The source for the latest information, news, new products, and opinions about the machining and metalworking industries

Nature abhors a vacuum, but shops will love this one

The Smart Vac Workholding System from Pierson Workholding has a universal base that accepts a variety of 8″×12″ interchangeable top plates. The plates come with pre-cut gasket grooves for holding common part shapes, or blank plates so users can create their own gasket grooves contoured to fit unique part outlines. The system has a built-in vacuum pump. The tankless pump does not require any air, vacuum filters, or an external vacuum pump. The pump converts 80 psi of air pressure at 0.8 cfm to 26″ Hg of vacuum force which meets, or exceeds, most competing vacuum systems. The system is sold as a starter package which includes a universal base, a choice of one top plate – styles include a 1″ grid pattern, single concentric-circle, double concentric-circle, multiple-concentric circle, or a blank pattern – an air regulator, table-mounted air valve, and tubing, fittings and clamps. For more information, call 800-352-2894.

Haas now speaks Fadal

The Haas CNC control now translates and runs most Fadal-specific CNC programs, without re-posting or manual editing. It converts Fadal-specific program formats and codes to standard Haas format and codes at the Haas control. The program can then be set up and run like any Haas program. The process: Access the Fadal converter while loading the program into the Haas control, and follow the on-screen instructions. The converter translates the Fadal program into a Haas program, loading it into memory, ready to run. If anything in the Fadal program isn’t understood, the Haas control highlights that section, letting the user correct ambiguities in the program before operation. The majority of Fadal programs translate into the Haas control edit-free, according to Haas. Most Fadal programs will run on a Haas CNC machine software version 16.05A – or later. For more information call 800-331-6746 or visit the Haas website

The eyes of NSK are upon you

NSK Precision America offers two types of photo sensor kits for use with its MCM and MCH Monocarrier linear actuators. The sensor variety for the Monocarrier lines includes PNP output sensors, as well as NPN output sensors. Both types of sensors are RoHS compliant. The Monocarrier linear actuators integrate multiple products, including ball screws, linear guides, and support bearings. Products in the line offer an all-in-one structure, maintenance-free operation, a compact design, and can be used in assembly, inspection, transporting equipment, and other applications. Call 317-738-5089 for more information or e-mail Don Passero

Sweating the small stuff

The Rush Machinery Inc. Model FC-300 Grinding Oil Filtration System filters grinding oils to 1µ with edge filtration technology. Designed to integrate with most grinding, lapping and honing machines, the system provides continuous filtration, automatic back-flush, and clean oil on demand. An optional cooling system can be incorporated. It has a filter element life expectancy of approximately 15,000 hours; can be customized to fit machines and shop floor layout; is compatible with mineral and synthetic oils; and is available for use with both carbide and HSS. For more information, call 800-929-3070, or e-mail Ted Hildebrant

A tight fix

The limited-edition Allmatic Titan SC 125 Vise from DAPRA can be used for horizontal and sideways clamping, making it suitable for vertical CNC-controlled milling machines. The high-pressure vise features multi-function jaws. It allows for multiple clamping positions without the need to retool its jaws. It is suitable for clamping unmachined parts – such as flame- and saw-cut materials – using screw-in gripper inserts, and for clamping parallel pre-machine work pieces by using its step jaws. Through October 15, DAPRA offers the limited-edition vise in a package that includes a torque wrench, side clamps, gripper inserts, and socket screw wrenches. For more information, and full technical specifications, visit DAPRA website, call 800-243-3344, or e-mail the company

Getting real

Geometric Limited released 3DPaintBrush ver. 2.0. The software is a visualization and rendering tool to create near photo-realistic images, animations, and videos from 3D models in real-time. It is used for repurposing of 3D models and creating digital content for architectural and interior design, industrial and product design, presentations and instruction manuals, marketing collateral, and other applications. Features include ray tracing (beta) for exporting realistic images; lights movement for visualizing and positioning lights in the scene as well as modifying light properties like color and direction, modifications are reflected in real time; export to 3D PDF (beta) and executable file formats for helping users to export their scenes; support for Google SketchUp 7.0, while importing SketchUp files; export to GIF format; and camera views for storing camera views and orientation. Interested parties can download a 15-day free evaluation version

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Last modified: 01/15/10