With its twin three-axis gantry loader construction, Muratec USA’s new MW120GT Twin-Spindle CNC Chucker increases productivity while minimizing production time for both sides of a processed workpiece to just 16 seconds in high-speed, A/B lathe operations. A subsidiary of Murata Machinery Ltd., based in Kyoto, Japan, Murata Machinery USA, Inc.’s machine tool division produces a variety of high-productivity machines for the metal-cutting industry.

“The MW120GT Twin Spindle Chucker is ideal for manufacturers who need a precision automated turning solution,” explained Steve Landrum, North American Sales Manager, Murata Machinery USA, Inc. “In operation, production speeds as fast as 16 seconds per cycle are possible on the MW120GT.”

Designed for complex turning applications, the MW120GT features two automated three-axis gantry loaders and can accommodate chucks of 165 or 210 mm (6.496 and 8.268 inches) in diameter. By completely separating and isolating machine bed and enclosures from the machine structure, the MW120GT eliminates any harmonic vibration transfer. Its high-speed gantry loader and turret axes also drastically reduce cycle time. Like all automated CNC turning machines, the MW120GT features automated loading and unloading gantry systems and easily integrates into almost any manufacturing environment.

Murata Machinery USA, Inc. is a world leader in manufacturing automated material-handling systems, machine-tool technology and textile machinery. The Machine Tool Turning Division supplies twin- and single-spindle automated turning centers that provide innovative technology and compact designs for high productivity with intelligent gantry-loader material handling.

Users of Muratec’s automated CNC turning lathes include aerospace manufacturing, automotive engineering and other industries that depend on precision, high-speed turning machines. All Muratec turning machines incorporate environmentally friendly, semi-dry cutting features to reduce dust, oil mist and odor for a safer work environment.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9162094.htm

The software can drive the full spectrum of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) applications, including milling, turning, wire EDM, multitasking, Turn-Mill, and Swiss-turning. PartMaker has always offered a base level of CAD, but it had limited functionality and only provided 2D, not 3D capabilities, according to Hanan Fishman, PartMaker’s president. “PartMaker has always had basic CAD — I liken it to AutoCAD for the machinist. In other words, it has 2D drawing capabilities and is designed for minimum keystrokes and to be easy to use by shop floor personnel,”

Fishman told us.

The 3D model of a hydrolic spool was created in PartMaker Modeling using its direct
modeling capabilities to adjust cross holes.

Though 2D functionality has long been sufficient, requirements are starting to change for the PartMaker customer base — the bulk of which consists of medical device manufacturers. Most of them now work regularly with 3D models, and it isn’t uncommon for the CNC software to run into data quality issues when working with IGES and STEP files, which is typically how partners working in different CAD systems exchange models, Fishman said.

Unlike native 3D CAD files, IGES and STEP files do not maintain a rich set of data about the product in a history tree. Companies with concerns about sharing intellectual property convert their native CAD files into so-called dumb STEP or IGES files. This strips out much of the intelligence and leaves only a surface model. This is perfect for sharing, but not oversharing.

Manufacturing teams typically have to recreate that intelligence before they can send the file off to a machinist to create a part with the proper tolerances. However, the recreation process is fraught with translation issues, and Fishman said PartMaker Modeling’s vision of CAD is designed to address that specific problem.

As a hybrid modeler supporting surfaces and the Parasolid industry-standard solid modeling kernel, PartMaker Modeling includes an internal Solid Doctor tool that automatically repairs models. It turns the simplified IGES or STEP surface model into a solid model that can drive CNC machines and 3D simulations without any translation issues. It also frees machine shops from having to invest in multiple CAD systems, most of which have capabilities they don’t use or need, Fishman said.

