Production tools

Software for efficiency, productivity gains

Alphacam 2015 R1 focuses on driving down costs, speeding up design and production processes, and improving efficiency, productivity, and profitability. An advanced 5-axis machining module includes a set of strategies with advanced tool axis control and intelligent collision avoidance, enabling quick and accurate machine surface and solid models.

A ribbon bar interface enables users to find the commands arranged in logical groups, assembled under tabs.

Also new in 2015 R1 is aggregate toolholders, enabling users to define them with geometry extrusions and rotations, STL, and solid CAD models. Users can create a library of toolholders that can either be extruded, evolved geometry, or solids. Common applications of aggregates are horizontal routing and drilling. C-axis aggregates are also supported in Alphacam simulation.

Additional features

• Multi drill heads have graphical support, can be defined using geometry extrusions and rotations, STL, and solid CAD models
• Tools are loaded and selected in project manager and fully simulated
• View comparison function compares the part with the machining operations to see if there is any stock left after the process
• Files can be imported from Google Sketchup, extending the list of third-party file formats supported
   

Vero Software
www.verosoftware.com
www.alphacam.com

Off-centerline capabilities

Giddings & Lewis vertical turning centers with a Y-axis attachment combine a C-axis head with table and X- and Z-axis motions for off-centerline turning, drilling, milling, and tapping. The attachment allows for single-setup processing of flanged parts, pumps, compressors, motor housings, fluid routing parts, intakes, and exhausts.

The C-axis head provides ±45° rotation, creating a machining range of Y-axis features of plus or minus the VTC table radius. The continuous power 29hp attachment has a maximum spindle speed of 2,200rpm, and continuous torque of 645ft-lb, and can be loaded manually or automatically via the machine’s automatic toolchanger.

Tooling /coolant options

• Live spindle accommodates Kennametal KM80 or Sandvik Coromant Capto C8 tooling
• Coolant delivery via external nozzles on the face of the attachment or thru-the-spindle

Fives Group
www.fivesgroup.com

CNC slant bed lathe

The FBL-360B MC boasts a 45° slant bed, rigid box ways structure, and programmable tailstock. Engineered with ease of access and trouble-free maintenance in mind, the FBL-360B MC slant bed lathe features a 15" chuck, maximum swing and maximum turning diameter of 22.4", and a maximum turning length up to 80".

The FBL-360B MC offers a solution for mixed volume, short-run, or dedicated high-volume applications. The ribbed Meehanite cast iron mono-block casting with high rigidity boxway helps resist deflection and vibration during heavy machining. The FBL-360B MC machines bars up to 4.5" in diameter at speeds up to 2,500rpm, X-axis travel of 12.6" and Z- axis travels of up to 32.2" with 708ipm rapid traverse. The X- and Z-axis positioning accuracy is ±0.0002" while repeatability is ±0.0001".

Chevalier Machinery Inc.
www.chevalierusa.com

Expanded single-edged grooving system

Additional sizes and designs have been added to the Walter Cut-SX single-edged grooving system. Cutting depth of grooves is no longer limited to the length of the insert, as it had been with double-edged systems, making it possible to achieve deeper grooving and parting cuts.

Enhancing process reliability is Walter Cut-SX’s self-clamping insert, which has matched grooving inserts and insert holders, a positive locking insert shape with form fit underside, and a top clamp.

Cut-SX G2012-P toolholders with through coolant are available in shank sizes – 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 1". Metric shank sizes of 12mm and 16mm (0.47" and 0.63") for smaller diameters complements the 20mm and 25mm shanks already available.

FYI
Grooving or parting applications may inhibit externally applied coolant from reaching the cutting edge, so Walter Cut-SX G2012-P toolholders deliver internal coolant directly to the edge, with or without high pressure. Initial results show an increase in tool life by as much as 200%.

Walter USA LLC
www.walter-tools.com/us