A step-by-step look how a Comco engineer took a manual process to a new level, an automated, multi-tasking, microabrasive lathe system.

Microabrasive blasting has been around for decades and is in use in a wide range of industries from metalworking to medical. Comco, headquartered in Burbank, CA has been focused on this technology since 1968.

Microabrasive blasting provides a way to pinpoint cleaning, surface texturing, polishing, etching and material removal from hard to reach device surfaces. It projects a blast of clean, dry air mixed with abrasive media, delivered through a nozzle selected to suit the application. Due to the nature of the technology, most processing is still manual. While the PSI, media mixture and safety measures are automatic, an operator still controls the direction of the blast.

Dual ScrewRails and a linear actuator resulted in a series of semi-complex parts in the LA3200 XZ-Axes housing.

Automating A Lathe System

Comco’s core products are high precision microabrasive blasters. When an operator is not accurate or repeatable enough, customers ask for custom automation. In the fall of 2001, Engineering Manager Mickey Reilley was tasked with coming up with an automated stent blasting machine for a customer and saw a future for this product in other applications.

“Our first automated lathe, the LA1500, was designed from a generic standpoint with the goal to adapt it to other applications. It was a basic lathe, a spindle turned a part at a set RPM while the nozzles traveled back and forth over the part, applying the microabrasive blast stream,” Reilley says.

The blast head moved at set speed and bounced back and forth between proximity sensors for a set number of cycles. A PLC was used to tie everything together. In automating the blasting process, the biggest issue Reilley ran into was dealing with micron sized abrasive particles that will destroy bearings.

“We had to find a way to protect the automation components from this abrasive. I optimized the air flow through the machine and I positioned sensitive items as far away from the blast stream as feasible. All sensitive items were protected with an array of fixtures including bellows, seals, wipers and purge air. These efforts paid off. Abrasive contamination is rarely an issue, even with today’s advanced machines,” he says.

The design allowed the system to hold a variety of parts and provide multiple nozzle arrangements. The part tooling and nozzle head were customized for each application, but the basic machine remained the same.

Evolution

Customers readily accepted the LA1500 and with each subsequent order additional features were requested, many of which provided more separation between the technical setup and the production operator.

“Simultaneously, I was already noodling a CNC lathe that would give far more production capabilities. When we received a repeat order from the original lathe customer for a smarter machine, I decided to release the next version that was computer based and fully CNC — the LA3200. This machine gave both us and our customer the ultimate in flexibility,” Reilley says.

The LA3200 upgraded all motion axes to closed-loop stepper motors. User interface was upgraded to a touch screen LCD. The PLC was replaced by a computer, motion control card and a series of custom designed circuit boards, resulting in a three axis CNC machine.

Customer’s technicians could program the machine with G-code and operators were only presented with a list of programs to run. Once a program was selected, the lathe would tell them which part tool and blast head to load. Using proximity sensors and a scanning routine, the lathe would disallow operation until the operator had properly loaded all required parts.

“Microblasters are largely mechanical in nature. Therefore, the software and electronics portions of the LA3200 project were challenges. I solved this by spending several weeks planning and specifically detailing how I expected the software to work. This included describing the various machine states (idle, running, error, etc.) and the expected performance, plus how the machine was expected to transition between states. I also did a complete user interface design mock-up in PowerPoint.

Then I hired two contract software engineers to handle the coding: one for the machine states plus user interface, and another to iron out the motion control and data communications,” Reilley says.

The electrical design was similarly handled. A series of custom boards were needed to interface the various sensors, motors and blaster I/O with the computer. Reilley hired a contract electrical engineer who did the electrical circuit design while Reilley did the board layout. Everything was timed. Just as the first board prototypes were being brought on-line, the software engineers were ready to test the communications and controls. The mechanical was similarly timed. Everything came together at once.

Current Generation

Three years after introducing the LA3200, Comco was approached by an automotive customer who needed an automated machine more akin to a mill than a lathe.

