It’s an open secret that industrial automation is on the rise. But here’s a nuance: while big corporations are increasingly adopting automation, many small to mid-sized machine shops are trailing behind, missing out on potential benefits.
The machine shop industry is incredibly segmented. There are thousands of machine shops worldwide, each operating independently without the dominance of a giant like Apple or Microsoft in the tech industry. Most of these shops depend on CNC machines, which are indispensable and profitable assets.
Why Many Machine Shops Hesitate to Automate?
The hesitation for many Machine Shops lies in the perceived high costs and complexities of full automation. It might seem more feasible for a machine shop to invest in another $50,000 to $60,000 CNC machine than to spend upwards of $200,000 on full-scale automation.
But there’s a middle ground: In-Machine Automation.
Here is a $150K+ Robotic Loading System from Trinity Robotics is depicted. While incredibly effective, ROI is measured in years due to high cost of purchase.
In-Machine Automation: The Game Changer for Machine Shops
In-Machine automation solutions refer to components like spindle grippers and vises that can be integrated directly into CNC machines. These solutions offer numerous benefits:
Affordability: They come with lower upfront costs, making them accessible to machine shops.
Ease of Implementation: Unlike external robotic systems, which may require substantial alterations to existing infrastructure and processes, in-machine automation can be integrated swiftly and smoothly.
Quick ROI: With the right job, the ROI can be seen in as little as three days, compared to the potentially years-long wait with full robotic systems.
Simplified Programming: The spindle gripper, vise and CNC machine movements are all controlled by the same machine. With templates and tools, like the one by Gimbel Automation, the programming becomes a breeze.
The Potential Impact on Business
Imagine the potential uplift for machine shops. Reduced manual labor costs, increased consistency, and enhanced productivity. There’s a reduction in time lost due to machine downtimes or re-training for different parts. And all this leads to quicker ROI and a more streamlined production process.
The Market Gap and the Way Forward
While industrial automation has garnered significant attention, there’s a glaring market gap when it comes to in-machine automation solutions tailored specifically for machine shops.
At Gimbel Automation, we are dedicated to bridging this gap. We understand the challenges and limitations faced by machine shops and have developed in-machine automation parts that seamlessly integrate with CNC machines. Our products are not only affordable but also user-friendly, ensuring that businesses can achieve a rapid ROI without the need for extensive training or installation periods.
For machine shops, embracing in-machine automation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With the evolving market demands and increasing competition, it’s essential to optimize processes and maximize returns. Gimbel Automation stands as a partner to machine shops, ready to usher them into this new era of efficient, affordable, and streamlined manufacturing.
