Controls & Software

CAD/CAM | Results when computer-aided design (CAD) systems in engineering and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems in manufacturing are joined together to produce a product.

Closed-loop Servo-controlled System | a control system which compares the system output to the system input, and can make corrections for any variations that exist.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) | the use of a computer and specialized graphics software to design a part or workpiece. A machine program may also be obtained as an output of the software.

Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) | the application of computers, special software, and various peripherals to accomplish such engineering tasks as analysis and modeling.

Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) | the use of a computer and specialized graphics software to prepare a machine program for a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine.

Computer-Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) | the total integration of such individual concepts as NC, robotics, and materials handling into one large automated system.

Computer Numerical Controls (CNC): a numerical control system where the data handling sequence, the control functions and the response to data input are determined primarily by a computer program executed by a computer. It provides electrical signals to coordinate and move the various slides or axes of the machine.

Control System: a system of hardware and software that controls the operation of a CNC machine tool. For motion control, it may use either nonservo techniques that control endpoints only, or a servo control of the path and speed.

Direct Numerical Control (DNC) | the direct control of a number of separate CNC machine tools by a large central hose computer. The part programs are down-loaded from a host computer directly into the memory of a CNC machine tool as required.

Distributed Numerical Control | a hierarchical control in which the machine tool control units are connected to a central plant computer and the controllers are themselves CNC units.

Numerical Control (NC) | a form of programmable automation in which the machine tool is controlled by means of a predetermined program of coded instructions and commands which consist of numbers, letters, and other symbols.

Programmable Logic Control (PLC) | a digital electronic stored program device used in sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic to control – through digital or analog input/output modules – various types of machines or processes.

Servo Control | an industrial robot control system in which sensing devices monitor movement, and report any deviation between commands as issued and movement as monitored. Deviations will automatically cause corrective action to be taken.

Tool Changer | mechanisms that automatically change cutting tools on a CNC machine under program control. It may take the form of a carousel with a variety of cutting tools for machining centers, or a special device at the end of a robot arm that provides for quick changes of the end- effector or tool.

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The goal for industrial noise control is to promote hearing conservation while reducing noise levels for personnel to protect employees from hearing loss and increase industrial safety within the facilities. Companies are required to comply with industrial safety noise levels within OSHA requirements or other governmental or insurance agency requirements.

Acoustical enclosures and machinery enclosures are a very common treatment for industrial noise control requirements.

We offer custom fabricates all of their industrial enclosures to meet the requirements of the environment that it is going into. The acoustical and machinery enclosures are typically made from acoustical blankets. These are very durable vinyl quilted blankets that can be suspended or floor mounted to form any type of industrial enclosure. Metal machinery enclosures are also available.

Noise reduction is achieved with the use of:

• Acoustical blankets
• Sound Proofing
• Sound Isolation and Barriers
• Hanging baffles and banners
• Acoustical foams
• Wall Panels

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Acknowledging that the defense industry represents over a hundred thousand jobs and billions of dollars in revenue to the state of Missouri, Akin will call on greater coordination and support between state, federal and local officials in actively supporting the strength of defense manufacturing in the St. Louis region.

Congressman Akin, a key member of the House Armed Services Committee who has long been a proponent of supporting the industrial capacity of the defense industry in the region as well as the nation will discuss the tremendous economic impact of the defense industry in the region, its importance to Missouri’s economy as well as the defense capability of the nation.

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Like so many other things, shipping cases, carrying cases and custom cases can all be manufactured using a variety of different materials based on your durability needs. For maximum protection custom foam combined with the right case construction is an integral part of the packaging of your valuable and sensitive items.

By understanding what each of these different foam manufacturing methods has to offer, you can gain a better understanding for which type of custom foam is right for you and your packaging needs. Different methods for manufacturing custom foam – along with their best use – are outlined below.

Die-Cut Custom Foam

Die-cutting is used to create large quantities (typically over 25) of uniformly designed products. If your organization is going to require a large number of a particular case for packaging your product for sale in the industrial or retail markets, the company that you contract to manufacture them may very well use die-cutting for its efficiency and cost saving benefits.

