Modern Machine Shop back issues from November 2007:
MTConnect is a big step forward.(Mark: My Word)
Nov 01, 2007; ... MTConnect is a set of specs and standards designed to make it easier for information to be exchanged among shopfloor equipment such as machine tool CNC units, data analysis software and factory monitoring systems (see page 83 in this issue). MTConnect is a welcome development and AMT--The ...
You are not selling just a mold.(THE Z AXIS)
Nov 01, 2007; ... High-end manufacturers know the frustration of watching customers base buying decisions on price. Pursuing low price has sent companies searching the globe for suppliers, and some have been disappointed in the result. Basing the decision on price alone is illogical, because if quality or ...
UK shop strategies.(One-Off)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Shops in the UK are in the same boat as those in the States in terms of weathering global competition. A recent visit to England revealed competitive waters that may be a bit choppier than ours, where work is being pulled into Eastern Europe as well as Asia. In September, GF ...
Do something somewhere.(Competing Ideas)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Those of us advocating the need for continually improving operations believe it is better to do something "pretty well" than to do nothing "perfectly." What I mean by this is that we often struggle trying to find the best place to begin an improvement effort, yet if we would just start ...
You don't have to lose your wealth to the IRS.(Blackman On Taxes)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Most of the concepts and strategies you read in this tax column are really answers to questions asked by readers who called our office. Also tossed into the column is a large helping of our years of experience consulting with our readers. About three out of every four readers ...
Celebrating 20 years of laser technology.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To commemorate Mitsubishi Laser's 20-year commitment to laser technology in North America, MC Machinery Systems, Inc. held an open house on September 13, 2007 at the Mitsubishi Laser showroom in Wood Dale, Illinois. More than 150 industry experts and ...
Workholding shipments up from 2006 levels.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... At $64.6 million for the second quarter of 2007, U.S. shipments of workholding equipment increased 8.2 percent from second quarter 2006, according to the Workholding Product Group (WPG) of AMT--The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Shipments in the U.S. by the 35 companies ...
MFG.com adds standard parts to marketplace.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... In addition to custom parts, sourcing professionals and engineers can now source for standard industrial parts on the MFG. corn online marketplace. This provides the ability to source an entire assembly that includes both standard and custom parts. Users can source by part number, ...
Company merger, not a purchase.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Our October 2007 issue carried an article called "Machine Tools Used As Dedicated Equipment ... For A Little While." It describes how Busche in Albion, Indiana, uses flexible machining centers, rather than dedicated machines, to nimbly respond to its customers' needs. The article implies ...
Webinars educate manufacturers about material-screening solutions.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Recent news about product recalls, most recently regarding toys originating in China, has many consumers, manufacturers and industry stakeholders calling for a comprehensive solution. To address this need, Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched a Webinar series to educate manufacturers, ...
Hardinge opens Canadian facility.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Hardinge has opened its Canadian Technical Center in Mississauga, Ontario. The 1,500-square-foot facility, located at 7111 Kennedy Road, supports the full complement of Hardinge lathes, turning centers and workholding industrial products. "It's our goal to be closer to this ...
AMT offers machine vision consulting service.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Applied Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. (AMT), a supplier of factory automation design, engineering and process consulting services, offers feasibility consulting for robot guidance and quality inspection. "Machine vision systems can often be implemented to improve process ...
Hirschmann forms new division.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Peter Knowles, president of Hirschmann Engineering U.S.A., Inc., has announced the formation of a new division, Hirschmann Automation LLC. Located at the Hirschmann U.S.A. headquarters in Elgin, Illinois, the new division will be led by Michael P. Rogers. Mr. Rogers is responsible for the ...
Morris group relocates headquarters.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Morris Group, Inc. (MGI) has relocated from Farmington, Connecticut to a new headquarters and technical center in Windsor, Connecticut. Joining MGI in the facility are the Robert E Morris Company and Machinery Finance Resources, both of which were also previously located in Farmington. A ...
