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  • Why OEMs Are Turning to Independent Spindle Repair Companies

    In manufacturing, unplanned equipment downtime is one of the costliest things that can happen. When a machine breaks down, the business’s overhead skyrockets while revenue decreases. Without any output, no value is produced, but the company continues to incur labor expenses and must pay for machine repairs. Some studies have shown that in the past three years 82 percent of companies have experienced unplanned downtime costing as much as $260,000 an hour.

    With profitability at stake, it’s no surprise that service and repair companies across all manufacturing industries continue to thrive. When unexpected breakdowns occur, manufacturers have no time to waste. In sectors such as automotive, industrial machinery, and information technology, some machine servicing companies have become four to five times larger than the original businesses.

    While many prefer the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) handle all equipment repairs, the success of the aftermarket automotive industry (which is expected to exceed $1.4 trillion by 2024) has shown that there are plenty of organizations willing to turn elsewhere for quality repairs.

    To keep up with the demand for equipment servicing many OEMs are turning to trusted independent repair providers. In addition to offsetting the workload, there are many unique advantages that only outside spindle repair specialists like GTI Spindle can provide; when searching for an independent service provider, it’s important to find a company that excels at the following areas.

    Wider Reach

    For many OEMs, independent service providers offer much-needed support in areas where they otherwise have limited coverage. To decrease shipping costs and lag time, many OEMs utilize equipment repair specialists that are located closer to the customer. Many companies can provide on-site emergency repair to get machines up and running as soon as possible, which increases customer satisfaction and improves productivity uptime. For OEMs, having a trusted service provider is about forging a strategic partnership that enables them to maximize profits by efficiently repairing products and returning them as good as new.

    Unmatched Experience

    Independent repair providers are experts at addressing the customers’ needs in a quick and streamlined manner. Because of their lean and efficient practices, they’re able to provide OEMs with a quality repair service that’s also economical. Independent providers can repair, rebuild, remanufacture, retrofit, and upgrade any part presenting a problem. Due to their volume of work, many independent repair specialists are better suited to solve specific repair problems than the OEMs themselves.

    Access to Predictive Maintenance Data

    Many independent repair companies have access to predictive maintenance data through IoT devices that can streamline supply chain management and diagnostic processes to reduce delivery times for faulted parts. In addition, OEMs can benefit from maintenance insights and real-time monitoring that independent repair companies utilize on a daily basis. Overall, IoT-based automated data collection reduces the time needed to gather information and increases workers’ productivity, which is a crucial part of digitizing the maintenance workforce. This helps minimize backlog and ensure a timely return to production for customers.

    Contact the professionals at GTI Spindle Technology to learn how you can leverage our expertise and spindle repair services to strengthen your position in the marketplace by becoming an OEM partner with GTI.

    About GTI Spindle Technology

    At GTI Spindle Technology, we specialize in high-quality spindle diagnosis and repair. Getting your business back into full operation and minimizing downtime is our mission. We offer in-house, on-site, and emergency assistance for machine tool spindle failure analysis, spindle repair, and complete spindle testing. With an extensive range and expertise in a diverse group of industries, our customers know that they are getting the highest quality of spindle repair and customer service. Click here to find out more.

  • Why Skilled Workers are Still Important in the Time of Automation in Manufacturing

    American manufacturing has undergone significant transformations over the last few decades, but in recent years has made some of its most impactful changes yet. A result of technological innovation, recent strides can be attributed to the rise of automation, robotics, and machine-to-machine communication. Today, manufacturing and automation are synonymous, leaving many technicians questioning their relevancy on the production line. The reality: developments in robotics, additive manufacturing, IoT and other new technology all present increased demand for skilled workers.

    Robotics

    It’s undeniable that developments in robotics have revolutionized industrial automation and it’s only expected to continue growing in the coming years. Most think of the robots used on assembly lines in major automotive manufacturers, but in reality, robots range in size and purpose throughout the industry. From machines that load and unload vehicles to flip-stations that rotate parts for the next stage of assembly, regardless of how small a robot’s task, evidence shows that automation increases production, improves quality, reduces manufacturing waste, and creates a safer workplace for workers.

