Join Gosiger at the Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) 2025, taking place from April 1–3, 2025, at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio. As a leading provider of advanced manufacturing solutions, Gosiger is excited to showcase cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance your machining operations.
The biggest manufacturing event of the year is just around the corner, so come and explore the latest innovations in machining technology at IMTS 2022. We're excited to finally be back at IMTS and help you discover technologies and inspiration that will be your catalyst for a productive 2023!
If the automatic tool changer on your Okuma vertical or horizontal milling machine suddenly stops in the middle of changing a tool, there’s a quick and easy way to solve the problem.
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Gosiger now sells and supports a new CNC machine tending platform that enables any size shop to add robotic part loading and unloading to their production process. The result is lower cost-per-part and increased productivity.
Plant Manager Steve Masters oversees an 86,000 square foot facility with over 100 machine tools that perform precision manufacturing of parts for aerospace, medical, power distribution and automotive industries.
A universal goal of the more than 130,000 visitors to IMTS 2018 (September 10 – 15) was improving the performance of their manufacturing operations. Much of what they saw had a common theme: The continuing evolution from focusing on discrete machines to bringing together various manufacturing technologies, such as traditional subtractive, laser, additive and digital connectivity.
Making components for aerospace applications presents a number of challenges for CNC shops that want to expand into the markets for civil, commercial and military aircraft. Dealing with harder-to-machine materials, tighter tolerances and traceability requirements may require adding more advanced manufacturing technologies and new skill sets.
Although water-based solutions may effectively clean simple parts machined with water-soluble coolant, you need powerful solvents to properly clean parts exposed to oil-based cutting fluids that have blind holes, cross-holes, ID threads and other complex features.
You’re getting ready to run a job and your CNC machine broke down. The cause is a routine maintenance part that should have been replaced weeks ago. Well, your shop is busy and sometimes things just slip through the cracks.
Gosiger personnel will be on hand in Okuma America’s IMTS booth 2018 (338500, South Hall) throughout the Show to introduce visitors to the latest CNC machining technologies including:
Okuma CNC machines are respected the world over for quality, reliability and industry-leading manufacturing technology. Among the many reasons is the user-friendly OSP open source control system. The award-winning OSP Suite combines software applications with Okuma’s Intelligent Technologies including Thermo-Friendly Concept, Collision Avoidance System, Machining NAVI and 5-axis Auto Tuning System.
All CNC machines and other manufacturing equipment require service from time-to-time, either for routine maintenance or when something unexpected happens. Regardless of the cause, downtime is a dirty word in any shop. That’s why Gosiger wants to get you back up and running as soon as possible.
The many benefits of 5-axis machining include:
A few years ago, getting a loan to expand your CNC shop could be an arduous task. Banks and other lenders who were burned when the economy turned ugly were reluctant to fund small businesses. Today, the picture is much different.
With more than 2400 exhibitors, 1.3 million square feet of exhibit space and over 100,000 visitors, the prospect of attending IMTS 2018 can be overwhelming. Of course, the advantages far outweigh any concerns. IMTS is the one place to see all of the latest manufacturing technology, meet with industry experts and attend seminars on the hottest topics.
The 75-year-old, family owned business in this case study distributes testing equipment used by construction, laboratory, food service, pharmaceutical and other industries. A few years ago they decided to create a CNC shop within their facility to make a product of their own.
The traditional approach to a turning process involves cutting from the end of a workpiece toward the chuck. As a result, the entering angle of the cutting tool must be around 90º to enable the tool to reach the shoulder. Although using less of an entering angle would increase the feed rate, such an approach typically produces undesirably long, curved chips.
Okuma Multus series multi-function, 5-axis CNC turning centers enable one-and-done machining of even complex parts. The exclusive Turn-Cut feature is just one of the many ways Multus machines eliminate the need to move a part to a dedicated lathe for specialized operations such as machining surfaces along the z-axis that have varying diameter shapes or, as demonstrated in this video, making ID and OD cuts.
With 95+ years of experience supporting manufacturers, the Gosiger team is in a unique position to evaluate new technologies that can help customers improve productivity. Although additive manufacturing (AKA 3D printing) has been around for a number of years, many manufacturers struggle with how additive can enhance their production process.
Attending trade shows is a great opportunity to see the latest manufacturing technologies and help make better equipment buying decisions. Whether you visit small, local shows or larger events like IMTS, you’ll get more value for the time and money invested by following these 7 suggestions:
Success in manufacturing is often the result of continuous improvements to both business and production processes. Our customers demand increasingly higher quality products delivered quickly and cost-effectively. This means we must constantly seek new methods and technologies to reduce production costs, while maintaining the integrity of our products and meeting tighter delivery schedules.
High precision machining and high volume production don’t always go hand-in-hand. That’s why Swiss watch makers developed sliding headstock turning machines that achieve both goals.
High-quality CNC turning machines are more reliable and versatile than ever before, which gives users the confidence to perform unattended and lights-out operation.This, of course, requires having the right machine tools, and accessories such as bar feeders and chip conveyors.
No matter how good a job you do for your customers, it’s inevitable that you’ll lose one or two along the way. That’s why it’s important to have an ongoing marketing program in place. The two best sources for new business orders are (1) referrals from customers, suppliers and other contacts; and (2) additional orders from existing customers.
For many small business owners, including those who own manufacturing companies, saving for retirement may not be high on the list of priorities. After all, the cost of day-to-day operations and reinvesting in the business may not leave much for personal retirement savings.
With 5-axis simultaneous machining, the Okuma MU-4000V enables manufacturers to produce complex, high-precision parts faster and with less operator involvement.
As U.S. manufacturers continue to find ways to make parts better, faster and at less cost, there is always a concern that factory jobs will become extinct. More sophisticated CNC machine tools, robotic automation and alternative technologies such as 3D printing fuel this concern. However, all evidence points to the contrary.
Every 2 years Gosiger lays out tons of German food, cranks up the Polka Band, programs the robotic beer-tender and shares the latest manufacturing technologies with over 1,000 great folks like you.
This year’s Gosigerfest – September 20 & 21, 2017 – includes a number of live machining demonstrations captured by video cameras inside the machine tools and displayed on adjacent TV monitors, so you can see all of the details, up close.
