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.
neXt | Future Factories: Applied Research with Industry Partners at U of SC
5 Steps to Success: Cashing in on the Promise of Data-Driven Manufacturing
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
Gearboxes for Automation – Different Gearing Technology and Why You Should Use Them
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.
Smarter Automation Adoption from Collaborative Robots to Collaborative Applications
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.
Fueling Continuous Improvement with Real-Time Data – The Underlying ROI/Business Case
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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CAM’s Role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
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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Industry 4.0 & You
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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Advanced Mobility – The Next AM Revolution
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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Productive Metal AM: Reducing Cost Per Part
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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Productive Metal AM: Reducing Cost Per Part
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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Race to Innovate and Implement Digital Technologies that Meet Your ROI
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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