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Mechanical. Inertial Transference and Displacement Specialty. Kind of a niche thing. I design machines and machining systems to produce a given product where multiple tools on a single machine are being used at the same time to create a finished product. The "trick" is timing the tooling and their functions, feed-rates, gearing-systems, etc being used to get in, perform their function and stay out of the way or get out of the way of the other functions going on. Instead of making a product one function at a time, and then on to the next, being able to use simultaneous functions reduces the cost tremendously. A typical "widget" (plumbing-part, brake-line connector, medical- part, auto-part, what-have-you) might take ten or fifteen minutes or more to make using single-function machines. A well-designed multi-function machine can shave that time down to ten or fifteen seconds per piece.
Actually it's relatively old-school technology. The same functions can be done on a more modern CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) machine, however that's typically either single-function or consecutive-function and actually takes longer than the older mechanical machines. Any savings with the CNC machines is found in that they can run all day and night in a dark shop almost unattended. Or for very short runs of parts, maybe only a few hundred or so, and then more easily changed-over to make a new part with just a different program. Also actually very few typical machinists' skills are required. A relatively unskilled operator can just enter a program that's provided.
Building and setting up a dedicated machine is more expensive than changing a program, however once the machine is set up properly with the correct tooling and timing, that machine can run literally millions of parts much much faster than a CNC machine. Not to mention CNC machines are typically built less durable and only last a few years before they're basically expensive scrap metal. I've redesigned systems for older machines that once produced 30-caliber bullets and tank turrets for World War II into machines that now make sophisticated medical-devices and electronic components.
Interesting, sort of I guess... But not like picking up an old Gibson and playing a Blind Blake tune! LOL!!!
