Waterjet software
FlowXpert 2015 introduces 3D pathing and cutting upgrades that allow waterjet users to work more effectively in 3D, with less complexity. The 3D CAD/CAM software platform expands on the 2D FlowMaster intelligent software suite. The platform includes Design powered by SpaceClaim, an integrated 3D modeling tool with Flow Sequencer. With this release, integrated CAD/CAM capabilities give users a seamless pathing experience. The integration with Flow Sequencer adds flexibility to users and is designed specifically for waterjet cutting, resulting in faster waterjet programming.
The software integration was engineered in partnership with SpaceClaim. The software incorporates Flow best practices – waterjet application tips, material cut speeds, improved pathing algorithms, and expanded lead in/out customization. Users can now design a part and path it in the same program. Modifying the geometry of a part is now possible without losing the path, and in most cases the sequencer integration will automatically update the path to accommodate the changes. The software detects model and path errors and suggests fixes.
Features added to FlowXpert 2015 include:
- Integration of CAD Design with CAM Flow Sequencer modules
- Waterjet specific geometry analysis
- 3D CAM offset capabilities
- Custom lead in/out
- Expanded lead in/out catalogue
- Sheet metal modeling
- Advanced clean up tools
- Save 3D model as a 2D programmed part
Flow International Corp.
www.flowwaterjet.com
Counter, precision boring tools with Capto adaptors
Counter boring and precision boring tools are available with connections for Walter Capto adaptors. The Capto interface, increasingly used on lathes, machining centers, and multi-tasking machines, allows these machines to perform multiple processes with a single tooling interface. Adding Capto connectivity to NCT and ScrewFit connections extends that availability to counter boring and precision boring tools. The connections are available in five coupling sizes, allowing them to be used on small and large machines.
Boring tools comprise twin-insert models with medium and maxi versions for holes of 0.787" to 25.170" (20mm to 640mm). The boring system has an internal coolant supply and is suitable for symmetrically or radially displaced roughing operations.
Precision boring tools include solid-carbide and single-insert tools with mini, medium, and maxi versions for holes of 0.787" to 25.170" (2mm to 640mm). Depending on the diameter, boring-bar, cartridge, or bridge constructions made of aluminum are used.
PrecisionDIGITAL are single-edged precision boring tools for the most precise holes – 0.118" to 4.882" (3mm to 124mm). An optoelectronic encoder makes it possible to read micron-precise digital results. For holes with a diameter up to 0.39" (10mm), solid carbide boring bars are available; for large diameters, bridges are available. The tools can be used at speeds up to 16,000rpm.
Capto advantages
- High clamping force – The interface is clamped using a conical polygon in accordance with ISO 26623, with a small cone angle. The force is evenly distributed around the circumference of the polygon.
- Backlash-free – The connection is self-centering and does not need any special locking device.
- Shorter adapter – Capto is more resistant to bending, and the tendency to vibrate is correspondingly lower.
Walter USA LLC
www.walter-tools.com/us
Faster machining unit
An upgraded BEX15 machining unit comes with a 25% increase in permissible maximum spindle speed – up to 23,000rpm – allowing operations requiring higher spindle speeds to be accomplished more easily. A complete redesign of drive and spindle bearing components led to a new style timing belt drive that multiplies the motor speed up to a 13,050rpm spindle speed. An AC-inverter drive is used to increase the spindle speed up to 23,000rpm at 87Hz.
The machining unit can be applied in axial and radial orientation, directly mounted to a SUHNER slide assembly type UA15-PH or UA15-CNC. In this combination, numerous machining operations, such as milling or drilling cycles, including jump or peck feed, can be accomplished.
The BEX15 is available with four optional toolholder systems (collet ER25, ISO30, HSK50, and Weldon) and standard air purge connections for spindle and belt housing. Additional options include coolant through the spindle and automated tool change.
Suhner Industrial Products Corp.
www.suhner.com
Atomizing nozzles
No-drip internal mix atomizing spray nozzles mix liquid and air inside the nozzle and produce atomization of liquids up to 300 centipoise and positively stop liquid flow when compressed air is shut off.
Post-spray liquid flow, such as unwanted drips, can ruin product function on sealing or mating surfaces. Drips can also ruin the appearance of painted or coated finishes. In addition, excess liquid flow wastes resources such as expensive coatings, chemicals, or water.
No-drop nozzles are available in five patterns – narrow angle round, wide angle round, flat fan, deflected flat fan, and 360° hollow circular. They are for pressure-fed applications that don’t require independent air and liquid control.
Applications include painting, coating, rinsing, cooling, quenching, wetting (moistening), humidification, and dust control.
EXAIR Corp.
www.exair.com
Twin-piston, semi-rotary drives
The DRRD series of pneumatic, twin-piston, semi-rotary drives are for handling and assembly operations. The pneumatic rotary drive is precise, economical, and powerful, offering high load capacity at torques from 0.2Nm to 112Nm and a high maximum mass moment of inertia of up to 420,000kg/cm2.
The DRRD’s high load capacity and mass moment of inertia enables smaller sizes of this semi-rotary drive to be used without sacrificing power, saving money and space in handling and assembly technology or in machine building. Size 16 and above of the DRRD series can be equipped with an end-position lock for mechanical locking in the end- or mid-position.
