Stylets are flexible metal wires often as miniscule as 0.010” (0.254mm) in diameter. Cannulas are hollow, exceedingly narrow tubes with inner diameters of approximately 0.013” (0.3302mm). Cannulas are frequently used to house needles or stylets for IVs and syringes.

Assembling such constructions brings several challenges, precision first and foremost. The wire insertion process requires accuracy of ± 21 µm, angular tolerance of 1.5°, and robot movements with ± 5 µm accuracy. From a quality control standpoint, stylets must not touch the inner wall of the cannula, which could damage the stylet. Variability is also a concern, as stylets differ in key attributes such as wire bends, angles, and lengths. Considering this, any machine solution must be exceptionally flexible.

Automation NTH solved these challenges by utilizing a Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm 4 (SCARA 4) axis robot, along with two tabletop-mounted servo motors permitting independent motion. The configuration allows the machine to tilt the syringe, holding the cannula in the Theta X and Theta Y directions to handle angle variability in the stylets. To accommodate for stylet variability, the machine utilizes vision to guide the robot into position, then aligns the cannula with the stylet for insertion.

Automation NTH’s Vision Guided Robotic Wire Insertion machine incorporates a robotic gripper, which picks a cannula from a nest and threads it into the syringe body, fixing it into place. A corresponding robotic arm then picks a stylet from the nest and moves it to an approach position, presenting it to inspection cameras that record and measure offsets.

The system thus employs a delicate feedback loop between the robot, camera, and servo motors. The cameras record and measure, while the robots adjust the stylets and cannulas as needed based on this information. The process is then repeated until the stylet is lined up within ± 21 µm, achieving this incredibly tight tolerance via a “progress until perfection” setup.

“This Vision Guided Robotic Wire Insertion machine demonstrates Automation NTH’s ability to create innovative solutions for complex, high precision assembly applications,” said Peter Sarvey, Head of Sales at Automation NTH.

About Automation NTH

Founded in 1999 and headquartered outside of Nashville, TN with a facility in San Diego, CA, Automation NTH is a trusted partner in automation for manufacturers. Our expertise transforms your manufacturing operations from manual processes to semi-automated and fully automated production. Whether scaling up from individual work cells or introducing fully integrated production lines, we deliver solutions that drive cost savings, enhance efficiency, and minimize risks. With a strong focus on robotics and controls, we ensure timely delivery of projects with strict adherence to budget. Our innovative approaches improve production capacity, product quality, and enable operator autonomy. Our services include: Custom Automation, Equipment Optimization, and Automation Consulting. Let us turn Automation into your Competitive Advantage!

The post At INTERPHEX NYC, Automation NTH Showcased a Precision Automation Solution for Complex Medical Device Component Assembly appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.

A new report released today by MHI and Deloitte finds that 55% of supply chain leaders are increasing their supply chain technology and innovation investments with 60% saying they are planning to spend over $1 million. Nineteen percent plan to spend over $10 million.

The post New MHI and Deloitte Report Focuses on Orchestrating End-to-End Digital Supply Chain Solutions appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.

In addition to the new models, the swivel has been improved on the entire product line. The new swivel design still allows for the connection of multiple hose sizes by using the inside and the outside of the housing, but a greater gradual taper has increased the amount of compatible inlet hose cuffs. This remains important because retail shop vacuums are coming with larger and larger hoses, some as big as 2.5”. The swivel also includes hidden improvements via an enhanced O-ring sealing system for greater vacuum consistency and performance.

The hose has a super flexible “crush-proof” smooth interior hose suitable for commercial cleaning applications and is equipped with standard 1.5” threaded hose cuffs on both hose sizes.

Coxreels® has remained steadfast and focused on manufacturing high quality professional grade hose, cord, and cable reels since 1923. Offering a full product line serving the industry in every channel and application, Coxreels® takes great pride in designing, building, and supporting all of their products right here in the U.S.A.

The post Coxreels Improved Options for the Vacuum Series Reel appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.