Metrology company expands through acquisitions.(Shop Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Metris has acquired the Virtek Intelligent Laser (iLS) division of Virtek iLS. The division provides large-scale integrated measurement systems, advanced laser projection equipment and work-cell automation solutions to aerospace manufacturers. "We expect this acquisition to ...
Dual-carbide technology addresses basic drilling challenge.(Rapid Traverse: Metalworking Technology In Brief)
Nov 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] From physics class we learned that the linear velocity at the center of a spinning disc is zero, while maximum speed occurs at points around the disc's perimeter. What that means for a drilling operation is the drill's point remains stationary while its ...
When cold forming threads makes sense.(Rapid Traverse: Metalworking Technology In Brief)
Nov 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shops have been cold forming internal threads for quite some time. However, recent tap geometry refinement and advances in coating technologies have made this chipless operation suitable for a wider range of workpiece materials. For example, Emuge (West ...
Air-actuated boring tool offers in-process gaging.(Rapid Traverse: Metalworking Technology In Brief)
Nov 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As engine cylinder size and finish specifications become tighter, shops are being driven to identify alternate boring methods. When cylinders are bored on a conventional machining center, two boring tools (and thus a tool change) are required for the ...
Lose the peaks, leave the valleys.
Nov 01, 2007 ... A close look at the surface of a bored cylinder wall will reveal a number of microscopic peaks and valleys. Plateau honing is a process that improves cylinder wall surface finish by gently removing tiny peaks of torn or folded material and increasing bearing area. A plateau finish is ...
Meeting dates.(Conference news)(Calendar)
Nov 01, 2007 ... November 11-14 * The 2007 FABTECH Technical Sessions event features 45 sessions of case studies and interactive discussions where industry leaders share their insights, strategies and knowledge of what works and what doesn't. Part of the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show ...
Macro economics: instead of NC programs that are dedicated to particular parts and machines, this plant now uses macro programs that react to geometric variations across broad part families. The plant wrote these macros itself, and the return on this investment has been dramatically greater productivity.
Nov 01, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In theory, CAM software offers a fast, easy and flexible way to generate the NC code to machine a part. If the CAD geometry is clean and complete, then the programmer simply needs to make the right choices in CAM to allow the software to quickly generate ...
Thinking about shopfloor interoperability--and making it happen: the significance of "plug-and-produce" integration for machine shops and manufacturing plants becomes clear from the perspective of an ERP software developer.
Nov 01, 2007; ... "Plug and play" is the term used in the consumer electronics industry to assure customers that their new DVD players, video games, photo printers and so on, will work without a lot of setup or installation hassles as soon as they are hooked up. The Sony will work with the Hitachi. The HP ...
Adaptive machining for turbine blade repair: real-time-responding CNC brings new possibilities to difficult machining applications.
Nov 01, 2007; ... The term "adaptive machining" is widely used these days. In general, it describes a technology that adapts manufacturing data to suit changing conditions. Adaptive machining is typically used when individual components in a batch have slight geometric differences. These components often ...
3D or three-axis calibration: what's the difference? Guarding against errors in the volumetric positioning of a machine tool is critical to machining contours and other 3D surfaces accurately.
Nov 01, 2007; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Many shop people think three-axis accuracy and 3D accuracy are the same. The truth is that three-axis accuracy is one-dimensional because it specifies only the tolerance of linear measurements along each axis. 3D accuracy refers to linear measurement of ...
Measuring big: lessons from the oil industry.(Quality Gaging Tips)
Nov 01, 2007; ... In the world of oil drilling, there are some pretty big things. It's not just the rigs anchored out in the ocean that are huge: Everything that goes along with them seems to get supersized, including the need for gaging. Consider the drilling pipes and couplings that go thousands of feet ...
Separating the use of geometry and wear offsets.(CNC Tech Talk)
Nov 01, 2007; ... Many current-model turning centers have two sets of offsets: Geometry offsets are used to assign program zero during setup, and wear offsets are used to make sizing adjustments during the production run. When users view these offsets on the display screen, they look very ...
