A machine device integrating each milling and turning capabilities provides a compact answer for numerous machining operations. This mixed performance permits for elements to be milled and turned inside a single setup, eliminating the necessity for transferring workpieces between separate machines. For instance, a shaft might be turned to its desired diameter after which have keyways or slots milled instantly afterward, all throughout the similar workspace.
The built-in strategy streamlines workflow and enhances effectivity by lowering setup occasions, minimizing materials dealing with, and bettering precision. This consolidated strategy to machining has historic roots within the want for extra versatile and space-saving tools, significantly helpful for smaller workshops and academic settings. The event of more and more subtle management techniques has additional superior the capabilities and accessibility of those mixed machine instruments.
The next sections delve into particular features of built-in milling and turning machines, overlaying matters resembling operational rules, widespread purposes, out there configurations, and the elements to think about when choosing an acceptable mannequin.
1. Area-saving design
The space-saving design of a mixed milling machine and lathe is an important benefit, significantly for smaller workshops, instructional establishments, and companies with restricted ground area. Integrating two distinct functionalities right into a single unit considerably reduces the footprint required in comparison with housing separate machines. This consolidation permits for extra environment friendly use of obtainable area and may contribute to a extra organized and productive work surroundings.
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Lowered Footprint
Combining milling and turning operations into one machine instantly reduces the required ground area. As a substitute of two separate machines, every with its personal footprint and surrounding clearance space, a single mixed unit occupies a considerably smaller space. That is particularly helpful in environments the place area is at a premium.
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Consolidated Workflows
The compact nature of mixed machines contributes to extra environment friendly workflows. With each machining processes accessible inside a single workspace, operators can transition seamlessly between operations with out shifting between machines. This reduces materials dealing with time and streamlines the general manufacturing course of.
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Enhanced Ergonomics
The space-saving design may contribute to improved ergonomics. By consolidating operations inside a smaller space, the operator can entry all controls and tooling extra simply, lowering pointless motion and pressure. This will result in elevated operator consolation and effectivity.
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Price Financial savings
Past the fast area financial savings, the consolidated footprint can result in extra price reductions. Smaller areas typically translate to decrease lease or facility prices. Moreover, diminished materials dealing with and improved workflow effectivity can additional contribute to total price financial savings.
The space-saving design of mixed milling and lathe machines contributes considerably to their total worth proposition. By maximizing ground area utilization and streamlining workflows, these machines supply a compelling answer for a wide range of machining purposes the place area effectivity is a main concern. That is significantly necessary for companies trying to optimize their operations and maximize their return on funding in tools.
2. Lowered Setup Occasions
Lowered setup occasions symbolize a major benefit of mixed milling and turning machines. Eliminating the necessity to switch workpieces between separate machines streamlines the machining course of, contributing to elevated productiveness and effectivity. This time saving is especially useful in small batch manufacturing and prototyping the place setup occasions can represent a considerable portion of the general processing time.
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Elimination of Workpiece Switch
Transferring a workpiece between a milling machine and a lathe entails a number of steps: eradicating the half from one machine, securing it on the opposite, and recalibrating the brand new machine for the required operation. A mixed machine eliminates these steps. The workpiece stays secured all through the whole machining course of, leading to substantial time financial savings.
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Single Setup, A number of Operations
With a mixed machine, a single setup accommodates each milling and turning operations. As soon as the workpiece is initially secured and the machine calibrated, a number of machining processes might be carried out sequentially with out additional changes. This streamlines the workflow and minimizes downtime related to re-fixturing and recalibration.
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Simplified Fixturing Necessities
Whereas advanced elements would possibly nonetheless require specialised fixtures, the necessity for a number of fixtures designed for separate machines is eradicated. This simplification can cut back each the fee and time related to fixture design, fabrication, and administration. In some instances, a single, versatile fixture can accommodate all required machining operations.
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Improved Precision and Repeatability
Sustaining the workpiece in a single setup all through a number of operations can improve precision and repeatability. Eliminating the re-fixturing course of minimizes the potential for errors launched by variations in workpiece placement and clamping forces. This contributes to increased high quality completed elements and diminished scrap charges.