“The key to modernizing U.S. manufacturing isn’t only in breakthrough technology — that’s only the first step — it’s driving widespread accessibility and adoption of robotics and continued investment in building a skilled workforce to operate it,” said Saman Farid, Formic’s Founder and CEO. “NAIA’s commitment to create more manufacturing jobs and push the U.S. to make up a greater share of global manufacturing production aligns perfectly with Formic’s mission and goals.”

By joining NAIA, Formic will work alongside other innovators like Dirac, Palantir, and Atomic Industries to further the advancement of U.S. manufacturing and workforce development. Formic has already trained over 1,000 employees at factories across the U.S. that have deployed Formic robots, transitioning workers who once packed and stacked boxes to operate automation systems and focus on more dynamic business tasks. Through upskilling employees, Formic is creating vertical career trajectories across the manufacturing sector and improving facility ergonomics, while driving productivity, safety, and quality improvement.

“We joined NAIA to work alongside companies like Formic who have priorities that extend beyond pure business profitability and goals but speak to a greater need to grow the current U.S. manufacturing sector,” said Filip Aronshtein, Founder and CEO of Dirac. “Stabilizing and scaling our national capabilities around energy, manufacturing, and supply chain will ensure our ability to respond quickly to the country’s needs now or in the future.”

By uniting with NAIA, Formic will help bolster the U.S. share of global manufacturing production from 15% to 30% by 2035 through automation accessibility. With Formic, manufacturers can rapidly and painlessly deploy essential automation on the factory floor, closing labor gaps across hard-to-fill second and third shifts, creating a workforce with 99.8% uptime, and reducing safety incidents by nearly 100%. This is a solution that’s scalable right now for all U.S. manufacturers, reflected in Formic’s 300%+ growth in 2024 and recent milestone of 250,000 production hours.

“Formic has changed the way more than 100 factories operate in the U.S. and has been a trailblazing example of how technology investments and automation will reindustrialize U.S. manufacturing,” said Austin Bishop, the CEO of NAIA. “We’re thrilled that they’ve joined forces with NAIA and know they will play a central role in achieving our goals moving forward.”

About Formic

Formic was founded in 2020 to accelerate the accessibility of automation across American manufacturing by delivering the positive outcomes that robotic automation enables: more capacity, consistency, and reliability; less cost, downtime, and worker safety issues. Our Full Service Automation program includes 24/7 technical support, 100% maintenance coverage, and guaranteed performance rates. Our product is productivity, and our robotic systems are a consistently dependable employee in facilities struggling with ongoing labor shortages and production downtime.

The post Formic Joins New American Industrial Alliance, Working Alongside Palantir, Dirac, and More to Restore U.S. Manufacturing Capacity appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.

3D Infotech’s software platform is designed for seamless integration with Universal Robots’ latest AI Accelerator, enhancing production processes by improving decision-making through computer vision and optimizing motion control with AI driven training models. Built on NVIDIA’s Jetson Orin and PolyScope X, the AI Accelerator delivers a superior customer experience while significantly reducing robot programming time. This allows workers to focus less on development and troubleshooting and more on efficiency and innovation.

As a category creator for Universal Metrology Automation® in 2017, 3D Infotech has led advancements in Universal Machine Learning®, using deep learning algorithms to detect, classify, and quantify visual defects in manufacturing. With over 350 systems deployed—primarily in the aerospace and automotive sectors—3D Infotech is now setting the stage for Adaptive Manufacturing, where robots think and adapt rather than just execute pre-programmed tasks.

The AI Accelerator plays a crucial role in this evolution by simplifying AI deployment, enhancing automation efficiency, and enabling real-time decision-making. With its seamless integration into robotics systems, unmatched computing power, and full ROS2.0 support, the AI Accelerator helps manufacturers transition toward a more autonomous, data-driven production environment.

The AI-driven automated inspection system being showcased at GTC highlights how efficient, precise, and scalable automated quality control can be in modern manufacturing environments. Key features include:

• Universal Path Planning

Optimized movement strategies for efficient and adaptable inspections.