Clamping system enhances productivity of five-axis machine.(Better Production: Shops Using Technology)
Nov 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Five-axis machining centers can bring a host of benefits to any shop, including reduced setup and cycle times and the added capability to machine features such as contours and swept surfaces. However, traditional workholding systems can limit the ...
CNC maximizes machining efficiency.(Better Production: Shops Using Technology)
Nov 01, 2007 ... As just about any machine shop will tell you, achieving 100-percent run time is impossible. But the key to effective production is to approach that elusive figure as a goal, says Al Feldman, one of Alan Manufacturing Inc.'s two operators. New machines with sophisticated controls helped the ...
Drill cuts cycle time, costs by more than 60 percent.(Better Production: Shops Using Technology)
Nov 01, 2007 ... Oerlikon Fairfield Drive Systems supplies engineered gear and drive systems to off-highway and industrial equipment manufacturers from around the world. As a branch of Oerlikon, the Lafayette, Indiana-based company specializes in the design, development and manufacture of custom gear and ...
Handheld tool edits and transfers G-Code programs.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The newest model in RBR Machine Tools' line of CncGcoders is the CncGcoder HD. Designed for maintenance and programming personnel, the product is a handheld tool for backing up, editing and transferring CNC machine tool G-Code programs. Its PC-compatible ...
Software for shape searches.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... CADSEEK Polaris from iSEEK Corporation enhances core shape algorithms for greater accuracy and speed, and the software is able to track components that comprise an assembly. A user can highlight a single part within an assembly and initiate a search to locate replacement parts. ...
Portable device simplifies application transfer.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... Designed to simplify storing controller applications without a PC, the portable program device enables users to upload and download controller configuration and logic to or from any USB memory stick. Available from GE Fanuc, the device connects directly to the controller's communication ...
CAD/CAM system with 2D, 3D technology.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... BobCAD-CAM has released its 2007 2D and 3D CAD/CAM system, which offers a complete CAD design package and feature-driven CAM engine. OpenGL graphics for part rendering and viewing, CAM tree associativity, multi-feature drilling and pocket milling operations are standard to the system. Full ...
Software reads and decodes NC programs.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... NCSimul 8 is suited for debugging, optimizing and running NC programs for CNC machines. BRT-Solutions' machining simulation software is capable of simulating the CNC machine by accounting for characteristics such as dimensions, axes, ranges, compensations and controller type. The software ...
Waterjet software features toolpath generation, nesting capabilities.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... Omax has added JetCAM's Expert CAD/CAM automatic nesting software to its existing range of software packages. JetCAM has updated the product to support the complete range of Omax waterjet machines. The software provides a complete 2D CAD/CAM system, including automatic toolpath ...
Hollow-shaft encoder features high-frequency response.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... Available from Renco Encoders, the RCH50 hollow-shaft encoder is equipped with an incremental TTL encoder capable of resolutions to 4096 CPR as well as outputs for commutation of brushless servomotors. The commutation signals have been implemented with precision optical logic to provide ...
Optical CMM software upgrade.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... Metris offers the K-series DMM 3.0 as a software upgrade to the K-series optical CMM system. By tracking the 3D position of a set of infrared LEDs attached to the test object, users can analyze its relative motion and deformation. A single camera covers a measurement volume of 17[m.sup.3], ...
Virtual robot training simulator.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... Motoman's Simple Education System (SES) is a PC-based training system that allows customers to learn to operate and program the company's robots within a virtual environment while keeping their actual robots in production. The system allows students to take IACET ...
Compatibility between measurement devices.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Taking advantage of the ability of articulated arms and laser trackers to permit quick, in-between measurements from different production steps requires compatibility between the measuring technology and software, according to metrology company Carl Zeiss ....