The diminished setup occasions related to mixed milling and turning machines considerably contribute to their total effectivity. By streamlining workflows and minimizing downtime, these machines supply a compelling benefit, significantly in environments the place speedy prototyping, small batch manufacturing, or frequent changeovers are widespread. The ensuing improve in productiveness and discount in operational prices improve the general worth proposition of those versatile machine instruments.
3. Improved Workflow
Improved workflow is a direct consequence of integrating milling and turning capabilities inside a single machine. This integration streamlines machining processes by eliminating the necessity to switch workpieces between separate machines, lowering materials dealing with, and minimizing downtime related to setup modifications. The ensuing effectivity positive factors contribute considerably to elevated productiveness and diminished operational prices. Take into account a state of affairs the place a part requires each turning and milling operations. Utilizing separate machines necessitates transferring the half, re-fixturing, and recalibrating for every operation. A mixed machine eliminates these intermediate steps, permitting the operator to transition seamlessly between processes, thereby considerably lowering the general processing time.
The improved workflow facilitated by mixed machines extends past easy time financial savings. Lowered materials dealing with minimizes the chance of injury to workpieces throughout switch, resulting in decrease scrap charges and improved high quality management. Moreover, the streamlined course of reduces the complexity of manufacturing scheduling and simplifies stock administration. As an example, a small machine store producing customized elements can leverage the improved workflow to reply extra rapidly to buyer orders and handle a greater diversity of initiatives with present sources. In high-volume manufacturing environments, the effectivity positive factors translate to substantial will increase in output and a extra constant manufacturing circulate.
The improved workflow inherent in mixed milling and turning machines represents a key benefit in trendy manufacturing. This effectivity contributes on to elevated profitability by lowering manufacturing prices and bettering throughput. Whereas the preliminary funding in a mixed machine may be increased than buying separate models, the long-term advantages of streamlined workflows, diminished materials dealing with, and improved high quality management typically outweigh the preliminary price distinction. The flexibility to reply rapidly to altering manufacturing calls for and optimize useful resource utilization additional strengthens the case for integrating these capabilities inside a single, versatile machine device.
4. Enhanced Precision
Enhanced precision is a major profit derived from the built-in nature of mixed milling and turning machines. Sustaining a workpiece inside a single setup all through a number of operations minimizes the potential for errors launched by repeated fixturing and workpiece dealing with. This contributes to tighter tolerances, improved floor finishes, and higher dimensional accuracy. For instance, machining a posh half with intricate options throughout a number of surfaces advantages enormously from the elimination of repositioning errors that may happen when transferring between separate machines. This single-setup strategy ensures constant alignment and reduces the cumulative impact of minor variations that may compromise precision.
The improved precision provided by these mixed machines extends past easy dimensional accuracy. The rigidity of the built-in platform and the exact management provided by trendy CNC techniques contribute to improved floor finishes and diminished device chatter. That is significantly necessary in purposes requiring easy, constant surfaces, resembling within the manufacturing of optical elements or medical implants. Moreover, the flexibility to carry out a number of operations in speedy succession minimizes the potential for thermal variations that may have an effect on workpiece dimensions and introduce inaccuracies. That is particularly related when working with supplies vulnerable to thermal growth or contraction.
The inherent precision benefits of mixed milling and turning machines are essential for a variety of purposes demanding tight tolerances and excessive floor high quality. From the manufacturing of advanced aerospace elements to the fabrication of delicate medical gadgets, sustaining precision all through a number of machining operations is paramount. This functionality not solely improves the standard of the completed product but in addition reduces scrap charges and rework, contributing to higher effectivity and value financial savings. Understanding the connection between machine design, workpiece dealing with, and achievable precision is essential for choosing the suitable tools and optimizing machining processes for particular purposes.
5. Multi-axis Machining
Multi-axis machining is a key functionality provided by superior milling machine and lathe mixtures. It refers back to the potential of the machine to manage device motion alongside a number of axes concurrently, sometimes together with X, Y, Z, and rotational axes (A, B, C). This functionality permits for advanced half geometries to be machined in a single setup, considerably rising effectivity and lowering the necessity for a number of operations or specialised fixtures. Understanding the implications of multi-axis machining is essential for leveraging the complete potential of those versatile machine instruments.
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Elevated Complexity
Multi-axis machining permits the creation of elements with advanced contours, undercuts, and complicated options that may be troublesome or unattainable to attain with standard 3-axis machining. This functionality expands design potentialities and permits for the manufacturing of high-value elements with intricate geometries. For instance, a turbine blade with advanced curvature and inside cooling channels might be machined effectively utilizing multi-axis strategies.
