Machining.

Running your shop like a well-oiled machine.

A critical function with critical side effects.

Machining plays a crucial role in the manufacturing process. From simple grinding to complex cutting parameters, machining is an efficient means to remove material from raw stock. Unfortunately, what goes into this critical process causes a substantial environmental output.  

The nature of machining requires a considerable input of energy and materials. In fact, it’s one of the most power-intense operations in the manufacturing sector. The result is an output of atmospheric emissions (greenhouse gasses and metal fragments), solid waste, and liquid waste. With increased pressure on sustainability, factories must address this pressing concern.  

Industry Knowledge Center.

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ORGANIZATIONS.

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Meeting the challenge.

The majority of machine challenges are process related. How can you optimize your process to work more efficiently, effectively, and sustainably? Every decision regarding tool types, paths, work-holding, cutting parameters, deburring, gauging, and more can affect your overall production. Wasmer can help you sort through the process and operate at a higher level.  

machining
machining manufacturing

Optimization Challenges.

  • Achieve sustainability goals by minimizing the use of planetary resources 
  • Reduce energy, raw material, waste, and atmospheric emissions 
  • Implement Industry 4.0 digital manufacturing for data management and faster speed to market 
  • Manage equipment for less unplanned downtime 
  • Optimize facility layout and improve digitization 
  • Attract and retain labor through improved facilities and operations  

Specific to Challenges.

Cool Timeline

2023
Natural Resource Management

Wasmer can implement strategies and technologies to reduce consumption of natural resources and resultant atmospheric emissions in machining facilities.  Waste heat recovery captures heat to power other equipment and closed-loop water recycling can significantly reduce water.  By optimizing cutting speeds, feeds, and coolant usage, both energy and water consumption are reduced.  Wasmer can conduct an energy audit to analyze the plant’s energy and water usage and assess potential areas of improvement. 

Facility Layout & Design

Wasmer will conduct a flow analysis to identify the most efficient layout, including the mapping out of material flow, components, and finished products to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.  Zoning and cellular manufacturing design strategies group together different stages of the process, as well as machines and workstations, to realize the highest efficiency in moving materials and product through the plant. Flexible layouts allow an environment responsive to changes in demand and production processes.

Automation, Industry 4.0

CNC machines use computer-controlled systems to automate the machining process. Robots can be used to automate tasks resulting in reduced labor costs and attracting a workforce excited with advanced technology solutions.  The same applies to AR/VR, allowing operators to visualize and optimize the production process before it is implemented in the plant.  Wasmer can assist with the use of IoT sensors and predictive analytics to minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs.

Equipment Management

Machining manufacturing plants are directly impacted by equipment management. Wasmer will design systems and processes that ensures machines and tools are properly maintained, repaired, and replaced as needed to prevent breakdowns and downtime.  Properly maintained machines produce more accurate and consistent machining results, which improves overall quality. 

Decarbonization, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Reduction

Wasmer brings a depth and breadth of knowledge invaluable to machining facilities and as a result of working across a wide range of industry sectors. Energy efficient solutions and equipment can significantly minimize carbon and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as supply chain optimization.