Production tools

Electrode design software

The Delcam Electrode system can produce multi-part electrodes or family electrodes, as well as more conventional designs. Electrodes can now be displayed in the history tree of the tool on which they will be used, simplifying project management. All electrode drawings will update automatically as designs change.

Multi-part electrode machining can reduce machining and EDM times and save materials. Designing multi-part electrodes uses the same wizard-based process as conventional electrodes to define the electrodes region, extract its shape, and edit its design. Once the electrode for the first area has been defined, the user then re-runs the wizard for the other electrode burn areas.

The same process can be used if hard materials are to be burned or if the same electrode design is required in several areas of the tool. Compound electrodes require more complex movement around the tool.

Integrated system
Delcam Electrode combines PowerSHAPE CAD, PowerMILL CAM, and PowerINSPECT. The .trode file format contains information for electrode design, machining, inspection, and setup sheets for manufacture and use.

The software provides scripts for equipment from:

• AgieCharmilles
• Exeron
• JDMA EPX
• Makino EDM
• Mitsubishi Electric
• ONA EDM
• OPS-Ingersoll
• Sodick

Delcam Electrode
www.delcam-electrode.com

SCARA robots family

The eCobra family of selective compliance articulated robot arm (SCARA) Cobra 4-axis robots have a controller-less architecture and are available in three performance tiers – eCobra Lite, eCobra Standard, and eCobra Pro. Each are available in 600mm and 800mm reach configurations. The varying performance tiers use the same hardware, so users can upgrade performance levels via a software license upload.

The robots run on the eV+ operating system, and their fully embedded controls save floor space and simplify installation.

Specifications

• Reach – 600mm (eCobra 600); 800mm (eCobra 800)
• Footprint – 338mm x 200mm
• Pass-through connections – 24 electrical (12 twisted pair); 2 pneumatic 6mm; 3 pneumatic 4mm; 1 DeviceNet
• Repeatability – X,Y: ±0.017mm; Z: ±0.003mm; Theta: ±0.019°

Adept Technology Inc.
www.adept.com

High-performance end mill

Designed to overcome the challenges of machining high-temperature alloys – including Inconel, Hastelloy, and Waspaloy – the Inconex M8 series tools feature a carbide core with 20% higher transverse rupture strength and six flutes with optimized rake and relief angles for maximum cutting edge engagement. Advanced AlCrNX coating protects the tool’s cutting edges from the intense heat generated in the cutting zone. Designers engineered each cutting edge with a special shape to reduce edge-wearing stress, leading to longer life and smaller, more easily cleared chips.

Features

• Tools made with corner radius to prevent chipping
• Carbide core for longer tool life
• AlCrNX coating for tool lubrication
• Neck relief option for improved stability

IMCO Carbide Tool Inc.
www.imcousa.com

Spindle-centering technology

The Mowidec-TT non-contact spindle-centering system can center tooling on Swiss-type automatic lathes without removing either the guide bush or the tools. With some adaptations, the system can check the alignment of the headstock, guide bush, and sub-spindle. It can also be used on other machine types, including multi-spindle lathes, transfer machines, and machining centers.

This procedure is suitable for aligning the drilling spindle in relation to the headstock, and by changing the sensor bearing ring, it is possible to re-align the secondary-operation machine spindle, spindle, and counter-spindle simultaneously.

Mowidec-TT in action
For a video showing setup and operation of the spindle-centering system, go to https://goo.gl/WDwyqa

Toolnet Int’l. Inc.
www.toolnetinternational.com

Optical shaft measurement system

Designed to provide fast, accurate, automatic measurement of smaller shafts and turned parts on the shop floor, the MarShaft Scope 250 plus features a 4 million pixel matrix camera. It measures parts up to 250mm long with a maximum permissible error (mpe) 3µm + L/125. It can measure up to 40mm in diameter with mpe of less than 1.5µm + L/40. MarWin-based EasyShaft software enables the precision measurement of diameters, lengths, contour features, and form and position tolerances.