With everything else on your mind, being current with the latest manufacturing techniques can be a challenge. That’s the whole idea behind Gosigerfest 2017. It’s an opportunity to learn about developing technologies and production methods that can help you stay ahead of the competition and improve your bottom line.
Gosiger opened its new West Coast headquarters earlier this year, showing off the new 17,500 square foot facility during an open house event in May. Customers toured the new space, participated in technical seminars, and watched demonstrations of the latest CNC machining techniques.
Customers often ask Gosiger applications engineers how to go beyond basic control functions to fit a particular situation. This video from Gosiger’s West Coast facility explains how to set up a home position at the end of a program on the Okuma OSP-P300 control. In this case, the customer didn’t want to use G30 P1 on the control because it delivers all 3 axes to the tool change position. The video shows how to set a new home position for only the Z-axis.
I once knew a teacher who bristled at the word “training.” She said, “You can train dogs to do simple tricks. You can train monkeys to perform certain tasks, but human beings should be educated.”
In many high-volume production applications, the customer may demand that parts be thoroughly cleaned of any cutting oil, chips or other debris prior to delivery. In some cases, water-based cleaning agents may suffice. However, many complex parts and those made from metals that don’t react well to aqueous cleaning require the use of hydrocarbon or modified alcohol solvents. These chemicals, of course, can have serious environmental and worker safety issues if not used properly.
Key factors when selecting cutting tools for any machining process are cutting data, tool path, workpiece material and cutting tool geometry. Perhaps one of the most important considerations is the material from which the cutting tool is made.
Gosiger applications engineers created two videos that take you through the process of moving and copying part programs on the Okuma OSP-P200 and -P300 controls, and transferring programs from a remote PC to the OSP controls using a shared folder that eliminates the need for a USB drive or RS232 wired connection.
The Spanish proverb “A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools,” is particularly fitting for CNC shop owners, whether male or female. Running a demanding business with its tight deadlines, employee issues and financial risks takes a toll on even the heartiest of souls. That’s why paying attention to your health is so important.
Rusty Arant of North Carolina’s Northeast Tool is a true believer in applying the latest manufacturing technologies to keep his family business competitive. That includes adding a robotic automation system designed by Gosiger Automation that dramatically reduces time and cost-per-part. You can read the full case study elsewhere on the Gosiger Web site.
In the recent national elections much was made of the loss of American manufacturing jobs (7 million since the peak employment year of 1979). Most politicians place the blame squarely on unfair trade policies and lower offshore labor costs. Although these certainly were contributing factors, according to the Department of Commerce, the reality is this: Despite employing fewer workers, manufacturing output in the U.S. has actually doubled since 1979 to an adjusted-for-inflation $1.91 trillion in 2015.
An interesting trend popped up in a recent study of high-performing CNC shops: Many have greatly improved the efficiency of their machining processes by switching from a Vertical Machining Center (VMC) to a Horizontal Machining Center (HMC).
In its latest report, Gardner Business Media reports that the metalworking industry grew in January for the first time since March 2015 with the Gardner Business Index reaching 53.8.
Using the BlueSwarf tap testing and dashboard to determine end mill cutting parameters, an Okuma GENOS M560V vertical machining center (VMC) is captured on video as it engages in various dynamic machining methods.
There are many compelling reasons to invest in a new CNC machine tool including: replacing an older model that, literally, just can’t cut it any longer, expanding capacity and/or capabilities to take on new orders, and improving productivity. However, before you start comparing speeds and feeds and other performance indicators, step back for a moment to consider the bigger picture. Ask yourself five strategic questions, the answers to which will help sharpen your perspective.
The Okuma OSP control’s open architecture allows users to create custom programs and shortcuts that can reduce costs, enhance quality and increase productivity.
Much is being said about a fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) and what it bodes for the future of manufacturing. To put it in context, each of the preceding three centuries have seen dramatic shifts in the way technology impacts our world:
Practical Machinist online community and industrial equipment supplier Grainger conducted a survey in early 2016 to find out how metalworking manufacturing is changing.
On January 9, 2017 Gosiger moved its West Coast headquarters from Fullerton, CA to a new, 17,500 square foot building in Cypress, CA, The new facility is approximately twice the size of the previous space with an expanded showroom, training area and replacement parts inventory.
Additive manufacturing, AKA 3-D printing, is clearly becoming more viable in certain production situations. However, additive cannot replace conventional machining in all applications. In fact, the best way to harness the efficiencies of additive today may be to combine it with subtractive manufacturing. In this way, you gain the advantages of both technologies without being restricted to the limits of either method.
A new video from Stratasys, a global supplier of 3-D printing systems, presents new additive manufacturing technologies that enable production of much larger parts used in automotive, aerospace and other applications.
ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, establishes criteria that companies must meet to be certified as producing safe, reliable high quality products.
A great deal of research proves what common sense tells us: Retaining an existing customer is far more cost-effective than finding a new one. However, we often overlook the fact that satisfied customers can also be a potent source of additional business. That’s why marketing to your current customers should be at the forefront of your selling efforts.
The cost of energy may rise and fall, but it always has an impact on a CNC machine shop’s profitability. Additionally, conserving energy today helps keep overall costs more stable while insuring we’ll have the energy we need tomorrow. That’s why energy efficiency is one more factor to consider when buying your next machine tool.
When we machine metal of any kind, the chips – or swarf – give us clues about the efficiency of our cutting process. For example, early machinists noted that blue chips indicate heat is being properly dissipated, so the cut was going well. Blue swarf, therefore, were considered “perfect” chips.
Interconnectivity and data sharing, more user-friendly control interfaces, robots as co-workers and additive manufacturing were all well represented at IMTS this year. While it’s expected that the newest technologies will be on display at the every-other-year extravaganza, the significance of these and other recent advancements is that they represent a paradigm shift in the way both manufacturers and suppliers view the industry.
Ever wonder what you’ll see if you visit the Okuma America headquarters in Charlotte North Carolina? This brief video lets you, literally, fly through the facility where you’ll see Okuma CNC machines, the expansive parts warehouse and other customer support areas.
