Manufacturing technology provides the productive tools that power a growing, stable economy and a rising standard of living. These tools create the means to provide an effective national defense. They make possible modern communications, affordable agricultural products, efficient transportation, innovative medical procedures, space exploration... and the everyday conveniences we take for granted.
Production tools include machine tools and other related equipment and their accessories and tooling. Machine tools are non-portable, power-driven manufacturing machinery and systems used to perform specific operations on man-made materials to produce durable goods or components. Related technologies include Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) as well as assembly and test systems to create a final product or subassembly.
Technology Initiatives
Through the MTConnect™ initiative, AMT is addressing the need for a software/hardware platform that facilitates exchange of information between shop-floor equipment, data analysis software, and monitoring systems. MTConnect™ is a lightweight, open and extensible protocol and data representation to allow the exchange of dynamic sensor data, configuration data, and control information among MTConnect-compliant machines, software applications and controllers. Find out more at www.MTConnect.org.
Read about other AMT technology initiatives.
Manufacturing Technology Products
Typical manufacturing technologies include:
Software – Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Direct Numerical Control (DNC), Programmable Logic Control (PLC), Numerical Control (NC), program optimization software, and systems integration software.
Material Removal – Turning, milling, drilling, grinding, tapping, electrical discharge machines (EDM), broaching, sawing, water jet cutting equipment, and laser process equipment.
Material Forming – Stamping, bending, joining, hydro-forming, presses, shearing, cold and hot forming equipment.
Additive Processes – 3D printing, laser sintering, and rapid prototyping equipment.
Workholding – Chucks, fixtures, clamps, blocks, angle plates, and tooling columns.
Tooling – Drills, taps, reamers, boring bars, dies, punches, and grinding wheels.
Material Handling – Conveyors, automated wire guided vehicles, die handling equipment, robots, pallet changers, and bar feed equipment.
Automated Systems – Transfer machines, assembly systems, automated systems and cells, and Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS).
Educational Recources
Visit the American Precision Museum - explore the machinery and tools that changed the world.
Glossary of Manufacturing Terms
Safety Standards for Machine Tools
Technology Assessments on Current Advanced Research Projects
01 July 200712 Steps to Successful Automated Manufacturing SystemsFor companies considering a manufacturing system to automate material removal, material forming & joining, and assembly & test. (more) |
06 October 2004Guide to Using Cpk - A Process Capability IndexThis publication aids personnel in the use and understanding of the process capability index Cpk, as well as parameters to check in order to reduce process variation. (pub. 2002; 11 pages) (more) |
04 October 2004Industrial Laser Processes - An IntroductionDesigned for those not familiar with laser processing, the book describes different types of laser sources and their application in processing ferrous and nonferrous materials. (pub. 1998; 34 pages) (more) |
01 September 2004Production Equipment Availability - A Measurement Guideline (Third Edition)Provides for the measurement of Production Equipment Availability. Used to establish an agreed upon method for calculating the percent of time a machine is quoted to be available for production. (pub. 2002; 31 pages). (more) |
25 November 2009SkillsUSA National Precision Machining Technology ChampionshipAMT is an official sponsor of the Precision Machining Technology Competition at the SkillsUSA Championships based on the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) skill standards. (more) |
12 June 2009Student Summit at IMTSThis is a program to enrich student and educator attendance at IMTS and encourage career consideration in the metalworking industry. Participating exhibitors provide information about the industry. (more) |
30 August 2004Technology Roadmap for the Machine Tool Industry - 2002 EditionThis publication provides a summary of end-user requirements and needs for builders to review during new product and development discussions and design efforts. (more) |
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22 December 2008Trends In Manufacturing ReportThe AMT Global Technology Advisory Board (GTAB) released their “Trends in Manufacturing” report for membership review. This report outlines the group's view on manufacturing trends occurring globally in manufacturing, especially in their companies and as it relates to manufacturing equipment needs. (2008; 24 pages) (more) |
08 February 2005Workholding Glossary of TermsThis glossary provides definitions for workholding terms, devices, and components. The publication aids in identifying common terms used in the workholding industry. (pub. 2001; 15 pages) (more) |
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