Wisconsin-based machine tool builder Tormach LLC is introducing a new version of its most popular CNC mill, the PCNC 1100 Series 3. The new machine is built on a cast iron frame with “hand-scraped” hydrodynamic slideways, with low-friction PTFE-filled acetyl-bonded sliding surfaces. The 5100 RPM R8 spindle is driven by a 1.5-HP induction motor, with sensorless vector control logic provided by Emerson Control Techniques.The Series 3 has a re-engineered motion system that incorporates high-performance polyphase stepper motors, with Leadshine^® microstepping drivers. “This system provides a significant increase in axis speed,” the builder announced, “as well as reserve motor torque at cutting speeds, thermal and over-current safety modes for the driver modules, and ultra-quiet operation.”

“We’ve invested significantly into the engineering of the new drive system, and are confident that it is best-in-class in both performance and reliability,” commented Greg Jackson, president of Tormach. “Our mission with all Tormach products is to provide unprecedented value in CNC, and the Series 3 is another example of our dedication to reaching that goal.”

Other improvements in the new machine’s design include a more durable copolymer enamel paint system, and a redesigned operator’s panel. A new cast iron tool tray has been added, too.

Series 3 Motion upgrade kits are available for legacy PCNC models.

Tornach designs and builds CNC machine tools, accessories, and components, as well as motion control products for users involved in R&D, education, short-run production, “or simply entrepreneurs with new ideas,” it said. Its products are sold direct, online, to operators worldwide.

“From the beginning, we’ve focused on a modular design principles for our mills,” said Jackson. “This not only allows our customers to upgrade performance of older models to our current product specifications, but also preserves investment value.” Special upgrade kit pricing is available to existing PCNC owners.

http://www.americanmachinist.com/304/Issue/Article/False/87999/Issue

Market-leading, precision manufacturing subcontract specialist - O.L.D. Engineering Ltd - is no stranger to making strategic investment in new and advanced machine tool technologies.

Indeed the Leicestershire-based, family-owned company, first established in 1971 has, in the last 12 months alone, invested in eight (8) new Doosan machines supplied by Mills CNC.

These new machines – 1 x Puma 600 (large capacity) lathe; 3 x Puma 400 lathes; 2 x Lynx 300 lathes and 2 x VC 500 (twin-pallet) vertical machining centres have increased O.L.D. Engineering’s manufacturing capabilities and flexibility, and have given the company much-needed extra production capacity because, according to Mary Topp, O.L.D. Engineering’s managing director; ‘‘business was (and still is) booming, and we needed to invest in new machines to capitalise on the up-turn.’’

The new Doosan machines are being used to produce complex, high-precision components for a diverse and growing range of customers operating in the power generation, electronics, fluid power, packaging, automotive and motorsport sectors.

There are a number of reasons why Doosan machines (supplied by Mills) were selected.

Continues Mary Topp:

‘‘The relationship between O.L.D. Engineering Ltd and Mills goes back to 1995 and a partnership, based on trust and shared values, exists between both companies. Mills know and understand our business and it is these strengths coupled with the reliability, accuracy and value of the Doosan machine tools it sells, supports and services that give Mills the edge.’’

O.L.D. Engineering

Although the types of parts manufactured on the new Doosan machines vary considerably there are some similarities.

Says Mary Topp:

‘‘We are mainly involved in ‘heavy-duty’ machining and the parts we manufacture are machined from cast iron, aluminium and/or steels to exacting accuracy and surface finish requirements.

‘‘We manufacture prototypes and one-offs right through to small-to-medium size batches and, as well as providing customers with ‘best-in-class’ machining (turning, milling, grinding), also offer a range of other services that including full inspection, sub-assembly, laser marking, welding & fabrication, pressure testing etc., to name but a few.’’

Back in the day

O.L.D. Engineering’s investment in new machine tool technologies is part of a company-wide continuous improvement programme that, in recent years, has seen a sizeable expansion in its plant…an increase in the services it provides and planned diversification into different industries and market sectors.

Continues Mary Topp:

‘‘When the company was first created in 1971 by the three original partners, (Mr Olner, Mr Lusty and Mr Drackley), it was located in small premises in Sharnford (Leicestershire) and its primary focus was on manufacturing parts for the rail industry.

