Automation Basics – An Introduction
Automation basics: The term automation is derived from the Greek root words of ‘Auto’, meaning “self”, and ‘Matos’, meaning “moving”. So, automation can be described
Automation basics: The term automation is derived from the Greek root words of ‘Auto’, meaning “self”, and ‘Matos’, meaning “moving”. So, automation can be described
Every designer or engineer, no matter their background or industry, has at some point run into the critical question, “How can I stick this thing
A correctly designed and implemented injection moulding is a very efficient and cost-effective piece of plastic manufacturing. They allow the creation of individual parts which are identical in
CNC milling is the most common fabrication method for professional prototyping, scaling well into the low- to mid-volume levels and sometimes higher. As with any
As automation continues to enter into manufacturing plants, on both the operation and machining sides, it is important to understand how education will impact the
Before prototyping or manufacturing a product, it is important to consider all the different manufacturing processes which are available, as well as the strengths and
Anodizing is an electrolytic surface treatment most commonly used with aluminium components. It creates a hard, durable, corrosion-resistant, non-conductive, and often reflective oxide finish on
There are a number of ways flat strip components can be produced, generally depending on the volume required. When a small number of components are
Process Advantages Engineered blow molding offers a highly versatile process for fabricating parts. Effective designs for its blow molding take advantage of the inherent advantages
Electro-Discharge Machining (EDM) is machining with sparks. The work-piece is held in a jig submerged in a dielectric fluid such as kerosene. A power supply
Here’s a useful table of tolerance and surface roughness achievable with cutting and machining process (collectively termed “material removal processes” or “Subtractive Manufacturing“). More useful
Injection moulding is one of the most common manufacturing methods to produce thin-wall engineered parts. Development of moulds that produce high quality parts is a
Laser Beam Machining: A coherent beam of monochromatic light is focused on the workpiece causing material removal by vaporisation. Machines are generally CAD/CAM compatible, with
Wire EDM (Wire Electro Discharge Machining, or WEDM) involves a continuously spooling conductive wire (the most widely used is brass). A power supply generates rapid electric
The tool, which is a negative of the workpiece, is vibrated at around 20KHz with and amplitude of between 0.013mm and 0.1mm in abrasive slurry
Plasma Arc Cutting is a metal cutting process that uses a high temperature stream of ionised gas through a water-cooled nozzle at very high velocity.
This is a great 9 page PDF entitled “BendWorks: the fine art of Sheet Metal Bending”. This is a basic guide to the main processes
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