Band Saw/Hand-cut

Band Saw is an excellent single piece cutting method. It’s perfect for quick prototypes with minimal detail and few cavities. Typically the pattern image is drawn on the underside of the foam then cut with a band saw with a special low dust foam blade. A skilled technician cuts each cavity entering from an outer wall of the foam following the pattern and exiting back through the original entry point. Once the cutting is complete the entry point is glued back together.

Water Jet Design

Water jet cutting is a popular manufacturing method that involves using a high pressure jet of water to perform precision cuts and designs. If you can draw it with CAD you can cut it. Water jet is very cost effective for quantities under 25. The huge advantage is that it can cut extremely detailed configurations, very small cavities and a large number of cavities with ease. Whereas previously discussed band saw is time consuming, tedious and very difficult when it comes to tiny details. Water jet also directly penetrates the foam eliminating the entry point from a side wall creating a week spot. The end product is uniformly strong and exceptionally durable and presents well for sample and tradeshow needs. The water jet process does have a drying time that varies on the type of foam and the fabricators drying procedure and should be considered when calculating receipt of goods deadlines.

Contour Saw Manufacturing

Many manufacturing firms – and custom foam designers – use contour saws for their flexibility and ease of use. Contour saws allow the designer to apply razor sharp precision to their foam. Contour Saw is also an excellent choice for small quantity production. While the detail capabilities are better than band saw it does not have the capability that water jet has. One of the big advantages is that you don’t have to deal with drying of the foam. Contour saw may be limited to foam thickness.

CNC Router Machining

A CNC (computer numerically controlled) machining tool is a highly automated system that utilizes CAD designs and computerized data configurations, as opposed to manufacturing manually. The computer driven machinery results in consistent and uniform quality and design.

CNC Router is best suited for firm foams.

Hot Wire CNC Foam Cutting

CNC Hot wire foam cutters are popularly used in manufacturing to achieve precise, customized results from semi-rigid foams. Often used in fabricating architectural products such as crown moldings and columns, hotwire foam cutters work well with EPE and EPP foams.

Self-Configuration Options

When time is of the essence and your presentation and protection needs don’t require custom foam, self-configuration options like using a utility knife or electric knife to cut solid layers of foam or using pre-cut “pick ‘n’ pluck” foam are a practical approach.

Considering the preceding information, when it comes to protecting your important equipment and products you have many foam options. Today’s shipping case interiors can be designed using many truly sophisticated methods of custom designed foam, creating the most formidable kinds of protection and security for even the most discerning organizations.

The author is an authority in the field of manufacturing shipping cases and military cases. Their website is an excellent resource regarding the advantages of utilizing safe shipping cases.

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Like so many other things, shipping cases, carrying cases and custom cases can all be manufactured using a variety of different materials based on your durability needs. For maximum protection custom foam combined with the right case construction is an integral part of the packaging of your valuable and sensitive items.

By understanding what each of these different foam manufacturing methods has to offer, you can gain a better understanding for which type of custom foam is right for you and your packaging needs. Different methods for manufacturing custom foam – along with their best use – are outlined below.

Die-Cut Custom Foam

Die-cutting is used to create large quantities (typically over 25) of uniformly designed products. If your organization is going to require a large number of a particular case for packaging your product for sale in the industrial or retail markets, the company that you contract to manufacture them may very well use die-cutting for its efficiency and cost saving benefits.

Band Saw/Hand-cut

Band Saw is an excellent single piece cutting method. It’s perfect for quick prototypes with minimal detail and few cavities. Typically the pattern image is drawn on the underside of the foam then cut with a band saw with a special low dust foam blade. A skilled technician cuts each cavity entering from an outer wall of the foam following the pattern and exiting back through the original entry point. Once the cutting is complete the entry point is glued back together.

Water Jet Design

Water jet cutting is a popular manufacturing method that involves using a high pressure jet of water to perform precision cuts and designs. If you can draw it with CAD you can cut it. Water jet is very cost effective for quantities under 25. The huge advantage is that it can cut extremely detailed configurations, very small cavities and a large number of cavities with ease. Whereas previously discussed band saw is time consuming, tedious and very difficult when it comes to tiny details. Water jet also directly penetrates the foam eliminating the entry point from a side wall creating a week spot. The end product is uniformly strong and exceptionally durable and presents well for sample and tradeshow needs. The water jet process does have a drying time that varies on the type of foam and the fabricators drying procedure and should be considered when calculating receipt of goods deadlines.