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Lowered Setup Occasions
By enabling a number of operations in a single setup, multi-axis machining considerably reduces setup occasions in comparison with conventional strategies. Eliminating the necessity to reposition and re-fixture the workpiece for various machining operations saves useful time and will increase total productiveness. That is significantly helpful in small-batch manufacturing and prototyping environments.
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Improved Floor Finishes
Multi-axis machining permits for steady device contact with the workpiece alongside advanced contours, leading to smoother floor finishes and diminished device marks. The flexibility to keep up optimum device angles and chopping parameters all through the machining course of contributes to improved floor high quality and enhanced aesthetic enchantment. That is significantly necessary in purposes resembling mould making and the manufacturing of high-precision elements.
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Enhanced Device Life
By optimizing toolpaths and sustaining constant chopping circumstances, multi-axis machining can contribute to prolonged device life. The flexibility to manage device engagement angles and decrease chopping forces reduces put on and tear on chopping instruments, leading to decrease tooling prices and diminished downtime related to device modifications. That is significantly necessary in high-volume manufacturing environments the place device life considerably impacts total working prices.
The mixing of multi-axis machining capabilities inside mixed milling and lathe platforms represents a major development in machining know-how. By enabling the environment friendly manufacturing of advanced elements with excessive precision and improved floor finishes, multi-axis machining unlocks new potentialities for design and manufacturing. The flexibility to cut back setup occasions, enhance device life, and improve total productiveness makes multi-axis machining an important consideration for companies looking for to optimize their machining operations and stay aggressive in demanding industries. This functionality basically modifications the strategy to half design and manufacturing, permitting for the creation of elements beforehand thought of too advanced or expensive to provide.
6. Advanced Half Creation
The flexibility to create advanced elements is a defining attribute of superior milling machine and lathe mixtures. These machines excel in producing elements with intricate geometries, tight tolerances, and a number of options, typically inside a single setup. This functionality is a direct results of the mixing of milling and turning operations, coupled with superior options resembling multi-axis machining and complex CNC management. Understanding the elements that contribute to advanced half creation on these machines is essential for realizing their full potential.
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Built-in Machining Operations
The mix of milling and turning inside a single platform eliminates the necessity to switch workpieces between separate machines, considerably streamlining the manufacturing of advanced elements. This built-in strategy reduces setup occasions, minimizes the chance of errors launched by workpiece dealing with, and permits for seamless transitions between machining operations. For instance, a posh valve physique requiring each inside turning and exterior milling might be accomplished effectively with out the necessity for re-fixturing or recalibration between operations.
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Multi-axis Capabilities
Multi-axis machining permits the device to strategy the workpiece from varied angles, facilitating the creation of advanced contours, undercuts, and complicated options that may be difficult or unattainable to attain with standard 3-axis machining. This functionality is important for producing elements resembling impellers, turbine blades, and mould cavities, the place advanced geometries are commonplace. The simultaneous management of a number of axes permits for environment friendly materials removing and exact management over floor end.
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Superior CNC Management
Refined CNC management techniques play a significant position in advanced half creation. These techniques allow exact management over toolpaths, feed charges, and chopping parameters, making certain correct and repeatable machining operations. The flexibility to program advanced device actions and automate machining cycles is important for producing intricate options and sustaining tight tolerances. Trendy CNC controls additionally facilitate integration with CAD/CAM software program, streamlining the transition from design to completed half.
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Dwell Tooling
Dwell tooling, typically built-in into the turning heart of mixture machines, additional expands the vary of advanced half options that may be created. Dwell tooling permits for rotating instruments for use in the course of the turning course of, enabling operations resembling drilling, milling, and tapping to be carried out with out interrupting the turning cycle. This eliminates the necessity for secondary operations and simplifies the manufacturing of elements with options resembling radial holes, slots, and threaded inserts.
The convergence of those factorsintegrated machining operations, multi-axis capabilities, superior CNC management, and reside toolingmakes milling machine and lathe mixtures exceptionally well-suited for advanced half creation. These machines present a strong and environment friendly answer for industries requiring intricate elements with excessive precision and tight tolerances, resembling aerospace, medical system manufacturing, and mould making. The flexibility to provide advanced elements inside a single setup, minimizing workpiece dealing with and maximizing machining effectivity, represents a major development in manufacturing know-how and unlocks new potentialities for design and manufacturing.
