MPI’s Teddy the Robot Impresses at This Year’s ICI Technical Conference and Equipment Expo

MPI’s Teddy the Robot Impresses at This Year’s ICI Technical Conference and Equipment Expo
Many Benefits of Automation Displayed with Live Robot Demonstration

October 18, 2011

MPI Inc. the worldwide leader in wax-room equipment is well known for making a splash at the ICI Technical Conference, but this year’s efforts took it to a whole new level. MPI introduced Teddy the Robot, their Ambassador of Automation, who demonstrated first-hand, the many advantages of automation.

The theme of this year’s show was “Profit through Innovation” with a focus on automation. MPI brought the concept of automation to life at their booth by pairing a live six-axis robot with an automated injection machine to demonstrate automated pattern making and handling. All eyes were on Teddy as he tirelessly performed his duties throughout the show. As the crowd continually grew, so did the excitement, as defect-free operations were repeated time and time again. The booth also had live video presentations demonstrating both automated injection and automated assembly.

MPI engineer and robot programmer, Aaron Phipps, showed how little effort was required to operate the programmed robot and was able to spend time answering questions and handing out free 100 Grand candy bars. The candy bars helped illustrate the fact that a customer can get started in automation for as little as $100,000 ensuring a Return on Investment in short order.

Interest in automation was extremely high as members of the MPI team enjoyed spending time discussing how MPI can collaborate with foundries to help them reap the rewards of automation. Others on hand to answer questions were MPI executives; Keith Hedrick, R&D/Automation Manager, Keith Gardner, Product Engineer Manager, Jeff Rich, GM/VP and President, Bruce Phipps.

Bruce Phipps kicked off the show by delivering his paper “Profit through Innovation” to a crowded room. The paper highlighted the use of automation in the wax room and specifically automating an injection press, automating pattern assembly as well as automated pattern production and pattern assembly services. The case studies in the presentation all supported the value of investing in automation. Bruce also visually supported his presentation with video footage, which helped drive home the fact that automation in the wax room is a current reality.

Also demonstrated at the show were samples of wax assemblies. Avalon Precision Casting Company, one of MPI’s customers and a key partner in MPI’s pattern production and automated wax assembly facility, had a wax assembly, manufactured at MPI, and cast assembly on display. MPI displayed a turbine vane assembly to demonstrate the high quality welds available with MPI’s patented automatic welding process. A very special thanks to the folks at Avalon for partnering with MPI and sharing their success with the industry.

Although automation stole the show, attendees were equally interested in MPI’s other wax-room equipment, including the state-of-the-art wax injection press they had on display at the expo. In fact, three different companies asked for a quote to purchase the show machine. MPI is happy to announce that the machine was sold to the first company to issue the PO! The other two continue to work with MPI to put a machine on order.

We see innovation in many aspects of our lives. In keeping with the theme of the show, MPI helped one lucky attendee take some innovation home with him – with a new iPad2. The iPad2 giveaway was well attended as Jeff Rich, MPI VP/GM, asked another show attendee to draw the winning ticket. Brad Desplinter of Texas Precision Metalcraft, Inc. won the drawing and walked away very happy! Brad stated, “The iPad2 was a great prize to win and I am very thrilled!!” Congratulations to Brad and thank you to all who participated.

MPI extends its gratitude to the Investment Casting Institute for putting on a great show and to all the wonderful people that came by to watch Teddy, our Ambassador of Automation, in action.