    3D Printers

    3D printing provides similar promise to improve output and decrease waste. These machines are capable of creating complex parts from the same ingredients which can be quickly and inexpensively reconverted into other items. 3D printers also provide greater flexibility because one machine has near unlimited versatility with the kinds of parts it can create, compared to the specialization of a traditional robotic assembly line.

    The future of 3D printers is vast. Rows of 3D printers will manufacture numerous complex parts using additive manufacturing; the machines print the liquified building material such as plastic, ceramic, and metal, one layer at a time. As parts are completed, they can be moved into the assembly line where traditional robotic assemblers will construct the 3D printed parts into the final product.

    IoT  

    IoT systems have already improved efficiency between people and machines by automating the diagnostic and repair process. In addition, advances in software development and artificial intelligence are projected to drastically reduce downtime and wasted dollars in the coming years. As more manufacturers adopt IoT into their predictive maintenance systems, the cost of repairs will drop dramatically. By 2020, it’s expected that nearly $300 billion will be spent on IoT technologies, products, and services, with the majority of that money coming from the manufacturing sector.

    New Technology, New Demand for Skilled Labor

    History shows that advances in technology open doors for employees to new opportunities. For example, in the past decade, the need for skilled workers in metal forming, fabrication, service repair, and welding has increased. Studies show that by 2024, the U.S. will need an estimated 90,000 more welders alone. Where experts anticipate more and more collaborative relationships between man and machine as advancements continue, it becomes difficult to predict the number of jobs that haven’t been created yet. Every new machine or software brings with it the need for skilled workers to master the technology and keep it running efficiently.

    With years of experience in high-tech spindle repair, GTI Spindle is perfectly suited to handle changes in the future of manufacturing. Contact us today to learn how your company can benefit from our years of experience and stay up-to-date on the latest in automotive, manufacturing, aerospace, and agriculture spindle repair services.

    About GTI Spindle Technology

    At GTI Spindle Technology, we specialize in high-quality spindle diagnosis and repair. Getting your business back into full operation and minimizing downtime is our mission. We offer in-house, on-site, and emergency assistance for machine tool spindle failure analysis, spindle repair, and complete spindle testing. With an extensive range and expertise in a diverse group of industries, our customers know that they are getting the highest quality of spindle repair and customer service. Click here to find out more.

     

     

     

     

     

  • Acorns, User Experience and Optimization

    The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

    25 July 2017; Acorn, meet iPad. I saw the above quote along the Tampa Riverwalk while attending the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) convention. It made me ponder the infinite possibilities of that single acorn, and in turn, the boundless ways technology influences our every day.

    With the advent of technologies like the iPad, the field of predictive maintenance has become an accessible and achievable goal for many businesses. Since the beginning of the tablet revolution companies have been searching for ways to exploit this new mobile capability across various industries. The iPad allows anyone from small companies to large multi-facility corporations to implement and commit to a predictive maintenance program utilizing technology that is constantly improving.

    The field of predictive maintenance has come a long way since its inception. Machines can be monitored for various conditions and we can now predict and plan for downtime. Out of this cloud based industrial revolution have come numerous systems with multiple tools and programs that are cost prohibitive for many companies, take days or weeks of training, and have costly maintenance service agreements. At GTI Predictive Technology we are about cost efficient solutions that leverage the best and most prevalent technologies available. In this case, the iPad and Apple app store.

    One thing that makes the iPad so successful is that it’s focus was placed on the user experience, an often-ignored piece of the puzzle in our industry. In utilizing the iPad, you no longer need to carry around a multitude of clunky boxes for a single reading. The predictive maintenance arsenal is now run from a technology many of us already own.

    AT GTI Predictive, we leveraged this technology and software for its enhanced user experience. The iPad’s familiarity and easy to use interface allows for quick adoption and minimized training. Need vibration analysis? We have an app for that. Field or shop precision machine balancing? We have an app for that too. Laser shaft alignment? You get the point. Our entire predictive maintenance platform is based on the iPad from vibration analysis to balancing and much more.

    “Why iPad?” and “Is this available for other tablets?” are questions we hear all of the time. The answer is no. Let me tell you why.