‘‘In the early 1980’s the company relocated to its current site and, importantly, began manufacturing parts for a leading diesel engine OEM.

‘‘During the 1990’s we became a preferred supplier to this customer and now manufacture a comprehensive range of diesel engine parts that include -: shafts, manifolds, elbows, exhaust connectors, flywheels etc.’’

For a relatively small company to achieve such a strategic position within an OEM’s supply-chain is impressive – but it also has inherent dangers too.’

Says Mary Topp:

‘‘We didn’t want to be in the position of having ‘all of our eggs in one basket’, and realised that if our diesel engine customer’s business slowed down for any reason – the knock-on effect could be particularly damaging to us.

‘‘However, we knew and were confident that our corporate values and ‘right-first-time’ business approach were highly marketable and would, alongside further investment in new technologies and an increase in plant, equipment and personnel, allow us to grow our business in different sectors.’’

Diversification and beyond

The decision to diversify, made in 2006, has paid dividends and business is booming.

As well as continuing to manufacture parts for its OEM engine customer, O.L.D. Engineering has created a ‘Special Projects’ division to handle the new work acquired in different sectors and is looking to expand this side of its business further.

The company has, not surprisingly, grown significantly since the decision to diversify was taken and now employs 70 people.

This increase in staffing levels has been matched by a similar expansion in plant and equipment and the company now operates from 4 units on Sketchley Industrial Estate, Hinckley and is currently considering its options to increase its floor space further.

To help move into different markets and to further differentiate itself from the competition the company has gained ISO 9001 certification and expects to gain AS 9100 accreditation later this year.

http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/engineers-case-studies/Puma-Lathes—Lynx-Lathes—-VC-500.asp

By having the twin 1,250 mm square pallet system on the latest Toyoda FH1250SX horizontal machining centre configured in a vee formation in front of the machining zone, this provides a ‘full diameter’ work envelope with good access for loading/unloading components weighing up to 5 tonnes while minimising the floor area required.

Available through 2D CNC of Rushden, Northants, the Toyoda horizontal machining centre combines machining power, with over 1,000 Nm of torque available at the spindle, with high levels of rigidity in its construction. As a result the power available can be effectively applied, while ensuring micron accuracy and a long consistent service life.

Key features of the Toyoda FH1250SX, which is able to accept components within a cylinder of 2,400 mm diameter and 1,800 mm high, are the high rigidity cast bed and column construction contributing to the 48 tonne overall machine weight. Twin drives to the spindle head Y- and table Z-axes feature with the additional benefits from internally cooled 63 mm dia ballscrews in the 2,200 mm X-axis and 50 mm dia ballscrews in each of the 1,600 mm Y- and 1,850 mm Z-axes. The inclusion of high dynamic roller bearing guides create up to three times greater damping than an equivalent ball bearing based system.

Each of the three spindle options available on the machine incorporates an intelligent system for control of the four row ceramic pre-stressed bearings. Speed and torque options of 30 kW, 6,000 revs/min are standard with 600 Nm of torque available while a 15,000 revs/min spindle having 262 Nm of torque can also be specified for high speed machining applications. Meanwhile, a massive 1,009 Nm of torque is available at the spindle from a further heavier duty option of a 37 kW, 8,000 revs/min spindle.

The accuracy capability is high achieving +/-2 micron with a repeatability of +/-1 micron over the working strokes. In addition the accuracy of the 0.001 deg indexing pallet mechanism in the machining zone with optional NC-encoders is +/- 3.5 microns while repeatability is +/- 2 microns.

Tool change time is quick at 4 secs chip-to-chip for tools weighing up to 35 kg and up to 120 mm dia by 800 mm long. With adjacent pockets left empty, tools up to 350 mm dia can be loaded from the machine’s heavy-duty magazines. Tools are supplied from a 60 capacity chain magazine as standard with options of 121, 210, 330, 450 and 570 positions.

Control of the Toyoda FH1250SX is via Fanuc 310i high function, open CNC unit with Toyoda developed software for programming, tool and pallet management, maintenance and diagnostics. The control has the capacity to hold 1,000 programs with interface with Windows XP. It also incorporates features such as helical interpolation, rotary table dynamic fixture offsetting and Al control.

http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/machine-tool-news/Toyoda-FH1250SX—Machining-Centre_.asp

The site – located at ccmachineusa.com – features content detailing C & C Machine’s milling, turning and inspection services, as well as a downloadable .PDF of its Quality Manual, which the company uses to ensure customer satisfaction. Visitors can request quotes using any page of the site or find contact information for specific staff members.