7. CNC Management Integration
CNC management integration is key to the superior capabilities of mixed milling and lathe machines. These built-in platforms rely closely on subtle CNC techniques to coordinate the advanced interaction between milling and turning operations, enabling exact toolpaths, automated device modifications, and synchronized actions throughout a number of axes. The extent of CNC integration instantly impacts the machine’s precision, effectivity, and total functionality for advanced half creation. As an example, a CNC system coordinating the synchronous motion of each a milling head and a rotating workpiece permits for the creation of helical options or advanced contoured surfaces in a single, steady operation, a activity unattainable with handbook management or much less subtle techniques.
Take into account the sensible implications of CNC integration in a producing setting. A small machine store producing customized elements can leverage CNC-controlled mixed machines to automate advanced machining processes, lowering the reliance on extremely expert handbook operators and rising manufacturing throughput. In high-volume manufacturing environments, CNC integration permits exact repeatability and constant high quality, minimizing variations between elements and lowering scrap charges. Moreover, the flexibility to program and retailer advanced machining routines simplifies manufacturing planning and permits for speedy changeovers between totally different half designs. For instance, a producer producing a household of associated elements can retailer a number of CNC applications throughout the machine’s controller, permitting operators to modify between totally different half configurations rapidly and effectively, minimizing downtime and maximizing machine utilization.
Efficient CNC integration in mixed milling and turning machines is essential for realizing the complete potential of those versatile platforms. The flexibility to seamlessly coordinate a number of machining operations inside a single setup, coupled with exact management over toolpaths and chopping parameters, permits the environment friendly manufacturing of advanced elements with tight tolerances and excessive floor high quality. Challenges stay in optimizing CNC programming for advanced half geometries and making certain seamless communication between the CNC system and varied machine elements. Nevertheless, ongoing developments in CNC know-how and software program proceed to develop the capabilities of those built-in machines, driving additional innovation in manufacturing processes and enabling the creation of more and more advanced and complex elements.
8. Number of Configurations
Mixed milling and turning machines can be found in a wide range of configurations, every designed to deal with particular machining wants and manufacturing environments. This selection displays the various purposes of those machines, starting from small-scale prototyping to high-volume manufacturing. Understanding the out there configurations and their respective capabilities is important for choosing the suitable machine for a given software. Configuration selections affect elements resembling workpiece measurement capability, achievable tolerances, out there tooling choices, and total machine footprint. For instance, a compact vertical configuration may be appropriate for a small workshop with restricted area, whereas a bigger horizontal configuration with a number of device turrets may be most well-liked for high-volume manufacturing of advanced elements in a devoted manufacturing facility. The choice course of necessitates cautious consideration of things resembling typical workpiece dimensions, required machining operations, desired manufacturing quantity, and out there ground area.
Configurations range considerably when it comes to machine structure, spindle orientation, and tooling choices. Frequent configurations embody vertical machining facilities with built-in turning capabilities, horizontal turning facilities with added milling performance, and Swiss-style lathes with mixed milling operations. Every configuration provides distinct benefits and limitations. Vertical configurations typically present simpler entry to the workpiece for setup and inspection, whereas horizontal configurations are typically extra inflexible and higher fitted to heavy-duty chopping operations. Swiss-style lathes excel in machining lengthy, slender elements with excessive precision. Moreover, the supply of choices resembling a number of device turrets, automated device changers, and built-in robotic loading techniques additional expands the vary of attainable configurations, permitting for personalisation based mostly on particular manufacturing necessities. As an example, a producer producing advanced medical implants would possibly go for a 5-axis vertical machining heart with an built-in high-speed turning spindle and automated device changer to attain the required precision and effectivity.
Choosing the suitable configuration requires a complete understanding of the meant purposes and manufacturing targets. Key elements to think about embody workpiece measurement and complexity, required tolerances, desired manufacturing quantity, out there ground area, and finances constraints. Matching the machine configuration to the precise wants of the applying ensures optimum efficiency, maximizes effectivity, and minimizes pointless funding in extreme capabilities. Moreover, contemplating future manufacturing wants and potential scalability necessities may help keep away from untimely obsolescence and guarantee long-term worth from the chosen configuration. Cautious analysis of those elements, coupled with session with skilled machine device suppliers, can result in knowledgeable choices that align with long-term manufacturing methods and contribute to total enterprise success.
