieving that same goal: data driven manufacturing, using Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology, that is drawing information directly from the machines, people and ERP systems to accurately optimize operations. The impact of data driven manufacturing is much more than merely knowing whether or not machines are in cycle. Data driven manufacturing involves the capture and collection of real-time machine data and the transformation of that data into useful, readable business and operational information that enables employees to do their jobs better, and increase key production metrics including availability, quality, performance, and throughput.

• Understand the (5) steps to success with data driven manufacturing – Connect / Visualize / Analyze / Optimize / Monetize
• Learn what is required to make a data driven manufacturing implementation successful
• Comprehend the value proposition data driven manufacturing offers
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to create the factory of the future

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This lunch and learn presentation will focus on eliminating waste within customer value streams utilizing Greenleaf’s engineered solutions. These solutions include standard and special tooling that provide customers with higher productivity and help them meet cost-saving initiatives.

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Cost is the largest issue gating the adoption of metal AM for serial production. Machine build volume, number of lasers, powder layer thickness and part build orientation all have a major impact on the economics of 3D printing. This presentation will address these topics and share practical considerations to optimize machine productivity and reduce production costs.

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Hear from Jeffrey DeGrange on the composites additive manufacturing technology overview during a knowledge bar presentation at SOUTHTEC.

Cybersecurity is a concern in manufacturing. All manufacturing organizations must manage cybersecurity risks. This presentation will help manufacturers develop strategies to manage cybersecurity risks.

Today’s end-of-arm-tooling (EoAT) is the key to smarter automation adoption and optimizing processes and growing your business with greater flexibility, higher output and improved quality. Collaborative robot arms (“cobots”) have leveled the playing field for small and mid-sized manufacturers as collaborative automation has become a versatile, cost-effective and user-friendly technology that allows businesses of almost any size (and any level of technical expertise) to increase productivity, improve quality and respond more nimbly to changing customer demands. But while cobots have become easier to buy and implement, they’re only part of the equation.

The robot itself can’t do any work without end-of-arm tooling (EoAT) such as grippers, sensors, and other automation peripherals. With new EoAT technology advances, small and mid-sized manufacturers can now automate even more processes, including those that require the delicacy and precision of human fingers along with the repeatability and productivity of a robot. Smarter and more versatile robotic tools, or EOAT — sensors, grippers and quick changers —empower robots to take over repetitive tasks, freeing them to handle adaptive, higher-precision and more intelligent applications that in the past were too complex to automate. More importantly, these advanced tools enable collaborative applications that allow workers and robots to operate safely side by side due to the user-friendly nature, intuitive programming and safety features of EOAT-fitted robots.

Hear from James Stewart of Stratasys how additive manufacturing can aid in jigs and fixtures in manufacturing in a knowledge bar session at SOUTHTEC.

This presentation will cover the machine tool construction characteristics necessary for the types of materials to be machined, including the toolpath generation options, the various workholding considerations, new cutting tool advancements, the application of probing routines, implementation of artifacts to confirm the CMM results and machine performance similarities, and corrective actions. Perhaps most importantly in light of trends – automation – part flow analysis, balanced process control, and parts scheduling techniques will also be covered.

The state of modern manufacturing is becoming highly reliant on new industry concepts such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0. The University of South Carolina’s neXt research group has created lab spaces dedicated to the development of future factories and the exploration of emerging technologies. The neXt Future Factories Lab is an integrated environment meant to leverage the resources of industry and academia for the validation of current standards, the conception of new research paths, and the training of future factory employees. Working in conjunction with industry partners, a multi-robot manufacturing platform is being built with the goal of incorporating novel new technologies such as virtual commissioning, artificial intelligence, next generation IoT, and predictive maintenance. In service of this, the Office of Economic Engagement (OEE) has created an environment for the neXt platform to begin meeting the demands of industry. The University of South Carolina created the OEE, led by Industry Expert and Entrepreneur Bill Kirkland, to create a one stop shop for corporations, government, entrepreneurs and innovators to connect to the people, assets, and intellectual property of the flagship University for the State of South Carolina. The mission of OEE is to be the partner of choice for true wealth and value creation in the areas of Health Care, Advanced Manufacturing/ Supply Chain, Cyber Security, and Aerospace.

