A customized spindle motor and application-specific CNC system made it possible for OMAG to design and build a novel five-axis machining center that combines the functions of a former with those of a lathe — all for cutting and processing designs in stone.

OMAG is a 30-year-old Italian company that specializes in machinery for processing marble, granite, prophyritic and sedimentary stone, and glass. The new OMAG’s Blade5 machine establishes a new level of flexibility for processing stonework by supporting capabilities like sawing, milling, routing, turning, sculpting and polishing. One critical attribute is its high-performance spindle motor with a very large peak torque capability of 400 Nm.

The powerful spindle motor accelerates all aspects of stone processing. The machine — with a large working area of 5×5 meters – also can execute a variety of shapes and profiles direct from CAD/CAM files, making it equally suited to creating one-off pieces or volume production. It features a laser scanning option, too, allowing digitization and subsequent replication of finely featured work such as stone artwork.

The spindle motor, and the CNC system for the machine’s five positioning axes – which are fully interpolated – were supplied by NUM, which has had a technology partnership with OMAG for more than 20 years.

NUM develops a series of high-end CNC applications, including hardware and software, together with drives and motors, and other core components that impact overall system performance. NUM also integrate third-party products in application-specific solutions.

“A willingness to partner with a constructor of special machines and share the risk of creating specific application and CNC solutions is at the heart of NUM’s business philosophy,” explained Marco Battistotti of NUM Italy. “In OMAG’s case, there is a strong cooperation in the technological development for new machines.”

OMAG’s Blade5 machine is based on a large, overhead gantry-style structure, supporting an innovative multi-axis machine head. The gantry’s main horizontal X- and Y-axes are based on linear guides that employ ball screw drives and guide blocks fitted with recirculating ball bearings. These combine high load-bearing capabilities with smooth, backlash-free positioning. In the largest configuration of Blade5, both axes have a stroke length of up to 5 meters, giving machine operators a very large 25 square meters of working area.

The vertical Z axis, which carries the machine head, employs the same type of technology and can raise the head 3 meters above the base of the system, so huge stone workpieces can be accommodated. The stone being processed may be held in a fixed position on a large 3.5×2 meter worktop, or rotated by a lathe attachment for turning purposes.

The machine head spindle will accommodate a range of cutting and forming tools, including a diamond cutting blade up to 1.6 meters in diameter. The head contains two positioning axes, which enable the spindle to be inclined by up to 140 degrees to the vertical and rotated laterally by as much as 380°, so the process has exceptional flexibility.

The gantry’s X, Y, and Z axes, as well as the dynamic inclination and lateral rotation of the machine head, are controlled by NUMDrive C servo drives and NUM BPX brushless motors; all five axes are capable of fully interpolated motion, under overall control of a NUM Axium Power CNC system.

This all-digital control approach helps to ensure highly accurate and repeatable processing of the workpiece; the cutting coordinates are downloaded as ISO files from the machine’s host PC to the Axium Power CNC system. An optional laser scanning system makes it possible to retrieve three-dimensional measurements from a finished piece of work with “extreme” accuracy – a statue, for example – and convert that data into an appropriate ISO file automatically, allowing precise replication of art work.

Also, to achieve the highest possible standard of finishing, OMAG developed a special macro for the program to evaluate dynamic motion control commands from the Axium Power CNC system in real time, to correct for tool wear and ensure optimal contact with the workpiece at all times.

The machine head spindle is driven by an extremely powerful liquid-cooled synchronous motor, specifically developed for this application by NUM. It supplies the motor’s rotor and stator as separate components, and OMAG then integrates them in the machine head, including bonding the rotor directly to the spindle to maximize rigidity. The motor, which is driven by a NUMDrive C unit and an MDLL power supply, has a continuous power rating of 25 kW at 2,000 rpm, a maximum speed of 8,000 rpm, and a peak torque capability of 400 Nm.

