Productivity Transfusion

Multitasking Turning Center
The HYPER QUADREX 150MSY employs twin opposed turning spindles with 5,000rpm and 20hp each, and full C-axis CNC control for part positioning and contouring at a resolution of 0.0001°. It also carries upper and lower 12-station tool turrets for fixed and rotating (live) tools alike, and Y-axis machine travels for each turret for off-the-centerline machining.

In the twin-turret and twin-spindle configuration, shops can gain innovative process opportunities. The main and secondary spindles can operate together or separately, allowing a single part to be machined on all surfaces through a coordinated hand-off between spindles, or two different parts can be machined simultaneously on one machine. Bar fed work capacity is 2.56" diameter.

Since the twin turrets can operate independently or together on the same part, opportunities abound for machining two features simultaneously or for balanced machining strategies. In balanced cutting, two tools work together on the same feature such as rough and finish turning; rough and finish milling; or opposed feature drilling, tapping, or boring utilizing the Y-axes. In cases where the part configuration permits, balanced machining can remove up to 25% of the cycle time.

Mazak Corp.
Florence, Ky.
www.mazakusa.com

Coolant Solution for Milling Tasks
Because of its precise coolant supply directly to the cutting edge, the BILZ JetSleeve delivers consistent performance for milling tasks. The heart of the JetSleeve is a shrink chuck with three compressed air holes and an aluminum sleeve. With 16 holes at different angles on the front of the sleeve, the pressurized medium is forced at high speed, and without separation, to the working areas where the chips blow away as soon as they form. The results include increased tool life, reduced tool costs, and improved surface quality of the workpieces, since vibrations reduce during operation due to the hydraulic design of the JetSleeve holder.

JetSleeve is for milling cutters from diameters of 3mm up to 20mm and for all taper sizes HSK and SK; special solutions and lengths are always possible. JetSleeve works on all machines with internal coolant flow, meaning it is a one-time investment cost that pays off immediately through higher production capacity. With JetSleeve, BILZ engineers have developed a product that fulfills requirements for eco-friendly products and production methods while preserving resources. The considerably reduced raw material consumption has a great effect on the production of milling tools, while the reduced need for air pressure and power for compressors results is less oil pollution.

Bilz Tool Co. Inc.
Lombard, Ill.
www.bilzusa.com

Greater Healthcare Material Options for OEMs, Fabricators
Dow Corning QP1 liquid silicone rubber (LSR) grades offer medical device manufacturers and fabricators a broader material choice for intricate devices and components. This family of eight translucent silicone elastomers is developed for short-term and non-implant insertion applications. The elastomers are available in a wide range of durometers and combine high performance with processing advantages.

Dow Corning QP1 LSR materials are two-part, platinum-catalyzed silicone elastomers supplied in a kit and suitable for liquid injection molding. They combine high tear strength for optimal durability in applications facing tough physical demands. The performance of these silicone elastomers also offers customers the possibility to avoid a post-curing step, in certain applications, increasing productivity. Other processing advantages are batch-to-batch consistency and fast cure. When cured, they are thermally stable to 204°C (400°F) and are available in Shore A hardnesses ranging from 20 to 75.

Formulation of the materials is without the use of peroxides, peroxide by-products, chlorophenyls, or PCBs. In addition, they do not use organic plasticizers, phthalates, or latex additives.

Dow Corning
Midland, Mich.
www.dowcorning.com