November 2007 Edition

NEW PRODUCTS

Three New CNC Turning Machines

MANThe E320 Multi-tasking Turning Machine handles turning, boring, milling, and tapping in a single setup. It is configured with one or two spindles, C-axis, live tools, and Y-axis. The M17 Combination Lathe features conversational menus that lead the operator through the part drawing, setup, and machining steps. GE Fanuc 21i-T controls let operators select various program modes. Six models offer up to a 43" swing × 200" cutting length. The C420 is designed for smaller shops, short run small parts, and secondary operation work. The control graphically shows each step in the machining process. The unit has a 17" swing over the bed, 20" and 40" center distances, and comes in two standard configurations. Romi Machine Tools, Ltd.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-245

Faster, Flexible Collet System

MANThe HQC Quick-Change Collet Systems provide faster changeover than standard collets and more flexibility than master collets and pads. The systems can accommodate bar stock variation; the collet head has a working range of ±1/64" and offers parallel gripping with the collet segments running parallel to the stock even when there are variations in the stock size. Parallel clamping minimizes stock "push back" and requires less draw bar force than conventional collets. The systems exert more gripping force and achieve greater concentricity control than standard collets, master collets and pads, or 3-jaw chucks. Hardinge Inc., Workholding Div.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-241

Nickel-plated Octagon Cutter

MANThe F4080, part of the Xtra-tec line of products, offers octagonal inserts, and is available in coarse and close pitch as well as grades for cast iron, steel, aluminum, high-alloyed stainless steels, and difficult to cut materials. The cutter features one insert size for tool diameters 2" to 6" and adapts to individual requirements. Performance is optimized with inserts in five geometries as well as precision-sintered and high precision circumference-ground inserts. Vibration is reduced on the machine spindle due to the nickel-plated and balanced tool body, especially effective in high-speed machining. The F4080 is suitable for all machining operations. Walter

www.rsleads.com/711mn-240

Airstream Resists Corrosion and High Temperature

MANThe stainless steel Super Air Wipe produces a 360° airstream that can blow off, dry, clean, or cool the material passing through the center. Suitable for food, chemical, pharmaceutical, corrosive, or high temperature locations, the split design can be easily clamped around continuously moving material such as pipe, hose, cable, wire, and extruded shapes. Applications include wiping wire; drying inks and paint; cooling hot extruded shapes; and blowing off water, plating, coatings, and dust. Super Air Wipes are available in 13mm, 25mm, 51mm, 76mm, and 102mm diameters. Shims can be installed if more blow off force is required. Exair Corp.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-243

Modular Clamp Available in Two Varieties

MANThe Pitbull Fixture Clamp is available in slotted clamp and compact clamp versions. Known for low profile and positive down force, each version comes in two sizes with holding forces of 6,000 lb and 12,000 lb. The slotted Modular Pitbull Clamp has a riser design. This clamp supports the work piece off the machine table for through milling and drilling. The hardened and ground clamps are designed for use on work cubes and machine tables with tapped holes or t-slot configurations. The compact modular clamp is for clamping work pieces in series by using the back surface of a clamp to locate the next work piece. Mitee-Bite Products Inc.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-250

Disc Brushes for In-Machine Deburring

MANNylox Disc brushes are designed for in-machine deburring of flat parts on CNC machining centers. The filaments in the brushes behave as a collection of flexible files that remove burrs and radius sharp edges as the rotating disc is fed across part features such as milled faces. The brushes remove burrs and finish surfaces without altering part dimensions, and are suited for deburring complicated parts on which all the burrs lie in a single plane. Deburring and finishing can be accomplished in one set-up with these discs. Weiler Corp.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-242

Inserts for Turning Stainless Steel

MANDeveloped with the Duratomic process, Turning Grades TM2000 and TM4000 offer thermal and mechanical resistance when working with M20 to M40 stainless steel applications. The TM2000 is designed for high metal removal rates in high temperature applications. The manufacturer states the TM2000 can maintain speeds of nearly 300m/min in finishing operations and almost 200m/min in roughing operations. The TM4000 is designed to stand up to the demands of interrupted cut stainless turning. TM2000 and TM4000 are offered in the MF4 chipbreaker, a high positive insert shape. Seco Tools

www.rsleads.com/711mn-246

Second Maintenance Release for Mastercam X2

MANThe X2 Maintenance Release is available to all maintenance and new customers. The release offers improved toolpaths for high-speed machining, and multi-axis enhancements. The peel milling toolpath delivers high-speed cutting to 2D projects. The create-boundary function offers greater ability for toolpath boundary creation. The new release also offers enhancements to the multi-axis toolpaths, more flexibility in the sweep orientation control options, as well as changes to the level manager, horizontal block drill stations, and common edge optimization. CNC Software