”This allows people to accept poor-quality data from all sorts of different systems and repair it and turn it into a watertight, machineable solid model,” he said.

http://www.designnews.com/document.asp?doc_id=238234&f_src=designnews_gnews

Hendrick Manufacturing Corp. introduces the NXT CNC Router Series featuring a 12 HP HSD HSK-63F high frequency spindle (3,000 to 24,000 RPM) with an 8 station automatic tool changer and air blast nozzle for tool cooling. Heavy-duty structure design and CNC control software yields feed rates up to 2500 inches per minute and positioning accuracy of +/- 0.002 inches with repetitive accuracy of +/- 0.0008 inches. Features include a multi-zone (6) vacuum grid table for zoning when cutting small parts and automatic pop up stops for exact locating of boards and/or material. The NXT CNC Router Series is available in 4’ x 8’& 5’x10’ sizes.

http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/directories/wood-machinery-supplies/panel-processing/HEAVY-DUTY-CNC-ROUTER-SERIES-138574134.html?ref=134

I think home-based 3D printing is not yet ready for prime time, because the spatial resolution of the things you can make with 3D printers is not that great. It will get better in the coming years. But the output from this milling machine looks great (as far as I can tell from the photos).
Read More:-http://boingboing.net/2012/02/02/imodela-rolands-1000-hobby.html

Job Title: Experienced CNC Machinists

Job Status:     Full Time
Job Category:     Manufacturing
Experience:     3-5 Years
Location:     Eau Claire
Salary Type:     Not Specified
Education:     Not Specified
Job ID:     138514629

Job Description

Pro-Cise, Inc., a contract manufacturing and machining company located in Eau Claire, WI, has immediate openings for Horizontal Boring Mill and Vertical Machining Center Operators on its 1st, 2nd, and weekend shifts. These positions are responsible for the efficient programming, set-up, and operation of these pieces of equipment.

Ideal candidates should: - Have at least 3 - 5 years of experience in setting up and operating horizontal boring mills and/or vertical machining centers with close tolerances. - Be able to read/interpret blueprints with an understanding of geometric dimensionsing and tolerancing (GD&T) sysbols. - Have strong knowledge of CNC controls and G/M code programming skills (read, write, and edit). - Have the ability to perform simple to difficult set-ups involving blockling, aligning, and securing parts from 10 to 10,000 lbs. - Have the ability to work independently or with others to support a strong team environment. - Be able to handle other related duties as assigned. These full-time positions carry a full employee benefit package including health, dental, life insurance programs; profit sharing/401k retirement programs; paid vacation accrual; paid personal/sick time accrual; paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 2nd and weekend shift differential pay, and much more. Interested candidates can email their resumes to gfenner@plankenterprises.com, fax them to 1-715-833-3389, or mail them to Pro-Cise, Inc., 4404 Anderson Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54703, Attn: Gary Fenner. AA/EOE

Contact

Contact: Gary Fenner
Address: 4404 Anderson Drive, Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: 715-839-0497
Fax: 1-715-833-3389
Email: mhouston@pro-cise.com

http://www.weau.com/jobsearch/listings/138514629.html

CAMWorks 2012:

CAMWorks 2012 supports SolidWorks 2012, and contains improvements in the functionality to enable faster and easier programming, and to produce more efficient tool paths for improved machining productivity. CAMWorks 2012 now includes a new Nesting add-on, which is integrated within SolidWorks to create optimized nested layouts of Parts or Assemblies. Using CAMWorks Nesting a user can select Single/Multiple sheets, specify the part-to-part distance and sheet margin/collar.

CAMWorksXpress:

CAMWorksXpress is an ideal solution for programmers and machinists, as well as new users, who are looking for an easy to learn and easy to use 2.5D machining CAM package. It is a powerful yet inexpensive tool that runs seamlessly inside SolidWorks and provides the high-powered features required for machining efficiently. For more information about CAMWorksXpress,

DFMPro:

DFMPro is a unique and easy to use tool for the validation of the manufacturability of a designed product. By checking models for manufacturability upfront, DFMPro helps engineers address the problem of repetitive design revisions. It also helps quickly validate designs based on best practices. The new Casting capabilities of the product will be showcased at the event, along with the existing checks for Injection Molding, Sheet Metal, and Machining.

SolidWorks World is an annual event for users of the CAD platform, to gather ideas and insights for working more effectively, and for program partners to exhibit and demonstrate their products and developments.

