Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 8

This is our Case Study issue, and all about how to make your installation a success. Most of the installations presented in this issue will be deploying all kinds of automation to enhance safety, increase throughputs, provide for quicker changeovers, and improve quality. Pick up any manufacturing magazine and it will address the issue of automation and its impact on the job market. While many articles spend time discussing how automation is being used to reduce labor costs, the bigger picture of course is that automation is required to be competitive in today’s global market. Automation brings with it a host of advantages and on the top of the pile is higher quality that is repeatable and performed with greater precision. A metalcaster recently told me that adding a RFID core maker increased productivity, reduced errors, and therefore allowed the foundry to pay a higher skilled person higher wages. Higher skilled workers are more likely to advance within the foundry, making for a better overall employee. No longer was the foundry looking for lower wage, difficult to find and retain workers. A recent report by “2017 Randstad Employer Brand Research” found that 76% of US workers do not fear automation – and neither should you. Employees are eager to retrain to adopt automated solutions to drive productivity. In this issue we have brought together a variety of installations deploying all kinds of automation and smart manufacturing using IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and Industry 4.0 devices to improve the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing operations. John Hall’s article (Part 1 of his series on IIoT) talks about bringing together machines, people, and data to improve quality, reduce downtime, and increase profitability. He discusses that the metalcasting industry appears to be falling short in this area and how to get started. In his article he says “Regardless of what devices are sensored, connected, integrated, IIoT will continue to expand and change processes for casting. The competitive gains realized by increased and consistent visibility, accuracy and data driven insights on foundry equipment and casting processes results are too important to ignore.” See more on his article on page 48. Jack Palmer President, Palmer Manufacturing & Supply, Inc. jack@ palmer mfg.com SUCCESS STORIES