Production tools

Machining technology and manufacturing software

Cryogenic machining optimizes productivity, cost, and resource control to produce higher quality parts with shorter delivery times and lower environmental impact. When used on compacted graphite iron (CGI), cryogenic machining produces up to a five-fold increase in finish-cutting speeds, and as much as a two-fold increase for semi-finish cuts on titanium. Its sustainability advantages include elimination of mist collection, filtration, and waste coolant collection equipment, reduced energy costs, and a safer work environment.

Also from 5ME is Freedom eLOG software that automatically extracts critical manufacturing data to produce web-based reports and analytics on asset utilization, availability, performance, and quality. It is brand, asset, and process agnostic and is MTConnect-compliant. The software integrates seamlessly with ERP, MES, maintenance, and quality business systems and can be accessed anytime via smartphone or tablet.

For more information and a video about 5ME cryogenic machining, visit http://bit.ly/1GqYjQj.

5ME
www.5me.com

 

Electrically heated walk-in oven

No. 1031 is a 650°F (343°C), electrically heated walk-in oven for curing composite components. Workspace dimensions measure 96" x 96" x 84". Elements using 140kW are installed in Incoloy-sheathed tubes to heat the oven chamber, while a 10,000cfm, 7.5hp recirculating blower provides airflow to the workload. The oven features 7" insulated walls, top-mounted heating chamber, aluminized steel interior and exterior, and a 2" insulated floor with built-in oven truck wheel guide tracks.

All safety equipment is onboard to handle flammable solvents, including explosion-venting door hardware and a 4,400cfm forced exhauster. Motorized dampers on the intake and exhaust provide accelerated cooling.

Oven controls

• Digital programming temperature controller
• Manual reset excess temperature controller with separate contactors
• 32-point digital recorder tracks temperature, vacuum, and pressure
• Recirculating blower airflow safety switch
• SCR power controller

The Grieve Corp.
www.grievecorp.com

 

TE precision positioning table

For applications that require a balance between cost, size, and precision, the TE precision positioning table’s main components are made from high-strength aluminum alloy with steel raceways, and they feature a slide table inside a U-shaped bed.

Reduced part counts and optimized geometry create a cost-effective positioning stage that still delivers repeatability of ±0.002mm, and positioning accuracy of 0.035mm. The table has a cross-sectional height of 26mm for TE50B, 33mm for TE60B, and 46mm for TE86B.

Sensors can be directly installed on an integrated sensor rail, minimizing table size. The mass of the entire body is less than 5 lb for a 20" stroke length.

Delivery
Many of IKO’s TE precision positioning tables are stocked in the United States and ship immediately. All other standard configurations and orders of up to five units ship within one month.

IKO International Inc.
www.ikont.com

 

Collet nut designed for through-coolant tools

The Hi-Q/ERC 50 collet nut can be used to replace standard ER 50 non-coolant nuts in applications where coolant-through is possible. The nut will use DS/ER 50 coolant disks for tools larger than 25.5mm and can use a special adapter for ER 40 coolant and flush-type disks for the smaller diameters. The adapter reduces the number of disks required.

Rego-Fix
www.rego-fix.com

 

Video extensometer strain measurement

The AVE 2 second-generation advanced video extensometer conforms to rigorous testing standards, such as ISO 527, ASTM D3039, and ASTM D638. The strain measurement device uses patented measurement technology for fast, accurate, non-contacting measurement.

The fully-integrated device adapts to normal environmental conditions in lab settings and can be adapted to any testing machine on the market that uses a ±10V analog input.

Designed to reduce errors from common thermal and lighting variations, the AVE 2 uses real-time 490Hz data rate while achieving 1µm accuracy. The AVE 2 can be used for advanced strain measurement with digital image correlation (DIC). It measures both modulus and strain to failure of most materials, including plastics, metals, composites, textiles, films, and bio-materials.

Instron
www.instron.com

 

Wireless data transmission for gages

The MarCator 1086 and 1087 digital indicators add wireless data transmission capabilities to Mahr Federal’s mechanical comparative gages.

The MarCator 1086 and 1087 digital indicators eliminate the need for cables that clutter the workbench. When using wireless portable gages on or at the machine, or with large workpieces, operators have more freedom of movement. Initiation of signal transmission can be made either from the indicators or directly from the computer.

With a MarConnect i-stick USB receiver and MarCom data management software, users can create wireless gaging network applications. Each i-stick wireless receiver supports up to eight digital indicators with a range of up to 12m. MarCom software sends data to Excel spread sheets, text files, and other file formats.