To handle this application, the LA3250 was created. It is a stiffer, faster and cleaner version of the LA3200. The spindle was designed to be modular, so for customers who need XYZ motion the spindle could be replaced with a tooling plate. A Y-axis was designed that would move the tooling plate (or spindle) front to back in the machine. The XZ-axes were redesigned to be far stiffer, and to eliminate a noisy linear actuator. New motors were selected with integrated stepper amplifiers to simplify wiring.

“The LA3250 retains the part holding and blast head fixturing flexibility found in the LA1500 and LA3200, but adds axis flexibility. With an optional y-axis, and easy configuration of the spindle, tooling plate, or custom part holder, it is flexible on many levels, and therefore capable of handling a much larger variety of parts. Each customer’s application is different, and the LA3250 gives us the required flexibility to handle them,” Reilley adds.

Mechanical Redesign

A major mechanical redesign was done for the XZ-axes. The Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions (Kerk) ScrewRails were replaced with recirculating ball bearings on two 1″ circular stainless steel shafts and a single Kerk leadscrew. The Z-axis motor was replaced with an MDrive turning another Kerk leadscrew. “As an experiment, the housing was designed as a single complex piece,” Reilley says. “The previous design was a series of medium complexity parts that screwed together. This gamble paid off. The XZ-axis is far easier to assemble, completely air-tight, and costs less than the sum of the old design’s parts.”

Reilley says that what helped most with the final design is the Galil card. “Motion control can be complex, but Galil has set up a customer support architecture that makes it easy. Their documentation is excellent, and when you have questions they always have an expert available by phone. They knew it inside-out, and were able to give us easy-to-act-on answers.”

The second biggest benefit to the final design was the change to the IMS MDrive motors which cleaned up the inside of the machine immensely, making assembly and service vastly easier.

From Comco’s perspective, the flexibility of the lathe gives them the benefit of being able to solve a wide range of blasting needs in one machine. Interchangeable blast heads and versatile part holding make it easy to apply to any application.

“We’ve had the LA3250 for about a year and a half now,” Reilley says. “We’re still waiting to be stumped by the application that will drive the next evolutionary step.”

Key Components

LA1500:

• Electronically, the system followed some of Comco previous customs. The PLC was a Siemens 6ES7 model with an additional I/O module. The spindle was turned by a Bison DC gearmotor driven by a Minarik motor driver. The X-axis motor was custom made by Pittman, driven by a Comco-designed, constant speed amplifier.
• Mechanically, the design was all new. The X-axis was a ScrewRail by Haydon Kerk Motion Solutions (Kerk). This was selected because it was an integrated linear bearing and leadscrew, which made it compact and easy to protect against abrasive. The Z-axis was driven and supported by a Bimba FT air cylinder. This air cylinder has two shafts, so it wouldn’t rotate, and its shape was conducive to bellows protection.

LA3200:

• To meet the system goals, Comco Engineering Manager Mickey Reilley needed to entirely replace the electronics. For computing power, he considered using an industrial computer, but to save cost and avoid being tied to one vendor, he decided to use a standard, micro-ATX computer.
• For the motion controller card, Reilley considered Delta Tau and Galil. Galil’s DMC-1842 PCI motion controller was selected for one key reason: simplicity. “We understood that the Delta Tau controller was more powerful, but Galil provided such amazing documentation and technical support, that the decision was clear,” he says.
• Mechanically, the overhead drive was changed to have two parallel Kerk ScrewRails for increased rigidity. These were synchronously driven using one motor and a timing belt drive. The Z-axis motor was redesigned to use an Electrocraft (formally Eastern Air Devices) stepper motor linear actuator. This was selected for its compact size and high force value.

LA3250:

• The single most beneficial change was changing from separate stepper motors and amplifiers to integrated units. “We are now using IMS’s MDrive integrated stepper motor and amplifiers,” Reilley explains. “This vastly simplified the wiring inside the lathe by removing an amplifier and breakout board for each axis. This change has helped reduce our final wiring time from three days to one. Plus, the cost of the integrated motor is less than the combined cost of the previous components.
• http://www.pddnet.com/news-editorial-ea-super-lathe-100509/
  

FabTrol Systems’ Version 3.0 software release builds on FabTrol MRP’s existing integrated material and production management solution with a one-click XML export that contains all routing, CNC, and nesting data required to fabricate a production batch.

