SHOP SOLUTIONS
technologies allow easier programming and faster, more accurate machining. But more important to Kalkman are the machine’s automation capabilities. Its optional large spool capacity allows loading of wire spools weighing up to 55 lb (25 kg) to enable untended operation for extended periods. “We can leave on Friday and not come back in until Monday and know there is plenty of wire to do the jobs we have sched- uled,” Kalkman said. An even more signifi cant advance for untended op- eration is AgieCharmilles’ Pilot Expert 4 remote machine monitoring and control capability. Using a camera and Internet-based software, the system allows JK employees to remotely access the machine and programs using PCs and other mobile devices. JK’s wire EDM technician demonstrated the capability using his mobile phone. “I can change from screen to screen on the control,” he said. “I can monitor operations, I can edit a program fi le. The package allows panning and zooming of
PRECISE REAL-TIME DATA
IMPROVED VISIBILITY THROUGHOUT THE ENTERPRISE
QUALITY CONTROL AND SHOP-FLOOR TRACKING
TM
the camera images, resulting in true remote machine moni- toring and control capability all through a cell phone.” Kalkman recalled one job that ran completely untended on the CUT 300 Sp, a run of 60 lifter pockets with varying angles. “Those parts had pretty specifi c tolerances, and from the fi rst one to the last one there was less than 0.0001" [0.003-mm] difference,” he said. Another program ran un- tended for 130 hours nonstop.” For more information from GF Machining Solutions, go to
www.gfms.com/us, or phone 847-913-5300. Continued from P41
ERP System Tracks EDM Jobs, Grows Shop’s Business
W
hen you r job shop is running 80 electrical discharge machines (EDM), 24 hours-a-day with an output of
INCREASE ON-TIME DELIVERY
REDUCE CARRIED INVENTORY AND IMPROVE ACCURACY IMPROVE CASH FLOW IMPROVE SUPPLIER RATING
ON-TIME DELIVERY SUPPLIER PERFORMANCE Software & Professional Services
more than 5000 jobs a year, keeping track of every aspect of your business might seem impossible. But the team of Carl Sommer and his sons at Reliable EDM (Houston, TX) have not only kept track, but also managed to build Reliable into North America’s largest EDM job shop. Reliable does all forms of EDM: wire EDM, ram/sinker EDM, and small-hole EDM. They specialize nationwide in machining parts that no other form of machining can do, and some jobs even impossible for other EDM shops to pull off. Carl Sommer started in the machining trade in 1949 and has worked as a tool and die maker, foreman, tool designer, and operations manager of a large tool and die and stamping job shop. Carl with his extensive machining experience and his son, Steve, a mechanical engineer, are able to do unusual EDM jobs. For example, they modifi ed machines where they can wire EDM parts up to 62" (1575-mm) tall. They have also written the book, Complete EDM Handbook, which is used in colleges and trade schools.
SALES & PROFIT MARGIN
VISIT
PROFITKEY.COM/ERP 888-6-PROKEY •
info@profitkey.com
FOR A FREE DEMO 46
AdvancedManufacturing.org | June 2015
“Being in Houston, the energy capital of the world,” said Carl Sommer, “we do EDM work that requires costly large EDM machines. We’re not the typical job shop.” Ultimately, the goal for Reliable EDM is to EDM any needed part for their customers in the high-tech oil and gas industry, aerospace, defense, power generation, plastic, electronic, medical, as well as other companies throughout the U.S. To maintain the same growth that his father had spear- headed for the last three decades, John Sommer, the IT arm of Reliable, knew the company needed a new shop control
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