Contour Saw Manufacturing

Many manufacturing firms – and custom foam designers – use contour saws for their flexibility and ease of use. Contour saws allow the designer to apply razor sharp precision to their foam. Contour Saw is also an excellent choice for small quantity production. While the detail capabilities are better than band saw it does not have the capability that water jet has. One of the big advantages is that you don’t have to deal with drying of the foam. Contour saw may be limited to foam thickness.

CNC Router Machining

A CNC (computer numerically controlled) machining tool is a highly automated system that utilizes CAD designs and computerized data configurations, as opposed to manufacturing manually. The computer driven machinery results in consistent and uniform quality and design.

CNC Router is best suited for firm foams.

Hot Wire CNC Foam Cutting

CNC Hot wire foam cutters are popularly used in manufacturing to achieve precise, customized results from semi-rigid foams. Often used in fabricating architectural products such as crown moldings and columns, hotwire foam cutters work well with EPE and EPP foams.

Self-Configuration Options

When time is of the essence and your presentation and protection needs don’t require custom foam, self-configuration options like using a utility knife or electric knife to cut solid layers of foam or using pre-cut “pick ‘n’ pluck” foam are a practical approach.

Considering the preceding information, when it comes to protecting your important equipment and products you have many foam options. Today’s shipping case interiors can be designed using many truly sophisticated methods of custom designed foam, creating the most formidable kinds of protection and security for even the most discerning organizations.

The author is an authority in the field of manufacturing shipping cases and military cases. Their website is an excellent resource regarding the advantages of utilizing safe shipping cases.

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Along with basic scientific goals, the ARC focus on army-relevant topics and fundamental technology gaps in vehicle power and energy, including advanced combustion, electrochemical and hybrid propulsion systems, lightweight structures with optimized topologies, survivability and mobility of trucks and military vehicles, and reliable human-centered design.

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The program will combine distinguished speakers from government and industry, including US Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, TACOM Contracting Center, Defense Contract Management Agency, and Defense Logistics Agency.

This event is located in the Michigan National Defense Corridor and Alley.

For additional information about the Michigan National Defense Corridor and Alley, click here.

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Loren Thompson, with the Lexington Institute, said the company acquired the Gulf Coast shipyards of Ingalls and Avondale when it bought out Litton in 2001, seeking Litton’s military electronics business.

And performance has gone downhill, he said, touting the heyday years when Jerry St. Pe’ ran the Ingalls yard for Litton.

“Why would you expect a company that is at the cutting edge of modern technology in most of its businesses to be good at old-fashioned, industrial metal-bending?

“And how many companies would even be willing to deal with a customer as surly and capricious as the U.S. Navy?” Thompson asked in his think-piece published Monday.

“In 2009, shipbuilding generated less than a fifth of Northrop’s sales while yielding profit margins well below those of the bigger aerospace, electronics and information segments,” he pointed out. “Repeated, unpleasant surprises from the company’s shipbuilding operations have become a drag on investor perceptions of what should be one of the world’s most respected technology companies.”

Thompson referred to a detailed Defense News article in March that suggested Northrop Grumman consider letting go of the Avondale yard in Louisiana, citing work problems and delays, and pointing out that the head of both General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman discussed with Congress the reduction in the number of ships to be built for the Navy.

Northrop Grumman also is in the process of changing out management and its performance metrics, Thompson said in an interview Wednesday. “In the old days, it was interested in growing revenue. Now it’s interested in growing profits, and Ingalls requires a lot of investment.”

Thompson said the thought of Northrop Grumman leaving shipbuilding isn’t the same thing as losing Ingalls. Ingalls is the biggest and most modern shipyard in the United States building military ships, he said.

“Ingalls is not going away. It’s possible Northrop Grumman will, but Ingalls is not.” he said. “The Navy needs it.”

via Analyst questions Northrop Grumman’s role as shipbuilder.

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