This is the sixth year that Gardner Business Media, has surveyed CNC shops to find the strongest performers and determine what they are doing to rise to the top of the list. As in the past, there are many statistics that reveal a significant difference between how the top 20% of shops operate versus the rest.
Science fiction films dating back to Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic, Metropolis, have long warned that robotic machines may eventually surpass and dominate their human inventors. While there is no doubt that robots and robotic devices are getting smarter, that artificial intelligence continues to evolve, and that driverless cars are becoming a reality, so far we humans are more likely at risk of a Zombie Apocalypse than a robot rebellion.
Whether you have a newbie in your shop or just want to hone your own or your employees’ metal cutting skills, Sandvik Coromant has just what you need: A free, e-learning course that covers both the basics and latest metal cutting techniques.
Additive manufacturing is touted as the next paradigm shift in manufacturing. The concept of building up material to make parts, versus thousands of years of subtracting or forming metal to manufacture these parts is, indeed, an event of seismic proportions.
Just like a car or truck, CNC machines require routine maintenance to keep them in top form. A well maintained machine tool will perform at peak efficiency and reduce costly breakdowns that interrupt production. Performing routine maintenance, as required, will also prolong the life of the machine.
New technology abounds at IMTS 2016 and Gosiger will be there along with the CNC machine brands we offer.
Undetected broken drills or taps are notorious time and materials wasters. Almost as bad is a detection system that interrupts the machining process to check the tools. In this video Gosiger engineers demonstrate how a BK Mikro checking device can be used in-magazine to check for tool breakage outside of the cutting area.
IMTS 2016 will be filled with the latest advances in manufacturing technology. A particularly interesting example is an automated cell on display in the Okuma booth (S8500). The cell is a joint effort by Partners in THINC members Okuma, Gosiger Automation, Kitagawa, Fanuc and Schunk.
Choosing the right cutting tools and techniques when machining super alloys and other difficult materials can dramatically reduce cost-per-part.
With 135 years of machine tool experience behind it, Schütte CAM or CNC multi spindle machines have the rigidity, speed and accuracy to handle complex parts and challenging materials.
Recently a global supplier of compressors decided to rethink its process for making a series of bearing housings. According to the Production Manager, “After analyzing quality control and machine maintenance data we determined it was time to replace some of our machine tools. However, we didn’t want to simply buy new machines, we wanted to find a better way to make this part. At that time, we were performing two operations on a turning machine, manually moving the part to a horizontal milling machine for two more operations, removing the part to press a babbitt insert into place, and then taking the part to a grinder for two finishing operations.
In this video an Okuma GENOS M560-V Vertical Machining Center is put to the test by machining S7 56Rc steel for a die/mold application. The VMC is equipped with a 15K Big Plus spindle and Hi-Cut options.
On the Gosiger web site you’ll find many resources that can help you meet a number of manufacturing challenges. Among these are customer success stories that all have a common theme: The customer was faced with a specific need that required something more than an off-the-shelf product. They needed a partner with deep and broad machine tool and engineering experience to determine the best way to achieve their desired outcomes – both immediate and for the future.
Changes in our everyday life and in manufacturing are happening faster than ever before. In the world of CNC machining it’s not as much about the number of new technologies emerging as it is about the rate of advancement in existing technologies and the cultural changes of a new generation of owners and managers.
You may remember a long running campaign for automotive transmission service that stated: “You can pay me now, or you can pay me later.” The phrase still holds true when it comes to performing preventative maintenance on cars, trucks or CNC machine tools.
Machining titanium and other exotic materials presents a number of challenges, and although there are many conventional techniques that help in this process, this video presents a unique, unconventional approach: Cryogenics.
When making a major buying decision it’s important to consider factors beyond the initial price tag. After all, our goal is to get the greatest overall value. When buying capital equipment, that means getting the right machine for the job and the best return on our investment.
Okuma’s Partners in THINC is a collaboration of industry leaders who work together to solve customer problems and develop new ways to improve manufacturing productivity and profits.
A collaboration between Gosiger Automation, Okuma, Fanuc and Kitagawa work holding produced this robotically automated machining cell that significantly reduces the time and labor associated with part-to-part changeovers.
In the early days of CNC machine controls, setting up programs could be a bit challenging. Okuma changed all of that with the Windows-based THINC OSP control that makes getting started quicker and easier than ever before.
The battle to reduce production costs, improve product quality, and satisfy customer demands is fought daily in the world of CNC manufacturing. One of the most effective strategies facilities of all sizes can employ is robotic automation – whether for a single production cell or an entire factory.
A recently released survey conducted by the Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT – the folks who bring us IMTS every other year) identifies three major trends that have enormous impact on how OEMs, distributors, integrators and end users will function in the future.
There's no doubt that applying robotic automation to part production provides a number of benefits including reduced cost-per-part, better use of machine operator time, increased CNC machine utilization, improved part quality and consistent daily output.
Few foresaw the impact digital technology and the Internet would have on all of us. Is 3-D printing the next major paradigm shift?
Many CNC applications require a steady stream of coolant to optimize cutting speeds and throughput. This is especially true when machining parts from hard-to-machine steel alloys, titanium, and other metals that often require precisely applied high-pressure coolant to maintain cutting efficiency and to reduce tool wear.
A number of new cars include collision avoidance systems that automatically apply the brakes when sensors detect a dangerous situation. Okuma has been equipping CNC machines with systems that prevent costly downtime and collision damage for more than 10 years.
We all want to get the most out of our CNC machines, but no matter how well they are designed, built and equipped, these tools are only as productive as we allow them to be. Which is to say that there are many possible production procedures, and some are more efficient that others.
Production Machining magazine recently recorded this interview with Gosiger Automation customer Jeff Meyer, co-owner of Toolcraft LLC. The company was primarily a tool & die shop until Tuthill Transfer Systems, a worldwide supplier of pumps and meters, asked them to consider producing one of their key parts. This would mean changing from making one-at-a-time items to running hundreds of parts.
The Bridgeport Conquest V1000 Vertical Machining Center from Hardinge Group is an affordable alternative to many higher-priced machines that delivers great value, including its feature-packed Mitsubishi M70, 64-bit control with NAVI MILL programming.