Danconia Media gave the site a clean design that’s easy to navigate to maximize conversion. The site was engineered for scalability, so C & C Machine can build it out with volumes of content as the business grows down the line. C & C has hired Danconia to perform monthly search engine optimization (SEO) work to increase the site’s online visibility.

The site was developed using a highly robust, yet user-friendly, content management system (CMS) that C & C’s staffers can now use to add, remove and modify its content in-house. This saves the company considerable costs since it needn’t rely on a third-party agency for updates. And since the CMS is open-source, it’s free of the exorbitant licensing and maintenance fees that proprietary solutions carry.

Founded 25 years ago, C & C Machine offers a suite of services, including custom finishing, sheet metal, special processes, assembly and engineering. The business started out in 1986 in a garage and has grown into a full CNC machining complex.

About C & C Machine
C & C Machine, Inc. (ccmachineusa.com), established in 1986, has grown into a CNC machining complex. From simple parts to very complex, prototype to production, plastics to metals, C &C makes them all. Integrity and quality is C &C’s commitment to its customers and our employees. At C & C Machine, employees utilize the latest technology of shop floor control and Cad/Cam systems to take products from concept to reality. C &C’s precision machining centers are equipped with multi-axis, auto feed and pallet changers to maximize production, quality, and cost effectiveness.

About Danconia Media
Danconia Media ( danconia.com) is a full-service web design and marketing firm that takes a unique approach to both online and traditional campaigns. Specialties include web development, search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), Internet marketing, social media marketing, online reputation management, graphic design, logo design, corporate business card design, trade show display design, email marketing and copywriting.

http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/98332/

Computerised Numerical Control (CNC) and Numerical Control (NC) innovation and machine tool automation company, NUM is celebrating 50 years of its technological advancement.

NUM’s mother company Telemecanique developed the first NC in 1961 and in 1964 the company came out with an NC under the brand name NUM, after which NUM was established as an individual company. NUM is responsible for many innovations such as the first 16-bit controller in the world, first completely digital servo drive, which included a digital current control and breakthrough support software like the rotation tool centre point package and the NUMROTO package for tool grinding.

In recent times, NUM has developed the CNC Kernel, Flexium, which has 200 interpolating axes. The CNC can be customised and programmed according to the needs of its customers and can be applied to all kinds of machinery irrespective of its size and complexity. According to Peter von Rueti, CEO of NUM, the company’s staff are also a part of its technology. This approach gives the company a better edge over its competitors. The company specialises in different segments like rotary transfer, tool grinding, gear cutting, wood working etc. NUM provides R&D Support and customised solutions to its machine building customers across the world by providing them with technical staff.

http://www.azom.com/news.aspx?newsID=30630

The ability to integrate machine and production data into company information is increasingly important for manufacturers, and their suppliers. From development and design to purchasing, and through to production and sales, that information is valuable for achieving and maintaining competitiveness among manufacturers. But, according to the automation and IT specialists at Siemens Industry Inc., such transparency is only possible by developing an overview of the entire production process — “right down to the chip level” — to uncover weak spots, eliminate them, and develop effective continuous improvement. This means it’s necessary to integrate machine tools into corporate processes.

Sinumerik Integrate is a comprehensive modular program that helps to integrate machine tools into communication, engineering, and production processes.

A collection of Siemens products that support engineering and other processes, including machine tools, are now presented as “Sinumerik Integrate.” It’s a program that allows machine tool data to be integrated quickly, simply, and reliably into other processes. IT integration allows managers, machine operators, part programmers, maintenance engineers, and machine tool builders to be networked together by defined processes. Sinumerik Integrate does this by concentrating IT-related functions into a single process suite, using six different modules that cover every aspect of the machine tool integration process.

The “Create-it!” module is used to group methods for generating and configuring user-specific functions in the Sinumerik Operate user interface. The programming of interfaces to machine tools and to company servers also falls within the scope of this module. Extensive function libraries are offered, for example, which make it possible to use NC, PLC, and HMI functions across the network.