This one-click solution automatically:
• Includes routing of assemblies and related parts to the correct work area.
• Organizes the CNC data imported from the 3D model in DSTV format by production batch and CNC machine, putting the files in appropriate folders for the controller that drives each machine.
• Includes the matching cutting solution and pull lists for only the stock items required for the production batch.
• Includes parts for future production batches coming out of the pulled stock items, eliminating the need to pull the same stock item twice.

Whether the fabricator starts from the material management side (nesting) or the production planning side (batching), the same result is achieved. The single-source XML file automatically consolidates the cutting, routing, stock and CNC information for each batch. Further, FabTrol MRP’s solution works with any common brand of CNC controller that can import DSTV files, and FabTrol Systems is actively working with CNC equipment manufacturers to optimize this process for their specific machines and controller software.

Every fabricator spends considerable time:

• Producing a production plan to meet schedule commitments and customer needs.
• Batching work so that it will flow efficiently through the shop.
• Nesting material to match the production plans as closely as possible (rarely achieving a perfect match).
• Prioritizing the pulling and cutting of the right stock into parts that match the production plan.
• Managing stock remnants pulled from one production batch that will be used on a future batch.
• Coordinating delivery of CNC files to the right machine operator at the right time.
• Gathering and packaging information about all of the above for the shop.

Fabricators using FabTrol MRP’s Advanced Production solution will appreciate how the recent update to the software builds on FabTrol MRP’s existing integration to automate the above efforts and package them for the shop floor. Fabricators familiar with FabTrol MRP’s Advanced Production report “Parts to do by work area & batch” will recognize some of the logic involved in the new XML export and benefit from the new combination of that information with CNC data in an electronic format. For fabricators about to invest in CNC machines, the recent release of FabTrol MRP Version 3.0 will maximize a return on their investment in CNC equipment and integration.

For more information about FabTrol MRP Version 3.0, visit fabtrol.com or call 541-485-4719.

FabTrol Systems (fabtrol.com), a proud member of the Dowco Group, has been the leading supplier of steel fabrication management software for 25 years. In one modular integrated solution, FabTrol MRP provides management tools for estimating, drawings, materials, production, and shipping. Founded by steel fabricators, and still built around a core team of former steel fabricators, the company continues its commitment to the industry by actively seeking feedback from its customer companies—over 1,000 globally—and by working with other industry leaders to address existing and future needs.

FabTrol Systems | Software for Steel Fabricators Since 1984.

http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/58956/

Industrial grade 3- and 4-axis CNC routers are affordable, said the supplier, and ideal for cutting complex curves and machining 3D reliefs for mouldings.

Intelicam manufactures affordable, industrial grade 3- and 4-axis CNC Routers ideal for cutting complex curves and machining 3D reliefs for moulds.

The company told manufacturingtalk.com that it has just begun construction of a 4-axis high speed foam cutting CNC Router.

The router has a 5ft x 10ft process area, 4ft of Z-axis motion and an integrated rotational axis that can clamp a foam block 4ft in diameter by almost 7ft long.

The all ball screw and servo drive unit can traverse at 2,000 in/min, and is fitted with, as standard, the following.

* A six-position tool changer.

* Water cooled spindle with inverter.

* Special designed foam cutting router bits up to 12in in length with a 1in diameter shaft.

* Tool height sensor.

* Chip pickup with vacuum.

All moving parts are sealed and protected with baffles from foam particles, which otherwise will harden over time causing maintenance issues.

Intelicam is offering this system for less than US$60,000.

Intelicam is also building a companion high speed foam router that replaces the rotational 4th axis with a vacuum table and 15HP vacuum blower.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/ixa/ixa100.html

Rather than replace an older, but very useful CNC horizontal machining centre, a vintage car restorer opted to retrofit an up-to-date CNC and so saved on machine tool replacement costs.