When enough CNC shops engage in a given activity it becomes a trend that others should be aware of. Here are five manufacturing trends identified by recent surveys and discussions with shop owners. They may not all be right for your company, but it’s prudent to consider how they might affect your business.
In this impressive video an Okuma MU-500VA machining center machines a 160mm impeller, using Esprit CAD/CAM software and Sandvik Coromant tooling.
Manually loading and unloading workpieces is not only tedious, repetitious work for machine tool operators, it also adds time and labor costs to every part you make. Automating the process using an industrial robot can reduce these costs while giving your shop’s productivity a significant boost. Now Gosiger Automation reduces the cost of robotic automation with its Flexible Pallet Cell (FPC).
If you’ve ever thought about adding a horizontal machining center to your shop, this White Paper may help you decide if an HMC is right for you.
Don Barth’s CNC shop, Dimension Machine Company located in Cincinnati, makes thousands of precision parts each year for a wide variety of industries including transportation, OEM special machinery and forestry products. In this video Don and his daughter Ruth Ann explain how their 20 Okuma machine tools help them meet customer demands and how Don’s vision keeps them ahead of the competition.
The fully digital Hardinge Conquest V1000 Vertical Machining Center (VMC) demonstrates the power of its direct drive motor in this brief video. Using a Seco Square 6 cutting tool, it quickly machines slots at 1471 RPM and 37 IPM.
In this video a FANUC LR Mate 200 iC Robot is equipped with a machine vision system that enables it to unpack, process, inspect and repack small machined parts. Watch the video.
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In another example of Gosiger Automation designed robot-based factory automation, this video, demonstrates how a Fanuc M-16iB robot services two Okuma Vertical Machining Centers (VMC). Each machining center is equipped with 4-position, 4th axis indexers. Four workpieces at a time are loaded into precision workholding fixtures, and returned to precision pallets for further automated processing. Note how the conveyor system moves the workpieces into position for the robot arm to pick and load them into the machine tool, then flips the fixture around to deposit the machined parts into the pallets. The machined parts are then moved along the conveyor to the next step in the process.
Picture a factory at night, pumping out perfect parts with no one around. No labor costs, lower energy expenses and a customer order ready for shipping the next morning. Is it a dream or reality? Well, with today’s advanced manufacturing and communications technologies, lights out manufacturing can be a reality for everything from the smallest CNC machine shop to the largest factories.
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A new series of high-accuracy multitasking CNC lathes dramatically reduces the number of fixtures required for complex part machining, thus reducing setup time while increasing machine uptime. Now available from Okuma and Gosiger, the Multus U Series includes the U3000 with a 39.4” bed and the 59.05” bed U4000.
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It’s no secret that factory automation is one of the keys to improving manufacturing productivity. Of course, the term “automation” includes a number of technologies that can be applied to various manufacturing functions. The trick is to integrate the right components into a seamless automated system that best meets your needs.
Because the computers and electronics that enable us to program and control CNC machine tools are typically housed in a protective cabinet, we sometimes forget that they are still subject to damage if heat builds up or debris finds its way into the enclosure. In fact, a widely accepted rule of thumb is that the rate of failure for electronic devices is cut in half for every 50º F (10º C) decrease in temperature.
Finding qualified CNC machine operators and other manufacturing personnel today can be challenging and raises questions about future workforce availability. One solution, of course, is to work with local schools to encourage students to consider a career in manufacturing and point them toward appropriate educational opportunities.
Thanks to a new programming option called Turn-Cut, users of Okuma Horizontal Machining Centers (HMC) can now avoid buying expensive special purpose machines, tooling, fixtures and other add-ons to perform turning operations on large, unbalanced parts. With it you can create bores and diameters including circular and angular features. The system is especially useful for working on valves and manifold-type parts.
In this Gosiger produced video, a Fanuc M-16iB robot unloads and stacks precision aluminum parts. The work cell is designed for long periods of unattended operation of the Okuma sub-spindle lathe that is fed 12’ bar stock by an automatic, magazine bar feeder. The Fanuc robot gripper carefully unloads the parts because the robot is programmed to apply the optimum amount of pressure. This ensures that the highly precise aluminum parts will not be damaged or distorted when removed and placed in the outgoing conveyor.
Dayton OH – According to machine tool distributor and factory automation specialist, Gosiger Inc., new software and machine control technologies enable manufacturers to integrate dimensional part inspection within a robotically automated CNC machining cell.
Investing in a 5-axis CNC machine can open doors to greater productivity, reduced capital investment, lower operator-cost-per-part and the opportunity to accept work from customer previously unavailable to you. How is this possible? Because simultaneous 5-axis machining provides all of these benefits:
Long rods and shafts that require multiple operations can be efficiently machined on one Swiss-type lathe – if part of a well thought out work cell. Gosiger High Volume department met this challenge as demonstrated in this brief video of a customer installation.
Workplace violence is not a subject we like to think about and, in a simpler time, was seldom on our radar. However as recent events demonstrate all too clearly, acts of violence in schools, malls, theatres, other public places and, yes, in workplaces is on the rise.
While we all want our employees to be safe in the workplace, the fact is there were close to 3 million reports of nonfatal injuries reported to OSHA last year. Over 900,000 cases involved days away from work. FEMA reports that in 2011 there were 85,400 non-residential fires in the U.S. that caused 80 deaths and 1,100 injuries. The dollar loss from these fires amounted to $2,435,700,000.
For the third year, Gardner Research conducted an in-depth study of CNC machine shops to better understand the reasons some companies perform better in terms of income, profit and growth. The study focused on 4 keys to success:
Gosiger encourages all customers to have in place a comprehensive Planned Preventative Maintenance Plan for all of the equipment in their shop. By performing the regular inspections and service that every machine requires, you can avoid unnecessary downtime, lost production, late deliveries and expensive machine repairs.
From December 10 – 12, 2013 Gosiger's partner, Okuma, will present the latest technology tools and strategies to help CNC machine shops maximize productivity and profitability.
