Contact us today:
(847) 934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com
Contact us today:
(847) 934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com
At this year’s AUTOMATE, Siemens is announcing the launch of its enhanced motion control portfolio, featuring SINAMICS servo-drive systems and the new SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 controller, delivering unprecedented performance and flexibility for basic automation applications including handling, moving, positioning and processing.
The new solution combines three key innovations:
“This holistic system approach represents a significant leap forward in basic automation capabilities,” said Craig Nelson, Product Manager, Motion Control, Siemens Industry, Inc.
Key features and benefits include:
The new portfolio offers scalable solutions with various power options:
This cost-optimized solution includes comprehensive safety features, wireless diagnostics capabilities, and seamless integration with the Siemens TIA Portal, making it ideal for manufacturers seeking to modernize their automation systems.
For more information about this new motion control system for basic applications, visit usa.siemens.com/servo-drives and usa.siemens.com/efficient-motion-control.
Siemens Digital Industries (DI) is an innovation leader in automation and digitalization. Closely collaborating with partners and customers, DI drives the digital transformation in the process and discrete industries. With its Digital Enterprise portfolio, DI provides companies of all sizes with an end-to-end set of products, solutions and services to integrate and digitalize the entire value chain. Optimized for the specific needs of each industry, DI’s unique portfolio supports customers to achieve greater productivity and flexibility. DI is constantly adding innovations to its portfolio to integrate cutting-edge future technologies. Siemens Digital Industries has its global headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany, and has around 75,000 employees internationally.
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. In fiscal 2022, which ended on September 30, 2022, Siemens Group USA generated revenue of $18.6 billion and employs approximately 45,000 people serving customers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Siemens expands its Run MyRobot platform to allow cost-effective part handling and articulation functions of a KUKA robot directly on the control of the machine tool
In Booth 3232 at this year’s AUTOMATE show in Detroit, Siemens is presenting an automation solution for the busy, multi-tasking job shop, as it demonstrates a digital twin of the software and programming of its popular SINUMERIK 828 CNC, working in tandem with a KUKA robot, to simplify the operation and programming in part handling for the operator. Meanwhile, in nearby booth 4032, KUKA Robotics Corporation will demonstrate the same control and its robot working in tandem on a SYIL vertical milling machine.
Advantages of this development include:
As automation continues to impact the machine tool industry, robots and CNC machines are collaborating even more closely. The number of handling and machining robots (machine tools with robotic kinematics) is continually on the rise and Siemens is leading this movement, as the only automation manufacturer in the world that equips its CNC with the necessary interfaces for robotic integration.
Increasingly more machine shops and operators are seeing that automation is an important asset when striving to achieve consistent workpiece quality and more flexibility on the shopfloor. Digitalization facilitates the higher level of automation needed and the networking
of the components involved. With this new development, Siemens is offering a cost-effective solution that incorporates the KUKA robot functionality with a line of affordable machine tools, in this case, the SYIL brand of machining centers and lathes for small to medium job shops.
As Tiansu Jing, Product Manager, SINUMERIK CNC systems, explains, “The benefits of this development for the busy job shop are many. Setup, programming, operator interface and diagnostics are all improved with this system, as it easily incorporates the KUKA robot with
the machine tool.” The teach-in functions are implemented through the SINUMERIK Operate system on the control, while the proprietary SINUMERIK Run MyRobot capability of the CNC seamlessly integrates with the KUKA robot control. He further noted that, since there is no need to learn robotic programming, start-up time is reduced and the robot’s separate control pendant is eliminated, making the operator’s task simplified. The SINUMERIK CNC’s HMI is used to operate both the machine tool and the robot.
From the KUKA perspective, Ron Bergamin, Key Technology Manager, Machine Tool Automation, comments, “KUKA offers machine tool builders and end-users alike the ability to incorporate advanced robotics into their equipment and onto their shopfloors, with the goal of optimizing productivity and reducing operator workload. Our partnership with Siemens has resulted in the synergy that brought this development to life. It substantially expands the ability of the small and medium-sized shops to utilize robotics in their work environment.”
Siemens Digital Industries (DI) is an innovation leader in automation and digitalization. Closely collaborating with partners and customers, DI drives the digital transformation in the process and discrete industries. With its Digital Enterprise portfolio, DI provides companies of all sizes with an end-to-end set of products, solutions and services to integrate and digitalize the entire value chain. Optimized for the specific needs of each industry, DI’s unique portfolio supports customers to achieve greater productivity and flexibility. DI is constantly adding innovations to its portfolio to integrate cutting-edge future technologies. Siemens Digital Industries has its global headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany, and has around 75,000 employees internationally.
