Current products, technology

Precision and productivity

Advances in EDM technology, service, support, automation, and tooling designed to help shops power through manufacturing challenges with complete solutions and holistic support will be highlighted at IMTS 2022, while System 3R will show tooling solutions to reduce setup time and automation solutions to maximize machining hours.

For customer growth and success, integrated problem-solving solutions include the new CUT X 500 and CUT P 350 Pro wire cutting EDM machines for precision part generation. To maximize machine-tool value and competitive readiness, the company’s success packs feature comprehensive customer support as well as digital services that add connectivity for remote machine monitoring and troubleshooting from GF Machining Solutions experts. Rounding out the lineup of live demonstrations will be an automated cell featuring a MILL 400 U and FORM P 350 with a Fanuc robot. There’ll also be a System 3R WorkPartner 1+ modular pallet system connected to a GF Machining Solutions LASER P 400 U laser texturing machine.

IMTS Booth #338329 / #338376

Ball-end tool contours, chamfers, finishes in one pass

The POW•R•ARC ball-end cutter, designed for contouring and chamfering at the fastest possible speed and feed rates in most materials. The POW•R•ARC cuts smoothly in workpieces with dissimilar materials and is available with 6 or 8 flutes. It features advanced geometries and a next-generation coating for faster feed rates, greater lubricity, reliable chip ejection, and double or greater the tool life of competitors’ tools tested.

The POW•R•ARC cuts and finishes in one pass in hardened metals up to 62HRc, aluminum, stainless steel, low carbon steel, and super alloys such as high-nickel alloys, cobalt chrome, and titanium. It’s effective in low-speed, high-speed, and 5-axis machines. Order with long necks for working in deep pockets and easier maneuvering around mold guide pins.

IMTS Booth #431522

Scalable, modular tool grinding machine

Strausak’s model ONE 5-axis flexible tool and cutter grinding machine with Numroto tool design software is for grinding rotary and stationary cutting tools in small and large batches, for custom cutting tools, and for resharpening. The machine was designed so options can be upgraded and retrofitted during the machine’s life.

A 4-station wheel changer integrated into the machine is standard and can be upgraded to an 8- or 12-position system. It’s easily accessible from outside the machine.

An optional 6-axis high-speed industrial Staubli robot can be pre-installed or retrofitted to the machine for parts handling. The robot allows unattended production, loading extra-long blanks or use with Rollomatic cassettes.

IMTS 2022 Booth #23700

Workholding solutions

Shown at IMTS 2022 will be additions to tooling columns that are made in the U.S. and constructed of single piece cast iron for maximum rigidity. The columns open horizontal machining potential for custom workholding to suit specific customer needs

The 5" heavy duty machine vise will also debut. Made of stress relieved ductile iron and flame hardened, the vise provides long, usable life and predictable performance. It’s also more easily moved and relocated by the operator due to the smaller size and weight.

The company’s Quick-Loc pallet system will replace the existing product line and feature an improved design engaging pull studs inside the receiver. QL2 has a hardened coating for long life and durability. The range is compatible with existing tooling for fixturing on horizontal, vertical, and rotary operations.

Two ZPS installation choices for compact, light-duty applications are also included in the expansions. SP140, the smallest clamping module on the market, and K02 pull studs use pneumatics and a mechanical spring in a small package. The combination offers quick-change solutions for vise or gripper jaws, electronic component manufacturing, packaging machines, medical technology, and automation.

Also featured is a washdown tool providing 360° of spray using coolant flow to reduce machine cleanup time after a cycle. The ball cleaner washes chips off exposed surfaces, cleaning the machine at scheduled intervals supporting long machining cycles and lights-out machining without an operator. The washdown tool goes into the tool changer.

IMTS 2022 Booth #432154

5-axis machining center provides high-precision, versatility for processing smaller workpieces

The PJ 303X 5-axis machining center provides maximum precision and versatility in processing workpieces up to 230mm tall x 280mm in diameter (9" x 11"), and 20kg (44 lb) in weight.