OMAG’s PC-based CAD/CAM software includes a library of machine tools that can be freely requested by the operator; the physical tools are maintained in a rack to the side of the work area. Typically, these will include milling and turning tools, as well as one or more cutting blades.

OMAG’s Blade5 machining center for stone is based on an application-specific 5-axis CNC system from NUM, and driven by an powerful, liquid-cooled spindle motor also developed by NUM.

The new five-axis machine center involves a large, overhead gantry-style structure that supports multi-axis machine head. The gantry’s horizontal X- and Y-axes are based on linear guides that employ ball screw drives and guide blocks fitted with recirculating ball bearings. These combine high load-bearing capabilities with smooth, backlash-free positioning. The vertical Z axis, which carries the machine head, uses the same technology and can raise the head 3 meters above the base of the system, for cutting and shaping huge stone workpieces.

Tool changeover is handled completely automatically; when requested by the operator, the Blade5 machine automatically parks one tool and then places another on the spindle – which uses the industry-standard ISO 50 taper. The machine’s intuitive human-machine interface (HMI) is comprised of a large touch-sensitive monitor, keyboard and dual joysticks for manually controlling movement when required.

“OMAG’s Blade5 exemplifies the benefits of close collaboration between machine designers and numerical control specialists,” according Marco Battistotti. “The various configurations of Blade5 are proving extremely popular in the market.”

ATS UK has invested £90,000 in a CNC lathe to support its high precision tool making and specialist machining activities at its Folkestone, Kent, tooling and moulding division.

ATS has invested in a CMZ CNC lathe

Following lengthy investigations and trials ATS purchased a CMZ TL-25 M machine supplied and installed by CMZ UK. The new machine is already being used to manufacture bespoke parts for multi-cavity injection mould tooling as well as small-medium sized production runs of high precision machined components for the aerospace, medical and packaging sectors.

ATS technical director, Mark Terry, said: “This latest acquisition has filled a gap in our machinery portfolio, enabling us to machine a wide variety of components for both injection mould tools as well as batch production items.

“Our brief was very detailed and covered a wide range of requirements including the high precision ‘hard turning’ of mould components, thus reducing the need for cylindrical grinding. CMZ allowed us to perform actual machining trials on their machines before we made our final decision.”

http://www.prw.com/subscriber/newscat2.html?cat=1&channel=300&id=1303987196

Torchmate’s 2X2 CNC machine makes
computer-automated fabricating affordable

Before Torchmate’s recently released 2X2 CNC Prototyping System came along, computer-automated fabrication was reserved for deep-pocketed metal shops. Torchmate’s newest offering changes all that — packing industry-leading, computer-operated metal-cutting machinery into a mobile and affordable package that fits into any garage, and any budget.

Hobbyists, off-road vehicle owners, fabricators and small shop owners can now build intricate and professional-quality parts using the versatile 2X2. Sold with versatile software, and compatible with multiple tools, the 2X2’s functions are repeatable, precise and fast. The 2X2 cuts, drills, engraves and can be used as a router and plasma cutter.

Using a 2X2, an off-road vehicle owner could beef up his suspension or customize a rig for a demanding off-road race. Hobbyists can manufacture custom metal parts in their garage. And for welders, engineers and small metal shops owners, the uses of the 2X2 are truly endless.

“This is a smaller version of a very expensive machine,” said Torchmate CEO Bill Kunz. “Torchmate has worked hard to create a machine that has all the capabilities of a prototyping machine that typically costs tens of thousands of dollars, but is offered at less than $3,000 for the basic machine.”

The 2X2’s repeatability allows a user to design a part once and manufacture as many as needed with ease. The 2X2’s software is easy to use and compatible with CAD and CAM design programs.

Along with a purchase of the machine, 2X2 customers gain access to Torchmate’s robust and attentive technical support crew, which can walk any Torchmate customer through software set-up or the machine multi-platform capabilities.

“Approximately 500 2X2 machines have already hit the market, and the machine’s affordability, durability and versatility has impressed buyers,” said Kunz.