Recently a customer asked Gosiger to help reduce the cost of machining complex pump shafts it produces for military and other applications. The CNC machine shop was using 5 machine tools to perform 14 operations on the workpiece, including turning, drilling, milling and hobbing. This required multiple setups, programming, machining cycles, and movement of the part between the 5 machines.
In the world of CNC machining we tend to think of employee training as beginning and ending with “how to” lessons relating to specific machining functions. In fact, companies should be thinking in broader terms and promoting continuous education. Here are 7 suggestions to help you shape an employee education program that works for your business:
It’s no secret that using robots to handle large, heavy, unwieldy parts reduces production time and eliminates many worker safety issues. However even a basic loading and unloading scenario, like the one in this video, requires much more than simply placing a robot arm in front of a machine tool. Gosiger Automation specializes in thinking through the entire manufacturing process to integrate all of the components necessary to achieve optimum productivity.
It’s challenging enough to run a successful CNC machine shop these days without worrying about people trying to steal from you. Unfortunately, it’s a reality we all must face. Certainly, there have always been thieves and con artists, however today’s technologies and the rapid pace of business provide new opportunities for them to get hold of your hard earned dollars. Following are 5 of the most common scams aimed at businesses of all sizes and what you can do to keep the scammers’ fingers out of your pocket.
Dayton OH – Okuma machine tool distributor and automation systems developer Gosiger, Inc. recommends a new, free APP from Okuma that alerts machine users when routine maintenance is required. If properly used, the Scheduled Maintenance APP helps keep machines operating at peak efficiency and reduces downtime and workflow interruptions.
Owners and managers of CNC machine shops are typically hands on people. They often get started by running jobs themselves, and some never stop. As the business grows, however, many get bogged down in administrative duties, meeting with customers (extremely important), and putting out fires. All of which may keep them from spending time on the production floor.
All machine tools and peripheral equipment come with instruction manuals and parts books. These days they may be electronic files in place of or in addition to paper books. The electronic versions are particularly handy as they are easier to store and find. Plus you can usually use them on your PC, laptop, tablet, or other mobile device.
Despite improvements in the overall economy, unemployment in the U.S. remains higher than desirable. Even so there are CNC machine shops that can’t find qualified candidates for available jobs. One reason is that experienced machine operators who are capable of working with today’s advanced manufacturing equipment are hard to find. Another is that many young people have a misconception of what working in a modern manufacturing facility is like. Worse yet, those who have an interest may not have the opportunity to gain experience with today’s sophisticated CNC machine tools and, therefore, are less desirable new hires.
According to a recent survey by Monster.com, nearly half of the employees who responded say they are unhappy in their current jobs and 81% plan to look for a new job this year. That’s a frightening statistic for employers who are likely unaware that they have disgruntled employees.
Dating back to the time when all machine tools were operated manually and part tolerances were more forgiving, the “C” machine design was the industry standard. When CNC came along, dimensional tolerances tightened and manufacturers demanded faster spindle speeds to deal with harder-to-machine alloys, the inherent performance problems with the “C” design became obvious. We asked Jim Endsley, Product Specialist Machining Centers for Okuma, to explain why the company moved from “C” designs to the current double column or bridge design. Here are the facts Jim shared with us:
Dayton, OH – Machine Tool Distributor and Automation Systems Integrator Gosiger, Inc. has developed a new product to enable Okuma CNC machine users to seamlessly integrate a variety of peripheral devices such as bar feeders, high-pressure coolant systems, hydraulically activated fixtures and steady rests through one interface to the machine’s OSP 200 and above control.
Gosiger Controls Specialist Jon Weaver shot this video of a Remote Offset application developed for a Gosiger machining cell customer. Using the Okuma Application Program Interface (API) that enables programmers to create Windows®-based APPs for the Okuma OSP operating system, this program provides the cell operators an easy way to adjust tool offsets from outside the cell.
For most manufacturers investing in any CNC machine tool is a major decision, and well it should be. Operating costs continue to rise while competition and customer demands can drive profit margins down. So investing in new equipment is a serious proposition. Yet sometimes, in an effort to keep the initial investment to a minimum, some shops fail to see the bigger picture. Take 5-axis CNC machining centers for example. Some shops see 5-axis as overkill based on the way they’ve always operated. Yet there are many substantial reasons why investing in a 5-axis machine may be the most cost-effective move you can make. Here are 7 of them:
Here are 7 things to keep in mind about gibs:
Most of us first heard the term “horsepower” when we became interested in motor vehicles. As youngsters, the concept was pretty simple: More horsepower meant faster cars. That was before we learned about the other factors that affect automobile performance such as torque and RPM.
Managers and owners of CNC machine shops are always striving for greater productivity through new techniques and technologies. It’s true that more capable machine tools and automating certain functions are keys to improving performance. However, even the most advanced manufacturing facilities need talented, committed people to make the most of these tools. So how do you keep your employees motivated?
Dayton, OH – When a CNC machine shop customer needs parts, technical service, or simply a question answered, they want it handled right now. None of us have much patience when a machine is down or when we need information to keep production moving. That’s why over the past few years Dayton, Ohio based CNC machine tool distributor and automation integrator Gosiger, Inc. has refined its ability to respond to customer phone calls by using Internet Protocol (IP) technology and a new customer response model.
This video shows how a Fanuc M-20iA six-axis industrial robot equipped with an IRVision system locates, picks up and loads parts into an Okuma Multus B-300 CNC machining center.
Change is often difficult. We tend to get comfortable in the way we’ve always done things. Then there’s the fear of making a bad decision, which can cloud our judgment. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages when expanding or upgrading your CNC machine capabilities.
CNC machine cutting tools are perishable by nature, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to prolong the life of your cutting tools. Not only are the tools, themselves, an expense but replacing worn tools can interrupt production and add labor costs. Not replacing worn tools in a timely manner can also impact the quality of a workpiece.
As the U.S. economy continues to improve, CNC manufacturers are attempting to add to their workforce. Some of the individuals showing up for these jobs are foreign-born. As we are all aware from the ongoing debates in Washington over immigration reform, there are many unauthorized workers in this country.
