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FABTECH® 2016: Closing the loop

An underlying theme pervaded this year’s FABTECH® show in Las Vegas. Industry panelists referred to it repeatedly, as did conference presenters and quite a few exhibitors. What were they all talking about?

It wasn’t specifically about new laser technology, though the show had plenty: Mazak Optonics introduced one flat sheet and one tube cutting system with new direct-diode technology, a solid-state laser with a slightly smaller wavelength (0.97 nanometers versus a little more than 1 micron) that shows promise cutting certain materials. Fiber laser power continues to ramp up, with 12 kW on display at MegaFab. TRUMPF introduced a punch/laser system that exemplifies a modular approach to machine tool design. The fabricator can purchase the punch first, then the laser, then material handling automation after that. Amada also stepped into the arena with its modular automation concept.

The theme wasn’t specifically about downstream bending or welding technologies either, though the show had plenty of innovation. Bending automation continues to mature. Accurpress introduced its robotic backgauge that doubles as a manipulator for small parts. Amada introduced a large version of its successful automatic-tool-change press brake. Bystronic introduced its software that optimizes scheduling at not just the laser cutting center but also the press brake, ensuring changeovers are as efficient as possible.

The theme also wasn’t specifically about quality and inspection, though you didn’t have to look far on the show floor to find something new. For instance, Faro and collaborative robot maker Universal Robots are collaborating with 3D Infotech to automate the inspection process. In simplest terms, they have brought a noncontact Faro arm to life, complete with anthropomorphic “eyes.”

What so many talked about was “closing the loop” in manufacturing, from initial quote through production and shipping, and back again—as manufacturers analyze the data, learn from it, and improve. An additive manufacturing panel drove this point home on Thursday. Panelist Jennifer Cipolla, advancement leader at GE’s Center for Additive Technology, talked of how additive will “close the loop” between engineering, production, and quality, with data flowing seamlessly from 3-D CAD to the machines, through in-process and post-process inspection.

Put another way, many seemed to place less emphasis on the speed of a specific machine, and more about improving the end-to-end manufacturing process.

On Wednesday, the show’s opening day, another panel analyzed the state of the post-election economy. The news from Wall Street was positive, but will it stay that way? Most panelist agreed: Change is coming, but it’s just too soon to say what those changes will be, and when they will be coming.

With all the unknowns inside the Washington beltway, fab shops continue to close the loop, measure and gain control of their processes, and react to changes. Unknowns outside the shop can’t be prevented; but inside a company, many process unknowns don’t need to remain a mystery.

About the Author
The Fabricator

Tim Heston

Senior Editor

2135 Point Blvd

Elgin, IL 60123

815-381-1314

Tim Heston, The Fabricator's senior editor, has covered the metal fabrication industry since 1998, starting his career at the American Welding Society's Welding Journal. Since then he has covered the full range of metal fabrication processes, from stamping, bending, and cutting to grinding and polishing. He joined The Fabricator's staff in October 2007.