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“We always provide a consultative approach to arriving at the best outcome for the customer. There are no gaps in our portfolio and we’re not tied to any type of product or brand.”
customer a turnkey package with single-source responsibility from NCMT. This provides additional support, particularly for first-time automation investors.” Leading the line NCMT also offers full production line automation via flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) or transfer line. “We build FMS around subcontractors with repeat orders or OEMs that have a wide variety of regular parts to manufacture,” he explains. “Using an FMS means any part can go anywhere in the system at any time: all stations are available and ready. Software algorithms work out most efficient route.” In contrast, if a customer has a dedicated part to machine in high volume, a transfer line is typically the best option. A transfer line involves a machine tailored to Op 1, another machine tailored to Op 2, and so on. Each machine is a stopping point at which a specific operation takes place, such as machining, deburring, washing or
inspection. Automation connects the machines, with parts on the automation moving one workstation at a time, synchronously. With so many automation options available, the advice of a specialist such as NCMT can clearly prove invaluable when it comes to specifying the optimal solution. “We always provide a consultative approach to arriving at the best outcome for the customer,” says Phil Cattaneo. “There are no gaps in our portfolio and we’re not tied to any type of product or brand. In my opinion it’s never too late, or too soon, to talk about automation. Machine shops planning to add automation in the next two years might think it’s not yet time to contact NCMT. But it is, because it can take time to figure out the actual requirements and devise the optimal solution. The sooner we start the process, the better.” n
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