Dayton, OH – Earlier this year Gosiger, Inc. OEM partner, Okuma America Corporation, extended an invitation to users of its CNC machines to “Tell Your Okuma Story.” The CNC machine shops were asked to submit a brief description of their success stories and best practices for consideration to be included in “Go Beyond” video productions to be placed on the Okuma Web site.
The economy is improving but with competition the way it is these days, no CNC machine shop – regardless of size – can afford to stand still. To take your business to the next level you need to invest in quality, high-performing machine tools – without going broke. That’s why, for a limited time, Gosiger is making it possible to step up to an Okuma Genos L300-MY Turning Center for only $99,900.
CNC machining is a serious business, whether you’re turning out high-volume brass fittings or high-precision, titanium aerospace components. But who says you can’t have a little fun along with your hard work? That’s the essence of GosigerFest, held September 25 & 26 2013 at Gosiger’s headquarters in Dayton, Ohio.
Do you need a salesperson to help drive and grow your CNC machining business? It’s a tricky question because there are so many variables that come into play, not the least of which is the fact that salespeople are additional overhead until they start producing.
If you have a large number of small to medium size products, parts, tooling or other inventory that take up far too much floor space, you may want to consider a vertical storage solution. These tower-like systems enable you to store inventory in a much smaller area yet make retrieval quick and easy.
Some CNC machine shops don’t think about looking for more business until the pipeline of orders begins to run dry. Unfortunately, this approach leads to periods when work is no longer flowing through the shop and overhead, payroll and operating costs spiral out of proportion to income. That’s why every business needs to continuously promote its products and services. One of the most cost-effective ways to do this is through email marketing.
There are many CNC machine shops that are relatively small in size and number of employees. However, with today’s technologies, even smaller shops can take on substantial jobs if they have the right combination of equipment and expertise. Of course to compete for those jobs, a customer must believe that the CNC shop can handle the work. Which means that the shop must project an image of competency and capability – and be recognized to begin with.
In this brief video, Gosiger 3-D Applications Engineer, Brian Stall, shows a custom APP designed by Gosiger’s Aftermarket Support Department. This APP is an example of the possibilities inherent with the Okuma THiNC API (Application Program Interface). Gosiger engineers have developed a number of APPs to meet customer requirements. Machine users can also create their own custom APPs using Visual Basic.
One of the unsung heroes of CNC machining is the 3-jaw chuck that is standard equipment on many CNC lathes and turning centers. The chuck is the principal workholding device and is essential for maintaining accuracy and enabling the machine tool to perform at optimum RPM.
Dayton, OH – Gosiger, Inc. field technicians are part of a team that provides customer support for the machine tools, accessories and factory automation systems the company sells and installs. As part of an ongoing program to enhance customer service, Gosiger recently launched the MyTECH component of its CRM (customer relations management) system.
One of the ongoing concerns of CNC machine shops is the difficulty in finding qualified machine operators, programmers and other skilled workers. Some of the proposed cures for this malady are better education about manufacturing in our public schools, better access to technical education at community colleges, and a return to apprenticeship programs. There is even talk of creating an industry-wide advertising and public relations campaign to enhance the image of manufacturing as a career option.
No matter how well a CNC machine tool is designed and built, certain components will eventually wear out over time. In the same way, no matter how well trained your staff is, it’s human nature that accidents, such as turret crashes, can happen. When breakdowns occur, for whatever reasons, you’ll want to get your machines up and running as soon as possible.
Like it or not, the U. S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) is now law, and small businesses should be aware of their responsibilities and the impact it may have on their businesses.
Many CNC machine shops have discovered that diversifying into new industries and, consequently, expanding the kinds of parts they produce is a key to growth in good times and a way to survive when the economy suffers. In many cases this means breaking out of their comfort zones and taking on more challenging work. When a company that traditionally makes fairly simple parts expands into aerospace, medical or other markets that have more complex and closer tolerance parts, they need to carefully consider what it takes to compete.
Summer is upon us and, in most parts of the country, that means heat and humidity are on the rise. For CNC machine shops, increasing temperatures and humidity levels are more than a physical discomfort. They represent a real danger for the electronic components of machine tools, computers and other shop equipment.
Any parent knows the frustration of asking a child why he or she did something they don’t approve of and getting a lame excuse (quite often: “I don’t know”). How do we typically respond? By telling the child “That’s no excuse!” and insisting the behavior be corrected.
For those who have through tool coolant delivery systems on their CNC machines, keeping the coolant pins clean and functioning, and replacing them as needed should be part of your planned preventative maintenance program. However, some shops forget about these small items and the result can be costly.
A video production from Gosiger Automation & Fanuc demonstrates a production cell that uses a Fanuc M-10iA Robot positioned at the side of a Hardinge Super Precision T-Series Turning Center, so the robot does not interfere with access to the machine tool. This is a unique configuration as the robot must reach around the machine to load and unload the workpiece.
This video explains how a Gosiger-developed aftermarket steady rest interface with an integrated operator control panel allows the CNC machine operator to control and monitor the steady rest, and provides program setup without switching screens.
No CNC shop owner or manager wants to impede production with unnecessary meetings. However, if properly conducted, purposeful meetings can actually have a positive effect on productivity and employee morale. With a little advance planning and by establishing a few ground rules up front, you can conduct more effective meetings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
If you don’t have experience machining aluminum alloys but you’d like to expand your capabilities to solicit work from aerospace companies, here are a few points to consider:
Most of us enjoy knowing that those we report to value the work that we do. It makes us feel worthwhile and respected. And because we all have different personalities, some of us may need to hear these words of appreciation more often than others. However, if the only time employees hear they are doing a good job is during their annual performance reviews, it’s a safe bet morale isn’t everything it could be. So step one for any manager who wants to motivate his or her employees to operate at peak performance, is to make it a habit to praise them whenever the opportunity presents itself.
For many years advances in metalworking manufacturing technology centered on increasing throughput and reducing cycle times through faster spindle speeds and feed rates, improved tooling, and the emergence of multi-function CNC machining centers. Today, these factors are taken for granted as ongoing improvements in machine tool performance are expected. The current trends in technology focus less on the machine tools themselves, and more on other aspects of the manufacturing process. Here are some of the more prominent trends we see:
Robotic automation is transforming modern manufacturing by eliminating repetitive, labor-intensive functions thus freeing machine operators to concentrate on programming, setup and other important tasks. As a result, they enable manufacturers to be more productive and competitive. Here are a few facts about industrial robots you may not be aware of.