The opportunity to turn a hobby into a business doesn’t arise every day, but this is exactly what happened to Will Fiennes, a lifelong fan of Riley motor cars, 30 years ago he hung up his physicist boots to follow his passion of restoring vintage motor cars.

Leaving behind his role with Smiths Industries - where he applied his degree in tribology, electrical engineering and physics - and upon establishing Fiennes Restoration because he ‘preferred to get his hands dirty’, he focused on the supply of new spare parts for, and the restoration of, pre-war Derby Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars.

Such is the success of the operation that today he works for customers the world over.

“It was clear then that not many people knew too much about these cars,” said Fiennes, “And that the supply of appropriate spares was dwindling.

So, having identified that demand, I set about satisfying it.” To give some idea of the scale of the operation, at any one time around 20 cars are at various stages of restoration, and the spares inventory now extends to an amazing 7,000 different line items, all computerised and ‘accessible’ online (www.fiennes.co.uk) via the company’s website.

“The business hasn’t changed that much during the past decades,” he reflected, “Though CNC machines have helped us considerably to achieve consistently accurate and more cost-effective batches of machined parts.” He said: “In this respect, CNC brings a new dimension to the word ‘efficiency’ even for a company like this (where a large batch may be just five-off components) though our manual machines do remain very effective for the production of suitable, relatively simple jobs.” He explained that the company havd a very old Britan capstan lathe, which it had bought secondhand with a new CNC lathe, and this wonderfully designed machine continues to reliably and accurately produce bushes and other small parts.

Fiennes said: “I discovered during the early days of Fiennes Restoration that nothing is impossible; everything can be made if you have the right tools and attitude.

But over the years it has become clear that the nation’s craft skills have dwindled rapidly, though we’ve been lucky in being able to maintain a high skills base, even though we’re based in the wilds of Oxfordshire.” This is certainly evident among the company’s 23 employees, and particularly in the mechanical restoration, coachwork and spare parts machining activities, where a very high standard of manual dexterity combines perfectly with high-technology equipment, tools and materials to enable the workforce to achieve finished results that the original car manufacturers would envy.

CNC was introduced 18 years ago, following a contract to machine cylinder head castings.

But lead times were extended to 40 hours per head when machining these parts on a DRO-driven vertical milling machine, and then sub-contracting the thread milling content as well as combustion chamber machining.

One option was to invest in CNC machinery.

However, to some extent this required a leap of faith, machining components designed 60 or 70 years ago using modern technology.

“I was sure that the way to shorten such an extensive lead time was to machine as much as possible in-house by CNC; ideally by using a horizontal machining centre where all faces of the castings could be machined in a single set-up,” said Fiennes.

“But a horizontal would have cost us at least six times more than the route we adopted - a CNC Avon turret mill, fitted with Anilam GXM control.

The versatility of the Avon allowed us to machine all faces of the 28in long casting with appropriate fixtures, albeit with a sacrifice of rigidity.” He said: “This served us well for 15 years, when we found that increasing demand could not be met by the now elderly Avon.

We then invested in a new VMC with full fourth axis, but did not dispose of the Avon.

In fact, the VMC could not do everything that the Avon did, and in particular the end faces of the cylinder head castings continued to be machined on the Avon.

It has to be said that the horizontal option, with a substantially greater investment, would have allowed all the machining to be achieved on the one machine.” However, while the Avon has remained mechanically sound (ballscrews and motors, for example, were fine), the G and M code programming routines via the original GXM control were, he says, obviously suffering from age and were proving tiresome.

But rather than invest in another new vertical mill or machining centre, Will Fiennes decided that an Anilam 3000 Series CNC upgrade from ACI (UK) would be an ideal solution - and at least 70% cheaper than investing in an equivalent new machine.

ACI (UK) simply replaced the control and wiring, and the machine - which suffered a downtime of no more than 48h - “Has been given a new lease of life”, Fiennes said.