The company said the attendees would have the opportunity to see live demonstrations of all three solutions and connect with the company’s engineers during the three day event.

Sr. Applications Engineer, Marc Bissell will also present on ‘Integrated Design and Manufacturing - From Orders to Parts’ at the Certified Partner Theater on Tuesday, February 14, at 1:00 p.m.

At the BSE, Geometric shares are being traded at Rs.61.50, up by 3.71 percent from the previous close.

http://www.rttnews.com/1809635/geometric-to-showcase-cnc-programming-solutions-at-solidworks-world-2012.aspx?type=in&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=sitemap

The duty reductions allowed under the ECFA enabled domestic, listed machine-tool firms to achieve robust sales growth in 2011, including Awea Mechantronic Co., Roundtop Machinery Co., Goodway Machine Corp., Hiwin Technologies Corp., Kao Fong Machinery Co., Falcon Machine Tools Co., and Shieh Yih Machinery Industry Co.

According to statistics from the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TAMI), there are between 700 and 800 different types of machines produced in Taiwan, 107 of which are allowed duty-free shipment to China under the ECFA.

Some 17 machine-tool items and 37 machine-tool parts are eligible for zero customs tariffs under the ECFA, including CNC horizontal lathes, CNC surface grinding machines, grinding machines, stamping tools, tool fixtures, and roller bearings.

TAMI chairman Hsu Hsiu-tsang says domestically-made machinery items to be allowed duty-free shipment to China will increase by 100 to 200 in 2012, and over 400 in 2013, with over 80% of machinery items to enjoy zero tariffs in 2014 and over 98% in 2015.

Kao Fong, one of Taiwan’s major manufacturers of CNC machine tools, saw orders received in December 2011 grow by NT$60 million year-on-year, NT$40 million of which came from China. The company posted NT$1.62 billion in 2011 sales, up 2% year-on-year, which institutional investors believe will be maintained in 2012.

http://news.cens.com/cens/html/en/news/news_inner_39152.html

EMAG Uses the Same CNC and Remote Monitoring on Various Machine Tools Sold to Major Agriculture Equipment Builder

EMAG L.L.C. is the U.S. subsidiary of a major German machine tool builder who specializes in machine tools for the production of automotive, off-highway, agricultural and oil field components. The company’s equipment ranges from basic prismatic part turning centers to large workpiece, five-axis machining centers, gear hobbing machines and alternative cutting equipment such as lasers and electro-chemical machining centers. This wide variety of machine tools requires an assortment of control technologies to power and manage the motion. For one recent customer requirement, where a major agricultural equipment builder in Iowa needed grinding, turning and turn-grind machines, EMAG looked to its longtime partner Siemens for a standardized CNC solution.

CEO Peter Loetzner put it simply, “We needed to devise a control solution that would satisfy all the needs of the various machines we were supplying to this demanding customer, based on a common platform, to enable easier design, integration, start-up, commissioning on-site and training for our customer’s operations and maintenance personnel.” After reviewing the entire line of CNC offerings from various suppliers, the decision was made to use the Siemens Sinumerik 840D CNC for all of the grinding, turning and turn-grind machines to be supplied. Collaboration was a key element in the decision-making process, as Loetzner explains.

“The control we selected offered great flexibility in application, which was very important to us and our customer. They were seeking a scenario that would allow considerable cross-training of their operators, who might run a turning center one day, then a grinding or turn-grind center the next.” Loetzner further noted the control chosen offered his machine designers and the customer’s production management team an enhanced remote monitoring feature, so changes could be made on the fly with very little downtime. As a result, over 20 machines of various sizes and styles can be monitored over a wireless network, enabling process engineers to see what the operator sees on each machine.

Furthermore, owing to the global capabilities of Siemens, Loetzner commented on the control’s ability to function in U.S., German and even Asian factories with seamless data integration. Regardless of the machine tool’s location, EMAG and its customer are able to monitor the performance of any particular machine and even report comparative production data from one continent to another. Because it sells into every industrialized nation, EMAG “…works with its customers on every aspect of a job, from the order process to tooling usage, materials handling strategies to predictive maintenance. The cultural differences are substantial sometimes and the control must be programmed to adapt to such variations. We have been most satisfied with the help Siemens has provided to us, worldwide, in this area.”