One of the most useful tools CNC machine shops have for reducing costs and improving performance is a concept called Value Stream Mapping. Typically used by companies who wish to implement Lean Manufacturing, Value Stream Mapping is a way to identify and analyze all of the activities involved in delivering a product or service to the customer. For CNC machine operations this could be anything from a single part to a complete product.
Dayton, OH – Okuma machine tool distributor Morris South works with customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia to help improve manufacturing performance and solve production problems. When the best customer solution involves robotic-based automation, they turn to the Automation Division of fellow Okuma dealer Gosiger, Inc. (Dayton, OH).
Many CNC machine shops are looking for new markets to serve, new parts to make and new opportunities to grow their business. However, much of these opportunities hinge on the shop’s ability to perform increasingly more precise and complex machining operations at competitive prices. Additionally, many customers require shorter runs, the ability to handle large part families and the flexibility to produce a variety of parts. For machine shops that have long relied on vertical machining centers (VMC), it may be time to consider the advantages of a horizontal machining center (HMC).
Most business people rely heavily on their smartphones and tablets to help manage their personal and business lives. Which means that we use these devices to transact banking business, make travel plans, send and receive emails, access the Internet and social media sites and even transfer CAD drawings and other customer information. So anyone who gets their hands on the phone, itself, or hacks their way in has access to data that can cause us a world of hurt, as anyone who’s had a brush with identity theft or industrial espionage will tell you.
How do you go about training new workers on shop procedures, or introducing new procedures to existing employees? If you’re like many shops, you rely on more experienced employees to train others. Although this may be effective in some cases, it usually ties up valuable people and takes far longer than it should. A more cost-effective method is to document procedures on paper or electronically so they can be easily passed along multiple times, thus reducing the manpower involved.
Thanks to tougher state and pending federal regulations, if you machine brass parts that will be used to deliver potable water you are either preparing to or already in the process of machining these parts from no-lead brass. Moreover, it’s expected that in the near future lead will no longer be used in any ferrous or non-ferrous alloys. So CNC machine shops that traditionally work with leaded brass face new challenges as they switch to unleaded material.
It’s no secret that there are vast numbers of medical products being manufactured for a wide variety of applications. These products may be as simple as a hand-held instrument, as complex as a computer-based imaging device and as unique as a custom-fit prosthesis. One thing they all have in common is that they impact the lives and wellbeing of millions of people. Therefore the machining of the parts that make up these devices must be held to extremely high standards, including zero defects.
One of the complaints educators in colleges and technical schools hear from employers is that their graduates don’t enter the workplace with well-developed critical thinking skills. Such abilities enable employees to solve challenging problems more quickly and successfully. As manufacturing has become more complex and with increasing pressures to reduce costs while improving part quality and delivery times, it is essential that CNC machine operators, supervisors and other employees are capable of solving problems through critical thinking.
Thanks to their lighter weight, strength and stiffness, composite materials are more frequently finding their way into manufactured products from aerospace to cars, trucks, and medical products. But what, exactly, are these materials and what do you need to know to properly machine them?
Dayton, OH — CNC machine distributor and factory automation integrator Gosiger, Inc. develops custom APPs for Okuma OSP controls that enable machine users to manage manufacturing processes more efficiently and accurately. These APPs are specifically designed for each customer’s application and seamlessly integrated into the Okuma OSP control system.
Gosiger programmers have recently developed custom APPs for these purposes:
According to Mark Walker of Gosiger High Volume.
Live tooling for CNC turning machines expands a manufacturer’s options by enabling off-center, secondary operations such as drilling, tapping, and end milling on the part face and around the diameter. As you might expect, there are a number of important considerations when adding live tooling to your existing CNC machines or including it in a new machine purchase. Here are 6 such points to think about.
Gosiger is pleased to compliment its broad line of CNC machine tools with the Nomura brand of Swiss-style turning machines. Nomura is a leading manufacturer of turning centers with more than 50 years of experience building precise, reliable CNC machines.
Whether you’re brand new to CNC machine programming or working with a new machine tool control system, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even a bit intimidated. Gosiger applications engineer and CNC programming instructor Kevin Chandler has taught scores of machine operators over the past 20 years, so we asked him to share a few basic programming thoughts.
Hardinge Inc., a leading international provider of advanced metal-cutting solutions, announces the release of two all-new Bridgeport 5-Face (4+1) Vertical Machining Centers – the GX 250 5F and GXR 320 5F. These new 4+1 axis vertical machining centers are high quality machine tools designed to achieve maximum capacity and performance in the job shop, OEM, aerospace, medical, electronic, defense, automotive and power generation industries, as well as many other manufacturing sectors.
The world celebrates Earth Day this month and the collective consciousness of over 175 countries will, once again, focus on sustaining our environment. Savvy manufacturers have long realized that increasing the efficiency of our operations and protecting the planet can go hand-in-hand. It’s a fact that reducing material waste and providing a clean, safe work environment is not only good for the environment, it’s good business. Here are a few examples:
Once again the taxman cometh and many business owners are either gathering their financial records to prepare tax returns or filing them away. And since the promise of a completely paperless office is as much a reality as all of us having flying cars, it’s once again time to ask ourselves how long we need to keep these financial documents.
This 7-minute video presentation features a live demonstration of how to easily calibrate an Okuma 2-axis lathe equipped with the OSP-200L CNC control. It also explains how to set tool length offset values for a master tool used in tool probe calibration, the steps necessary to calibrate a tool probe, and how to touch off other tools in a turret to obtain the correct tool length offset.
Finding skilled workers to bring on board has become a challenge for many manufacturers. This was the case at Hy-Tech Machine. Adding to that problem was the fact that the skilled employees it already had were spending their time handling material, loading and unloading parts, and completing other tasks that were not the best use of their talents. By automating some lower-skill-level procedures, Hy-Tech was able to improve throughput and use its employees to their fullest potential.