Protecting proprietary technological expertise in the machine tool against unauthorized access is the function of the “Lock-it!” module. Examples here include copy protection or safe storage of user information with the aid of encrypted cycles.

“Run-it!” encompasses the entire runtime system executing the individual screen interfaces and of internal compile cycles at the NC kernel. Drive control and also the workflow of the virtual numerical controller kernel (VNCK) are also part of this module.

”Manage-it!” is used to organize and manage NC programs and tools, comprising solutions related to tool, data, and program management to enable fast, overarching availability of production information. The rapid availability of NC programs over the network, central NC program management and storage are also key functions of this module, as is an overview of actual tool data. Added to these features are a transparent tool cycle for the entire production process and the connection of tool identification systems.

Standardized communication throughout the Sinumerik CNC family is available via the “Access-it!” module, which allows remote accessing for machine diagnostics. This module helps reduce machine downtime, enhances machine availability by allowing fast online access and cuts maintenance costs. It also allows backups to be automatically initiated by the higher-level data backup software overnight, or information that is not centrally generated (such as local NC programs) to be collected automatically. “Access-it” has the additional benefit of reducing standstill periods and preventing data loss in the event of component failure.

The “Analyze-it!” module makes available several efficient functions for condition-based maintenance and key indicator-based analysis. Continuous evaluation of information within the production process allows machine run-times to be increased, while condition-oriented maintenance reduces machine downtime and standstill periods. In addition, this module permits users to evaluate key indicators relating to the wear of mechatronic components.

Sinumerik Integrate offers machine tool OEMs a variety of possibilities for the machine-specific optimization of Sinumerik CNCs in terms of improved technology, programming and operation. It allows builders to integrate their machines quickly, simply and efficiently into overarching customer production and communication processes. However, machine tool users can also use Siemens Integrate to integrate their machines into complex existing corporate IT systems. Benefits include improved productivity and the availability of machines in addition to an overall reduction in manufacturing costs.

By bringing all the IT-relevant functions of a machine tool CNC together to create a complete process suite, Siemens indicated it is providing a way to simplify the technical and organizational implementation of strategic concepts underlying any innovative production lifecycle management (PLM) process. Machine tools can be commissioned more effectively — and made more productive and easier to customize and optimize over their entire lifecycle within the complete PLM process chain.

http://www.americanmachinist.com/Classes/Article/ArticleDraw.aspx?HBC=Issue&NIL=False&CID=87887&OASKEY=Issue

Offered in 2- and 3-axis models, heavy-duty KBC incorporates Acu-Rite CNC MILLPWR Control with full-color LCD, 3D contouring capabilities, and standardized menus. Mechanical variable-speed mill head delivers full torque over entire speed range, while table, available in 9 x 49 in. or 10 x 50 in. sizes, features precision hardened ground ways. Also included, quill-release feature on spindle drive allows for manual operation when CNC is unnecessary or unwanted.

KBC Tools Introduces New Vertical Mills with CNC Control

Hot off the release of its latest sales flyer, KBC Tools & Machinery is pleased to announce a major addition to its extensive machinery lineup. The KBC CNC Vertical Milling Machine with Acu-Rite CNC Control sets a new standard for exceptional value in heavy-duty machinery. Offered in four configurations (2- and 3-axis models in 9″x49″ and 10″x50″ table sizes), these packages combine a high-quality mill with an industry standard control for an entry level price. Sound too good to be true? Read on!

For 30 years the KBC Vertical Milling Machine has been a reliable workhorse in machine shops across North America. With accuracy and durability to match ‘brand name’ mills costing twice the price, these machines have been the obvious choice for those demanding top quality at a dollar figure that won’t interfere with a good night’s sleep.

Among many attractive features, the KBC Vertical Milling Machines sport a mechanical variable speed mill head that will reliably deliver full torque over the entire speed range. The hardened and ground table (available in two sizes) features precision hardened ground ways, ensuring the machine will stand up to years of usage and deliver the kind of long-term value expected from a KBC machine. As well, a unique quill-release feature on the spindle drive allows for manual operation when CNC is unnecessary or unwanted.

