Identifying Which Task to Automate First
With margins under pressure in the current uncertain economic climate, it has never been a better time to consider automating your process. But where to start in your plant? And how do you justify CapEx expenditure when money is tight?
Cross’s Automation Group has years of experience working with plastics customers just like you. One area we specialize in is collaborative robots, or cobots. These can be a great first step when you’re looking to automate. Their applications are usually straightforward and the ROI can be as little as six months!
In this video, former Innovation Team Manager Mike Holland explains which tasks to consider automating with a cobot and how you can justify the expenditure.
See why the plant has boxes stacking up and what Mr. Thompson, the plant manager, does about it in “The Missing Worker,” A Cross Company Comic illustrated by Daysha Bullock.
What's New at Cross
Measure More with M: Introducing the New Multi-Sensor Measurement Line from OGP
Cross partner OGP recently launched their SmartScope® M-Series multi-sensor measurement equipment line. With instantaneous magnification, low image distortion and ZONE3 software, the M series delivers exceptionally accurate measurement results. This means you can maximize your machine up-time without compromise and with minimal costs.
The M series features both benchtop and floor models and can be paired with a variety of tactile, laser, and rotary sensors to create the most advanced 3D multi-sensor measurement system on the market today.
New to OGP?
Schedule a demo to see how the M Series stands out thanks to its ability to measure complex parts with ease, reliability, and speed.
Already have a SmartScope?
Ask us how patented technology in M allows you to measure more!
Did you know?
Can't Find Highly Skilled Metrology Professionals? Cross can help
Accurate and precise measurements are essential to quality in the plastics industry. But how do you get measurements you can rely on when you can’t find qualified metrology professionals to take them? Cross can help!
We know how hard it is to hire people with experience in precision measurement. We run up against it all the time! With several hundred calibration technicians in our staff and a world-class HR department, we have it a bit easier than most so let us help you with your measurement challenges.
Here are a few of the ways Cross can help:
- Onsite, in lab or full time embedded calibration: Choose the most efficient calibration method for your operation
- Onsite or in lab part inspection/validation: Whether it’s FAI, independent 3rd party analysis or simply overflow from your lab, Cross has inspection labs across the country to help
- Automated measurement systems: Make the people you have more efficient with automated or semi-automated systems like the M series above
- Software updates or programming: We can upgrade your existing program or write one for your current measurement projects
Don’t see what you need here? Get in touch today. We excel at custom measurement solutions.
Top Reasons to Move from MeasureMind3D Software to ZONE3
If you’re still running MeasureMind3D™ software from Cross partner OGP, now is the time to consider upgrading to their ZONE3 software. Not only is MeasureMind3D End-of-Life, but moving to ZONE3 can improve your measurement efficiency in multiple ways:
- Program from and compare to CAD: ZONE3 allows for the utilization of .STEP, .IGES, and .DXF files to write programs both on the machine and with optional Offline capabilities. This allows you to write programs before the part is received, reducing machine downtime and the wait for First Article Measurements. Along with programming benefits, CAD utilization allows for visualization of measured point deviations from nominals. Communication around areas of concern or suggested corrections for complex parts is now much easier!
- Advanced GD&T Capabilities: ZONE3 utilizes advanced and thoroughly vetted ASME Y14.5 GD&T tools to measure the GD&T on your parts and confirm compliance. Not only can features such as Profile of a Surface and others be measured, but the appropriate standard can be selected to ensure that your calculations match the drawing requirement. For customers looking to jump into Industry 4.0, CAD translators can be purchased to allow for utilization of native models with Model Based Definitions (MBD) or Product Manufacturing Information (PMI).
- Measure parts faster: Reduce setup and run time with tools like Parallel Processing, Optimization, and Auto ID. By processing edges on the fly and grabbing all features in the field of view simultaneously, you can run the same parts on the same machine in less time! Optimization allows you to run your program as efficiently as possible without spending hours testing and tweaking – let the software do the work for you! Operators will love the AutoID feature for parts that fit in your system’s field of view, as they no longer need to meticulously position parts on the stage.
- Retain your MeasureMind3D programs: A translator within ZONE3 allows you to open your old programs, use as needed, and save as a ZONE3 project. As mentioned above – you’ll see your old programs benefitting from ZONE3’s enhancements immediately!
Cross Precision Measurement will help support you during the transition to the new software. Not only can we perform the upgrade, but we can help train your operators or even write new programs, if needed.
Cross Provides Tangible Value for You
Raise Quality
Don’t let careless errors in recording measurements impact the quality of your product or process. Cross partner Microridge provides measurement collection solutions which connect any gage to any software.
Whether you want to send data from a single micrometer to a simple Excel spreadsheet or from hundreds of gages to a cloud-based SPC system, Microridge offers the tools needed to move data in real-time with 100% accuracy. Convenient, mobile and easily implemented, Microridge’s data collection solutions eliminate human error in data transfer.
Improve Efficiency
If your operation has a significant need for specific or custom hose assemblies, consider creating your own assemblies in your facility working with Cross Hose & Fittings.
Our powerful and durable Parker crimpers are designed to instantly crimp hose and couplings for installation and immediate use. Cross also supplies all the high quality components you’ll need to make your own hose. We can ensure you always have the material you need when you need it by keeping you stocked through our inventory management program.
Improve Efficiency
When you manufacture small parts, there is always a risk of sending too many or too few pieces to your customer. Unfortunately, counting small pieces by hand is not very reliable (and pretty boring). Counting scales are a great solution for this task, as you can calculate part weight and then simply place your parts on the scale to make sure you have the right amount.
If you are interested in improving efficiency with counting scales, contact us today. We can help you find the right scale for your application. If you only need them once or twice a year for inventory, we also offer rental options!