Today’s turning machines and horizontal machining centers (HMC) are more accurate and repeatable then ever before and provide increasingly faster spindle speeds. Sophisticated, intelligent controls like the Okuma OSP THINC system easily execute complex programs while managing extensive production schedules. And with designed-in features that compensate for thermal influences, help you avoid turret crashes and make setups and programming easier, CNC machine shops can make accurate parts faster and more cost-effectively.
For more than 90 years Gosiger sales engineers and applications specialists have worked with hundreds of machine tool customers to help them select the best equipment for their manufacturing operations. During this process they share what they believe are the most important characteristics to have in a CNC machine for their specific applications. However, regardless of the customer’s unique requirements, here are the top 7 fundamentals that these CNC shop owners and production managers in companies of all kinds and sizes want in a new machine tool.
The true cost of servicing a CNC machine tool, including downtime, can get very expensive. However there are a number of common sense ways you can reduce the number of service calls you make each year. Here are 7:
This new router style end mill tool from Sandvik Coromant (2P230 series) as shown on an Okuma Genos M560V vertical machining center (VMC) enables the cutting of an aluminum part with one tool. It provides high feed rate cutting used for z-level roughing and, because of its versatility, allows for multiple cutting strategies, reduces the number of tool changes and allows roughing to near net shape.
According to Gosiger’s David Cogswell, the common theme expressed by attendees of the 2013 Medical Design & Manufacturing Show West was a desire to improve or expand their manufacturing capabilities. “The people I spoke with were company owners, manufacturing engineers and other production people looking for better ways to make their products, and to expand their businesses.” This, of course, bodes well for both the manufacturing sector and the overall economy.
Please Join The Discussion! You are invited to the Woman In Manufacturing Roundtable on March 21st, 2013 at noon. This month is a departure from our normal hard-hitting topics to self improvement.
A manufacturer of API and premium couplings used for deep oil drilling wanted to significantly reduce its cost-per-part, utilize less floor space and address operator safety concerns. Gosiger Automation worked closely with other Okuma Partners in THINC to develop an automated cell occupying only a 35’ by 20’ area. The system eliminated most of the manual labor previously required, thus greatly reducing operator time. An integrated robot handles the loading and unloading chores, eliminating heavy lifting and keeping workers out of harms way.
In an earlier post (7 Secrets Of Successful CNC Shops) we discussed recent research that, for the most part, looked at how high-performing shops apply technology to achieve their goals. Since producing parts is the core activity of CNC machine shops, focusing on how technology improves productivity and profitability makes perfect sense, as does working with an experienced manufacturing technology resource like Gosiger.
Manufacturers from small CNC machine shops to multi-billion dollar companies face the daily challenge of retaining current customers and finding new ones. Accomplishing these tasks falls under the broad umbrella we call marketing – a function that has changed radically in recent years. The primary game-changer is the evolution of digital communications technologies, especially the Internet.
Seattle, Washington-based Lighthouse for the Blind is a not-for-profit that creates employment for blind, deaf, and other individuals challenged by physical disabilities. One of their crowning achievements is a machine shop servicing the aerospace industry. However, when the organization realized that they needed to increase their competitiveness with CNC machining technologies they had difficulty finding a machine tool supplier who would work with them to adapt the new machines for blind operators.
Medical part manufacturing continues to be a rapidly growing market due to the large population of aging baby boomers who are looking for “improved quality of life”. Demand is high for high-precision components for neurological, orthopeadic, spinal/bone fixation, dental implants, drug infusion, catheter connectors, optical, maxillofacial, micro/minimally invasive, surgical instruments and other medical devices, most of which can be manufactured on the Hardinge QUEST® SUPER-PRECISION® GT27 gang-tool turning center.
For many years all aspects of business have been under intense pressure to drive down costs so we can be more competitive and profitable. Perhaps nowhere is this pressure more intense than in manufacturing. Of course, there are a number of ways to reduce production costs, and you have most likely addressed many of them. Even so, it’s always a good idea to take a fresh look at your operation to see if you’ve overlooked anything.
For most CNC machine shops and company manufacturing departments, the secret to improving productivity and profitability lies in applying the right technologies and relying on a conscientious, knowledgeable workforce. Therefore, if you have a problem employee the impact can be quite serious. Ignoring a worker’s bad habits or inappropriate actions not only affects the performance of the problem employee, it can also undermine the morale of the rest of your staff. So how do you go about fixing the problem? Here are some proven techniques.
Marketing is typically not on the top of most CNC machine shop owners’ minds. After all, each day is filled with myriad challenges, and the primary goal is to produce more and better parts and products. Unfortunately customers don’t stay around forever, no matter how well we treat them. Companies are bought and sold, go out of business, bring previously outsourced work inside, or simply no longer require the kind of work you provide. That’s why we must constantly add new customers. But where do we find them? And how can we do so cost-effectively? Fact is there are a number of ways you can seek new customers by substituting sweat equity for dollars. Here are 4 of them:
Any device that has a number of moving parts needs service from time to time, and the more we use the device, the more often it needs attention. CNC machines are no exception. In fact, considering the conditions under which they operate, it’s not surprising that even the best designed and built machine tools require regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns.
Dayton, OH – High-volume machining and automation specialist, Gosiger, Inc. now offers a parts washing system that thoroughly cleans parts machined in oil using programmable spraying, immersion, submerged jets, ultrasonic and vapor cleaning methods that can be applied either statically, or in conjunction with oscillation or rotation.
In this video a FANUC M-10iA robot not only loads and unloads a part from a Hardinge Super-Precision T51 SP CNC machine, but also uses a Renishaw Equator Comparative Gauging System to inspect the finished part, all without operator intervention. The video narrator explains how the robot uses a unique software solution to finely control speed and positioning for these delicate procedures without the use of special hardware.
By now virtually all businesses have discovered the value of mobile devices to their daily operations – and manufacturing is no exception. Manufacturing-related apps for smart phones and tablets continue to proliferate for iPhones, iPads, Android-based and Windows-based devices. Here are just a few manufacturing apps that have recently come to our attention.