New distribution partnerships with national retailers like 4 Wheel Parts, is putting Torchmate’s highly sought after products in stores across the nation.

Torchmate’s basic 2X2 CNC Prototyping System package (offered at $2,995)

• Two-axis machine (2 x-axis drives and motors, 1 y-axis drive and motor)

• Torchmate 2×2 Driver Software

• Relay to turn on and off your plasma torch or other closed circuit tool

• Mounting plate that is compatible with various tools

• Basic cutting table

http://www10.mcadcafe.com/nbc/articles/1/949346/Torchmate-2X2-CNC-Machine-Makes-Computer-Automated-Fabricating-Affordable

Worldwide Industrial, the US-Asia industrial trade portal recently partnered with MFGmatch a and MFGpartners.net to offer a broader range of machine shop services in its Precision Machining Directory at
http://www.dir.industrialcoop.com/index.php?c=726.

Corporate officials of Worldwide Industrial announced the site now includes additional offerings for CNC, Swiss machining, lathe, screw, high speed, milling, lathe, steel and plastic machining services as well as 3, 4, & 5-axis, prototype, conventional, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, wood, ceramic, EDM (electrical discharge machining), contract and custom manufacturing solutions for numerous applications worldwide. Worldwide Industrial made the announcement of the new publication days after launching its new machine shop marketplace in partnership with MFGmatch.net.

Justin Campbell, spokesman for Worldwide Industrial, the US-Asia Industrial Trade Portal said the Precision Machining Shops on the site at http://www.foreigntradeexchange.com/suppliers/precision_equipment.html service a variety of industries such as electronic, semi-conductor, food handling & processing, irrigation, machine tool, construction equipment parts, bio-medical, architecture, irrigation, medical & dental, orthopedic, transportation, aerospace & aircraft, automotive, military & government, general industrial, plastics & rubber manufacturing, entrepreneurial, engineering and other applications. According to Campbell, the jobbing shops and fabricators on the site offer a full suite of machine shop services from prototyping machined parts and components made of ferrous and non ferrous materials to long and short production runs.

“Worldwide Industrial created its marketplaces to help machine shop, fabricators, foundries, jobbing shops and contract manufacturers reach a wider audience and connect with qualified buyers in the market for various custom manufacturing services such as precision CNC, Swiss, screw and lathe machining, high speed, diamond, ceramic, EDM, aluminum and steel customized machined parts as well as all forms of fabrication, welding, prototyping, finishing and assembly services,” said Campbell. He continued, “Worldwide Industrial believes in emphasizing complete custom manufacturing and engineering solutions for a broad area of applications and businesses while focusing on high quality service, competitive offerings and a client-centered approach for organizations across the globe.”

About Worldwide Industrial

Worldwide Industrial is a US-Asia industrial import and export trade portal created to connect U.S. and Asian buyers and suppliers of industrial supplies, machine tools, equipment and materials for the manufacturing community. The site includes offerings primarily from companies in the United States, China and India at http://www.worldwideindustrialmarketplace.com

http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=702934&Itemid=29

NUM has supplied a custom spindle motor and application-specific CNC system to OMAG to create a five-axis machining centre that combines former and lathe functions for processing stone materials.

The Blade5 machine offers flexibility for processing stone workpieces by supporting capabilities including sawing, milling, routing, turning, sculpting and polishing.

One of the machine’s key features is a high-performance spindle motor with a large peak torque capability of 400Nm.

The spindle motor accelerates all aspects of stone processing, according to the manufacturer.

The machine - with a working area of 5 x 5m - is also able to create a wide range of shapes and profiles direct from CAD/CAM files, making it suited to the creation of one-off pieces or volume production.

It also features a laser scanning option, which allows digitisation and subsequent replication of finely featured work, such as stone artwork.

The spindle motor and the CNC system for the machine’s five positioning axes, which are fully interpolated, were supplied by OMAG’s technology partner NUM.