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power. In fiscal 2022, which ended on September 30, 2022, Siemens Group USA generated revenue of $18.6 billion and employs approximately 45,000 people serving customers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
With the FZ rack magazine ZIM Rack, Zimmermann has developed a compact tool changer for its portal milling machines which can be expanded to accommodate several thousand tools. This modularity allows clients to tailor the system precisely to their production without requiring additional storage space.
Tool availability plays a major role in ensuring uninterrupted production for customers. Whether it’s a machine demanding challenging materials or very different components, the right tools must be available quickly and easily due to the high level of wear or diversity. To solve this need, Zimmermann created its own tool changer.
The basic version offers 60 positions and can be expanded in increments of 30 up to several thousand. The operating principle is independent of the number of tools. Thus, the operating personnel have enough space to change all the tools before starting work and to work with them uninterrupted until the next shift. This eliminates the need for a separate storage area.
The tools are stored horizontally in the holders and can be removed via a manipulator. Unlike a conventional chain system, not all tools are moved, but only the necessary ones. Customers can adapt the ZIM Rack to their production. Since both the machine and the changer are from the same source, Zimmermann provides better and faster support when needed.
To see short video of the ZIM Rack, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0a4ygvGqEY
About the company
Zimmermann is based in Germany and is a leading global high-tech supplier of portal milling machines. These are characterized by huge workspaces, substantial machining dynamics and cutting performance. The company, founded in 1933 by Friedrich Zimmermann, now has over 200 employees worldwide. With its product range, our innovative company has one goal above all: to offer the right solution for our customers and thus be able to guarantee high economic efficiency. “Quality made in Germany and supported locally” is our motto. The company’s special machines are used worldwide in the automotive, aerospace, moldmaking, transportation, off-highway and mechanical engineering sectors. The company has its North American headquarters in Wixom, Michigan, near Detroit, where it operates a full tech center, offering engineering assistance, commissioning, parts and retrofit services, as well as multiple machines for demonstration purposes. Zimmermann Inc. is headed by President Cornelius Kiesel.
For more information, please contact:
ZIMMERMANN INC.
30587 Century Drive
Wixom, MI 48393
Phone: 248-956-8511
www.zimmermann-inc.com
Ms. Lena Kiesel, Marketing Manager
lena@zimmermann-inc.com
E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood has created a drive tool assortment kit containing a variety of sizes.
Drive tool assortment kit
While these drive tools were already offered individually, as well as in insert kits, this new offering brings everything together in one kit. According to Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing, “We decided to offer this assortment kit based on customer feedback indicating that having all of the sizes in one package would be highly beneficial.”
Made from steel, these tools are used to install slotted E-Z LOK threaded inserts like Solid Wall inserts for metal and Knife Thread inserts for wood. Furthermore, all drive tools in the assortment kit fit in standard power tools. Kit drivers can be used to install inserts with internal threads from #6 to 3/4 and M3 to M16. They’re ideal for maintenance departments, machine shops and manufacturing facilities.
Regarding the importance of this product launch, Lindsly-Roach said, “We hope that it will offer an easier way for our customers to access all of the tools needed to install our Solid Wall and Knife Thread inserts in one place.”
The drive tool assortment kit will be available for sale early next year through E-Z LOK’s distribution partners.
For more information, please contact:
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
USA
Phone: 310-323-5613 x221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com
Platinum Tooling – Full Line
Platinum Tooling, the importer and master distributor of live tools, angle heads, Swiss machine products, knurling and marking tools manufactured by various international suppliers, will exhibit its extensive inventory of machine tool accessories at EASTEC.
The Manufacturing Technology Series EAST features EASTEC in West Springfield, Massachusetts, between May 13-15. The three-day event has over 500 exhibitors and 10,000 attendees who work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, defense, industrial, commercial machinery, and more.
Premium lines include live tools and angle heads from Heimatec, Swiss-type collets and guide bushings from Tecnicrafts, mechanical, air, and motor speeders from Henninger, QUICK knurling and Marking tools from Hommel + Keller, shrink fit tool holders and machines from Rineck (distributed in the U.S. and Mexico).