Operator interface with TFT display.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Red Lion Controls introduces the model G306A to its line of G3 operator interface panels. Featuring TFT active matrix display, the control provides contrast, brightness and readability for easier viewing in challenging applications, the company says. The ...
Software links design and manufacturing.(Systems And Software)
Nov 01, 2007 ... Pro/Toolmaker is a stand-alone software application designed to provide multi-CAD support to enable associative, reliable NC toolpath programming for Pro/Engineer and other CAD systems. Available from Product Development Company (PTC), version 8.1 of the software package includes both NC ...
VMC designed for vibration dampening and rigidity.
Nov 01, 2007 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Republic Lagun CNC offers the VMC 6030, which is equipped with Heidenhain glass scales for X- and Y-axis positioning. For vibration dampening and rigidity, the machine features four box ways to provide contact over a large surface area. The machine table ...
Double-column VMC with isolated direct drive.
Nov 01, 2007 ... The DCV-2012B is capable of accommodating oversized, heavy workpieces at an accuracy that is required for aerospace and die mold applications, according to manufacturer YCM. The double-column, bridge VMC offers travels of 78.7" x 47" x 30" (X, Y, Z). Featuring a 10,000-rpm spindle speed ...
Shop floor and general purpose industrial cleaning.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Milacron's Cimcool offers Cimclean Green production cleaners for use on the shop floor and in other demanding industrial environments. The cleaners are designed to remove residue such as oil, soot, dirt and debris from hard surfaces. According to the company, the concentrated formula saves ...
Three-axis CNC router for sheet work.
Nov 01, 2007 ... The SR- 100 sheet router from Haas Automation is a gantry-style, three-axis CNC machine with travels of 100" x 52" x 8" (X, Y,Z). It accommodates 4' x 8' sheets of material and accepts ISO standard G-code programming through the company's full-function CNC control. The router ...
Twin-turret, Swiss-type automatic lathe.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Suited for machining complex medical and aerospace components, the ECAS 32T Swiss-type automatic lathe features a twin-turret configuration combined with an eight-position backworking toolpost. The machine incorporates manufacturer Star Micronics' motion control system as well as an ...
Turning grades for finishing, semi-roughing stainless steel.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Valenite LLC introduces two ValPro tooling grades: the VP8515 and VP8525 MT-CVD series of inserts. Both are engineered for high speed, high-productivity turning operations for finishing and semi-finishing 304 and 316 stainless steels, Inconel and heat-resistant alloys. The VP8515 is used ...
Sliding headstock automatic lathe with four tool carriers.
Nov 01, 2007 ... According to manufacturer Index Corporation, the Truab TNL12 sliding headstock automatic lathe achieves high production rates owing to simultaneous machining with as many as four tool carriers. To minimize nonproductive time, the machine features chip-to-chip time of 0.3 seconds as well as ...
Vertical turning center built for rigidity.
Nov 01, 2007 ... A vertical turning center for heavy turning of large workpieces, the YV-1200ATC from Yu Ji can be integrated into a production line or used for stand-alone applications. Available from Absolute Machine Tools, the machine is suited for industries such as aerospace, oil field and energy, and ...
CNC quick-change gang tool.
Nov 01, 2007 ... The Victory CNC quick-change gang tool from Dorian Tool is designed to fully automate any programmable toolroom lathe in the simplest and most economical way possible, the company says. The gang tool holds as many as 12 tools in a linear setup, eliminating the need to stop the machine and ...
Control system For CNC turning centers.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Designed for turning centers, Fagor Automation's 8070 T CNC is based on the Windows XP operating system. This allows for the integration of various online software configurations and makes the control an open-architecture system. The CNC features either an 11" or 15" high-resolution, TFT ...
Wireless pressure control for operator safety.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Schunk offers a wireless pressure control system for pneumatic lathe chucks. The company's RSS system directly connects to the control unit of the machine to ensure trouble-free signal transmission in any machine and increases process safety in turning applications, the company says. ...
