Latest products & solutions

Universal cylindrical grinder

The VARIA universal cylindrical grinding machine model range features a larger workspace, longer machine table, and the distance between centers of 63" (1,600mm). VARIA’s features are aimed at the requirements involved in the high-precision production of prototypes and small- and medium-size production batches.

Hydrostatic guideways provide damping, stick-slip-free operation, high rigidity, and constant machine temperature. Direct drives on the rotary axes deliver high positioning speeds and accuracy. A solid machine table with a reinforced machine bed improves rigidity.

Larger heights of and distances between centers makes the VARIA faster and more precise. Drives optimized for performance move the longitudinal and cross-slides at speeds of up to 787ipm (20m/min.) at an axis resolution of 10nm.

The hydrostatic B-axis is equipped with a direct drive, allowing the revolving wheel head to rotate roughly 3x as fast as without a direct drive, positioning with precision of less than one arc second.

Hardinge Inc.

www.hardingeus.com

Coolant-through port tools

Port tools use coolant holes on either three or five flutes, as an uneven number reduces chatter. Lower temperatures in the cutting zone make it less likely for chips to stick and throw off the geometry.

Scientific Cutting Tools

www.sct-usa.com

Production software

GibbsCAM 2015 software for production machining incorporates a universal kinematic machine (UKM) engine that simplifies CNC programming.

A component of 3DS’ design-to-manufacturing digital thread, GibbsCAM improves production efficiency. The software provides solid modeling; 2- through 5-axis milling; high speed, mill/turn, Swiss, and multi-task machining; and wire-EDM capabilities.

Added tooling functions and capabilities extend the ability to define, use, and simulate tools, with icons and dynamic 3D viewing of tools and toolholders. Support for straight, tapered, and stepped shanks is extended to all mill tools, while new mill and lathe tool types are introduced, including 3D form tools and 75° Diamond (ISO E-style) lathe tools.

3D Systems Corp.

www.3dsystems.com

Permanent gripper

The PGN-plus Permanent gripper features complete contour of the multi-tooth guidance and is equipped with grease pockets to ensure continuous, even distribution of lubricant. This increases the life span and ensures 0.01mm repeat accuracy. The PGN-plus Permanent is available in unit sizes 50 to 125.

SCHUNK

www.schunk.com

Smart digital microscope

The ZEISS Smartzoom 5 for quality control and quality assurance applications quickly sets up, is fully automated, and has dedicated quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) components. ZEISS Smartzoom 5 can be operated even by untrained users. A macro- recording mode enhances the workflow for repeat sample analyses.

The Smartzoom 5’s optical engine combines zoom, overview camera, and coaxial illumination in a single component. The integrated QA/QC graphic user interface combines with gesture control to support macro-to-detail workflow. Image presets and enhancement obtain the best image while image algorithms enable automatic measurements.

ZEISS

www.zeiss.com

Acme threading inserts

The Groove ’N Turn line expands with the addition of Acme Threading inserts designed to cut 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 threads per inch. Tools have geometry to cut standard 29° Acme thread profiles. Inserts can be used to cut centralizing or stub profiles by over-cutting. The inserts can be used for internal Acme threads on parts with bore diameters of 1.250" and larger.

Available in sub-micron grain carbide grades for ferrous and non-ferrous materials either uncoated or with TiN-, TiCN-, TiAIN-, or diamond-film-coatings. Groove ’N Turn Acme Threading inserts are for use on conventional, Swiss, and CNC machines.

Toolholders are available in square shank sizes 5/16" through 1-1/4" and round shank sizes 1/2" through 1" with straight and 90° presentations. Groove ’N Turn Acme Threading inserts fit existing L series Thinbit toolholders.

Kaiser Tool Co.

www.thinbit.com

Mechanical clamping nut

Hilma’s mechanical clamping nut clamps and locks dies on stamping press beds and rams, can be retrofitted, and provides high clamping force with low torque in small spaces. With temperature resistance up to 300°F and safety from the 360° visible clamping force display, the nuts offer clamping and unclamping by hand.

Hilma Div. of Carr Lane Roemheld Mfg. Co.

www.clrh.com/hilma

Production machining CAM system

PartMaker 2016 includes more than 50 features and enhancements. The release offers a revamped approach to 2½-axis milling operations including PartMaker mill, turn-mill, and SwissCAM. New 2½-axis milling options, based on Delcam’s proprietary milling technology, are targeted at the needs of production machining applications, allowing users to program and machine parts faster. The milling toolpath technology allows users to create efficient and sophisticated toolpath strategies without a solid model.

PartMaker 2016 also enables importing of multiple solid models into a single PartMaker CAM project file (*.job file) for quick extraction of multiple parts from an imported solid assembly. This allows for more flexible programming of complex parts as well as improved ability to manipulate milling workholding in the CAM environment.

Also included is dedicated functionality for broaching. The deformative manufacturing technique for creating features with sharp corners is becoming a popular machining method in bone screw applications with hex shapes, Torx or Hex lobular, and square and spline drives. PartMaker Version 2016 automates programming of index and rotary (also known as wobble) broaching operations in an intuitive and visual manner, allowing broaching operation simulation.

PartMaker Inc.

www.partmaker.com