Greg Calabria of ZEISS discusses geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) during a knowledge bar session at SOUTHTEC.

Lubrication and the machining industry have always had a very strong relationship with one another. No matter the operation, whether it is milling, drilling, turning, or sawing, with certain materials, there is always going to be a need for coolant or lubrication. The industry standard has accepted metal working fluids for nearly all applications, even though, it is known to potentially create health risks along with environmental complications. Metal working fluids have been viewed as the only solution to the problem, however, this is no longer the case! With Minimum Quantity Lubrication, the use of these possibly dangerous chemicals can be completely removed from the machining process. MQL is the way of the future, providing the right amount of lubrication between tools and workpieces while removing the potential dangers that were once faced with utilizing metalworking fluids. Additionally, MQL has proven to significantly increase both production and quality. Join us in the movement to improve the machining industry by learning about the numerous benefits that MQL has to offer.

SME members and those interested in membership are invited to attend the SME President’s Reception in the SME ZONE on Tuesday, October 22.

As a thank you for your SOUTHTEC participation, please join us at the MT Series Mixer in the SME ZONE on Tuesday, October 22. Relax and network with fellow attendees and exhibitors at the conclusion of the first show day.

This full-day seminar will focus on how major manufacturers and suppliers have transformed their operations by embracing additive manufacturing (AM) with a focus on the applications used to produce production-ready parts. Hear how the applications used in AM are ever changing and how metals, polymers and advanced composites are utilized in a variety of AM technologies. At the seminar, industry experts will be on hand to discuss how they are implementing the technology and present various case studies with real life examples of how AM is transforming traditional manufacturing.

Please note: A separate registration fee is required for this seminar.

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With a reputation as an accurate, straightforward economist and author, Alan Beaulieu has been delivering award-winning workshops and economic analysis seminars in countries across the world to thousands of business owners and executives for the last 25 years. He will provide a practical and insightful guide on increasing profits through business cycle changes.

US and global economic trends are shifting, and uncertainty is growing. Observing those shifts, understanding them and setting realistic expectations for the remainder of 2019 and for 2020 will empower attendees to be keenly aware of the changes taking place in the economy and in their marketplace. Beaulieu will talk about industry trends, labor, tariffs, tax law, interest rates, Modern Monetary Theory, and the growing need to invest in technology. Thinking and planning for changes before they become a reality is key to being successful throughout the business cycle. Attend and learn from Beaulieu what leading indicators are predicting, what this means for budgets and cash planning, and what you can do about it. He will also take a closer look at the 2020s and the opportunities and potential problems that may occur.

Hear from EOS North America’s Jon Walker about additive manufacturing in the automotive industry during a knowledge bar session at SOUTHTEC.

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If you are struggling to select and implement the right digital technologies with an acceptable ROI while containing manufacturing costs, the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) may be able to help. From numerous plant visits and current pilot projects with SC manufactures across industry verticals, we’ve identified key digital technologies to impact manufacturing KPI’s. Although, the approach to implement Industry 4.0 varies among companies, SCRA has a unique opportunity to benchmark innovation best practices and to share digital transformation strategies and tactics that are getting results in factories across the state.

Working with technology firms to pilot, implement and scale new technologies can be disruptive and risky for manufacturers. SCRA helps to facilitate technology transfer by scouting and vetting small technology firms, de-risking trials of new products and technology services through pilot projects, and guiding start-ups how to work with manufacturers to deliver and implement technology solutions.

Join us in the SOUTHTEC Smart Manufacturing Hub as we share use cases and lessons learned to help you compete in the race to innovate and implement digital technologies that meet your ROI.

Moderator: Lee MacIlwinen, Investment Manager, SCRA

Panelists: Noel Bylina, SeeDaten; Scott Tobey, FSI Advanced Research; Rick Oppedisano, Delta Bravo

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This presentation will explain how the application of digital technology will fundamentally transform the machine shop of the future. Learn how to easily implement automated data acquisition and analysis techniques and how this will drive resource efficiency and utilization improvements for all areas of your shop, from planning through verification.

