Technology in Motion

Dental Manufacturing Endmills
A line of endmills, developed for the field of dental prosthetics manufacturing, consists of solid carbide ballnose and torus endmills designed for optimum machining of zirconium oxide, Polymethyl Methacrylate, wax, cobalt chrome, and titanium.  Both types of cutters have a radius tolerance of up to ±0.005mm and a diameter tolerance of 0.01mm. Ballnose cutters are available in cutting diameters ranging from 0.4mm to 6mm. Torus endmills are available in cutting diameters of 3mm and 4mm. Solid carbide ballnose endmills are ideal for roughing and finishing, and their optimized geometry provides greater stability in long reach applications. The tapered neck ballnose endmills provide greater rigidity against deflection and are optimal for finishing and rest material machining. Torus endmills are available with two or four flutes, offering exceptional performance for roughing in cobalt chrome. Emuge dental endmills are available with a variety of coatings including TiAlN, CrN, and a diamond coating. The dental line is suitable for a variety of machine tools used for dental prosthetics manufacturing – from bench top systems to 5-axis machining centers. WESTEC Booth #2319

Emuge
W. Boylston, MA
emuge.com
 

Vertical Machining Centers Line Redesigned
The entire VF product line from Haas has been redesigned to incorporate a wide range of enhancements. All aspects of the machines – including motion control, coolant containment, chip evacuation, ergonomics, and serviceability – were reviewed and then improvements were made to the product line.

To ensure smooth, precise motion control, the 2010 Haas VMCs use next-generation digital servomotors and high-resolution encoders on all axes. Combined with significant software and motor-control advancements on the new machines, these yield higher accelerations and better surface-finish performance than ever before.

Redesign of the chip pans and reviews of the coolant flow allow the redesigned VMCs to reduce chip buildup and efficiently flush chips into the auger trough for removal. For high-volume production applications, the 2010 Haas VF-1 through VF-6 VMCs are available with optional chip removal systems that combine multiple side augers with either a front discharge auger or a belt-type conveyor, moving chips out of the machines faster and easier. WESTEC Booth #2200

Haas Automation Inc.
Oxnard, CA
haascnc.com

Machinable Pitbull Clamp
Pitbull fixture clamps are available in a machinable version. The clamp has positive down force and a very low gripping profile, making it well suited for machining pieces complete in one set up. It is available in two sizes with 6,000 lb and 12,000 lb of holding force. WESTEC Booth #2106

Mitee-Bite Products Inc.
Center Ossipee, NH
miteebite.com
 

CAD/CAM Offers Additions to 5-Axis, Plunge Roughing
GibbsCAM 2010 includes multiple new features, additions, enhancements, and productivity tools. Many capabilities have been added to make programming and machining easier and more efficient, especially with features in 5-axis and solids machining. Also implemented is 64-bit operation to enable faster processing of long programs and complex parts, added support for new tools and toolholders, extended functionality within various modules, and extended and updated interoperability with various CAD systems. Key 5-axis enhancements include more spiral machining options, new gouge check projection options, a new lead-in/lead-out flip option, an axial shift damp option for trimming applications, and support for countersink and keyway cutters. WESTEC Booth #2236

Gibbs and Associates
Moorpark, CA
gibbscam.com
 

Affordable, Productive Waterjet Technology
The MAXIEM 1515 is a cost-efficient package that provides users with an affordable, highly productive fabricating and metal cutting solution. The MAXIEM 1515 waterjet, with a 30hp high-pressure direct drive 50,000psi pump and Intelli-MAX Basic software, will be demonstrated with the X- and Y-axis traction drive system that is designed to handle an abrasive environment. Featuring an abrasive nozzle assembly and durable abrasive feed system, the MAXIEM 1515 productively cuts a wide variety of materials without creating heat-affected zones or mechanical stresses. By cutting parts directly from the plate, the MAXIEM 1515 also dramatically reduces set-up time and material usage. WESTEC Booth #1901

OMAX Corp.
Kent, WA
maxiemwaterjets.com
 

Low-Profile Rotary Table
The GD160LP rotary table provides rigidity, speed, accuracy, low-profile, and repeatability in an affordable package. The 5C A2-4 spindle allows the customer to use their existing 5C spindle tooling without adaptors. The clamp/brake system is fast, allowing the clamp to release in milliseconds. WESTEC Booth #2018

Hardinge Inc.
Elmira, NY
hardinge.com