Technology in Motion

Micro Part Inspection
The SmartScope Apex Micro precision dimensional measurement system is a floor model fixed optics system that features a state-of-the-art digital camera and digital zoom. The Apex Micro excels at video measurement with a digital zoom, that offers multiple magnifications, while a wide range of long working distance optical objectives are available. There are multiple system illumination sources, including the white LED SmartRing light, coaxial (TTL) white surface light, and green LED back light. Apex Micro is multi-sensor-ready, with available touch trigger probes for tactile measurement of hard-to-image part features; laser or Rainbow Probe scanning white light sensor for non-contact surface contouring; or  Feather Probe micro-probe sensor, which can acquire data points with only milligrams of probing pressure.

MeasureMind 3D MultiSensor software provides full 3D measurement capabilities with programmable control of all sensors in any sequence, and complete data integration for detailed measurement verification of even the most complex/detailed part. Optional software includes SmartFit 3D interactive fitting software, SmartProfile fitting software for GD&T environments, and several others for SPC, 3D CAD import, and custom report writing.

Optical Gaging Products Inc.
Rochester, NY
ogpnet.com

Small Part Precision Clamping
Kurt MiniLock is a small, screw down clamp that operates much like a precision vise. Designed to hold small parts for machining, the MiniLock provides a low cost, easy-to-use option for rigidly clamping components on machine tables, pallets, and trunion fixtures. When a quarter turn is applied to the MiniLock screw, the split clamp jaw of the MiniLock is forced laterally and down, precisely clamping the part while preventing the part from lifting.

The Kurt MiniLock can be used in single holding, double holding, or multiples of both single and double holding applications. By using stationary blocks or pins, two parts can be clamped using a single MiniLock. Its low profile allows for machining complete top surfaces of parts without having to re-clamp the part. In addition, steps can be machined into the MiniLock jaw for machining operations that require parts to be raised above the pallet or the machine table.

MiniLocks are ideal for use in dedicated fixture setups and for palletizing small parts to be loaded into receivers on machine tables. With the use of a variety of locating blocks, workstops, and MiniLocks, several similar components or a part family can be located and clamped on a single pallet.

Kurt Manufacturing Co.
Minneapolis, MN
kurtworkholding.com

Manual Horizontal Index Table
The Ganro GCT manual horizontal index table is an affordable, uncomplicated approach to add indexing capability to a horizontal boring mill. The index table clamps and unclamps with pneumatics, and has a two-piece Hirth coupling design to ensure high indexing accuracy while allowing for heavy cutting forces. The GCT boasts easy operation, with these steps:

• Unclamp the table by pressing the red button;
• Manually index the table with the included handle to the desired degree; and
• Clamp the table by pressing the red button again.

The GCT standard tabletop dimensions range from 12" to 55" square with custom tabletop dimensions and T-slot designs available. The GCT manual horizontal index tables are available with 1° or 5° minimum indexing capability.

Ganro Industrial Corp.
Wakeman, OH
cncindexing.com

Miniaturized Controller
The EPOS2 24/2 was developed specifically for commanding and controlling in the CANopen network. USB and RS232 are available as further communication interfaces. EPOS2 24/2 features precise motion control functionalities, offering a dual loop position and speed controller. In Interpolated Position Mode (PVT), the position controller is able to follow, synchronously, a path set by support points, making it highly dynamic with great precision. During start-up, current, speed, or position, controls can be set extremely efficiently through enhanced Regulation Tuning. This intelligent solution highlights the benefits of the positioning controller.

maxon motor usa
Fall River, MA
maxonmotorusa.com

Ultrasonic Welding of Thermoplastics
Ultrasonic welding of plastics is an intricate task. Each application is different, placing different requirements on the complex interplay of factors. To adapt perfectly to this complexity is the line of HiQ machines. Due intelligent output and equipment classifications, the HiQ offers a wealth of options and variants in both the machine environment and the software. Users can now configure welding applications in a more targeted and individual manner, such as visualization of the welding process is through a user-friendly touch screen display. The machines are equipped with proportional valve technology and a position measuring system is standard.

