5 Step Pre-Automation Checklist (Video)

With the potential for a 30% productivity increase or even more, there’s a strong incentive for automating CNC machining processes. But before you flip the switch on that robot, check out the surrounding tools and processes. If you address these areas first, you’ll create a very stable process, and automation will give you at least a 30% improvement in throughput.

5 Step Pre-Automation Checklist

Watch this video and learn about 5 key automation considerations that will minimize your process pains and boost your productivity gains:

1. Workholding: Is your workholding agile and adaptable for quick changing? And don’t forget to consider end-of-arm tooling.
2. Tool Management: Set up and staging of assemblies is important, and you can also get a big assist by creating an adaptive system via monitoring.
3. Gaging: Discover the importance of getting your CNC machining feedback back into the machine as quickly as possible.
4. Chip Control: Seems obvious, but worth repeating – if you have messy chips in your chuck, IT WILL STOP.
5. Material: To make automation work, make sure you have a solid infeed and outfeed system.

Need help checking these items off your list? Comment below, contact us, or there are several members of Partners in THINC who are ready to help.

Jeff Estes is Director of Partners in THINC, Okuma America Corporation