Page 16 - MMI- Aug2022

INDUSTRY TIPS

WHEN THE LIGHTS ARE OUT

Here’s shedding light on lights-out machining, what must one consider while

opting for it, and the benefits it brings to the table.

Source: Magic Wand Media

n today’s rapidly chang- er before turning the lights out. out machining is no small un-
I ing metalworking in- dertaking. It requires a complete
evaluation of one’s enterprise,
dustry, it is more im-
portant than ever to find ways What is ‘Lights-Out’ including tooling, materials, and
Machining?
for your shop to stay profitable. Where a machining operation which processes are suitable for
Now, the questions that arise would normally have an op- unmanned operations.
include: erator overseeing the process, It’s not cheap, either—there is a
• How will you stay competi- lights-out machining is a tech- significant technological invest-
tive with rising inflation? nique that requires minimal hu- ment in automation, so ensuring
• How are you planning to man input. your ROI is of utmost importance.
bridge the gap between lack So, while a factory may have op- So, the question remains – when
of workers, competitive wag- erators manning their stations is it best to invest in lights-out
es, and profitability? throughout the day, lights-out manufacturing processes? It
• It’s no secret that operating machining allows automated was once thought that this kind
costs in the industry are ris- processes to run without any of automation was reserved for
ing. What’s your plan for fu- direct oversight or control. For simple, loose tolerance parts
ture success? example, overnight with the made of easily machinable ma-
• For many operations, auto- lights out. terials. That is no longer true.
mation seems to be the most With the lack of talent over the
obvious answer. But what When to Invest in Lights- past couple of years, automation
about lights-out machining? Out Machining? technology has been thrust for-
Source: Triumph Tool Ltd There are a few things to consid- Breaking into the world of lights- ward into Industry 4.0. Factories

16 | July-August 2022 Modern Manufacturing India