The full line includes the HiQ Dialog that offers force profiling with four weld forces, extended memory, and weld process graphics; the HiQ Vario with proven proportional valve technology and digital high-performance generators; and the HiQ Logic, offering five welding modes for reproducible high-quality results.

Herrmann Ultrasonics Inc.
Bartlett, IL
herrmannultrasonics.com

Black Oxide Finishing System
The 30-minute Tru Temp low temp black oxide process is now available in a zero-discharge configuration that eliminates the need for a drain connection. This Tru Temp system utilizes ion exchange technology to purify and recycle the rinse waters, resulting in a closed-loop, zero-discharge installation. The technology is available for all size systems. The primary benefit of the ion-exchange-equipped Tru Temp system is that the process tanks can be physically disconnected from the drain. The ion exchange system removes all particulates and dissolved ions from the rinse waters, generating de-ionized water that can be continually reused. The user gets ultra clean rinse tanks, no discharge to the drain, and near zero water consumption.

Birchwood Casey Inc.
Eden Prairie, MN
birchwoodcasey.com


High-Speed Punch Press Controls
The 30i/31i-P model B high-speed punch press controls are capable of supporting new levels of punching and nibbling rates. The 30i/31i-P model B CNCs have increased hit rates as a result of high-speed punch control cycles and an increased number of controllable axes: 32/20 maximum controlled axes and 24/4 maximum simultaneously controlled axes, respectively.

The CNCs provide up to 8MB of high capacity, nonvolatile internal memory that is available to store as many as 4,000 large nested part programs. Slots are provided for ATA or compact flash memory cards that can add an additional 2GB of part program storage. Any commercially available USB storage device may also be connected to store and transfer large programs. A Fast Data Server can also be installed in the CNC providing up to 4GB of flash memory and a 100-GBit Ethernet connection. A high-speed, error-immune fiber optic connection between the CNC and an integrated PC front-end allows the hard disk be used for part program storage.

Fanuc FA America Corp.
Hoffman Estates, IL
https://www.fanucamerica.com/

Micro-Abrasive Blasting
Though PEEK’s biocompatibility and chemical resistant nature make it an ideal choice for medical implants, it creates challenges to the manufacturing process. However, the AccuFlo abrasive blaster safely deburrs PEEK implants.  Machining typically generates burrs that are cumbersome to manually remove, however, micro-abrasive blasting can be used to eliminate this laborious process. The fine abrasive stream quickly strips off the burrs without damaging the delicate features machined into the part. A soft abrasive, like sodium bicarbonate, has the cutting effectiveness required to deburr the parts without cutting or burning the surface.

Comco Inc.
Burbank, CA
comcoinc.com

Absolute Angle Encoders
Called the RCN 2000, RCN 5000, and RCN 8000 series, these angle encoders are characterized by their simple mounting and high accuracy. Main benefits include greater mounting tolerances, optimized  scanning, and evaluation electronics with diagnostic functions, plug-in cables with quick disconnect at the encoder, and a variety of hollow shaft diameters. The greater mounting tolerances now possible with these angle encoders are due to the better axial and radial deflection behavior, as well as the torsional rigidity of the newly developed stator couplings.
Together with a new sealing design on the encoders, improved mounting tolerances are now possible without restricting the operational functions and accuracy. In addition, because of the use of a single-field scanning principle with special optical filtering, this series of angle encoders produces scanning signals of very high quality.

Heidenhain Corp.
Schaumburg, IL
heidenhain.us

CNC Multi-Spindle Production Center
Provided with a double Siemens 840 D CNC, the European-built ZPS 642 CNC multi-spindle production center offers up to 72 CNC axes and can perform nearly any metalcutting operation on precision parts from drilling and tapping to milling, hobbing, spline gears, and broaching. The machine’s flexibility is through its standard features: six independent AC-driven CNC horizontal spindles, six independent compound slides (X and Z), six independent tool carriers with driven tools, five back-working tools (three driven), and a wide range of standard presettable VDI tooling for quick changeover to increase flexibility. Additionally, up to five Y-axes with up to 185mm of travel, allowing 15 driven tools for radial or frontal drilling, milling, turning, or broaching.

ZPS America LLC
Indianapolis, IN
zpsamerica.com