With the switch to the three-axis Anilam 3000M CNC, and after suitable onsite training, the ease of use of Anilam’s renowned Machinist’s Language quickly came to the fore.

Of particular merit, said Fiennes, was the control’s wide range of standard cycles such as ‘peck’ drilling, pocket milling and face milling, as well as its advanced cycles that include ellipse, spiral, helical, tapping, irregular pocket milling and profile milling.

The special cycles such as counterboring are also highlighted as being especially useful.

Illustrating the system’s ease of use, he says, is the standard cycle for bolt hole patterns that enables patterns of any configuration to be quickly produced by answering five simple questions.

Likewise, after answering a few questions, the drill cycle takes users through simple drill, peck drill and boring routines.

“In addition to the continuation of the cylinder head work, the revitalised Avon is used for producing a myriad of parts including the machining of small castings and various moulds and tool steel components that utilise the machine/control combination’s three-axis capabilities.” Fiennes said: “I set up Fiennes Restoration with no formal business training, which is just as well, because we continue to this day to break every rule in the business book, particularly in terms of best practice work-in-progress and stock levels.” He concluded: “But I’d like to think that I’ve learned a thing or two over the years, and the financial sense of adopting the ACI (UK) rebuild is one example.

It’s a business I wouldn’t change for the world - and when I do find time to retire, I’ve still got a Riley waiting at home for me to restore.”.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/aie/aie201.html

Delcam’s Power Solution CADCAM software, together with technical support from the local reseller Multicam, has enabled Gustavo Campana to turn his passion for model planes into a successful business.

Delcam’s Power Solution CADCAM software, together with technical support from the local reseller Multicam, has enabled Gustavo Campana to turn his passion for model planes into a successful business.

Mr Campana, one of the ten leading international racers of the three-metre long planes, had previously built his planes with imported kits, mainly from the United States, France or Germany.

Now, he has used his knowledge of the planes and his popularity within the sport to establish his own company, JetGus, and begun manufacturing models in his native Argentina.

The planes, which are operated by remote control, can reach speeds of some 400 km/hr in competition.

They are also high quality replicas, full of very fine details that make them look real.

For his first project, Mr Campana created a model of a Katana plane, which is used for acrobatic flights, for the USA firm Planesplus, one of the most important companies in the replica business.

With help from Multicam, Mr Campana created a model of the whole plane in the PowerSHAPE hybrid modelling software from cross sections of the fuselage and wings.

This initial design was then refined, following airflow analysis and discussions with the customer over both technical and aesthetic aspects.

Once the final design has been approved, the model was split with PowerSHAPE into the various pieces to be supplied in the kit.

Delcam’s PowerMILL CAM system was then used to machine a foam copy of each component.

These were assembled with the engine into a fully functional prototype, which flew successfully at the first attempt.

With the design proven, moulds for the various components were designed in PowerSHAPE and machined with PowerMILL.

The flexibility of the software ensured that even very fine details could be defined and machined accurately.

Once the moulds were finished and the first parts produced, Delcam’s PowerINSPECT software was used to inspect them, both to ensure that the overall design had been captured faithfully and also to guarantee that the various pieces would fit together easily.

“With the help of Delcam’s Power Solution the whole process was done in a fifth of the time that would normally needed,” Mr Campana estimated.

“In addition, we have produced a higher quality model, which is just as important to our customers.” His estimate of the time savings was supported by Don Kank, a Director of Planesplus.

“Traditionally, this kind of project by our established suppliers would have taken three to four months,” he claimed.

“JetGus went from receiving the contract to delivering the initial model in less than a month.”.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/dea/dea513.html

The latest all-electric BLM Elect CNC tube bender is essentially ‘two machines in one’, because it can be quickly switched into a right-hand or left-hand bend configuration.

This capability can save secondary bending operations or even the need for a second bending machine.

The Elect’s multi-stack tool mounting facility allows multi radius and variable radius bending of the same tube to take place in a single setup.