• Deep Learning & Neural Networks

AI-powered recognition of parts, orientation, and location, enabling intelligent adaptation to varying inspection scenarios.

• Automated Decision Making

High-precision measurement and defect detection for enhanced quality control to analyze data, enabling real-time decision-making.

• Instant Visual Feedback

Get real-time inspection insights for faster decision-making and improved quality control.

• AI-Driven Dynamic Collision Avoidance

Real-time obstacle detection using AI-powered cameras to ensure seamless operation.

• Unattended Operation

Fully automated workflows reduce manual intervention and maximize efficiency.

• Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Continuous monitoring and data-driven insights to maintain process stability. Gain deep insights into quality trends and process optimization.

Zsolt Pataki, 3D Infotech’s VP of Innovation highlights that “The Platform at GTC enhances speed, accuracy, and automation, minimizing manual intervention and ensuring real-time inspection. This AI-powered solution boosts security,  performance, and efficiency, setting a new standard for the Metrology industry.”

About 3D Infotech

Founded in Irvine, CA in 2005, 3D Infotech is changing dimensional and visual inspection processes with Universal Metrology Automation® helping manufacturing companies make data-driven decisions in quality control.

About Universal Robots

Universal Robots is a leading robotics company with over 1,000 employees, committed to creating a world where people work with robots, not like robots. Since launching its first collaborative robot in 2008, the company has transformed work globally.

Its collaborative robots help businesses overcome labor shortages, enhance sustainability, and improve work environments. With a unique approach to automation, Universal Robots is enabling companies worldwide to automate with ease.

The post 3D Infotech is Leading the Way in AI Powered Robotic Automation: Smarter,  Faster, and More Accurate Quality Control  appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.

Catalog 800 introduces exciting new parts, providing even more solutions for a variety of industries and project needs. With its enhanced and user-friendly layout, the catalog highlights Trim-Lok’s high-quality parts and innovative solutions, making it easier than ever for customers to find the right products for their specific applications.

Additionally, the expanded Design Guide has been significantly enhanced, with a newly updated Materials Guide, a comprehensive Adhesives Guide, and detailed information on Trim-Lok’s value-added operations, including services such as cut-to-length, color matching, slip coating, and more. The catalog also highlights Trim-Lok’s advanced capabilities in manufacturing frames and O-rings, along with an expanded section on our custom design solutions. Whether you’re seeking specialized solutions or looking to optimize your designs, the updated guide offers essential technical information and expert insights to help engineers and designers make informed decisions.

“We’re excited to offer our customers an upgraded catalog that not only looks great but is packed with new parts and valuable information to support their projects,” said Dan Whitener, VP & COO at Trim-Lok. “With our commitment to quality and innovation, we’re confident that Catalog 800 will be a go-to resource for engineers and designers.”

To get your hands on this must-have catalog, simply visit Trim-Lok’s website at www.trimlok.com and request a free, printed copy to be mailed to you, or scan the QR code.

ABOUT TRIM-LOK, INC.

Established in 1971 in Southern California, Trim-Lok specializes in premium extruded plastic and rubber trims and seals. With over five decades of experience, Trim-Lok has earned recognition as an industry leader, delivering innovative solutions backed by unparalleled engineering and quality control.

As a global leader in thermoplastic and thermoset rubber profile extrusions, Trim-Lok prides itself on its ability to meet the most challenging requirements for top-quality plastic and rubber trim and seal parts. Our highly skilled team excels in designing parts and tooling, fabricating them to exact specifications to ensure performance and value.
Trim-Lok maintains rigorous quality control standards, utilizing only the highest quality automotive-grade raw materials and investing in modern equipment and highly skilled employees experienced in all phases of manufacturing and production. Our commitment to reliability, efficiency, and repeatability is evident in every product we deliver.

The post Trim-Lok Launches Catalog 800 – A Bold New Look, Game-Changing Products, and an Expanded Design Guide! appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.

