Press Releases

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. Supports Customer’s Transition from Mechanical to Digital Achieve Flexibility and Variability

Vernon Hills, Illinois - March 20, 2024

ARL Service turned to Shaltz Automation and Mitsubishi Electric Automation for support in replacing metal cams with digital cams in a newly acquired grinding machine.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. and Shaltz Automation supported a custom machinery company, ARL Service, in an aspiration that was deemed “crazy” to consider - replacing physical cams with digital cams for a machine that grinds carbide inserts. The metal cams were produced based on specific requirements from a third party, resulting in a time delay that affected production. Setup was laborious, so changeovers were few and far between.

The new system included Mitsubishi Electric automation components, including FX5 PLC, MR-J4 servos and amplifiers, simple motion modules, GOT2000 Series HMI, and FR-E800 VFD. The combination of these solutions, along with digital controls and software, resulted in a system that could replace the physical cams. The solution allows ARL Service to quickly generate new, virtual cams since everything on the machine is programmable and variable. Since the system is digital, services such as diagnosis, repairs, and upgrades can be performed through the Internet for new machines.

"We were amazed that with each machine, we kept finding out just how much more these digital controls could do. So, each new machine is better than the one before,” said Al Lewellen, Owner of ARL Service, “When it got down to the real nitty-gritty, the support from Mitsubishi Electric was fantastic."

More Information

- About Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc.

Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Inc. is a U.S. affiliate company of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. It offers a broad product portfolio including programmable automation controllers (PAC), programmable logic controllers (PLC), human machine interfaces (HMI), variable frequency drives (VFD), servo amplifiers and motors, control software, computerized numerical controllers (CNC), motion controllers, robots and low-voltage power distribution products. Additional information about Mitsubishi Electric Automation is available at us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/.

- About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Guided by its corporate philosophy, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) places sustainability at the core of its operations and values stakeholder trust—encompassing society, customers, shareholders and employees. In pursuing profitability, capital efficiency and growth, Mitsubishi Electric works closely alongside customers to develop value-added solutions that address today's complex challenges while enhancing the company's sustainable corporate value. Founded in 1921, Mitsubishi Electric has over a century of experience in delivering reliable, high-quality products and solutions. With over 200 group companies and approximately 150,000 employees worldwide, the company is a recognized global leader in manufacturing, marketing and selling electrical and electronic equipment and systems across a broad range of sectors, including public utility systems, energy systems, defense and space systems, factory automation systems, automotive equipment, building systems, air conditioning systems & home products, digital innovations, and semiconductor & devices. Mitsubishi Electric recorded consolidated revenue of 5,521.7 billion yen (U.S.$ 36.8 billion*) in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2025. For more information, please visit www.MitsubishiElectric.com.

*JPY 150=USD 1, the approximate rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2025

- About Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation Business Group

Offering a vast range of automation and processing technologies, including controllers, drive products, power distribution and control products, electrical discharge machines, laser processing machines, computerized numerical controllers, and industrial robots, Mitsubishi Electric helps bring higher productivity – and quality – to the factory floor. In addition, our extensive networks around the globe provide direct communication and comprehensive support to customers. The global slogan "Automating the World" shows the company's approach to leverage automation for the betterment of society, through the application of advanced technology, sharing know-how and supporting customers as a trusted partner. For more about the story behind "Automating the World" please visit: us.mitsubishielectric.com/fa/en/about-us/news-center/automating-the-world/

- About e-F@ctory

e-F@ctory is Mitsubishi Electric's integrated concept to build reliable and flexible manufacturing systems that enable users to achieve many of their high speed, information driven manufacturing aspirations. Through its partner solution activity, the e-F@ctory Alliance, and its work with open network associations such as The CC-Link Partners Association (CLPA), users can build comprehensive solutions based on a wide ranging "best in class" principle.
In summary, e-F@ctory and the e-F@ctory Alliance enable customers to achieve integrated manufacturing but still retain the ability to choose the most optimal suppliers and solutions.

*e-F@ctory, iQ Platform are trademarks of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
*All other trademarks are acknowledged

- Media Contact

Pam Summers
Marketing Communications Manager
Mitsubishi Electric Automation
Pam.Summers@meau.com
+1 (847) 478-2415

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