Highlighted products are our specialty and adaptive guide bushing systems from Dunner, as well as our broaching tools from REV.
Available for milling and turning machines, the company offers an assortment of standard and custom solutions. Our extensive network of sales representatives supply OEMs, machine tool dealers and industrial supply companies.
Interested parties can speak to Preben and Luke Hansen at the show regarding special applications or machining of exotic materials.
Visit Platinum Tooling at booth 5148 during EASTEC.
For more information, please contact:
Preben Hansen, President
PLATINUM TOOLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
16 E. Piper Lane
Suite 128
Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone: 847-749-0633
Fax: 847-749-2445
email: phansen@platinumtooling.com
Platinum Tooling Technologies, Inc. in Prospect Heights, IL, near Chicago, serves its growing North American customer base with an extensive inventory of machine tool accessories. Its experienced staff is dedicated to providing the most innovative tooling and technology. Platinum Tooling Technologies, Inc. serves the auto, aero, medical, woodworking, composites and other industries, as well as an ever-increasing number of machine tool OEMs, through its network of manufacturers’ representatives. Platinum Tooling is the importer of Heimatec, Henninger, Tecnicrafts, Hommel + Keller QUICK tools, REV broaching tools and Dunner specialty and adaptive guide bushing systems in North America. In addition, Platinum Tooling represents Rineck Shrink Fit Tooling in the United States and Mexico.
E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood, introduced Grant Govel as their Business Development Representative. Since his appointment in July, Govel has worked to generate new business opportunities.
Grant Govel
A graduate of Penn State University, he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Economics. He has a unique 30+ year blend of technology (hardware and software), finance, marketing and industrial experience, with substantial experience in new business generation and client retention.
Throughout his career, Govel honed his sales and customer service skills in various industries including computers, scrap metal, paving and lighting. His responsibilities included finding new customers (through cold calls, emails and networking), acting as the first point of contact for customers, developing proposals, managing inventory and closing the deal.
In his role at E-Z LOK, Govel mostly enjoys, “… interacting with clients and prospects [and] helping them find solutions and savings to their manufacturing needs.”
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, E-Z LOK Director of Sales & Marketing looks forward to all the ways Govel can expand E-Z LOK’s business, stating, “Grant is a dynamic sales executive and business leader with strong communication skills that produce positive results. His track record proves he’s committed to ensuring customer satisfaction and continued company growth.”
For more information, please contact:
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
USA
Phone: 310-323-5613 x221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com
On December 5, 2025, our strictly industrial ad/PR agency will celebrate our first 50 years in business. First, a thanks to the great employees and clients who’ve made this milestone possible. By definition, a service business requires those who serve and those who get served. That dynamic cooperation, especially in the marketing of highly technical products to an equally technical audience, presents some unique challenges and we welcome them daily. We balance our creativity and service with the clients’ engineering and manufacturing muscle to reach the optimum audience on time and on budget. That aspect of Bernard & Company will never change, though much else has, over the years.
On December 5, 1975, Fred Bernard incorporated Bernard & Company, having ventured out from a large Chicago agency to plant his own flag. He quickly realized the continuation of his service to his clients would compound the time needed to get the business up and running. So, he put out the word to magazine reps that he was seeking a copy/contact (old Leo Burnett concept for the account executive function at an ad agency) and he found a kid freelancer named Tim Daro. Though they had almost nothing in common, besides the ability to write copy, Fred brought the kid onboard to help with his clients. At the time, a major client whom we ended up serving for 63 years, was a leader in industrial ovens and furnaces. Tim thought the client made pizza ovens and residential furnaces, his lone points of previous contact with those generic equipment terms. Tim had a lot to learn.
As the early years continued, Fred and Tim would set goals for office enhancements…a water cooler, a fax machine etc., tied to monthly profits. It worked and we grew. Like all agencies, many clients were with us for a short time, others stayed the course and grew with us, reaping the benefit of our talents. Service remained the cornerstone. Unlike other agencies with a “one size fits all” biz model, we worked on the Harvard Business School concepts of zero-based budgeting and the task method. In short, tell us what you want to accomplish, we give you a list of strategies and tactics plus dollars to get there, then we cooperatively trim from the bottom up til the optimum plan is derived. So much for methodology. Many of our clients are the #1 or #2 player in their respective sandboxes. Four had record sales last year and, gee golly, they are our largest media clients.
