Implanting success

Successful machining of Ti6AI4V

TER collet chucks from Bilz deliver precision machining of vertebral supports and other medical implants made from titanium alloy Ti6AI4V. Use of the TER collet chuck system allows significantly lowered tool costs and increased productivity. Using the TER 1000/25 model, roughing an individual component on the drivel tool of a lathe requires a machining time of 30 seconds. The tool has a life of 1,500 parts. The TER 0600/25 is used for finishing. The machining time for each component is 17 seconds and the total tool life again is 1,500 parts. A comparison shows the improvement behind these figures: The ER collet chuck, used in the past, led to much longer machining times (75 seconds for roughing, 20 seconds for finishing), and also yielded shorter tool life (500 parts for both roughing and finishing). The use of TER yields tool life about 300% longer.

Principle of shrink technique

• Hole in collet chuck is slightly smaller in diameter than the shaft of the tool
• Alternating electromagnetic field generates inductive heating
• Hole expands
• Tool ready for insertion

Bilz Tool Co. Inc.
www.bilzusa.com

Ultrasonic machining center

Tongtai’s T51-USA machine offers a non-contact electrical material elimination supply with ultrasonic machining technologies. The T51-USA adopts the 0i-MD controller, with spindle speeds up to 20,000rpm. These, combined with a spindle cooling system that uses recycled coolant, avoids thermal distortion during long-term machining. In addition, the direct-drive type spindle connects with the motor by coupling to ensure the best output in horsepower and torque.

Three axes feeding devices utilize a FANUC series servomotor and precision level ball screws and linear guideways, allowing the rapid traverse to achieve 1,890ipm.

Features

• Optimizes floor space
• User-friendly operational interface
• Centralized management of the solenoid valve for air pressure and lubrication pump
• Redesign of all lines and piping

Absolute Machine Tools Inc.
www.absolutemachine.com

Machine tool vise jaws for unbreakable grip

OML's SinterGrip vise jaws put an unbreakable grip on just 3.5mm of material to allow aggressive, 5-axis machining of high-value workpieces with minimal waste material. With all but 3.5mm of the workpiece held above the vise, SinterGrip jaws give access for machining with short cutting tools for high-rate metal removal and high accuracy in a single setup. This design eliminates the need for a special vise, special tools, or pre-machining of the workpiece to add a gripping feature, such as a dovetail.

Developed primarily for use with OML's MC and Genius vises, SinterGrip jaws use scientifically designed, serrated, carbide inserts to penetrate the workpiece edge to a minimal, controlled depth, and exert a push-down force on the part. Thin parts can be machined without deformation by clamping them at 6,600 lb force to achieve penetration, then lowering the force to 2,200 lb with no loss of gripping power. The jaws grip equally well on as little as 2mm of part surface.

Added info

• Available in widths up to 8" (200mm)
• Install on most vises with mechanical, mechanical/hydraulic, or hydraulic clamping systems
• Starter set includes:
  • Tungsten-carbide-coated jaws
  • Retention screws for the inserts
  • Pair of snap-in CLAK parallels
• Carbide coating enhances grip for secondary operations
• Available without carbide coating
• Available in styles for the user to machine to size
• Serrated inserts are sold separately
• Three types available for steels, hard materials, and aluminum

Lexair Inc.
www.lexairinc.com

SinterGrip in action: http://bit.ly/12HCGJy