Gent Machine has been experimenting around with artificial intelligence (AI) with generating layouts for both our screw machine and CNC machine layouts. We have been feeding our AI engine part prints, technical books and machine data. Then we ask it to give us a layout for a Davenport machine or for an Acme screw machine and it outputs a layout. The result is not perfect but so far it creates a good template for which we can make tweaks to generate a cycle time.

We have also run our CNC machine part prints into the engine and asked for a program. We ask for the most efficient program to produce the part we uploaded and out comes a program. Again, it is not perfect but it is close. In fact, it defines each tool number and it’s function. It then writes the basic structure of the program and adds the coordinates of the part.

The most amazing thing is that the AI engine is conversational. when we asked why a counterbore was not listed on the layout, it responded “my apologies, I forgot to include the counterbore. See the revised layout including the counterbore.”

We plan to use AI to assist with our quoting process and make our response time to quotes faster.   

Cleveland Ohio was in the path of totality for the total solar eclipse on April 8th 2024. This has nothing to do with CNC Machining but it was an event that will not happen for another 200 years so we had to celebrate. Gent Machine stopped for about 1 hour to take in the sights of the sun being completely blocked. Everything went dark, it dropped about 10 degrees and all the street lights turned on. After about 3 minutes, the sun peaked out and the darkness quickly subsided.

This was a sight to behold and an experience that was neat to witness in our lifetime. Again, this had nothing to do with CNC Machining but we had to post about it in our News site. If you were also in the path of totality, hopefully you got out to witness this amazing phenomenon.

In the ever-evolving landscape of precision machining, investing in cutting-edge technology is paramount for staying competitive. That is why Gent Machine recently purchased an Escomatic NM6 Flexi CNC machine. This state-of-the-art Swiss-style turning center will introduce a new style of coil fed machining that is a new concept for us.

The decision to purchase the Escomatic NM6 Flexi CNC machine stems from a large order from a new customer. The customer requires over a million terminals per year and our current equipment could not keep up. In addition, our bar machines were producing a 10″ remnant from each bar. The Escomatic uses a coil instead of bars so we will eliminate 10″ remnant loss and gain uptime from not having to load a bar. 

Key Features of the Escomatic NM6 Flexi CNC Machine:

1. Swiss-Style Turning Excellence: The NM6 Flexi is renowned for its Swiss-style turning capabilities. It allows for the production of complex, small-diameter components with unparalleled precision. Its ability to handle a variety of materials, including alloys like Nitronic 50, aligns perfectly with our diverse machining requirements.

2. CNC Precision Control: The integration of CNC technology provides a level of precision and repeatability that is indispensable in today’s competitive market. The CNC controls of the NM6 Flexi empower our operators to achieve intricate geometries and tight tolerances consistently.

3. Versatility and Flexibility: The term “Flexi” in the machine’s name isn’t arbitrary. The NM6 Flexi offers a high degree of flexibility, accommodating a wide range of part sizes and complexities. This versatility is a key asset in adapting to the dynamic needs of our clients and expanding our service offerings.

4. High-Speed Machining: The NM6 Flexi enables us to enhance productivity without compromising on precision. The higher speed turning and loading will assist in meeting deadlines and optimizing overall operational efficiency.

5. Efficient Material Handling: The machine’s design incorporates an efficient material handling system by using a coil. This will contribute to reduced setup times and increased throughput. This efficiency aligns with our commitment to delivering quality products in a timely manner.

The acquisition of the Escomatic NM6 Flexi CNC machine will be a great compliment to our Citizen bar machines. As with all of our machines, we anticipate growing with Escomatic as it opens new doors. It will make us more competitive on high volume, small parts with the reduction of raw material costs. We are confident the NM6 Flexi will play role in our future success and excellence in the dynamic world of precision manufacturing.

Today Gent Machine celebrated the retirement of one of it’s longest standing employees, Herb Young. He started with the company in 1976 as a young man out of the Marines. He was a helicopter mechanic in the service and showed a lot of mechanical aptitude so when he got out of the service his Dad helped him get a job at Gent Machine.

He learned quickly on the job, learning about the operation and mechanics of the Davenport Machine. The Davenport is a 5 spindle automatic screw machine and Gent Machine had 20+ of these machines at the time. In no time, Herb ascended up to the title of “Shop Foreman”. As the shop foreman he oversaw the production of all of the Davenport machines. If a job was difficult he would help engineer the process so to work. If the machine was not running well, he was in charge of making it run well.

As Gent Machine grew and acquired additional Davenport experts, Herb moved into the role of maintenance. He would fix and rebuilt machines and outfitted them with counters and automatic shut offs. All of these small improvements ensured jobs would run better and not break tooling during the day.

Herb not only became the master mechanic of these machines but also a “Mr. Fix it” to the whole shop. He would fix cars, boats, computers, conveyors, two motors, lifts, chip spinners and the list goes on. It became the saying that if something needed fixing “go see Herb”.

Now, the Herb era at Gent Machine is winding down. He was an invaluable member to the company and a key piece to the growth of Gent Machine. We are fortunate to have had him and thankfully he is still willing to come out to fix cars, motorcycles and boats when we need. Besides this, we are lucky to have 47 years with him and we wish him luck in his retirement.

The latest edition of Production Machining magazine features an article on Gent Machine and our automated CNC machining. To better serve our customers as well as help with the labor shortage, we have been looking for ways to automate a process. For one specific part, we purchased a Takamaz J-Wave which is an automated solution for turning smaller parts.

The Takamaz J-Wave has an autoloader with grippers that pick up the part off a conveyor. The gripper places the part in the main spindle collet and the machining process begins. After machining is complete the part is ejected down a chute or the gripper arm can pull the part out while placing a new part in the collet. In our specific application we chose for the gripper to remove the part from the collet while then putting a new part in the collet. Although this machine can turn, drill, bore, as a whole host of other operations we are just facing and drilling these parts.

We chose this machine because of it’s small footprint, it’s integration to a bowl feeder and it’s fast cycle time. As you can see in the article the machine uses a smooth transition of the bowl feeder onto the loading conveyor which makes the process seamless and running nearly non-stop. This machine is truly our first solution to an automated machining process.

A link to the article can be seen below. 

https://www.productionmachining.com/articles/high-volume-machine-shop-automates-secondary-ops