Learning Objectives
• Realize the payoffs of data for end-to-end value stream efficiency through cyber-physical systems
• Understand how to implement digital technologies through all stages of the machining process
• Use data to provide insight to your operation and make real-time adjustments

Why Is It Important?
Globalization, urbanization and changing demographic trends bring challenges to the manufacturing industry. But these trends also bring opportunities for digitalization to increase levels of automation, reduce waste and improved cost and quality control. To remain competitive, today’s manufacturers need to identify and remove key sources of waste along the machining value chain.

Hear from Ralton Emory of SME discuss the advantages of a corporate SME membership during a knowledge bar session at SOUTHTEC.

Cost is the largest issue gating the adoption of metal AM for serial production. Machine build volume, number of lasers, powder layer thickness and part build orientation all have a major impact on the economics of 3D printing. This presentation will address these topics and share practical considerations to optimize machine productivity and reduce production costs.

Sponsored by:     

An inherent design flaw in CAT or V-Flange tooling causes vibration and chatter, run-out, poor finishes, poor tolerances, non-repeatability, shortened tool life and excessive spindle wear and tear. JM Performance will describe how the problem can be identified in any shop and explain the causes. This presentation will illustrate how all these issues cost money and negatively affect production.

EOS’s first customer was BMW in the late 1980s and rapid prototyping was born. In the 30 years since then, aerospace and medical have been the lighthouses transitioning 3D printing into additive manufacturing. Over the last 18 months, rapid prototyping’s original customers have created one of the busiest growth areas. The advanced transportation segment is now poised to lead the AM revolution toward high volume serial production and Industry 4.0. With unique challenges relating to cost per part, limited availability of accepted industry materials, and volumes not previously thought possible with AM, the automotive segment is succeeding against all odds. EOS will guide you on a journey explaining what economic and technical changes have occurred to spur this transformation. This presentation will explain which “non-traditional” auto materials are being chosen and why, which styles of machines are being used, and the use cases currently in production. The customers highlighted in this presentation will include Daimler-Benz, BMW Group AG, GM, and Volkswagen Group AG.

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David Lewandowski discusses aerospace and the machining of high temperature alloys during a knowledge bar session at SOUTHTEC.

3D vision enables robots to recognize and pick up randomly positioned objects straight from a bin. Automating your processes using this object-recognition technology represents an effective way of increasing productivity and reducing costs on a vast range of general material handling applications. No matter whether you are dealing with loose, mixed and irregular items or sacks and bags, equipping a robot with 3D vision provides an efficient handling solution that can be quickly adapted to manage different products in accordance with your order books. With grippers suited to every possible handling eventuality, this kind of flexibility extends to depalletizing, bin picking, sorting and machine tending regardless of the objects involved.

Industry 4.0 is here. Join Ellison Technologies as Jeff Lage discusses what it means, why it matters and how it benefits you. Topics will include: smart, connected and unattended machining; maximizing your productivity (OEE); process improvement with automatic feedback; and integrating, inspection and automation.

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SME Education Foundation’s Rob Luce talks about developing a pipeline of skilled trades talent in your community during a knowledge bar session at SOUTHTEC.

The dramatic breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) are not what it can do, but who can now use it. Ready-to-run platforms like Microsoft’s Azure AI now allow small and mid-size companies to streamline processes and workflows by discovering patterns and relationships in in their data, content, and images. Kevin Seefried will present case-study examples that demonstrate how companies are leveraging today’s low-cost AI platforms to solve real-world business problems.

This discussion will cover a number of different gearing technologies that can and should be used in the world of automation using servo driven gearboxes. Many engineers working in this field have predominantly an electrical and controls background and typically have very limited knowledge related to mechanical gearing. Planetary gearboxes are the most common designs used in automation, not because they are the best tech available, but because they were the only type of gearing technology initially offered in the automation world. This discussion will review a variety of gearing technology and why they may be a better choice than a typical planetary for a given application.

