The return of in-person IMTS

Total registration at IMTS 2022 was 86,307, covering 1,212,806 million square feet with 1,603 booths. With the size and breadth of technology on display it was hard to see everything, but we walked the halls, racking up more than 8 miles a day to cover some of the highlights we saw.

HAIMER USA

HAIMER USA introduced the i4.0 machine series of shrink-fit machines with Industry 4.0 connectivity, adjustable for all types of toolholders. The wireless communication exchange helps optimize and customize shrinking parameters for machining processes in an error-free-data setting, as well as track tooling.

With a 7" touch display and intuitive software, the i4.0 shrink-fit machines provide a simple, user-friendly interface for outstanding results with less experienced operators. It reduces tool-changing time to less than five seconds due to the precisely metered low-energy-consumption and contact-cooling systems.

https://www.haimer-usa.com

Renishaw

Renishaw exhibited across three booths – additive manufacturing, quality assurance, and within the Student Summit, demonstrating how manufacturers can use the latest metrology and manufacturing equipment to digitalize processes.

Highlighted were the RenAM 500Q and 500S – both featuring high-power 500W lasers for precise and accurate capabilities to help minimize build time, and the RenAM 500Q Flex, suited to manufacturers who must regularly swap build materials. All the systems feature the same optical, chamber, and gas-flow designs, ensuring users can produce high-quality parts using any machine.

On the quality side, Renishaw had a packed booth, exhibiting technologies such as the XK10 alignment laser system software allowing users to perform point-to-point parallelism measurements. Additionally on display was modular metrology fixturing to hold parts securely on coordinate measuring machines, Renishaw Equator gaging systems, and vision systems.

https://www.renishaw.com

HEIDENHAIN

HEIDENHAIN highlighted shop floor-centered manufacturing with the North America unveiling of the TNC7. A standard-setting CNC control supports users from initial design to final machining, from one-off jobs to serial production, and from simple slots to complex contours. Its control platform lets machine manufacturers adapt the user interface to their machines, offering dynamic development potential for even greater functionality.

Along with easy and intuitive operation, users enjoy support from a virtual simulation of the machined part and work envelope, which will be the basis of future control generations from HEIDENHAIN. The entire operating concept was redesigned from the ground up, with the control featuring high-quality hardware components including a 24" full HD touchscreen monitor and advanced, individually adaptable user interface.

https://www.heidenhain.us

INDEX

INDEX spotlighted many machines, and highlighted its iXacademy, the company’s online training platform launched at the start of 2022. iXacademy provides manufacturers with training on a wide variety of topics related to programming, maintenance, and process optimization.

Taking a hybrid approach to online training, each session is initially held live in an online classroom, and then recorded to become part of the platform’s permanent library of on-demand content. After viewing a course, members can submit any follow-up questions for a prompt response from the INDEX training team. Each iXacademy course is designed to provide a brief overview of a narrow topic, with an emphasis on quickly providing information that manufacturers can immediately put into practice on the shop floor.

https://info-us.indextraub.com/ixacademy

Mazak

Mazak SYNCREX Swiss-style models at the show included the SYNCREX 25/8, 25/9X, and 38/9. The 25/8 and 25/9X machines each provide a maximum turning diameter of 1.0" (25mm) while the SYNCREX 38/9 handles bar stock up to 1.5" (38mm). The 9X models, capable of full 5-axis contouring while using the B-axis tool post, showed how they deliver additional part processing flexibility.

SYNCREX machines accommodate a maximum of 36 tools in a standard configuration: 20 static and 16 live, and Mazak offers a full catalog of modular tool holders allowing their customers the tooling flexibility to meet their part requirements.

SYNCREX machines include the MAZATROL SmoothSt and MAZATROL SmoothSt5 controls, featuring the optional Mazak Swiss Setup Assist (MSSA) for fast and easy job setups along with the optional Mazak Dynamic Chip Control (MDCC) functionality.

https://www.mazakusa.com

Tsugami America

In addition to a booth packed with machines, Tsugami America, the exclusive North American importer of Precision Tsugami Machine Tools, unveiled its extensive rebranding effort in response to expansive growth.

Tsugami America will continue to operate as the official source for Tsugami Machine Tools in North America, as well as continue to provide application engineering services, support an extensive domestic spare parts warehouse, provide operator and programmer training classes, and perform preventative maintenance and on-call service support.

https://www.tsugamiamerica.com

SCHUTTE

Schutte exhibited its 335-Linear high-precision 5-axis CNC grinding machine, demonstrating extreme flexibility for production and sharpening of most cutting tool types. A highly dynamic medical variant of this machine enables grinding femoral knee implants quickly and accurately. Coupled with a variety of automation options capable of integrating post-op finishing cells, the machine offers a cost-effective, efficient production platform for the medical implant industry.

https://schutteusa.com

Kubotek3D

Kubotek3D, the engineering software division of Kubotek USA Inc., announced at the show that it’s now doing business under the name Kubotek Kosmos. The Kubotek Kosmos technology was introduced in 2018 as a new 3D framework product which Kubotek licenses to other specialized software developers. The architecture of the Kubotek Kosmos 3D framework provides significant advances in multi-threading, management of precision, and multi-platform support over other geometry kernels. The Kosmos name relates to the astronomy-based function names and terminology used throughout the programming interface which allows users to precisely define and analyze geometric objects in an unlimited 3D space.

https://www.kubotekkosmos.com

ROLLOMATIC

Rollomatic spotlighted its hybrid model GrindSmart 660XW for combination grinding of tool geometries as well as peel grinding for neck, plunge grinding, or other pre-fluting or post-fluting operations. The machine includes a 6-position wheel changer and linear motors on all axes, as well as an innovative steady rest system designed for grinding end mills and for drill point grinding. The synchronous grinding spindle is 20hp. Thermal stability is delivered by an innovative 6-axis design and double-skin coolant enclosure. Grinding range is from micro-size to 1/2" (12.7mm).

http://www.rollomaticusa.com

About the author: Elizabeth Engler Modic is editorial director of GIE Media’s Manufacturing Group comprised of Today’s Medical Developments, Aerospace Manufacturing and Design, and Today’s eMobility. She can be reached at 216.303.0264 or emodic@gie.net.