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Machine Tending is the Automation Breakthrough Whose Time has Come

Posted by Kevin Mauger | Monday, September 16, 2019

Automation has transformed American manufacturing. By decreasing labor costs and improving productivity, US-based companies compete more successfully in a global marketplace. These benefits extend across the board, including CNC operations. In the past, the most common practice was for CNC operators to feed material into CNCs. But two factors require CNC operators to change the process: global competition and low unemployment.

Enter Automation. In the past, machine tending (the use of a machine to feed materials into a CNC) has not been cost effective. But now, Machine Tending is a low-cost, high-ROI way for companies to improve efficiency and productivity. 

 

Automation is the New Normal

For decades, global competition has put pressure on American manufacturers. With lower labor costs overseas, US-based operations had to learn to do more with less. But for the first time, automation is giving American manufacturers the upper hand. Prior automation techniques were not cost effective. But machine tending has now become a much more practical investment and way to improve operating performance.

This innovation comes at a time where American labor costs are higher than ever. Low unemployment has bumped up wages, even for the lowest-level workers. The most productive low-skilled workers can find better work elsewhere. What you have left for basic materials tending is not the strongest labor pool. What remains are not the most reliable portion of the labor force resulting in a lot of employee turnover. This constant churn of low-quality workers is a significant cost to your operations.

Machine Tending eliminates the unpredictable human element. Automated materials tending delivers predictable productivity. Day in and day out, Machine Tending devices work like a clock. Without the need for shift changes and breaks, you could potentially operate 24/7 with Machine Tending.

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Machine Tending is No-Brainer Automation

Automation is constantly in the news. Based on what you read online, you’d  think that robots could do every job right now! But reality does not match the hype. For the time being, a lot of automation is still not cost-effective. Hiring manual workers still makes sense for a lot of jobs.

Not in the case of Machine Tending! Unlike other forms of automation, machine tending is a high-ROI investment that pays off in months, not years. With increased productivity and efficiency, you can materially improve the performance of your machining operations.

Machine Tending is also flexible. Other forms of automation require a complete overhaul. But you can seamlessly integrate Machine Tending devices into your existing operations. With all these points in mind, Machine Tending really is no-brainer automation!

 

Glide-Line Can Help You Automate Materials Tending

With our line of Machine Tending devices, we have the expertise to help you build the right material-tending solution. Working with our dedicated team of engineers and designers, we can develop a customized solution to fit seamlessly into your existing operations.

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Ready To Get Started? Contact Us Today To See How We Can Help You Automate With Machine Tending!

Topics: Solutions for Applications Engineers, Conveyor System Designs, Configurable Conveyor Technology

Written by Kevin Mauger

Kevin Mauger started working for the parent company of Glide-Line the day after college and bought the company 12 years into his career when it was at an all-time low. The company has multiplied in volume 5X since and is growing at 20%+ year over year. Personally, his entire life is based upon spending time with his family, figuring out a way to get out deep sea fishing, and supporting his Philadelphia Eagles. His vision for Glide-Line is to make it the world’s most flexible multi-strand conveyor solution with tools for customers allowing instantaneous response and control of their own destiny along with the fastest deliveries in the industry.

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Glide-Line offers the most versatile multi-strand panel and pallet-handling solution available for the assembly automation industry.

We solve problems that other conveyor systems manufacturers won’t. We developed Glide-Line from the ground up with a few key, driving factors in mind. First, our conveyors had to be robust and reliable. Second, they would be simple – easy to maintain and service. Finally, we insisted on flexible configurability, creating an efficient, hassle-free customer experience. We’ve built the most versatile multi-strand panel and pallet-handling solution available for the assembly automation industry.

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