DieQua has been in the business of mechanical power transmission for 39 years. Over the past 15+ years we have developed an extensive offering of gearboxes and gearing technology specifically for the automation world. Every servo application is unique. Let our extensive knowledge and experience help you make the proper selection of gearing technology. Let DieQua be your mechanical engineering partner.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has long been a buzzword, but innovative companies are now leveraging data from machines and sensors to save money and create competitive advantage. Rick Oppedisano is the CEO of Delta Bravo, an AI company whose technology platform has enabled companies like Rolls Royce, Toyota, AccuWeather and more turn raw data into production AI capability. Oppedisano will discuss some common use cases and go in-depth on a recent project with Rolls Royce that could save $100 million. He will also share best practices and lessons learned to help you avoid pitfalls and ensure success in machine learning/AI projects.

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Regarded as the most versatile process in the world, waterjet systems allow fabricators to take on any manner of work. The manufacturing industry is undergoing a transformation, and new technologies are consistently pushing boundaries on what we can make and how. Bruno Cicirello will discuss how waterjet technology continues to benefit customers, using several smart approaches to maximize performance which includes productivity, cost, and accuracy driving significant gains in the manufacturing industry.

• An overview of waterjet technology and how it works in a fabricator’s shop
• Streamlining your workflow with waterjet
• How acceleration is a key factor when evaluating technology capabilities
• The industry shift from break-fix to preventative maintenance

Today’s manufacturers are under pressure to shorten lead-times and reduce costs more than ever before and are increasingly adopting data-driven manufacturing to achieve these goals. However, it is not enough for manufacturers to just monitor machines to achieve maximum efficiency and profitability. They must also ensure shop floor data is collected automatically, and in real-time, and then must analyze and act appropriately upon the data collected. In this presentation, MEMEX will use actual case studies to discuss a strategy for monetizing real-time shop floor data that is rooted in a pragmatic repeatable approach, focused on the business case and expected outcome.

• Realize how easy it is to implement a data-driven manufacturing solution

• Understand the (5) steps to Success with data-driven manufacturing – Connect / Visualize / Analyze / Optimize / Monetize

• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to create the factory of the future

• Comprehend the value proposition data-driven manufacturing offers

Hear from Ralton Emory about why an SME membership has its advantage in an casual, knowledge bar session in the SME ZONE at SOUTHTEC.

Spiro invites the sales teams from SOUTHTEC’s exhibitors to take a break from “being on” and have a drink on us. We’ll spend a few minutes talking about how sales teams at manufacturing companies are rethinking their relationship with technology and reshaping their sales process, thanks to artificial intelligence. And then we’ll share a drink and network with sales peers before you return to customer and prospect meetings.

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Join us on Wednesday, October 23 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for the SOUTHTEC Social, presented by Morris South. The SOUTHTEC Social is an engaging social/networking event taking place at select prime locations around downtown Greenville.

Locations: NOSE DIVE, Carolina Ale House, Connolly’s Irish Pub

Take a short walk to each of these unique restaurants in Greenville’s vibrant downtown district. At each location enjoy appetizers and a drink while networking with other SOUTHTEC attendees. Reconnect with old friends, make new contacts and meet others in the Southeastern manufacturing community — all within the comforts of a laid back lifestyle.

Cost: $50 (includes one drink per location and appetizers)

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Inspiring the Next Generation Manufacturing Workforce

More than 200 high school students from the surrounding area will descend upon The International Centre to attend the SME Education Foundation Student Summit event at SOUTHTEC. The Student Summit event series delivers student-centric programming, hands-on challenges and competitions, technology demonstrations, and guided show-floor tours at SME conferences and trade shows across the country.

The Student Drone Challenge

The goal during the challenge is for students to fly, configure, reverse engineer, design, build and code drones. Student teams compete against each other while learning about integrating hardware and software systems. Most importantly, they’ll experience the clean and high-tech manufacturing process that is often overlooked while exploring the role of a mechanical engineer and drone pilot.

