BUILD A MOUNT
RAM® Mounts delivers the flexibility Wolfram needed to install tablets to CNC machines and streamline rollout of new horsepower monitoring software.
Wolfram Manufacturing, based in Austin, Texas, is a top provider of production management tools and cutting-edge CNC machine monitoring software. Wolfram also operates its own 30,000-square-foot machine shop, specializing in high-volume metal part production.
The Challenge
For years, Wolfram deployed its machine monitoring software, OnTakt, by mounting PCs and monitors directly onto each machine, providing real-time diagnostics on machine health. However, managing these systems became increasingly challenging due to issues like faulty wiring and constant oil residue. Additionally, the hardware lacked adjustability and articulation, causing frustration during complex tasks.
Seeking a more efficient solution, Wolfram partnered with RAM® Mounts to design new hardware for two key monitoring systems: general machine performance and horsepower monitoring. The new solution needed to support heavy-duty monitors and sleek tablet systems, while offering flexible, adjustable viewing angles for operators.
The Solution
RAM® Mounts delivered an efficient, hassle-free solution to Wolfram and their customers, with virtually no installation downtime. Prioritizing adjustability and articulation, RAM® selected their bread & butter, the double ball mounts, offering nearly 360 degrees of movement—the ideal choice for connecting the monitors to the machines. Leveraging the pre-existing VESA pattern holes from the flush-mounted monitors, RAM® easily replaced the old hardware with a 100x100 VESA ball base.
For the second monitoring system, RAM® provided iPad mounting kits for Wolfram’s add-on horsepower monitoring service on CNC machines. These kits featured RAM®’s universal Tab-Tite™ tablet holders and form-fitting EZ-Roll’r™ cradles for iPad mini6 and iPad Pro devices, mounted with drill-down double ball mounts in convenient locations near machine controls, with integrated cable access for power. Tablet removal is uncommon, but Wolfram is currently testing RAM’s IntelliSkin® with GDS® Uni-Conn™ system to accommodate that need, adding the benefit of increased durability.
Before and after when choosing the flexibility of the RAM® Double 100x100mm VESA Mount
The Results
The extensive flexibility offered by RAM® Mounts, with a catalog of over 5,000 components, gave Wolfram the confidence to choose RAM® as their exclusive provider of mobile mounting solutions. RAM® not only met Wolfram’s needs for upgrading their existing monitor systems but also made integrating tablets seamless and user-friendly with form-fitting EZ-Roll’r™ cradles for iPad mini6 and iPad Pros. The adjustability of RAM® mounts allowed Wolfram to adapt installations to a wide range of machine setups, as no two machines are the same.
Wolfram Manufacturing team members praised RAM® products for their versatility and flexibility, noting that RAM® Mounts are used on all of Wolfram’s own machines. "RAM® was really the only solution we needed to build this new system. We’ve used their products in our own warehouse for years, so we knew it would be the perfect fit for our customers," said Chris Swaim, Director of Strategic Initiatives at Wolfram. Machine operators are now much more satisfied, enjoying greater flexibility and efficiency with the new solution, leading to:
Reduced downtime due to system issues, cleaning, and repairs
Enhanced visibility during machine maintenance
Increased device durability and longevity, lowering the total cost of ownership
Ease and flexibility of installation
