New Products – 0014

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Intelligence at Mach 2
Flow International Corp. introduces the Mach 2 Series line of waterjet cutting machines. The series comes standard with all of the traditional waterjet features at an affordable price: a variety of UHP pump options including the JetPlex 55,000 psi direct drive pump; Paser ECL cutting system; ball screw design for long-lasting accuracy; and the FlowMaster intelligent control system.


Energy-efficient EDMs

The GF AgieCharmilles FI CCS wire EDM machines

GF AgieCharmilles launched a range of energy-efficient FI CCS wire EDM machines. Designed to reduce operation costs, the line helps customers enter precision manufacturing with increased productivity, versatility, and safety. There are three machines in the line: the FI 240 CCS, FI 440 CCS, and FI 640 CCS. The machines are equipped with ball screw collision protection technology, CleanCut digital generators, and Econowatt, an energy-saving technology that lets machines switch to ‘sleep mode’ once machining operations are completed. This combination of features offers less than 8kW consumed for roughing operations and less than 1kW consumed when in sleep mode. The machines have four filters instead of two, reducing filtration costs by 25 percent and decreasing clogging. Each model features Econotec technology, which reduces wire consumption by 25 percnet when used with a 0.30 mm wire. The machines offer cutting speeds in excess of 400mm2/min, as well as large diameter and small wires for rough cutting operations. The ability to use larger diameter wires reduces the number of cuts required to produce the finished part, enabling each machine to achieve Ra 0.6µm surface finishes in three cuts and Ra 0.3µm in four cuts. They feature Integrated Collision Protection on the X-, Y-, U- and V-axes for rapid rates of 3m/min.


Beyond Inserts

Kennametal's Beyond face-grooving inserts

Three geometries across two Beyond carbide grades augment Kennametal’s range of face-grooving inserts and tooling for small-diameter internal and external applications. They are available as precision-ground and molded styles in both flat-edge and full-radius face-grooving geometries. A4-S inserts are the latest additions to the line of milling and turning tools. They are aimed at face grooving on parts from 0.630" to 2.284" in diameter and groove depths from 0.47" to 0.75". Users can choose from three chipbreaker geometries. GMN inserts provide a stable cutting edge, while GMP and GUP chipbreakers feature positive geometry for reduced cutting forces. Inserts are coupled with a comprehensive portfolio of modular and systems toolholders including boring bars. KM or Capto tooling options provide toolholding in machining aerospace components, pump and engine parts, and general industrial components.


Traveling the Toolpath

CNC Software’s latest release, Mastercam X4

CNC Software’s latest release, Mastercam X4, provides expanded machining flexibility and an increased emphasis on speed and automation with a suite of new toolpaths and techniques, including the new Dynamic Machining cutting motion. Dynamic Machining creates a constantly-adapting toolpath that allows use of the entire tool flute length. The toolpath is designed to take a full depth cut in, often eliminating the need for multiple depth cuts. Dynamic Machining also offers flexible retract options to keep the tool down in smaller parts, as well as rapid retract on larger parts. In addition, the special “micro lift” option will retract the tool slightly off the bottom when moving to the next cut. This decreases the amount of heat generated in the part and also helps with chip evacuation. Its specialized motion works well with both “closed” and “open” parts.


