Methods Expert to Present Manufacturing Automation for Firearms to Medical at Mfg4 2016
On Wednesday, May 4, 2016 from 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. at Mfg4 2016, Methods Machine Tools, Inc.’s Automation Manager, John Lucier, will present a free conference session titled, “Manufacturing Automation For Firearms To Medical – From One Extreme To The Other.”
This session will discuss the difference in machine tool automation strategies used in the high volume/ low mix type of machining that firearms and other higher volume industries require versus the low volume/ high mix machining requirements in medical and other lower volume parts sectors. Attendees will learn the different strategies between these two forms of automation and solutions for Cell Configuration, End-of-Arm Tools, Infeed/ Outfeed, Workholding, Part Tracking and “Automation on Demand” for low volume processing.
“Firearms manufacturing is typically characterized as having large lot sizes and the need to manufacture quickly, while minimizing labor. This is what automation was designed for,” Lucier said. “Medical manufacturing on the other hand, couldn’t be more different – numerous and variable part numbers, very small lot sizes and extensive tracking are commonly required. Surprisingly however, medical is still a great candidate for automation.”
Lucier has worked within the machine tool industry of over 30 years, specializing in machine tool service, applications, technical selling, product, and application management. He has been with Methods for over 20 years. For the last 11 years he has led Methods’ automation team, focusing on developing automated technology for the manufacturing industry.
Mfg4, Manufacturing 4 The Future, will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center, 100 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, Connecticut. Hours are Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Wednesday, May 4, from 1- a.m. – 5 p.m. and Thursday, May 5, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
All conference sessions are free and will be held at the Connecticut Convention Center at the Information Interchange in the Intersection on the Show Floor. For more information, visit www.mfg4event.com.
About Methods Machine Tools
Methods Machine Tools, Inc., in operation for over 55 years, is a leading supplier of precision machine tools, 3D printing solutions, automation and accessories, providing extensive applications engineering support, installation, parts, service and training through a network of large state-of-the-art technology centers and dealers throughout North America. For more information, please contact Methods at 65 Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA 01776, TEL: (978) 443-5388, FAX: (978) 440-9405