Bends with very little straight between them, even compound bends, can also be accommodated, along with tight bends that can have a radius less than the tube diameter.

The inherent precision and control of all the axes positioning guarantees consistent, accurate bends.

All critical machine setting parameters are managed by the Siemens 840D SL CNC.

This Solution-Line control system, which interfaces with BLM’s VGP3D graphical programming and simulation software, provides fully automatic and interpolated simultaneous movement of all nine machine axes.

This eliminates dead time within the tube bending cycle, ensuring that optimum output rates are reached consistently.

The VGP3D software creates the part program and displays on screen in real time the shortest and most efficient bending cycle.

Any possible collision points are highlighted and alternative strategies proposed on screen.

This collision avoidance routine eliminates any likelihood of expensive machine downtime, tool damage and material wastage.

The software simulation cycle gives the actual time it will take to bend the component on the machine.

After a tooling change the BLM Elect automatically initiates a single machine protection cycle, which runs at 20 per cent of the normal speed and power.

This ensures that should a collision be caused by inadvertent operator error it will not damage the machine or tooling.

The BLM Elect has a robust bend head and machine frame, and its compact integrated gearbox contributes to the greater clearance area around and beneath the bend head.

This enables more complex components to be completed in a single cycle.

The machine’s precise calibration cycle means that it is set right first time and a first-off part, and all subsequent parts, will be to specification.

Two models are available: the Elect-63 having a maximum tube OD capacity of 63mm (2mm wall thickness in steel); and the Elect-80 having a maximum tube OD capacity of 80mm (2mm wall thickness in steel).

Both models have an optional variable radius/boost bending facility.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/blm/blm129.html

An Austrian machine tool manufacturer and reseller of DP Technology’s ESPRIT CAM software has unveiled a new series of innovative machines, designed to “easily meet” any machining challenge.

The EMCO Group hosted a number of Technology Days at its base in Hallein, Austria, allowing visitors to get an “exclusive first glance” at the five new CNC machining systems that are to make an even bigger debut at EMO 2009, which is currently taking place in Milan, Italy.

According to the organisation, the technology on show includes the Hyperturn 45, Maxxmill 500, EMCOMAT E200, as well as the EMCOMAT FB-450 and -600 L.

The adaptation of EMCO Hyperturn machines will also be addressed, specifically for their 5-axis simultaneous machining, using offline programming systems to make parts while programmers “simultaneously plan, program and simulate the next production run”.

Though it operates out of Austria, EMCO also has bases in Italy, the Czech Republic and Germany.

If you’re searching for CNC turning centres compare 1000s here on MTD.

http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/machine-tool-news/Austrian-CNC-machine-tools-specialist-hits-EMO-200.asp

NUM has released the NUMcut pan-and-tilt tool head solution for plasma, laser and waterjet cutting machinery applications.

According to NUM, NUMcut extends the capability of machinery from 2D to 3D applications, with precise multi-axis interpolation.The NUMcut package includes a new tool head design said to provide the versatility of movement and stiffness required to implement precision cutting motion, but with the unique advantages of very low mass.

NUMcut also eliminates the cabling runs that need to flex with the tool head movement, and with a low weight, the new head represents a simple upgrade path for CNC machines in the cutting machinery market.

The NUMcut tool head employs gimbals and the Cardan universal joint to convert the movement of two linear actuators into 360 degrees of panning motion plus control of tilt angle up to 47 degrees.NUM claims that NUMcut can be combined with the conventional three-axis X-Y-Z movement of the underlying cutting machine, to migrate machinery to three-dimensional performance.NUMcut is offered as a complete turnkey solution for machine builders, for either 2.5- or 3D tool head control. Each version of the tool head is supplied with all the supporting hardware and software required: servomotors and drives, and the Flexium CNC kernel which includes including the drivers that transform 3D path tracing motion into interpolated motion control commands for the two linear axes.NUM equipment is distributed in Australia by Australian Industrial Machine Services.

http://www.metalworker.com.au/article/num-releases-numcut-pan-and-tilt-tool-head-for-upgrading-cutting-machines/501009.aspx

Petaluma High boasts top training center; firms sponsor students

Dan Sunia and apprentices view and operate a CNC machine.

