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Recently, the nation’s—indeed the world’s—economy plunged into
a severe recession. To rise from the current economic turmoil the
manufacturing industry must become more productive, a goal that is
readily achievable through automation. Programmable automation
technologies are the building blocks from which all automation is
developed. Hence, it is imperative that those involved in manufacturing
understand the capabilities of these technologies and how to use them
effectively. The term “programmable automation technology” actually refers to three individually distinct technologies that have a common thread: programmability. These technologies are computer numerical control (CNC) technology, robotics technology, and programmable logic control (PLC). Computer numerical control (CNC) technology utilizes a combination of mechanical, electrical, and computer technology to move a tool relative to a workpiece to perform some type of processing. It is most often related to the machining processes including milling, turning, and grinding. However, it can be used in any process that requires precise control of a tool relative to a work piece. Robotic technology is very similar to CNC technology in that it utilizes mechanical, electrical, and computer technology to move a manipulator in three-dimensional space. In many applications it uses a tool to perform processing on a workpiece, an example of which is a welding robot. In many other applications, the robot does not use a tool. It merely provides material handling capabilities such as moving a work piece from one machine to another and/or stacking the work piece in a specific pattern on a pallet.
Our Mission
Initial migration to programmable automation was gradual, hampered by the complexity, expense, and, in some cases, poor reliability of early systems. Additionally, utilization of the technology required that companies have technical experts specifically devoted to the implementation, programming, and maintenance of the systems. However, over the last twenty-five years programmable automation technology has greatly matured: Modern systems are standardized, substantially less complicated and expensive, and extremely reliable. Whereas a facility with the technology was initially the domain of specialists, particularly electrical engineers, now virtually every member of an engineering or maintenance staff is expected to use the technology at some level. In fact, it is now imperative that mechanical engineers and technologists—who used to avoid “electrical stuff”—have a solid foundation in it. Accordingly, our mission is to educate those involved in manufacturing on how to best apply and utilize Programmable Automation Technologies to improve productivity! We accomplish this by providing educational products, customized training and engineering support; thus, enabling any organization to comfortably delve into the automation arena!
Company Profile
Programmable Automation Techologies; An Introduction to CNC, Robotics and PLCs is textbook written by Daniel E. Kandray, PE and published by Industrial Press. This text is the core about which our mission is based. Our published educational products are available through Industrial Press, Inc. (see Products page). Customized training and engineering support is available through Professor Kandray's company Kandray Engineering, Ltd. (see Services page).
Contact Information
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Send mail to info@programmableautomationtechnologies.com with
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