Guided Show-Floor Tour and Technology Demonstrations

Students and educators will discover new manufacturing technologies, processes, innovations and educational opportunities as they interact with manufacturing exhibitors during a guided tour of the SOUTHTEC show floor.

Student-Centric Industry Experts

Students will gain perspectives on manufacturing technologies, career pathways and the industry from notable industry speakers during each opening session of the Student Summit event series at SOUTHTEC.

For information about speaking at or attending an SME Education Foundation Student Summit, please contact Sandy Wilton at swilton@sme.org.

Hear from Dr. Christopher Saldana, an associate professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. His research has been supported by a number of industry entities and government agencies (e.g., DOE, DMDII, NIST, ARO, NSF, DARPA, ARL, etc.).

Sensors are changing our world everywhere. Broad band connectivity makes the data from these sensors available at our fingertips. A similar scenario is evolving in the manufacturing sector, where sensors are used throughout manufacturing operations and on virtually all manufacturing systems and equipment. This talk discusses the availability and utility of sensors on the manufacturing floor, and how such information is being used to improve productivity, quality and profitability via integration into cyber physical systems in the digital manufacturing sector. The presentation will also provide some insight into the direction that sensor utilization is heading in the manufacturing workspace, and the types of opportunities and value propositions that they will enable in the very near future. This new area will revolutionize manufacturing operations from the production floor to the global supply chain, and there is no end in sight in terms of the opportunities and benefits.

Noel Bylina discusses how to on-board and retain talent using reality/augmented reality/mixed reality to deliver meaningful manufacturing knowledge.

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Engaging the future talent pipeline needs to start earlier. But how? Find out from our panel of key players in the manufacturing space. Representatives from Honda, Michelin, and Cummins will discuss what they’re doing to connect with Generation Z (born between 1995-2015) in this digital age. Topics will include traditional vs. digital marketing strategies, how the manufacturing industry is currently perceived by young people, and the best ways to communicate with them (hint: you have 7 seconds to make an impression). The panel will be moderated by Casey Welch, the CEO and Co-Founder of Tallo, a digital connection platform and app with 500,000+ users and 400+ company, college and organization partners.

This session will cover how the integration of a single digital workflow can reduce cost, time and complexity for manufacturers.

Today’s employers face many challenges finding great new hires. It seems like all companies are hiring from the same small pool of applicants. Retaining good employees can also be tough. Employees change jobs looking for challenges and opportunity often leaving a hole in your manufacturing process. This panel will discuss how companies can take an active role in workforce development. The panel will look at how schools, industry and vendors can work together to develop a strong workforce by setting up “life-long” training strategies that attract, grow and retain employees.

This panel will discuss how Tri-County, Mastercam, CamInstructor and Haas have been working together to help students go from learning Mastercam in school to building great careers in industry. How everyone works together to create opportunity for employees to encourage employers to formulate creative and aggressive approaches to manpower development and manufacturing efficiency.

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Jon Sweeney of Tooling U-SME discusses five tips to increase employee retention during a knowledge bar session at SOUTHTEC.

Generative design can be used to create load optimized, large scale industrial structures such as automotive chassis, architectural beams and trusses. Generative optimized designs are often 3D printed at small scale, however large-scale hybrid metal additive manufacturing provides opportunity to produce these designs for industrial applications. This presentation will explain how to use generative optimization, apply the result to large scale hybrid metal additive manufacturing and produce an industrial scale optimized architecture.

Hear from Todd Smith on how Michelin’s secret operations created a major player in metal additive manufacturing in a knowledge bar session at SOUTHTEC.

When it comes to their digital presence, many manufacturers are falling behind. Digital ROI is quickly outpacing that of traditional marketing methods, and maintaining a competitive advantage is no longer possible without a focus on digital. Stoney deGeyter will discuss where digital marketing is headed in 2020, comparing it with the costs and ROI of traditional advertising. This presentation will also provide valuable tips and strategies that manufacturers need to be using today in order to stay competitive tomorrow.