PETALUMA – A little-known apprenticeship program that supports a growing machining industry in the North Bay is looking to expand its territory.

The California Tooling and Machining Apprenticeship Association, operating out of Petaluma High School and serving Marin, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties, is responding to growing demand from machine shops in the East and South Bay, Redding and Sacramento.

“It’s the only apprenticeship program in Northern California,” said association President, CEO and teacher Dan Sunia.

Apprentices are high school graduates that are already employed by North Bay companies, which sponsor them while they spend one night each week earning credentials such as machinist, CNC machinist, mold maker, tool and die maker and maintenance machinist.

“When they complete the program they’ll be commanding salaries that will allow them to head up a household,” said Mr. Sunia.

The most popular credential is CNC machinist. Computer Numeric Control technology is central to the new model of machine shop, which uses computer-aided design and machining technology, software and the Internet to shape metal.

During the first two years, machining association students learn the hands-on basics of cutting and work-holding tools. Then they move into the classroom for advanced applied mathematics, programming, 3-D solid design and the other skills needed by a modern machinist.

“You need to make measurements based on Cartesian coordinates, be able to calculate speeds and feeds, understand overhead and costs,” said Mr. Sunia.

The group boasts cutting edge CNC and CAD/CAM equipment supplied by Haas Automation Inc. The federally credentialed and certified secondary school is also a Haas Technical Education Center, and often a showroom for Haas customers.

“The customers watch young trainees operating the CNC machines, and they’re impressed. It’s fun for students too,” said Mr. Sunia.

The program has been operating for about 15 years, meeting originally in an Agilent Technologies conference room before equipping its own shop at Petaluma High. It was originally a branch of the Maryland-based National Tooling and Machinist Association.

Led locally by Tom Hunt, who, with his wife, Analisa, owns Datum Technology Inc. in Santa Rosa, the chapter decided to go on its own.

In 2008, Mr. Hunt and the chapter board of directors launched the association, with an emphasis on apprenticeships. He passed the helm to Mr. Sunia soon afterward.

“Both Dan and I went through apprenticeship programs, and we want to give back,” said Mr. Hunt.

His long-time plant foreman moved from an operator to his current position after training with the association program, and another young worker is now in his fourth year there.

“When Mike came to work I could see right away he was a candidate. He liked the trade, and he was dedicated to Datum Technology,” said Mr. Hunt.

Employers pay about $1,500 a year to sponsor an employee, including books and tuition.

An advantage of the program is cross pollination among trainees, according to Mr. Sunia.

“Each comes from a company with different equipment and methods. They share what they know and take back to their companies better ways to do things,” he said.

The association will have its first Web site operating in a month or so. Employers wanting more information can call Dan Sunia at 707-246-4865.

http://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/15231/machining-apprentice-program-expanding/

Adjustable or fixed pattern multiple spindle drilling heads with the correct adapters at a very affordable price with short delivery times can be easily mated to CNC machine tools.

Adjustable or fixed pattern multiple spindle drilling heads with the correct adapters at a very affordable price with short delivery times can be easily mated to CNC machine tools.

CNC machines are popular in many operations.

In most cases, these machines have sufficient horsepower to handle the extra load of drilling multiple holes simultaneously.

Multiple spindle heads from AutoDrill are now easily mated to these machines.

AutoDrill can provide adjustable or fixed pattern heads with the correct adapters at a very affordable price with short delivery times.

Custom multi-drill heads and adapters made for your pattern and equipment can generally be shipped in three to four weeks.

In addition, information for conventional drilling machines such as drill presses (drilling machines), mill-drills, vertical mills and tapping machines have been accumulated by AutoDrill.

With this database of information, they can provide a prompt quotation for both the multiple spindle drilling head and the adapter.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/aod/aod109.html