Machining Big Time

MAG Agile Gantry Processing System

The new 5-axis Agile Gantry Multi-Processing System from MAG is for machining and finishing system for wind blades and other oversized parts, such as boat hulls and aerospace components. With unlimited X-axis range, 40m/min traverse speed, automatic tool change, and five servo-controlled axes, it performs coating, blade machining, and finishing. It is a CNC machine-tool platform designed for five-sided part access, supporting a variety of applications and processes such as cutting tools, spray heads, water-jet cutters, chopper guns, and finishing tools. It can be used to produce complex mold geometries in high-density foam; apply coatings; or trim and finish free-form, contoured parts. It uses a modular rail system to create any X-axis length required, with the rail system below the factory floor, above it, or elevated to create a high rail configuration. A variety of workholding systems can be adapted and positioned between the rails. The gantry cross rail provides 18' of Y-axis travel and 8.2' or more of Z-axis reach. Servo-controlled contouring is simplified with rotary A and C axes – spindle tilt and wrist roll – that provide ±100° and ±200° of movement respectively. The maximum feedrate for the linear X, Y, and Z axes is from 0.004 to 1,574 ipm, and up to 3,600°/min in the rotary axes. Linear axes are powered by dual electronically-preloaded AC servomotor rack-and-pinion drive systems. The machine's liquid-cooled, 20 hp AC spindle delivers a 0 to 24,000 rpm speed range and accommodates an HSK63F tool shank. A high-capacity vacuum system with spindle shroud is available to capture dust and chips. A drum-type tool changer holds 16 tools for automatic tool changes. The machine is controlled by a Siemens 840D CNC with color screen, handheld pendant, and hand wheel controls. Using a spindle touch-probe, the machine can locate a part or fixture, letting the control align the part program execution to the actual workpiece position. Spindle probes can be used for in-process part measurement by the machine. Options include MAG-designed turnkey processing solutions with tooling/fixture and application development, and laser-based volumetric accuracy compensation for enhanced machine positioning accuracy.


Double Threat

Mitsubishi's MD+CELL combines the MD+PROII wire EDM with a Suprema DX44 waterjet

Mitsubishi's MD+CELL combines the MD+PROII wire EDM with a Suprema DX44 waterjet for high speed and precision in one automated unit. These technologies work together to minimize operator intervention and maximize unattended run time for piece-part manufacturers. The cell uses a Mitsubishi MELFA six-axis robot to transfer rough cut pieces from the waterjet to be finished on the EDM machine. The Suprema waterjet includes an all-stainless steel work tank and uses 22" I-beam construction with 40mm ball screws. The Suprema’s Mitsubishi 700 Series CNC control delivers programming capabilities for high-precision machining. The control is operated from a 15" waterproof screen. The cell's wire EDM’s stacked-filter design reduces floor space requirements by 20 percent. The machine’s upper- and lower-head design improves durability and reduces setup and maintenance costs. It comes standard with 0.004" ~ 0.012" wire capable automatic threading and all-axis absolute control, which enables accurate positioning without returning to zero after power failure. The auto-threading and wire drive systems reduce part costs and extend maintenance cycles. The cell's has a V350 II power supply with anti-electrolysis technology. For more information, contact MC Machinery Systems at 630.616.5920.


Done in Jig Time

Yasda Precision America Corp. offers the YBM-Vi40 5-axis jig borer

Yasda Precision America Corp. offers the YBM-Vi40 5-axis jig borer with the ability to tilt the work piece. It has cutting feed rates of 2,000mm/min. The integration of a rotary B/C-axis on the Y-axis  provides control and minimizes weight differences in movable bodies on each axis, while setting the heavy movable bodies to a lower center of gravity. A rigid worm gear mechanism with high reduction ratio is used for the tilting B-axis. This stabilizes the machine against changes in tilting moments depending on the position and heavy cutting loads. The B-axis is supported by three roller bearings and helps control performance in reverse motion. A direct drive motor is used for the rotary C-axis for positioning without mechanical backlash. To ensure accuracy during long cycle times, it has the YBM-Vi40 with a Thermal Distortion Stabilized System: By circulating temperature-controlled oil through the machine body and trunnion frame, thermal displacement of each axis is minimized. The distance between the spindle and the work piece and the distance between the operator and the machining point have been decreased. Five-axis machining options include 3+2 axes – three-axis simultaneous machining by fixing the index angles of B/C-axes, and 4+1 axes – four-axis simultaneous machining by fixing the index angle of B-axes, and all axes simultaneous machining. To learn more, call 847.439.0201 or e-mail yasda1@yasda.com

 

  

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Last modified: 01/15/10