Mahr Federal Inc.
www.mahr.com

Automated guided vehicles

Super NSI automated guided vehicle (AGV) models feature a 2,000 lb load capacity, 50-course programming via HMI touch screen, and built-in RFID for traffic control. Space constraints are minimized by a reversing feature that allows the AGV to spin and then back up and engage the custom hitch located on the rear to the hitch tongue of a platform cart. A proximity sensor in the hitch mechanism verifies that the AGV is in position to properly engage the cart’s towing tongue.

The Super NSI follows a magnetic tape guidepath but can travel limited distances off its guidepath. It can spin by course programming to back into space-restricted locations and pick up empty carts. The maximum turning rotation is 240°.

Special operator control stations at each loop stop allow associates to release an AGV with carts and move to the next station. The Super NSI AGVs have a category 2 safety rating with obstacle sensor, non-contact laser bumper, e-stop, audible warning, and flashing light.

Creform Corp.
www.creform.com

Automatic clamping unit

The powRgrip line of toolholding systems adds the PGU 9500 automatic clamping unit. Smaller in size, the new unit is ergonomic, energy efficient, and low maintenance. The PGU 9500 has fewer moving parts than other clamping systems and incorporates durable proximity switches to boost reliability.

The emergency stop and the main power switches have been moved for better accessibility, and exterior buttons are flush-mounted for operator safety and to prevent damage.

The toolholding systems rely on the interference between holder and collet to generate clamping force. Unlike other clamping systems where heat or hydraulics are used to expand the material, the PGU 9500 uses the mechanical properties of the holder material to generate gripping force with run-out of less than 0.0001". Interchangeable collets are available from 1/8" up to 1", including metric sizes, and will hold both carbide and HSS tools.

Features

• One clamping unit supports five collet sizes
• Inserts for clamping collets PG 6, PG 10, PG 15, PG 25, and PG 32
• Tool change in less than 10 seconds

Rego-Fix
www.rego-fix.com

CMM laser scanner

Suited for both surface and feature measurement, even on shiny or multi-material parts, the InSight L100 coordinate measuring machine (CMM) laser scanner delivers accurate data and part-to-CAD comparison reports. Designed to inspect larger components, the 100mm wide field-of-view combined with the data acquisition speed of 200,000 points/second results in a measurement productivity that wasn’t achievable with CMM scanning.

For manual-scan path programming, the InSight L100 features a full field-of-view (FOV) projector. A glass Nikon lens optimized for laser scanning, combined with the high definition camera, results in a point resolution of 42m, enabling fine detail capture and sharper edge measurement. The scanner has a probing error of 6.5m for smooth meshes with high levels of detail.

A patent-pending integrated mount rotation allows the scanner to rotate around its autojoint axis in 30° increments up to 90° to save the use of autojoint adaptors. The InSight L100 also allows the use of an extended 105° PH10 A-angle allowing better access to measure underneath or behind parts.

Nikon Metrology Inc.
www.nikonmetrology.com

Laser scan micrometers

LSM micrometers can be used in diverse applications. The LSM-500S can measure ultra-fine wires as thin as 0.0002" (0.00500mm) in diameter to a resolution of 0.000001" (0.00001mm), and the LSM-512S can measure cylindrical workpieces with a diameter as large as 4.7" (120mm). Options for measuring larger diameters are available.

The micrometers support scan speeds of 3,200 scans/sec, include a statistical calculation mode, comply with RS-232C and I/O interfaces, are capable of handling high speed applications or workpieces that vibrate, and include the Quicktool free software package.

LSM-902/9600

• High-accuracy inspection of pin & plug gages and other tight-tolerance parts
• Linearity of ±0.5µm for entire range
• Repeatability of ±0.05µm
• Data output to PC or other external devices from display unit

LSM-9506

• Bench-top laser scan micrometer
• Integrated display and measuring unit

Mitutoyo America Corp.
www.mitutoyo.com