4 Industry 4.0 Technologies at Armstrong Machining

The Fourth Industrial Revolution—also known as Industry 4.0—is here and has brought with it incredible advancements in manufacturing technology. 
Precision machine shops now have ample opportunities to increase efficiency and productivity by leveraging technological innovations. But change isn’t always easy—or affordable—and as a result, many shops have been slow to embrace these solutions.

At Armstrong Machining, we’re proud to lead the way in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies right here at our Massachusetts precision machining shop. With an eye toward the future, we’re making strategic investments to better serve our customers.

4 Strategic Industry 4.0 Investments for Precision Machining

Here are four innovative technologies we’re excited to incorporate: 

1. Keyence XM Series Handheld Probe CMM 

When we inspect parts, we rely on a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM), a digital measuring device that uses sensors to calculate part dimensions. The machine sends measurements to a computer that produces a 3D CAD model, which we compare to the 3D design drawing to confirm dimensional accuracy. 

Standard CMMs are often stationary and challenging to maneuver. But as technology has improved, these devices have become much more sophisticated. We’ve invested in the Keyence XM Series Handheld Probe CMM, which is an inspection game-changer in several ways: 

• Accuracy. Our new CMM is easy to maneuver, helping to ensure exceptional accuracy. It can also take measurements from any position. We can now digitally inspect and confirm callouts like flatness and perpendicularity that our previous CMM couldn’t calculate. 

• Cost. Programming a standard CMM can be time-consuming. However, our Keyence CMM requires minimal programming, resulting in lower costs for our customers.

• Speed. This advanced CMM operates at lightning speed to produce nearly instantaneous measurements. We can now perform First Article Inspection (FAI) in half the time it previously took us.

2. MINI MATRIX Cabinet 

Precision machine shops have always struggled with tooling inefficiencies. Often, machinists grab a tool out of a drawer and forget to return it. If the next machinist comes along looking for that tool and can’t find it, the shop may need to re-order it. When these small inefficiencies add up, they lead to delays and longer lead times for customers.

Some shops resolve this problem by hiring an employee to manually track and distribute tools—like a librarian checking out books. But innovative new technology known as an automated tool crib can now replace this role.

Much like a vending machine, our MINI MATRIX Cabinet holds tools and dispenses them from neatly categorized drawers. Machinists check out and return their tools using a keycard, allowing the MINI to track tool status easily. Automating tool selection enables us to keep better track of our tools and eliminate unnecessary purchases. 

3. Paperless Parts quoting software

We invested in Paperless Parts quoting software to improve quoting speed and accuracy for our customers. 

This solution saves our machine shop considerable time developing quotes, so customers get their estimates fast—sometimes in as little as 30 minutes! The quotes are clear and easy to read, complete with 3D imagery so customers can see the exact parts they’re getting.

Paperless Parts software also gives us better insight into our business operations, allowing us to continually streamline and improve our internal processes.

4. Haas VF-2YT vertical machining center

The latest CNC machines can perform complex tasks in less time than previous models—which is especially useful for customers seeking rapid prototype machining services. We recently added three new Haas VF-2YTs—vertical machining centers with extended Y-axis travel—to boost prototyping speed, accuracy, and capacity. 

The future of manufacturing is bright, and the team at Armstrong Machining is excited for what’s to come. We’re proud to be at the forefront of evolving Industry 4.0 technologies and can’t wait to show you what we can do for you. Request a quote to work with us!