When nothing but computerized accuracy will do, however, the included Acu-Rite CNC Control (made in the U.S.A.) is the optimal choice. Easy to learn and simple to use, the Acu-Rite is built with speed and convenience firmly in mind. An exceptionally clear full-color LCD display, 3D contouring capabilities, standardized menus, and components that have been manufactured and tested to withstand the harshest machine shop environments are all standard on the Acu-Rite MILLPWR Control system. Advanced features do not imply a steep learning curve however; the Acu-Rite has canned cycles for all regular milling and drilling jobs. Just fill in the blanks with your project specs and you are ready to roll with a program customized for your task.

Though you may not need it, support for both the KBC Mill and the Acu-Rite control is never far away. KBC always keeps parts for its mills in stock, while Acu-Rite handles inquiries concerning its U.S.-made CNC controls through a well-organized North American support network. The proven reliability and ease of use associated with this package will allow you to get right down to work on equipment designed to meet the most demanding shop requirements.

See the KBC CNC Vertical Milling Machine with Acu-Rite CNC Control specifications below or visit the KBC Tools machinery website at www.kbctoolsandmachinery.com for more information. To speak with a KBC sales team member about your tooling and machinery requirements, call toll free 1-800-521-1740.

9×49 CNC Vertical Milling Machine Specifications

                     with 2-Axis Acu-Rite CNC Control 3HP 3PH   with 3-Axis Acu-Rite CNC Control 3HP 3PH

Table Size                        9" x 49"                   9" x 49"

Longitudinal Travel Manual                 34"                      34"

Longitudinal Travel with Power Feed	          30"                      30"

Cross Travel                        12"                      12"

Knee Travel                        16"                      16"

Table to spindle min/max                0 - 18-3/4"                  0 - 18-3/4"

Spindle to column at 90°                4-1/2" - 19"                 4-1/2" - 19"

Spindle Speeds                   60 - 4200 RPM (Var.*)             60 - 4200 RPM (Var.*)

Spindle Taper                       R8                      R8

Power quill feeds (per rev.)            .0017"/.0032"/.0053"                 N/A

Quill travel                        5"                  4" (with CNC Control)

Spindle Motor                   3 HP, 230/460V, 3 Phase            3 HP, 230/460V, 3 Phase

Net Weight                       2,420 lbs.                  2,420 lbs.

KBC Part Number                    6-265-007-CNC2                6-265-007-CNC3

10×50 CNC Vertical Milling Machine Specifications

                      with 2-Axis Acu-Rite CNC Control 3HP 3PH   with 3-Axis Acu-Rite CNC Control 3HP 3PH

Table Size                        10" x 50"                 10" x 50"

Longitudinal Travel Manual                 32"                    32"

Longitudinal Travel with CNC Control            28"                    28"

Cross Travel with CNC Control                12"                    12"

Knee Travel                         16"                    16"

Table to spindle min/max                0 - 16-5/8"                0 - 16-5/8"

Spindle to column at 90°                 5" - 22"                 5" - 22"

Spindle Speeds                    60 - 4200 RPM (Var.*)          60 - 4200 RPM (Var.*)

Spindle Taper                        R8                    R8

Power quill feeds (per rev.)            .0017"/.0032"/.0053"               N/A

Quill travel                         5"               4" (with CNC Control)

Spindle Motor                     3 HP, 230/460V, 3 Phase        3 HP, 230/460V, 3 Phase

Net Weight                        2,800 lbs.               2,800 lbs.

KBC Part Number                          6-265-006-CNC2         6-265-006-CNC3

ESTABLISHED IN 1965, KBC TOOLS INC. HAS BEEN PROVIDING THE METALWORKING INDUSTRY WITH THE BEST TOOLS AT THE BEST PRICES FOR OVER 45 YEARS. KBC IS ONE OF THE LEADING METAL CUTTING TOOL & MACHINERY CATALOG HOUSES IN NORTH AMERICA, WITH 5 LOCATIONS COMPLETE WITH SHOWROOMS IN THE USA: (2 IN STERLING HEIGHTS, MI; ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL; ST. CHARLES, MO; FULLERTON, CA), AND 3 IN CANADA (MISSISSAUGA, ON; OLDCASTLE, ON; DELTA, BC).