9. Elevated Productiveness
Elevated productiveness is a direct and vital consequence of using machines that mix milling and turning operations. This enhanced productiveness stems from a number of elements inherent within the built-in design of those machines. Lowered setup occasions, stemming from the elimination of workpiece transfers between separate machines, contribute considerably to elevated output. A single setup for a number of operations streamlines the workflow, minimizing downtime and maximizing machine utilization. The flexibility to carry out each milling and turning operations on a single platform reduces the general processing time per half, resulting in increased throughput. As an example, a producer producing shafts with keyways can obtain considerably increased output with a mixed machine in comparison with utilizing separate milling and turning machines. The elimination of the switch and re-fixturing steps interprets instantly into extra elements produced per unit of time.
Past the direct time financial savings, the improved workflow facilitated by mixed machines contributes to elevated productiveness in much less apparent methods. Lowered materials dealing with minimizes the chance of workpiece harm and reduces the necessity for intermediate storage, streamlining the general manufacturing course of. Moreover, the mixing of a number of operations inside a single machine typically simplifies tooling necessities and reduces the complexity of manufacturing scheduling. Take into account a state of affairs the place a posh half requires a number of milling and turning operations. Utilizing a mixed machine, these operations might be sequenced effectively inside a single program, minimizing the potential for human error and making certain constant high quality. This streamlined strategy frees up expert operators to concentrate on higher-value duties, additional enhancing total productiveness. The inherent effectivity of the built-in platform permits for the next diploma of automation, contributing to elevated output and diminished labor prices.
The elevated productiveness provided by mixed milling and turning machines represents a compelling benefit in right this moment’s aggressive manufacturing panorama. This enhanced effectivity interprets on to decrease manufacturing prices per half and sooner turnaround occasions, enabling companies to reply extra successfully to buyer calls for and keep a aggressive edge. Whereas the preliminary funding in a mixed machine could also be increased than buying separate machines, the long-term positive factors in productiveness typically outweigh the preliminary price distinction, leading to the next return on funding. The flexibility to provide extra elements in much less time with fewer sources represents a major step ahead in manufacturing effectivity and underscores the significance of those built-in platforms in trendy manufacturing environments. Challenges stay in optimizing machining processes and programming advanced multi-axis operations to completely notice the potential productiveness positive factors. Nevertheless, ongoing developments in machine device know-how and software program proceed to refine these processes and unlock additional enhancements in productiveness, driving continued innovation within the manufacturing sector.
Continuously Requested Questions
The next addresses widespread inquiries relating to mixed milling and turning machines, providing readability on key features and functionalities.
Query 1: What are the first benefits of utilizing a mixed milling and turning machine?
Key benefits embody diminished setup occasions, improved workflow effectivity, enhanced precision on account of minimized workpiece dealing with, and the flexibility to create advanced elements in a single setup. Area financial savings is one other vital profit, significantly for smaller workshops.
Query 2: How does a mixed machine contribute to improved precision?
By eliminating the necessity to switch workpieces between separate machines, the potential for errors launched by repeated fixturing and dealing with is minimized. This single-setup strategy contributes to tighter tolerances and improved dimensional accuracy.
Query 3: What kinds of elements are greatest fitted to machining on a mixed milling and turning machine?
Elements requiring a number of machining operations, significantly these with advanced geometries and tight tolerances, profit considerably. Examples embody shafts with keyways, contoured elements, and elements requiring each inside and exterior machining.
Query 4: What are the important thing concerns when choosing a mixed machine?
Components to think about embody workpiece measurement capability, required machining operations (e.g., milling, turning, drilling), desired precision ranges, out there ground area, and finances constraints. The extent of CNC management and out there tooling choices are additionally essential concerns.
Query 5: Are mixed machines appropriate for each prototyping and manufacturing environments?
Sure, varied configurations cater to totally different wants. Smaller, extra versatile machines are well-suited for prototyping and small-batch manufacturing, whereas bigger, extra strong fashions are designed for high-volume manufacturing.
Query 6: How does CNC management integration improve the capabilities of a mixed machine?