The semi-rotary drive DRRD operates on a rack-and-pinion principle with high accuracy in the end positions. It has high bearing load capacity, while the splash-proof design meets IP65 and EN 60529 standards.
DRRD series variations
- Fully sealed for wet or dusty environments
- External position sensing with sensor mounting
- Intermediate position
- One external and two internal cushioning types
- Energy through-feed model for supply of electrical signals or compressed air through a hollow shaft
Festo
www.festo.us
Ultrasonic spot welders
The SonoWeld 1600 and Dual Head spot welders require no consumables and use low vibration amplitude to weld foils as thin as 7µm without tearing. The Dual Head spot welder is the first ultrasonic welder that can join up to 100 layers of copper or aluminum foil in just one pulse.
Both machines provide a fast, efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to weld multiple layers and/or delicate foils to tabs or terminals. They also can accommodate battery pouch assembly and HV termination welding. Applications include batteries in all-electric and hybrid automobiles.
The welders employ no heat, current, fluxes, or filler and produce no arcs, sparks, or fumes. The units use the Wedge-Reed bonding system that combines high vibratory force and low amplitude coupling. Using sheer mode vibration parallel to the welding surface, while the line of force is directly over the parts to be welded, creates precise, dependable, solid-state, and highly conductive welds without bending stress or stalling.
SonoWeld 1600 and Dual Head spot welders use outputs of 1,500W and 2,500W to weld non-ferrous similar or dissimilar assemblies, including copper to aluminum. Both have a power supply with a built-in microprocessor that features automatic frequency control, overload protection, and storage and recall of up to 250 weld protocols.
The units also have digital displays that allow weld control to be selected by time, energy, or distance. Removable and replaceable heat-treated steel taper lock tips can perform up to 100,000 welds.
Sonobond Ultrasonics
www.sonobondultrasonics.com
Decentralized motion control
The ACOPOSmotor combines a servo motor and drive in one compact unit. Safety technology can also be integrated as an option, giving developers more freedom when designing a machine and saving space in the control cabinet. The ACOPOSmotor is connected to the drive network using a hybrid cable that includes all necessary power and signal lines and establishes the connection to the POWERLINK network.
Compatible with the ACOPOSmulti drive system, the ACOPOSmotor allows users to select the best-suited servo drive for each machine without any additional engineering. ACOPOSmotor modules come in three sizes with torque ranging from 1.8Nm to 12.0Nm. If needed, an optional fan assembly can provide a performance boost of up to 100%.
B&R Industrial Automation Corp.
www.br-automation.com
Friction welder series
The FWS series friction weld system provides repeatable, robust spin welding that reduces cycle time and defects when compared to traditional welding or joining techniques. FWS systems use a direct-drive with one workpiece stationary and the other rotated on a spindle by an electric motor at 2,000rpm to 23,000rpm with forging forces of 335 lb forge force (lbf) to 12,000 lbf.
The systems can be designed with a maximum weld area of 0.992in2 (640mm2).
The FWS series is offered in stand-alone vertical or horizontal machines for integration into a work cell or as part of an automated processing line.
Coldwater Machine Co.
www.coldwatermachine.com
Cutting fluids
SULFOL LCI high performance neat oil cutting fluids are derived from low aromatic, solvent refined base oils and can be used with ferrous metals. Benefits include aging stability and viscosity-temperature performance. The oil is chlorine free, so disposal and/or recycling will pose no problems. It offers superior wetting, cooling, and lubricating properties and provides temporary corrosion protection.
For detailed specs on SULFOL LCI, visit http://bit.ly/10aia63.
oelheld U.S. Inc.
www.oelheld.com
Aqueous parts washers
Designed with modular features to allow future upgrades, the Ecomaster Series 7000 parts washers are available in three models: non-heated, heated, and heated with filtration.
The EM7000 non-heated cleaner features a 440 lb capacity working tray and 26-gallon soaking capacity to support large- and small-component cleaning. With a thermally protected 350gph pump, this unit also features a flow-through brush with adjustable fluid control, an adjustable spigot, skimmer pads to soak oil from the reservoir tank, and a stainless steel drain screen. Additional features include fluid controls, a heavy-duty stand, and a full lid.
The EM7020 heated cleaner adds a premium control system, a low fluid level sensor, and a drain flap to reduce fluid evaporation. The EM7040 adds the filtration system, a grease tray, and a water-resistant LED light.
Fountain Industries LLC
www.fountainindustries.com
Toolholder with integrated transmission
The Speedsynchro toolholder features an integrated transmission of 1:4.412 for optimizing thread production on CNC machines with synchronous spindles. The integrated transmission is combined with Softsynchro minimum-length compensation to work with high cutting speeds and a relatively low synchronous machine tool speed, compensating for synchronization errors during the threading process. The results are time and money savings, particularly in high production tapping operations.
Fast acceleration and cutting speeds from the integrated transmission lead to shortened thread production cycles. Tool life and thread surface quality are both optimized.
Because the Speedsynchro does not reverse direction of rotation, exact thread depths are possible.
AT-A-GLANCE
- Max. spindle speed: 2,000rpm
- Max. tapping speed: 8,824rpm
- Cutting range: M1 to M8. ER16 toolholder size offered
- Internal coolant capability provided
Toolholder in Action
For a video showing the construction and opertion of the Speedsynchro go to: http://bit.ly/1tgFcQP.
Emuge Corp.
www.emuge.com