OMAG’s Blade5 machine is based on a large overhead gantry-style structure, supporting a multi-axis machine head.

The gantry’s main horizontal X and Y axes are based on linear guides that employ ball screw drives and guide blocks fitted with re-circulating ball bearings.

These combine high load-bearing capabilities with smooth, backlash-free positioning.

In the largest configuration of Blade5, both axes have a stroke length of up to 5m, giving machine operators a 25m2 of working area.

The vertical Z-axis, which carries the machine head, employs the same type of technology and can raise the head 3m above the base of the system, enabling huge stone workpieces to be accommodated.

The stone being processed can either be held in a fixed position on a 3.5 x 2m worktop, or rotated by a lathe attachment for turning purposes.

The machine head spindle can accommodate a variety of cutting and forming tools, including a diamond cutting blade up to 1.6m in diameter.

The head contains two positioning axes, which enable the spindle to be inclined by up to 145deg to the vertical and rotated laterally by as much as 380deg.

The gantry’s X, Y and Z axes, as well as the dynamic inclination and lateral rotation of the machine head, are controlled by NUMdrive C servo drives and NUM BPX brushless motors; all five axes are capable of fully interpolated motion, under overall control of a NUM Axium Power CNC system.

This all-digital approach helps ensure accurate and repeatable processing of the workpiece - the cutting co-ordinates are downloaded as ISO files from the machine’s host PC to the Axium Power CNC system.

An optional laser-scanning system enables accurate three-dimensional measurements to be retrieved from a finished piece of work - such as a statue - and automatically converted into an appropriate ISO file, allowing precise replication of the work.

To achieve a high standard of finishing, OMAG has also developed a macro, which evaluates the dynamic motion control commands from the Axium Power CNC system in real time to correct for tool wear, ensuring optimum contact with the workpiece at all times.

The machine head spindle is driven by a liquid-cooled synchronous motor developed by NUM specifically for this application.

NUM supplies the motor’s rotor and stator as separate components, and OMAG then integrates them in the machine head, including bonding the rotor directly to the spindle to maximise rigidity.

The motor, which is driven by a NUMdrive C unit and an MDLL power supply, has a continuous power rating of 25kW at 2,000rev/min, a maximum speed of 8,000rev/min and a peak torque capability of 400Nm.

OMAG’s PC-based CAD/CAM software includes a library of machine tools, which can be requested by the operator; the physical tools are maintained in a rack to the side of the work area.

Typically, these will include milling and turning tools, as well as one or more cutting blades.

Tool changeover is handled automatically; when requested by the operator, the Blade5 machine automatically parks one tool and then places another on the spindle, which uses the industry-standard ISO 50 taper.

The machine’s intuitive human machine interface (HMI) comprises a large touch-sensitive monitor, keyboard and dual joysticks for manually controlling movement when required.

CNC machine tool manufacturer Okuma America Corporation and distributor Hartwig Inc. will host a CNC Technology event at the Hartwig location in Dallas May 2-5, 2011.  The event is designed to recognize the fact that manufacturing is alive and well in Texas and showcase how Okuma equipment can help manufacturers become even more profitable and productive.

Okuma machines on display will include: the new MB-5000H horizontal machining center, a V100R vertical turning lathe, an MU-500 5-axis machining center, LOC-500, LU-45 and Multus-B400 horizontal lathes and Millac 761 and Millac 33T vertical machining centers.  All machines will be cutting parts and members of Partners in THINC will be on hand representing tooling, workholding, gauging, software and other machine tool accessory equipment.

Featured seminars will be presented by Larry Schwartz, Okuma’s chief strategy officer, Linda Ehler, CFO of Hartwig and Matt Kooba, president of IEC.  Other presenting companies, including Hexagon Metrology, Sandvik, Caron Engineering and Kennametal will combine classroom seminars with a hands-on look at Okuma machines and peripheral equipment.

Additional equipment and technology on display will include a Brown & Sharpe Global Advantage gauging system, Romer Arm and two Tsugami machines.