CNC management permits exact and repeatable toolpaths, automated device modifications, and synchronized actions throughout a number of axes. This facilitates advanced half creation, improves machining accuracy, and will increase total productiveness by means of automation.
Understanding these key features is essential for evaluating the suitability of mixed milling and turning machines for particular manufacturing necessities. Cautious consideration of those elements contributes to knowledgeable decision-making and ensures optimum tools choice aligned with manufacturing targets.
The next part explores particular software examples of mixed milling and turning machines throughout varied industries.
Suggestions for Optimizing Mixed Milling and Turning Operations
Optimizing the usage of built-in milling and turning machines requires a complete understanding of key operational rules and greatest practices. The next ideas present sensible steering for maximizing effectivity, precision, and total efficiency.
Tip 1: Rigidity is Paramount: Guarantee strong workholding and decrease device overhang to maximise rigidity. Extreme vibration compromises floor end and dimensional accuracy, particularly throughout heavy cuts. For instance, when machining lengthy, slender elements, think about using regular rests or observe rests to reinforce help and decrease deflection.
Tip 2: Strategic Device Choice: Optimize device choice based mostly on materials properties and desired floor end. Using the right chopping instruments for particular operations considerably impacts machining effectivity and power life. As an example, carbide inserts are typically most well-liked for more durable supplies, whereas high-speed metal instruments are sometimes appropriate for softer supplies.
Tip 3: Optimized Toolpaths: Make use of environment friendly toolpaths to reduce non-cutting time and maximize materials removing charges. Trendy CAM software program can generate optimized toolpaths that think about elements resembling device geometry, materials properties, and machine capabilities. Environment friendly toolpath methods cut back machining time and enhance total productiveness.
Tip 4: Coolant Administration: Efficient coolant software is important for temperature management and chip evacuation. Correct coolant choice and software strategies stop overheating, lengthen device life, and enhance floor end. Excessive-pressure coolant techniques might be significantly efficient in deep-hole drilling and different demanding operations.
Tip 5: Common Upkeep: Adherence to a preventative upkeep schedule ensures constant efficiency and minimizes downtime. Common lubrication, cleansing, and inspection of important elements are important for sustaining machine accuracy and reliability. Seek advice from the producer’s suggestions for particular upkeep procedures and schedules.
Tip 6: Workpiece Materials Concerns: Materials properties considerably affect machining parameters and power choice. Understanding the machinability of various supplies permits for optimization of chopping speeds, feed charges, and depths of lower. For instance, machining aluminum requires totally different parameters in comparison with machining chrome steel.
Tip 7: CNC Program Optimization: Environment friendly CNC programming is essential for maximizing machine utilization and minimizing non-cutting time. Optimizing device modifications, minimizing speedy traverses, and using subroutines can considerably enhance cycle occasions. Simulation software program can be utilized to confirm program accuracy and establish potential points earlier than machining.
Adhering to those optimization methods enhances machine efficiency, improves half high quality, and maximizes productiveness. Cautious consideration of those elements contributes considerably to profitable outcomes in mixed milling and turning operations.
The concluding part supplies a abstract of the important thing advantages and concerns mentioned all through this text.
Conclusion
Built-in milling and lathe platforms supply vital benefits in trendy manufacturing environments. The convergence of milling and turning capabilities inside a single machine streamlines workflows, reduces setup occasions, enhances precision, and permits the creation of advanced elements, typically inside a single setup. From small workshops to giant manufacturing services, these versatile machines contribute to elevated productiveness and improved half high quality. Concerns resembling machine configuration, CNC management integration, and operational greatest practices are essential for maximizing the advantages of this built-in strategy to machining. Cautious analysis of those elements ensures optimum tools choice and environment friendly utilization, aligning with particular manufacturing necessities and long-term manufacturing methods.
As know-how continues to advance, additional innovation in mixed milling and turning machines is anticipated. Developments in areas resembling multi-axis machining, high-speed machining, and superior management techniques promise to additional improve the capabilities and flexibility of those built-in platforms. The continuing evolution of those machine instruments presents vital alternatives for producers to optimize processes, cut back prices, and obtain new ranges of precision and effectivity within the manufacturing of more and more advanced elements. The strategic adoption of those superior applied sciences will play an important position in shaping the way forward for manufacturing and driving continued progress in numerous industries.