By automatically adjusting airflow CFM volume to match the cutting load, the patented double turbine-driven mechanism in Air Turbine Live Tools® assures consistent high-rated speed during the cutting process and enables 6 to 10 X faster production cycles on any lathe.

This governed mechanism eliminates the challenges posed by nominal high-speed products which drop speed in cut on the toolpath. The lack of consistent high speed causes tool breakage and sub-optimal or inconsistent finished surface quality. By contrast, Air Turbine Live Tools® optimize small tool performance and enhance surface finish while cutting down production time exponentially.

Air Turbine Live Tools® direct drive system has just two moving parts and air-cooled precision bearings. The system does not generate heat or burnout like electro-spindles. In continuous 24/7 micro-machining operations, Air Turbine Live Tools® stay cool, maintain zero thermal growth, and deliver consistent 2-micron accuracy.

Installation is simple. Users can connect dry 90 psi (6.2 bar) compressed air and activate with an M Code or Solenoid. This is unlike traditional technologies with complex hour-long set-ups involving control boxes, wiring, and lubrication.

The 822CX and 825CX dimensions fit most holders. Air Turbine Live Tools® are operational within moments of being placed into a tool holder. Smaller side air feed units are also available for added flexibility in machines with tight dimensions, such as Cincom and Star.

Everything, including a filter extractor and hose, is included in a case with Air Turbine Live Tools®. Ultra Precision ER8 and ER11 UP Rego-Fix ER collet systems are standard on Air Turbine Live Tools® and h7 bodies assure precision.

Rather than changing the speed of the traditional electro-spindle for different cutting tools, the operator of fixed high-speed Air Turbine Live Tools® simply adjusts the rate of advance programmed to achieve the desired Surface Feed per Minute for any tool. No lengthy adjustment in a control box is needed.

Air Turbine Live Tools® are ideal for applications in industries where production pressure, precision, and finish quality are critical, such as electronics, medical, optical, implant, and food production. With its sealed design, this oil-free live tool is ideal for cleanrooms, emitting no oil mist that could contaminate parts or the workspace, and remaining unaffected by machine coolant.

Most notably the 822CX and 825CX at 60,000 RPM and 80,000 RPM change the economics of lathe operations with small tools combining affordability with material reduction in cost per part produced. Air Turbine Live Tools® also require no maintenance, eliminating downtime, and operate without lubrication and associated costs.

Setting a new benchmark in affordability, these tools are priced at just one-third or less of the cost of traditional live tools.

The 822CX and 825CX are best sellers in an extensive range of Air Turbine Live Tools® available with Outside Diameters from 19.5 mm to 40 mm to fit tool holders on all types of lathes. At fixed governed speeds from 40,000 to 80,000 RPM, power ratings are available from 0.15 HP (0.11 kW) in the mini 800 Series to 0.8 HP (0.6 kW) in larger units.

The revolutionary 822CX and 825CX were developed with input from the Swiss industry leader, Tornos of Moutier, Switzerland, the respected pioneer in sliding head lathe manufacturing for over a century.

The company’s expertise continues to be applied to provide innovative high-speed solutions for the manufacturing industry across the world.

About Air Turbine Technology Inc.

Air Turbine Technology Inc. since 1988 has invented, patented, and proven a range of revolutionary high-speed spindles, live tools, motor mounts, and hand tools. Air Turbine Tools, Motors, and Spindles® are high-speed pneumatic tools used by manufacturers for cutting, grinding, engraving, drilling, or finishing materials in industrial processes, delivering superior performance in applications that demand high-speed, precision, and reliability at 25,000 to 90,000 RPM with power to 1.4HP. This new generation of products increases airflow volume to the turbine to match cutting load, ensuring consistent high speed without sacrificing power.

Air Turbine Spindles and Motors® operate reliably without generating heat to affect precision at 2 micron and have no duty cycle limitations.