To accurately machine smaller parts, X-, Y-, and Z-axis travels are 300mm, 325mm, and 200mm (11.8", 12.8", 7.9") respectively. A-axis rotation is +40° to -100°, and the C-axis rotates 360°. High-speed linear motors move the X-, Y- and Z-axis, while the rotary axes employ direct-drive motors. Rapid traverse speed for the X-, Y-, and Z-axis is 20m/min (66fpm).

A 50,000rpm, HSK-E25 taper spindle offers high-speed machining capability. An automatic tool changer stores 24 tools up to 40mm (1.57") in diameter and 100mm (3.9") long.

To maximize precision, attachment surfaces of the ways and other critical areas of the PJ 303X are hand-scraped. Advanced spindle thermal displacement technology is standard, including a symmetrical gantry column structure that accommodates thermal deformation fluctuations and a thermal compensation mechanism for the machine spindle/head.

Operator-friendly features further enhance precision, including a 15” display with touch panel capability and double- stage rotary door providing wide access.

IMTS Booth #338700

CMMs, accessories

Four different CMMs will be displayed at IMTS 2022 including: the LK Altera M Scantek 5 equipped with a Renishaw REVO-2 5-axis scanning system; the LK Multi-Sensor Alterac equipped with LK’s blue line laser scanner and a surface roughness probe; the Alto 6x5 benchtop CMM; and a COORD 3 Universal CMM with a TP200 touch probe. CMMs with PH20 and PH10 probes will also be on display.

LK will launch an advanced version of TouchDMIS software and demonstrate the newest version of CAMIO programming and measuring software. The Industry 4 Metrology Gate, LK’s portal for remote inspection monitoring, will also be shown. Renishaw Modus, Polyworks, and CMM Manager software frequently used with LK Metrology CMMs will be demonstrated.

Related accessories include: LK’s SLK20 blue light line laser scanner; LK surface roughness probe; and LK Freedom V2 measuring arm with rotary indexing table.

IMTS 2022 Booth #135230

Air tooling for automated back spotfacing

Enhanced BSF Air tooling performs automatic back spotfacing using compressed air activation for applications where through coolant activation is not possible, eliminating the need for through-spindle coolant.

This tooling is available from stock and suitable for bore diameters of 6.5mm to 21mm and offer counter bores up to 2.3x diameter.

IMTS 2022 Booth #431352

Lean grinding for rotary cutting tools

A hybrid model GrindSmart 660XW is for combination grinding of tool geometries, peel grinding for neck, plunge grinding, and other pre-fluting or post-fluting operations.

The GrindSmart 660XW 6-axis tool and peel grinding machine allows users to incorporate cost-effective and advanced lean manufacturing principles. The machine includes:

• 6-position wheel changer, linear motors on all axes
• Traveling high-speed workhead
• Peel grinding for blank preparation and neck grinding in the same chucking
• Max. 3,000rpm
• Blank preparation for common-shank rotary cutting tools
• Neck grinding for long-reach mold-and-die end mills, plunge grinding
• Steady rest systems for grinding end mills, drill points
• Synchronous grinding spindles rated 20 hp
• Thermal stability and Cpk process capability index
• Grinding range from micro-size to 1/2" (12.7mm)
.

IMTS 2022 Booth #23700

Torque motor rotary tables

Designed for machine tool OEMs and retrofitters, the torque motor rotary table (TMRT) enables 3-axis machine tools to be upgraded to 3+1, 3+2, 4+1 or even 5-axis capability. High speed, high torque, built-in high-rigidity high-precision bearings, absolute encoders, and a powerful brake system ensure excellent acceleration capabilities and high precision when machining complex part geometries.

TMRTs incorporate direct-drive torque motors to eliminate gear reducers, resulting in the highest dynamic performance and multi-axis path accuracy. Directly coupled encoders and zero backlash enable tighter part tolerance. Direct drives provide smooth motion, for improved part surface finish.

IMTS Booth #134514