FOR THE KBC LOCATION CLOSEST TO YOU CALL 1-800-521-1740, FAX (24/7) AT 1-800-322-4292, DROP INTO YOUR LOCAL SHOWROOM, OR CHECK US OUT AT WWW.KBCTOOLS.COM.

http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/Vertical-Milling-Machine-features-CNC-functionality-601979

An application-specific CNC system from NUM is helping machine tool manufacturer Sinico to produce a fully automated, 9-axis rotary transfer cut-off and end-finishing machine developed for manufacturing volume batches of parts from metal bars and tubes. Sinico is an Italian designer and builder of automatic, rotary transfer cut-off and finishing machines, and thanks in part to the high speed CNC system, its new machine is considerably faster than the model it replaces.

Sinico’s new TOP 2000ri machine is the latest in a long series of flexible chip-removing machine tools. It is developed for use in various processes, like cutting, facing, chamfering, boring, centering, turning, drilling, threading, tapping and milling. The machines also handle shaping operations, such as flaring, tapering, rolling, pressing, marking and knurling. Manufacturers use the machines to produce hydraulic components, and parts for electric motors, industrial chains, power transmissions, and earthmoving machinery, as well as automotive components. Contract machining is another strong application.

The performance of Sinico’s new TOP 2000ri is impressive: loading and setting of blank bars or tubes takes just 9 seconds, compared to 21 seconds on previous-generation machines; since this operation is repeated many times during a production run, it helps improve throughput significantly. Capable of accommodating tubes from 8 to 120 mm in diameter and bars from 8 to 80 mm, the machine can accept feed material up to 6.5 meters in length and produce parts up to 640 mm in length. These attributes, combined with its fast changeover capabilities, make the machine a supremely flexible solution for manufacturers producing a wide diversity of parts.

Sinico has used NUM CNC systems on several of its machines, and the two companies have collaborated to develop new cutting and shaping techniques. NUM develops CNC control packages for customers, with a focus on high-end applications, and it also integrates third-party products in application-specific solutions.

Sinico chose to base all of the TOP 2000ri’s motion-control functions on NUM equipment for two main reasons. First, it needed the flexibility and multi-axis capabilities of NUM’s new-generation Flexium 68 CNC system to accommodate the machine’s fast throughput and changeover characteristics. Second, it wanted to continue partnering with a company prepared to offer a fast and reactive service for collaborative software development.

All power supplies, drives, and motors (including five high-power spindle motors) were also supplied by NUM. The main rotary transfer stage of TOP 2000ri, which clamps and loads cut-to-length material into the end-finishing stages, is driven by a large NUM BPH brushless motor capable of generating up to 36 Nm of torque. This high-speed stage feeds up to four workstations sequentially, making 90-degree moves in less than 0.4 seconds. The finishing stages of the machine employ five, asynchronous AMS series spindle motors, each rated at 9 kW, plus a further eight NUM brushless motors for various position control tasks.

On the control side, there are seven single-axis NUMDrive C units, six rated at 130 A, and one at 14 A. There are also three dual-axis 50 A NUMDrive C units. The drive rack is powered by a NUM 120 kW regenerative regulated power supply together with an auxiliary power supply. Overall control of the machine is handled by NUM’s new Flexium 68 CNC system.

The application-specific software for the Flexium CNC system was developed by NUM in conjunction with Sinico, using the CoDeSys hardware manufacturer-independent IEC 61131-3 programming system. This approach made it easy for engineers to share development. The application-specific HMI uses a NUM FS152i P2 control panel, featuring a touch-sensitive screen and an integrated industrial PC, together with a customized keyboard and a hand wheel for making small parameter adjustments easily and quickly. The code for the HMI was developed by Sinico, using standard Visual Basic to call routines from the NUM-supplied libraries.

The entire process flow on the TOP 2000ri is synchronized by NUM’s advanced new CNC kernel, Flexium CNC. This is over four times more powerful than the fastest version of NUM’s well-known Axium controller, which has been a popular choice for machine tool applications for many years. The HMI is specifically designed to present machine operators with a clear portrayal of each manufacturing stage, so that they can familiarize themselves easily with the entire process. A large number of different setup parameters can be stored and recalled at any time, enabling a changeover of the part being manufactured to be accomplished in very short timescales. This minimizes machine ‘dead’ time and helps maximize overall productivity.