The post New High-Speed Live Tools developed for Swiss Lathes: the 822CX and 825CX appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.

and its advanced CNC system, with automatic parameter database and gas control, are optimally matched. Our cnc plasma table design and structure allow for its operation under heavy conditions (2 or 3 shift operation). Plasma cutting machines, which are equipped with precision fine beam plasma generators, combine the highest cutting quality with low consumables cost. The fine-beam generators PP (Precision Plasma) ensure very fast piercing and high cutting speeds, with an unusually clean and almost perfectly square cutting edge.

One carriage accommodates two cutters, the plasma cutting head and the oxy-fuel torch. The magnetic holder for the cutter heads allows quick change over and prevents damage in case of collision. The 5-axis head helps with weld preparation, with an optional bevel cutting unit for quick and accurate welding bevels. The control system enables installation of up to 4 carriages with independent height control. An ergonomic control panel controls the machine itself as well as the power source, ventilation, suction, and filtration systems. The supporting and bearing structures are made with light-alloy materials; the high-precision guide-ways, gears and racks are manufactured in a single factory. With all this, we ensure cutting accuracy, structural rigidity, and operational stability over the machine’s long service life.

About KAAST

KAAST Machine Tools, Inc. is proud to offer one of the most diverse and extensive line-ups of machine tools in the industry. From mills and lathes to grinders and saws, and from brakes and rolls to presses and ironworkers, KAAST makes it easy to find the right machine for your application. We stand behind our machines with quick shipping of spare parts and excellent after-sales service. Need in-person training or installation? No problem! KAAST Machine Tools, Your Production Partner.

The post Plasmasonic series of CNC plasma plate & pipe cutters from KAAST appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.

This latest addition to the LT family of linear motor stages delivers 260N of rated force and up to 500N maximum, exceeding the thrust ratings of previous LT stages and expanding the linear stage series’ range of suitable applications — especially those that involve positioning heavy objects in tight spaces.

Its redesigned linear motor leverages direct drive technology that is free of mechanical power transmission parts that can otherwise hinder positioning accuracy. The LT170H2 also comes with C-Lube linear bearings for guidance. Together, they allow the positioning stage to achieve higher thrust forces and high speeds with exceptional precision. Additional features and specifications include:

• High speeds up to 3,000 millimeters per second.
• Repeatable speeds thanks to its low-cogging motor design.
• Reduced cycle times versus the previous LT…H positioning table.
• Long strokes up to 2,750 millimeters.
• Compact size and a 170-millimeter width.
• Low power consumption due to the high thrust rating. In fact, the LT170H2 consumes approximately 48 percent less power than the previous LT…H unit.

In addition to semiconductor fabrication applications, the LT170H2 is also well-suited for use in measuring instruments, assembly systems and material handling machinery.

About IKO

IKO provides innovative products and application expertise in a wide range of industries, including automation, robotics, medical devices, and automotive; and for unique manufacturing situations such as cleanrooms, vacuum environments, and high-temperature areas. IKO products are known for their quality and high performance, providing accurate, reliable motion to meet project needs.

The post IKO’s New High-Thrust Linear Motor Stage Delivers Long Stroke Lengths in Constrained Spaces appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.

About Palmgren

Since 1919, the company has been the top brand for manufacturing metalworking machinery for professionals and first-time machinists. The company was founded by Clarence Palmgren, who was acclaimed for his achievements and contributions to the metalworking industry through his innovative designs and patents. He is credited with designing and manufacturing the first machine vises, cross slide, and rotary tables that significantly increased efficiency and productivity with metalworking manufacturers worldwide.

The company’s early work created the foundation of innovation and quality that the Palmgren brand is built upon and follows today. So, it is no surprise that Palmgren continues to be a market leader not only with our vises and positioning tables but across our whole expanded metalworking product offering.

The company today delivers tools for the generations and solutions that solve the needs of the metalworking industry. Recognizing the value of the brand and the need for retailer supplier consolidation, C.H. Hanson acquired Palmgren Steel Products in October 2013. Professionals from all industries throughout the world rely on Palmgren. We are committed to helping our users Embrace the Work through our products and exceptional service at every step of every business relationship.

The post Buffing Machines from Palmgren appeared first on IndMacDig | Industrial Machinery Digest.