The event is free for manufacturers and lunch will be provided.  To register, log onto http://go.hartwiginc.com.

http://www.onlinetmd.com/medical-device-design-engineering-manufacturing-okuma-hartwig-042211.aspx

ITC Tooling has taken delivery of a Walter Helitronic Micro CNC grinding centre that will provide additional capacity for the manufacturing and re-grinding of carbide and HSS cutting tools.

It will also provide additional capacity for the manufacturing and re-grinding of high specification drills and reamers in the 0.5 to 12.7mm diameter range.

Industrial Tooling Corporation has taken delivery of a Walter Helitronic Micro CNC grinding centre

An additional Helitronic Micro and Helitronic Power are on order and awaiting delivery.

The latest acquisition phase will take ITC’s total of Walter Helitronic tool grinders to 12.

The new machine incorporates linear drives that enable it to meet a linear accuracy of 0.0001mm and a resolution accuracy of 0.0001deg.

ITC first bought this machine to meet a capacity demand for its cutting tools, as its small-tool production was a bottleneck, as well as to enhance the quality of its products.

As opposed to previous machines, the Helitronic Micro has three grinding spindle heads for up to 12 grinding wheels, designed for flexibility in application.

This also enhances the quality of ITC tooling, as with the additional wheel, one wheel can be used solely for radius machining, another for flute machining and so on.

To ease the bottleneck created at ITC by the high demand for high-quality cutting tools, the company will be running regular batches of 500 to 800 cutting tools through the new grinding centre.

To this end, the new Helitronic Micro incorporates a Fanuc six-axis robot system for loading tools to the machining envelope.

ITC production manager Kevin Ford said: ‘We have only had the machine a matter of days, but we can immediately note that cutter loading time with the integrated robot is 10 seconds as opposed to 17-20 seconds on our other machines.

‘Additionally, the robot can grip the tool exactly where we want it to and this further strengthens the consistency of a batch of tools.

‘It also simplifies the production of awkward or non-uniform tools that may encounter difficulties with the double-push system on most grinding centres.

‘Additionally, the Walter Helitronic Micro has a self compensating system built-in, to continually measure thermal growth and compensate for any deviations.

‘This is another aspect that ensures a consistently accurate batch of tools is produced,’ he added.

A custom spindle motor and application-specific CNC system from NUM has helped OMAG to create an innovative five-axis machining centre that combines the functions of a former and a lathe for processing stone materials.

OMAG’s Blade5 machine introduces a new level of flexibility for processing stone work pieces by supporting capabilities including sawing, milling, routing, turning, sculpting and polishing. One of the machine’s key attributes is a high-performance spindle motor with a very large peak torque capability of 400 Nm.

The powerful spindle motor accelerates all aspects of stone processing. The machine - with a large working area of 5 x 5 metres - is also able to create all manner of shapes and profiles direct from CAD/CAM files, making it equally suited to the creation of one-off pieces or volume production. It even features a laser scanning option which allows digitisation and subsequent replication of finely featured work such as stone artwork.

The spindle motor, and the CNC system for the machine’s five positioning axes - which are fully interpolated - were all supplied by NUM, who have been a technology partner to OMAG for more than 20 years.

According to Marco Battistotti of NUM Italy, “A willingness to partner with a constructor of special machines and share the risk of creating specific application and CNC solutions is at the heart of NUM’s business philosophy. In OMAG’s case, there is a strong cooperation in the technological development for new machines.”

OMAG’s Blade5 machine is based on a large overhead gantry-style structure, supporting an innovative multi-axis machine head. The gantry’s main horizontal X and Y axes are based on linear guides that employ ball screw drives and guide blocks fitted with recirculating ball bearings. These combine high load-bearing capabilities with smooth, backlash-free positioning. In the largest configuration of Blade5, both axes have a stroke length of up to 5 metres, giving machine operators a very large 25 square metres of working area. The vertical Z axis, which carries the machine head, employs the same type of technology and can raise the head 3 metres above the base of the system, enabling huge stone work pieces to be accommodated. The stone being processed can either be held in a fixed position on a large 3.5 x 2 metre worktop, or rotated by a lathe attachment for turning purposes.

