CNC West Dec jan 2019

44 www.CNC-West.com CNC WEST December 2018/January 2019 TRD’s Engineering group, for the most part, dictates the workflow of the cell through the release of new or re- vised component designs. The Manufacturing Engineer- ing and Manufacturing Production groups determine/ manage how the work is processed and what particular operations are to be used. The necessary information is entered into GF Machining Solutions/System 3R Work- Shop Manager software ensuring process security and simplifying preparation of jobs, all while managing and controlling complex processes. The expandable software system initiates workflow according to TRD’s specified priorities. If changes are necessary, the software allows TRD to quickly and easily shuffle priorities on the fly. Prior to the GF Machining Solutions/Systems 3R auto- mated cell, TRD would generate a workflow schedule for each of its individual machines. These hardcopy sched- ules would then be posted at each machine, and operators would handle the part loading and unloading. “This individual machine-based operation was ex- tremely challenging in our particular manufacturing en- vironment,” commented Ozmai. “Change is a constant here, and we are always shuffling parts and priorities. This meant we had to frequently rework and repost workflow schedules, and each time we did so we lost time and in- creased the potential for error. We now have one source and one place to go to manage our entire workflow sched- ule.” Perhaps the most significant difference between TRD’s current operations and those of two years ago – outside of the growth and technology – is the shop, according to Ozmai, is much more productive with the same amount of capital equipment. “With the automation and 5-axis machining, we have gained the flexibility and confidence – due to the accuracy and performance consistency of the MIKRONS – to now produce any one of our parts on any one of our machines without skipping a beat. Our goal is to have all our spin- dles running 24/7 through automation and to continue to improve upon our precision, quality, and efficiency. With the advanced machine tool technology and exceptional support from GF Machining Solutions, we are well on our way in achieving a level of production to stay ahead of the competition,” said Ozmai.