Again, in a service business, it’s the people and their ideas that win the day. Technology gobsmacked the ad agency business with the invention of the Mac and things changed permanently. Printers came to our clients, offering to do free artwork in exchange for print work. Today, printed literature has faded in favor of online catalogs, online data exchanges, machine sim software etc., so clients and we have changed with the times. Likewise, the emergence of digital media has impacted our world, though our landmark study on how engineers get the info needed to do their jobs today drives our planning to a significant degree. (Ask me about that, anytime. And yes, print still plays a significant role, as do trade shows.)
Today, I’m privileged to continue running Bernard & Company, after buying the agency from Fred in 1982. Though much has changed in the business we do and the way we do it, one commandment is indeed set in stone. We will continue to service the needs of our clients, providing the creativity, market/media knowledge and innovative marcom tactics that have made our clients and us successful, over the years. For that, I say thanks to all those who’ve prospered from our service and especially those who’ve provided it here.
Onward!
Tim Daro
President
Selling your services or products requires an in-depth knowledge of your customer, regardless of industry. This need becomes even more apparent when a company plans to roll out a new product and/or service and wants to find out what the target audience thinks. This is where market research comes in. The process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data about the target market, consumers, competitors and the industry offers several benefits.
One of these is to help companies understand their customers’ needs and characteristics, such as: age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, income and employment status. By segmenting the audience, businesses can tailor their messaging to appeal to each group. Market research also helps companies understand what their competitors are doing, thus discovering a competitive advantage. Last but not least, market research helps businesses identify opportunities and avoid costly mistakes. For example, there would be no point in introducing a new product if the data showed that such a product wouldn’t be well received in the market.
At Bernard & Company, we recently obtained and analyzed market research data on behalf of our German spindle manufacturer and repair client. They wanted to see if there was a potential U.S. market for their line of small, high precision spindles used in industries such as: mold and die, medical, semiconductor, optics, watch/jewelry and aviation/defense. To reach machine builders and end users effectively, our agency distributed a short online survey through two publications, Manufacturing Center and Manufacturing Engineering. Questions included industries served as a high precision spindle manufacturer, technical aspects of the spindles, machine tool brands currently used, number of spindles in use and biggest challenges. Both publications provided a click report, with Manufacturing Center also generating a huge list of leads.
While the survey indicated there was modest market potential for the company, a second survey was sent out to uncover OEMs making machines in the U.S. that could use the German spindle line. The second survey was sent out through Manufacturing Center and contained only five questions, as opposed to nine in the first survey. Furthermore, participants had to list their name, company address and email to qualify for a $10 Amazon gift card. These questions were more specific, with participants asked to name the brands of machines that currently used our client’s spindles, machine manufacturers they’d consider for future purchases, well-known North American machine tool builders, as well as technology leaders in the industry. Results of the second survey still showed a low market potential and confirmed that a majority of the well-known machine tool builders were either Asian or European companies. Thus, the agency confidently recommended that the company focus on increasing exposure to the full line of capabilities offered in North America by their Racine, Wisconsin office.
Market research is just one of the many ways we help our clients get ahead of the game.
Thank you!
Ioana Benea is a Marketing Information Specialist at Bernard & Company, an industrial advertising/marketing agency. Her responsibilities include translating technical press releases (English-Spanish) for magazines in Latin America, interviewing clients for stories, writing product releases, ads and success stories, conducting client research on the market/ competitors and managing and posting to clients’ social media pages.
She has worked at Bernard & Company for 10 years and is based Palatine, Illinois (Chicago). Ioana is a graduate of Benedictine University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Spanish. She received her Masters in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University.
For more information, please contact:
Tim Daro, President
BERNARD AND COMPANY
1540 E. Dundee Road
Suite 250
Palatine, IL 60074
Phone: 847-934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com
Complete enterprise-grade solution accelerates Industry 4.0 adoption through hands-on technology demonstration center at MxD
CHICAGO, IL – In a milestone for manufacturing innovation, Betacom, a pioneer in private wireless networks, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Siemens Industries. The companies have deployed a first-of-its-kind private 5G network platform at MxD (Manufacturing x Digital), the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing in Chicago. The platform is the first complete private wireless network to operate behind a Siemens firewall, demonstrating the future of secure enterprise connectivity.