    1. Apple values its developers. They are also concerned with the integrity of final products sold through their app store. We receive beta versions on new IOS software upgrades months before they are released to the public. This allows us to rigorously test and update our apps, if need be, in order to be compatible with the newest operating system. Not only do we test our apps but Apple does as well. All apps sold through the app store must be vetted for accuracy and quality.
    2. Let’s think about how and where PdM products are used. Shop floors can be dangerous and employee safety is top of mind when monitoring machines. Machines utilizing various types of lubrication also need to be monitored. We place the iPad in an IT 67 rated rugged case approved for Class 1 Div 2.
    3. At the end of the day it’s still an iPad and has many functions outside of our apps. The wealth of commercially available accessories makes this a cost effective multi-purpose tool on which you can download apps of your choosing to augment your PdM strategy or download books, games and entertainment apps.
    4. Apple App store. Most of us are familiar with the way an app store works. Using your tablet, you log on to the app store, purchase your app and it immediately starts downloading. Congratulations, you now own VibePro, our vibration analysis software, and will receive free upgrades every, single, time we update that app. Even if you purchased VibePro back in 2011 you are still receiving free updates.
    5. Our PdM platform, unlike other companies that have costly annual maintenance fees, is cost effective. Through the app store we can only charge you once for the app. Again, considering the user experience, why pay for something you already own? We believe you should receive these upgrades for free and that an IOS update shouldn’t make your equipment obsolete.
    6. Long term. You as a plant manager have purchased our vibration software and originally had one person monitoring your floor. Through acquisition of additional assets, you realize you need to hire someone new to help with your PdM strategy. No need to purchase the software again, you already own the app. Using the same user name and password attached to your iCloud account you can download the app onto any iPad, and as many as you want.
    7. Apps are frequently updated using customer feedback. We are able to quickly modify our apps based on suggestions from our customers as to ease of use and additional tools they would like included.

    When we develop apps, we follow a simple storyboard approach. This keeps things simple, minimizes training and negates the need for additional equipment such as a stylus (a must have for PdM apps on other tablets). Many of our apps are follow along, meaning that the app guides the user through the necessary input data needed for calculations and analysis.

    Data collected on your route gets sent to VibePro Online in the GTI Cloud. The IoT has come to encompass the manufacturing industry as the IIoT. All data collected can be saved in our cloud for post process analysis and trending. Reports can be collated to include data from various apps including vibration, thermography and balancing to name a few. Reports can even be set directly from the floor to decision makers keeping the process streamlined and easy.

    Technology has come a long way over the years and GTI Predictive Technology’s ability to adapt to rising industry trends has allowed us to put together a successful platform optimized for today’s consumers. Like the acorn, the iPad presents endless possibilities for continued innovation.

    If you would like to learn more about our iPad predictive maintenance platform please visit our website: www.gtipredictive.com.

    Watch tutorials and demos of our apps by visiting and subscribing to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/gtispindle.

  • GTI Spindle Distributor for Jager Motor Spindles

    GTI Spindle Technology, Inc. becomes an agent for Jager motor spindles!
    Manchester, NH – GTI Spindle Technology, Inc., (gtispindle.com), an expert in foreign and domestic machine tool spindle repair services, maintenance, and machine tool optimization has announced the launch of distributing the Jager motor spindle products and accessories.
    You can use Jager systems and components for milling, grinding, drilling, deburring, and engraving.
    Features:

    • High Frequency Spindles
    • Milling Spindles
    • Drilling Spindles
    • Precision Spindles
    • Engraving Spindles
    • Air Bearings and Air Bearing Brushing

    Companies interested in learning more about GTI Spindle Technology’s spindle repair services should call GTI sales at 888-473-9675, or visit the new GTI Spindle website at gtispindle.com for more information. For those attending IMTS, GTI Spindle Technology will be presenting at booth #N-7317
    GTI Spindle Technology, with locations in Manchester, NH, Bloomington, IL, Romulus, MI and Pontiac, IL, offers a variety of spindle repair services including failure analysis and corrective action programs, vibration analysis diagnostics and guaranteed cost savings programs. GTI inspects, repairs, and remanufactures spindles and other precision rotating assemblies including super precision high frequency, motorized, belt and gear driven spindles with emphasis on Japanese and European high speed machining centers.
    GTI Spindle Technology, Inc. 33 Zachary Rd. Manchester, NH 03109 Phone: 603-669-5993 FAX: 603-669-8996