CNH Industrial Reman recently added a 3D printer to its manufacturing facility. With the technology growing at an incredible rate, the new 3D printer offers CNH Reman the capability to produce a vast array of complex and custom components, fixtures, and tools.

As CNH Reman continues to develop its 3D printer capabilities and testing, the company anticipates expansion to the production of component parts that will be assembled into high-quality, finished products for its customers.

“These components typically come at a high cost due to minimum buy quantity restrictions or vendor upcharge for a small batch. The 3D printer will allow us to produce lower volume components in our facility at a reduced cost. The design flexibility will also allow our engineering team to make modifications to these components to improve performance and quality. In turn, producing a better product at a lower cost of ownership,”

said Jeremy Kelley, product engineering manager at CNH Industrial Reman.

In addition, each component, fixture, or tool can also be produced almost immediately within the CNH Reman facility, which reduces cost and long lead times.

CNH Reman is currently working through the setup process and producing prototypes with the 3D printer. To date, CNH Reman successfully produced tooling and fixtures to aid with production and component measurement processes. As the technology continues to advance, CNH Reman believes 3D printers will offer multiple opportunities for advancement in reman products.

“The possibilities of 3D printing are nearly limitless. The expansion of material types and size envelope can offer an endless opportunity in reman product life. This will help to keep our customers’ machines running throughout their lifespan,”

said Kelley.

The post CNH Industrial Reman Adds 3D Printer to Expand Component Part and Tooling Production Capabilities appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Hitachi continues to provide customers with efficient, reliable, and durable equipment featuring advanced technology – the newest being factory-integrated Solution Linkage 2D and 3D Grade Control.

“We gave a sneak peek of Hitachi’s grade control technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG last year. It’s thrilling to share this solution with our customers for increased efficiency,”

said Justin Steger, solutions marketing manager, site development & underground, Hitachi Construction & Mining Division.

With Solution Linkage Grade Control, operators can set a grade and hold it without the risk of over digging. Available now on the ZX210-6, ZX210LC-6, and ZX350LC-6, this technology helps operators spend less time getting the grade right the first time.

The technology allows the machine to control the boom and bucket as the operator handles the arm. This functionality is especially useful as it reduces the need for multiple passes to achieve the correct grade. Likewise, less experienced operators are able to achieve the correct grade more efficiently while a crew member who previously had to check for the grade can now be reassigned on the worksite.

Solution Linkage 3D Grade Control with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) controls position and elevation with respect to a global reference while Solution Linkage 2D Grade Control manages the elevation of the cutting edge in relation to a benchmark. The 2D Grade Control technology can also be upgraded to 3D Grade Control through Hitachi dealers.

“Our Solution Linkage 2D and 3D Grade Control unite advanced grade technology with the smooth hydraulics and fast cycle times of Hitachi excavators. It saves time and helps make good operators great,”

Steger said.

With an over-dig protection feature, Solution Linkage Grade Control also lowers the likelihood of over-excavation by preventing the machine from digging past a defined surface or depth. With the prevention of over digging, operators can finish jobs more quickly, reduce material costs and save fuel costs, too.

Virtual Fence features allow operators to establish boundaries and notify the operator as the machine approaches those boundaries. The boundaries include Virtual Front, Virtual Ceiling, Virtual Floor, Virtual Swing, and Virtual Wall. The Virtual Front feature hydraulically limits and automatically stops the bucket cutting edge from contacting the front of the machine at a selectable distance. Virtual Ceiling, Virtual Floor, Virtual Swing, and Virtual Wall features provide visual and audible alerts to the operator as the machine approaches an adjustable set point, allowing operators to focus on productivity.

With the addition of grade control, Hitachi now offers customers four options for grade management technology: Solution Linkage 2D Grade Guidance, Solution Linkage 3D Grade Guidance, Solution Linkage 2D Grade Control, and Solution Linkage 3D Grade Control.
Hitachi’s grade management technology options are factory-installed and calibrated. The systems are also fully supported by Hitachi dealers. Plus, system data from all options work with ZXLink for analysis, so the machine’s health can be monitored to keep projects on track.

“We know grade management technology is the future of the excavator industry. We’re glad to provide a variety of options for our customers,”

Steger said.

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