Slant-bed lathe features control with verification graphics.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Featuring a small footprint and one-piece cast iron bed, Hurco's TM8 lathe has a slant-bed design, ten standard tools and a maximum cutting diameter of 12". Its three-jaw, 8" chuck can acommodate workpieces as long as 18.8" with diameters ranging to 2". With X, Z axis travels of 8" x 20", ...
Vertical turning center features machining center flexibility.
Nov 01, 2007 ... With a 1,600-mm table, the VTC 1600 vertical turning center can be equipped with a vertical live spindle attachment with C-axis and a right-angle live spindle attachment. Like other machines from manufacturer Giddings & Lewis, the turning center is modular in design, allowing users to fit ...
Insert grade designed to boost steel turning performance.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Sandvik Coromant says the GC4235 is the toughest, most versatile grade in its family of steel turning inserts. According to the company, the grade features edge-line security as well as a coating and substrate that provide deformation resistance ....
Lathe offers spindle speeds of 25,000 RPM.
Nov 01, 2007 ... REM Sales offers Tsugami's P01, a lathe created specifically to machine micro parts. The automatic lathe features a maximum bar capacity of 3 mm and 50,000-rpm cross rotary tools. The main spindle and subspindle have standard speeds of 25,000 rpm with a full ...
CNC lathes offer milling capability.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Mori Seiki says it has developed a series of lathes that provides the same milling capability as a machining center. The series is designed to increase rigidity and minimize thermal displacement, improving precision and productivity. A milling motor inside the turret is directly ...
Lathe capable of manual operation with CNC assistance.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Designed for toolroom and small-lot work, the Trak TRL 2460SX lathe features a 4.09"-spindle through hole and a geared head to provide high performance at low speeds. Available from Southwestern Industries, the lathe includes a two-speed tailstock, P5 ...
Low-profile, T-handle toggle clamps.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Carr Lane Mfg. Co. has expanded its low-profile, T-handle toggle clamp line to include two larger clamps in both steel and stainless steel. All three sizes (CL-200-LVTC, CL-300-LVTC and CL-500-LVTC) are available with an optional safety lock that automatically engages when the clamp is ...
Change inserts with the push of a button.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Axian Technology says its Click Change Insert holders use custom technology to eliminate screws, wrenches, threaded studs and other time-consuming insert-changing methods to allow operators to change inserts in five seconds or less. The push of a button releases the clamp to remove or ...
Modular conveyor systems for range of applications.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Available in light-, medium- and heavy-duty specifications, De-Sta-Co's DCM conveyors are equipped with pivotal motor mounts for continuous operation and fast belt changes. The modular systems can combine to form complete production lines and adapt to specific user requirements. ...
Grinding tool for long-reach applications.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Dynabrade's line of extension die grinders is designed to work within long pipes, castings and other areas requiring an extended reach. The 1-hp, straight-line air tools are equipped with a rear exhaust motor. They available in either 3,400-rpm or 18,000-rpm models in lengths of 19 3/4", ...
PCD inserts for deep milled cavities.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Iscar is expanding its Millshred family of tools with three new inserts. For machining stainless steel, the company offers the RCMT 1206-FW-T20. The RCMT 1206-FW-F20 is suited for machining stainless steel, aluminum and high-temperature alloys. Finally, the RCCT 1206MO is for machining low ...
Collet chucks for close tolerance applications.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Command Tooling System's high-precision products are available for BT, V-flange and HSK63A and HSK100 tapers. The company says the ER 16 and ER32 collet chucks are built to user specifications and offer a longer tool life and reduced setup time. The reinforced chuck body and clamping nut ...
Flexible Modular Pallet Magazine system.
Nov 01, 2007 ... Developed by Fastems, the Flexible Pallet Magazine (FPM) is a configurable, flexible manufacturing system designed to offer versatility in size, number of machines and control systems. At its smallest, the modular system consists of a machine tool, a loading station and a storage rack for ...