Those differences, he continued, must nonetheless be based on a common technology to streamline the integration of the CNC on the machines under construction.

Loetzner cited specifics from the project referenced in this story. “We were looking at a fairly diverse group of machines being supplied to the customer. Frankly, many of their operators were more comfortable with a CNC that is very popular in the American job shop community. However, we were able to demonstrate the immediate advantages of the Siemens control to them and they accepted our recommendations.” This value proposition, he said, hinged on the greater capability of the Sinumerik 840D to run different machine types, which translated into considerable savings on the training and commissioning side of the equation. Coupled with the remote monitoring and programming aspects of the Siemens control solution, the customer was convinced.

More than 75 percent of the EMAG machines at this particular customer are equipped with robotic devices, enabling a lights-out manufacturing scenario, another instance where the Siemens remote monitoring via Ethernet feature benefits both the machine tool builder and its customer alike. Loetzner explains, “Remote monitoring of the machine tools can be done directly through the Sinumerik CNC in a one-to-one exchange between our customer and us. Alternatively, we can communicate with Siemens and our customer in a three-way exchange of machine data and cycle information, all protected through a firewall for security and customer peace-of-mind. That’s important with all our major OEMs, of course.” Loetzner cited one customer in the agricultural machine building market, who’s used the remote monitoring capability of the Sinumerik CNC on a wide variety of EMAG machines for over three years currently, with all data communicated through a single information network, accessible by both EMAG and the control supplier. Significant reductions in downtime, service calls and troubleshooting identification time have been achieved, translating into documented savings for everyone.

As a further advantage to the machine tool builder, the space reduction of more than 20 percent in the control, compared to competitive brands, meant a smaller footprint for the machine, further improving the workspace productivity of the EMAG machines for their customer. Especially in brownfield applications, where a limited space is being utilized to maximize production for an OEM, this physical space-savings combines with other advantages of the Siemens control, according to Peter Loetzner. These include reduced wiring and lower power consumption with the attendant lower operating temperatures, due to reduced ambient heat.

At this particular customer, the EMAG machines are used to produce gears, gear blanks, shafts and splines for powertrain applications. Gear hobbing and synchronous support grinding are among the advanced machining technologies performed here. Heavy, hardened steels are the most often worked substrates.

The specific control used on these machines is the Siemens Sinumerik 840D solution line, a distributed, scalable and open control for up to 31 axes of motion, incorporating the CNC, HMI, PLC, closed loop control and communications functions into a single NC unit. Sinumerik Safety Integrated further provides a comprehensive, yet efficiently packaged suite of personnel and machine protection functions, fully compliant with internationally-accepted standards.

Commenting on the competing brands of CNC often found in job shops worldwide, Loetzner noted that the Siemens communication architecture easily accepts input from such devices, owing to its ability to capture, standardize and transmit all data in a seamless manner through its legacy tracking. “This service is another example of a forward-thinking supplier, such as Siemens, responding to brownfield conditions in the marketplace,” he noted.

EMAG machines are used by the majority of American companies for the production of such products in the Agriculture, Earthmoving, Motorcycle and Automotive and subsequent leading TIER1 suppliers. The machine builder has had a presence in the American market for over 20 years and, according to Peter Loetzner, “…we’ve received great support from Siemens, both in Germany and in the United States, for on-site service, application engineering, parts distribution, remote monitoring implementation and communications between our customers and us.”

For more information on this story, please contact:

EMAG L.L.C.
38800 Grand River Avenue
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
Phone: 248-477-7440
Fax: 248-477-7784
Web: www.emag.com
Email: info@emag.com
Attention: Peter Loetzner, CEO

http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/EMAG-Uses-the-Same-CNC-and-Remote-Monitoring-on-Various-Machine-Tools-Sold-to-Major-Agriculture-Equipment-Builder-608703