The TOP 2000ri features Sinico’s patented AVTC system, which continuously varies the feed rate to the machine’s cut-off stage to ensure that a constant volume of material is removed. The software automatically generates an ISO program for the ideal cutting speed curve, depending on the dimensions of the bar being processed and the shape that has been specified. This reduces cutting times to an absolute minimum and helps to increase the life of the saw blade.

http://www.machinetoolsonline.com/article.mvc/Fast-CNC-Improves-Productivity-Of-Cut-Off-0001

Sheffield based CNC machine tool distributors Ward Hi-Tech quickly hit the jackpot after launching their new range of heavy duty, long bed CNC lathes manufactured by SFM of Taiwan.

Within a few weeks of launching the new agency Ward Hi-Tech struck a deal with a major supplier of machined forgings, to supply an SFM Model CHT56 for producing amongst other things a range of lengthy forged rods used in the manufacture of tracked vehicles.

The machine had to be rigid and powerful enough to cope with the arduous machining process and have the capacity to allow deep internal bores to be machined to a fine finish.

The CHT56 proved ideal. With a swing of 1420mm and heavy duty headstock, the machine comfortably accommodated the heavy adjustable fixture necessary to hold the customer’s range of components and the extremely robust boring station option allowed a 150mm diameter x 2.5m long Sandvik balanced boring bar to be utilised to produce the internal diameters to drawing finish with ease.

The CHT56 4 speed gearbox arrangement ensured high torque performance at low speed and enabled the machine process to be carried out without fear of stalling, which had been the problem experienced by the customer on a previous machine.

So successful was the initial reaction to the new installation that Ward Hi-Tech’s client quickly decided to return and order a further two SFM machines to similar specification and are looking forward to installing the additions in the near future.

UK Sales Manager of Ward Hi-Tech, Mike Burke, commented,

“Seldom have we had such an immediate positive reaction to the launch of a new Agency. Shortly after confirming this initial order for these 3 SFM lathes at a combined value of around £700K, we sold a model CST42 with 1070mm swing x 4000mm between centres valued at over £220K to an existing customer of ours based in the Midlands.

All in all we are over the moon with the results and by the reaction generally that we are getting to the SFM product range”.

The SFM CNC heavy duty lathe range can be viewed on Ward Hi-Tech’s website: www.wardhitech.co.uk

http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/engineers-case-studies/Ward-Hi-Tech—SFM-CNC-Lathe_2011_9.asp

iMachining from SolidCAM, already proven as a revolution in the world of Metal Cutting throughout its world-wide pre-release, makes its official unveiling at the upcoming EMO 2011 show in Hannover Germany, September 19 to the 24th.

EMO attendees will see firsthand how SolidCAM’s iMachining delivers an entirely new level of metal cutting performance that enables every CAM user to bring 21st century technology right into every machine shop, for nearly all types of parts, machines, cutters and materials. Expertly guided by the exclusive “Technology Wizard”, iMachining users get unmatched shortened cycle times, extended tool life, programming speed and the ability to use even the smallest tools in cutting the hardest materials, right at their fingertips. Seeing is believing, as iMachining shows all visitors how it can save them up to 70% of machining time, dramatically extend tool life and simplify CAM programming, all in real-time, live cutting demonstrations. For those looking to join the iMachining revolution, learn more about the ease of use and the real productivity enhancements of iMachining and see actual live iMachining cutting, visit the SolidCAM booth at the EMO, Stand J08 in Hall 25. For live examples of iMachining cutting, you can also visit Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and the SolidCAM website.

iMachining – under the hood

SolidCAM’s iMachining differs from and surpasses other CAM-Systems, both in ease of programming and the quality of the toolpaths, generated by its exclusive algorithms. Unlike other CAM systems that leave users guessing at machining parameters like Speeds and Feeds, iMachining uses a patented “Technology Wizard” that guides users through all steps to optimize the production job. With the Wizard, iMachining uses tool length, diameter and number and angle of flutes, together with material and machine properties, to generate smooth morphing spiral toolpaths which ensure constant cutting force on the tool. The calculated CNC-programs avoid parallel and lateral offsets, continuous repositioning and time-consuming air cutting movements like insertion, retraction and withdrawing. The results are significantly higher metal removal rates and also reduced load and wear on the tools and machines. Users enjoy shorter cutting-times for increased machine productivity, longer tool life, better process stability, reduced machine wear and the best surface quality to reduce re-work.

http://www.cadcamnews.in/2011/09/imachining-revolution-in-cam-and-cnc.html