The MarConnect integrated wireless interface is active as soon as the i-stick is plugged in, and each indicator is identified by signal coding in the MarCom software.

Data transmitters are built into the MarCator 1086 and 1087 digital indicators, so no interface boxes or additional batteries are required. Integrating the transmitters into the indicators’ electronics makes the units energy efficient, extending battery life up to 50% longer than competitive systems.

For detailed specifications on Mahr Federal’s wireless products, download a PDF at http://bit.ly/135BwuP

Mahr Federal Inc.
www.mahr.com

 

Vacuum chamber washer

The iFP vacuum chamber parts washer thoroughly cleans parts, machined in oil or water, of coolant residue, chips, fines, and other debris while preventing cleaning solutions and vapors from contaminating the workplace.

The iFP washer continuously recycles the modified alcohol cleaning agent, eliminating the need to mix, monitor, or dispose of contaminated cleaning solutions. Multiple cleaning methods – programmable spraying, immersion, submerged jets, ultrasonic, and vapor cleaning – applied statically or in conjunction with oscillation or rotation, ensure thorough cleaning.

Gosiger Inc.
www.gosiger.com

 

Portable geometric measurement software

CAM2 SmartInspect 1.2 is a full-featured, portable software for basic geometric measurements, without CAD, for laser trackers and measuring arms.

CAM2 SmartInspect 1.2 interfaces with FARO laser trackers without CAD-based software. Optimized to run on Microsoft touch PCs or tablets, the software offers users a new way to interact with inspection data and measurement devices. The addition of touch capability enhances effectiveness in fully mobile measurement applications.

Also included is a Move Device function, which streamlines the inspection of large parts, particularly when frequent repositioning is needed. Users can move their device during the measurement process and measure their part from different positions.

Voice-activated measurement
Voice operation and audible feedback features enable users to provide instructions using voice commands, allowing for hands-free operation – reducing measurement times and improving mobility. Audible feedback delivers a real-time relay of information, alerting the user when a bad measurement has occurred or when the laser tracker beam has been broken.

Faro Technologies Inc.
www.faro.com

 

Horizontal machining center line expanison

The KIWA KMH series HMCs have pallet sizes ranging from 300mm to 1,250mm. Both offer an integrated full rotary B-axis and feature enhanced chip evacuation and easy access for setup/maintenance. Spindle oil cooling system and coolant-through ball screws are standard.

Methods Machine Tools Inc.
www.methodsmachine.com

 

Large parts measuring

The VICI Vision MTL 1250 X-Stream measuring system rapidly measures large turned and ground cylindrical parts on the shop floor. Its rotary table can handle parts weighing up to 132 lb, and can measure parts up to 170mm diameter and 1,250mm long.

Measuring optics are completely enclosed, retracting automatically to prevent possible damage during part loading/unloading. The machine’s open work envelope simplifies loading and unloading of large, heavy parts. An adjustable upper tailstock moves on a prismatic guide for one-handed operation.

When measuring, a rapid vertical scan acquires a full part image to extract key characteristics and dimensions. VICI Vision MTL 1250 X-Stream automatically rotates the part to orient it and acquire dimensions of the parts.

Optical Gaging Products, a div. of Quality Vision Int’l
www.qvii.com; www.opgnet.com

 

Updated machining software

Mastercam X8 offers programming tools focused on speed, automation, and efficiency for machining jobs. Updates and new features include:

• Dynamic motion technology – To create the most efficient cutting motion possible, dynamic tool paths calculate the area where metal will be removed, taking into account the changing condition of the material throughout various stages of machining.
• Solids improvements – New features for building and editing solids include live preview, hands-on drag controls, and direct editing.
• Usability and workflow – Panels can now be automatically hidden, docked to either side of the window, or undocked and placed outside of Mastercam. The graphics display has been upgraded to provide cleaner aesthetics, and clearer, more responsive selection. New icons provide a consistent color palette that is modern, clean, and colorblind friendly.

Mastercam X8 features

• Improved 2D high-speed tool paths
• Mill-turn for defining and selecting reference positions for approach and retract moves
• Multi-axis roughing allows creation of multi-axis pocketing tool paths for roughing out pockets based on a floor or ceiling shape
• Lathe tool paths can be included in stock model operations
• Contour roughing tool path for taking passes parallel to chained geometry
   

CNC Software Inc.
www.mastercam.com