The machine head spindle can accommodate a wide variety of cutting and forming tools, including a diamond cutting blade up to 1.6 metres in diameter. The head contains two positioning axes, which enable the spindle to be inclined by up to 140 degrees to the vertical and rotated laterally by as much as 380 degrees, conveying an exceptional level of flexibility to the process.

The gantry’s X, Y and Z axes, as well as the dynamic inclination and lateral rotation of the machine head, are controlled by NUMDrive C servo drives and NUM BPX brushless motors; all five axes are capable of fully interpolated motion, under overall control of a NUM Axium Power CNC system.

This all-digital control approach helps ensure highly accurate and repeatable processing of the work piece; the cutting coordinates are downloaded as ISO files from the machine’s host PC to the Axium Power CNC system. An optional laser scanning system enables extremely accurate three-dimensional measurements to be retrieved from a finished piece of work - such as a statue - and automatically converted into an appropriate ISO file, allowing precise replication of the work of art. To achieve the highest standard of finishing, OMAG has also developed a special macro which evaluates the dynamic motion control commands from the Axium Power CNC system in real time to correct for tool wear, ensuring optimum contact with the work piece at all times.

The machine head spindle is driven by an extremely powerful liquid-cooled synchronous motor developed by NUM specifically for this application. NUM supplies the motor’s rotor and stator as separate components, and OMAG then integrates them in the machine head, including bonding the rotor directly to the spindle to maximise rigidity. The motor, which is driven by a NUMDrive C unit and an MDLL power supply, has a continuous power rating of 25 kW at 2000 rpm, a maximum speed of 8000 rpm and a peak torque capability of 400 Nm.

OMAG’s PC-based CAD/CAM software includes a library of machine tools which can be freely requested by the operator; the physical tools are maintained in a rack to the side of the work area. Typically, these will include milling and turning tools, as well as one or more cutting blades. Tool changeover is handled completely automatically; when requested by the operator, the Blade5 machine automatically parks one tool and then places another on the spindle - which uses the industry-standard ISO 50 taper. The machine’s HMI (human machine interface) is highly intuitive, and comprises a large touch-sensitive monitor, keyboard and dual joysticks for manually controlling movement when required.

As Marco Battistotti points out, “OMAG’s Blade5 exemplifies the benefits of close collaboration between machine designers and numerical control specialists. The various configurations of Blade5 are proving extremely popular in the market.”

http://www.wordsun.com/release.php?id=1093

Henry Ford Community College (HFCC) is offering a free six-week accelerated Computer Numerical Control (CNC) training program for unemployed residents and veterans.

Students will learn the basics of CNC machine tools through practical usage and operation in HFCC’s CNC laboratory. In addition, this program will cover operations, tool set-up and work set-up of both CNC turning and milling centers.

Instruction will be delivered through lecture and extensive, hands-on laboratory activities.  Following successful course completion, students will be ready for both the written exam and laboratory activities of the CNC Level 1 certificate endorsed by the Haas Technical Education Council.

CNC operators earn a median wage of $16.69 in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth.

To qualify, you must be able to provide proof of unemployment and/or veteran status; be available Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. for the six-week course; have high school level computer and math skills; be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and be capable of standing for a minimum of four hours at a time. Students must also have a minimum of two years experience machining on manual mills or lathes.

To apply, contact Barbara Gray at 313.845.6335 or via e-mail at bjgray1@hfcc.edu.  The first class begins May 9, 2011 and HFCC will accept applications through April 29, 2011.  All applicants will receive notification of acceptance by May 5, 2011.

http://www.mlive.com/jobs/index.ssf/2011/04/henry_ford_community_college_offers_free.html