“Manufacturing enterprises need more than just network connectivity – they need a complete solution that seamlessly enables Industry 4.0 applications while maintaining total control of their data and operations,” said Johan Bjorklund, CEO of Betacom. “By partnering with Siemens at MxD, we’re providing manufacturers with a blueprint for digital transformation, combining our private 5G expertise with Siemens industrial automation leadership to create a truly comprehensive platform for smart manufacturing innovation.”
The platform demonstrates how enterprises can:
Developed specifically for Siemens U.S. manufacturing initiatives, the solution features:
“This deployment represents a significant milestone in manufacturing innovation,” said Joel Green, Wireless Business Development at Siemens Industries. “The platform gives our customers the security and control they need while enabling the full spectrum of Industry 4.0 applications that drive operational excellence.”
Industries benefiting from this complete private 5G solution include manufacturing, logistics, defense contractors and supply chain operations. The MxD facility showcases practical applications including:
About Betacom
Betacom offers the first fully managed private 5G network service in the U.S., building on decades of expertise as a trusted wireless infrastructure provider for major carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, Betacom has established a reputation for delivering high-performance connectivity solutions to meet complex enterprise needs. With its secure, high-speed and scalable 5G services, Betacom continues to lead innovation in private wireless networks. For more information, visit http://www.betacom.com.
About Siemens Industries
Siemens Corporation is a U.S. subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 170 years. Active around the world, the company focuses on intelligent infrastructure for buildings and distributed energy systems and on automation and digitalization in the process and manufacturing industries. Siemens brings together the digital and physical worlds to benefit customers and society. Through Mobility, a leading supplier of intelligent mobility solutions for rail and road transport, Siemens is helping to shape the world market for passenger and freight services. Via its majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, Siemens is also a world-leading supplier of medical technology and digital health services. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power that has been listed on the stock exchange since September 28, 2020. In fiscal 2020, Siemens Group USA generated revenue of $17 billion and employs approximately 40,000 people serving customers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit http://www.siemens.com.
About MxD
MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) is where innovative manufacturers go to forge their futures. In partnership with the Department of Defense, MxD equips U.S. factories with the digital tools, cybersecurity and workforce expertise needed to begin building every part better than the last. As a result, our more than 300 partners increase their productivity, win more business and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
E-Z LOK, a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood has expanded its E-Z Press™ line with stainless steel and brass inserts, while E-Z Sonic™ added stainless steel inserts.
These inserts are designed for post-molding installation in thermoplastic materials such as: acrylic, polypropylene and PVC. Features include tapered or straight designs, installation with a heat drive or ultrasonic horn, superior torque and pull-out resistance, inch or metric threads, tapered design and single vane and straight design in flush or flanged configuration.
E-Z Sonic™ heat staking inserts for thermoplastics work well with 3D printing applications and products made from similar materials. They require heat generation to melt the plastic around the insert for proper installation. Meanwhile, E-Z Press™ threaded inserts for plastic are designed for both thermoset plastics and thermoplastics. Available in flush, flanged and reverse slot, they are created specifically for “cold” installation using anything from a rubber mallet to an arbor press.
Straight E-Z Sonic™ Ultrasonic inserts allow for thinner boss walls. Flush heat stake permits installation even with or below the material surface, while flanged inserts are ideal for electrical connections or for additional pull-out resistance in reverse installations. Furthermore, E-Z Sonic™ straight ultrasonic threaded inserts feature a lead-in pilot to facilitate installation and are available from #2 to 3/8.
Tapered E-Z Sonic™ Ultrasonic inserts are designed to reduce installation time, particularly in production runs, while maintaining outstanding performance characteristics. Internal threads from #2 to 3/8 and M2.5 to M6 are available.
For more information, please contact:
Kyle Lindsly-Roach, Director of Sales & Marketing
E-Z LOK
240 E. Rosecrans Ave
Gardena, CA 90248
USA
Phone: 310-323-5613 x221
klindsly@ezlok.com
www.ezlok.com
E-Z LOK is a leading manufacturer and master distributor of threaded inserts for metal, plastic and wood. Inserts for metal include solid wall and helical wire-thread inserts, while inserts for plastic feature press-in and ultrasonic/heat stake designs. Those for wood are die-cast zinc alloy in hex drives for softwood and brass knife threads for hardwood. A variety of kits are available and feature installation tools, drill bits etc.
E-Z LOK is a third-generation family owned and operated company. Founded in 1956, it primarily sells North American OEM’s, end users and the DIY market through local, regional and national industrial distributors.