www.rsleads.com/711mn-249

Modular Fixtures With Multi-threaded Holes

MANR&R Modular Fixtures are designed with multi-threaded holes to locate and elevate parts off the surface for full inspection of the part whether using touch probe or vision systems. The fixtures are cast aluminum and range in size from 6"×6" up to 60"×120". Base plates are built with NiTuff hard coat anodize to resist scratching and give longer wear. Alpha-numeric grid patterns on the base plates and labeled components are there for documentation and increased accuracy. Fixtures are available in inch or metric threads to accommodate all sizes of parts. R&R Sales and Engineering

www.rsleads.com/711mn-244

Newly Designed Horizontal Machining Center

MANThe FH1250SX horizontal machining center features a high-torque spindle designed to speed through steel without compromising rigidity or accuracy. Intended to provide the cutting power of a boxway machine, this HMC features 1,655 ipm traverse rates, 60 hp, and an 8,000 rpm high-torque spindle that provides 737 ft-lb of torque to remove demanding material. The column of the FH1250SX is designed to support the spindle's cutting power by using dual ball screws that surround the spindle housing. The work envelope allows workpiece sizes 94.5"×70.9" as well as a table load of 10,000 lb. Toyoda Machinery USA

www.rsleads.com/711mn-251

Endmill for Hardened Steel

MANAccording to the manufacturer, the Z-Carb-MD produces a chatter-free surface finish when run at high metal-removal rates. Created to machine hardened steels, it has a helix design, a heavy-duty core, and negative rake. These features lessen deflection for higher feed rates. For use in steels up to 62 RC, the endmills offer longer tool life. The Z-Carb-MD endmills come standard with TiNAMITE-A tool coating and are available with extended reach, reduced neck diameters, and Weldon flats. SGS Tool Company

www.rsleads.com/711mn-248

Special Assemblies for Strippit Presses

MANTwo Xcel 3-1/2" station punch assemblies for Strippit punch presses feature fully-guided strippers and premium high-speed steel slitting punch inserts. The special systems not only guide punch tips relative to strippers, but also guide the strippers relative to the punch guide assemblies. The guides hold the strippers, while the strippers guide the punch tips. Ensuring performance are clearances between punches and strippers: 0.0017"; and strippers and guides: 0.0006". Mate Precision Tooling

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Milling Tools Available Up to 6"

MANDesigned for 90° cutting, the SSPM Series features square SXEH inserts with reinforced corners for high feedrates. The inserts have positive cutting geometry for smooth cutting action. Their fine pitch enables aggressive metal removal and results in smooth surface finishes. They come in three carbide substrates: medium, toughest, and hardest. Available in 2" to 6" diameters, the milling tools also do face milling, profiling, slotting, step milling, and plunge roughing. They can also be used for helical interpolation of cored holes. Dapra Corp.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-261

Monitor Arc Welding Gas

MANFlowStream OFM Series mass flowmeters measure shielding gas used in arc welding. The clean, dry, nonaggressive gases the units measure include air, argon, carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen, methane, nitrogen, and oxygen. FlowStream meters read flow rates as low as 0.5 scm to 1,000 standard liter per minute. They handle operating pressure as high as 100 psi and NIST traceable accuracies are ±1 percent for most gases in the group and ±2 percent for others. A totalizing function increases the meters' ability to measure, monitor, and control total gas amount used in a process. Responses as quick as 50 ms are standard with a 5 ms rapid response an optional feature for flow fluctuation detection in robotic applications and other automated systems. Universal Flow Monitors Inc.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-252

Modular EDM for Standard Machine Cost

MANThe FlexPro Series die-sink EDMs sport modular components for customizing to match desired work. Because of component flexibility, this line has the same lead time as standard units, which according to the supplier, cuts delivery time as much as 70 percent against custom products. There are 50 combinations of X/Y/Z travels up to 118"; single or dual heads; C-axis and toolchanger options; rigid, cast-iron meehanite modules for accuracy and repeatability, fixed beds that hold up to 55,000 lb; various tank sizes to match to the application; and 100 amp, 200 amp, and 400 amp power supplies. ONA EDM USA.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-260

Magnets Catch Damaging Debris

MANPlastalloy chip collector magnets catch metal filings, chips and other ferrous materials that could damage components. They are suitable for most metalworking applications, including cutting fluid recirculation systems. The magnets work in temperatures to 150°C and are oil resistant. Special pressure-sensitive adhesive holds them in place. Plastalloy bends, twists, and flexes without losing magnetic energy. It comes in magnetic sheets, strips, and die-cut shapes. The Electrodyne Co.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-255

Waterjet Tackles Large Sheet-Metal

MANThe Fabricator JetCutting center is an abrasive waterjet for large format cutting in metal or stone fabrication shops. It accommodates standard metal sheets up to 6' 8"×14" and stone slabs. The Fabricator uses software based on Windows XP and machines directly from CAD drawings and DXF files. Omax Corp.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-254

Electronic Device Cleans Part Threads

MANThis manufacturer's thread chasing units clean out internal and external threads in production parts. They do not cut new threads. The units clear weld spatter, chips, burrs, and paint. Forward torque adjusts up to 10 ft-lb and reverse torque is 20 ft-lb so tools don't stick. The all-electronic units feature servomotors, servo drives, and motion programming. There are three sizes for chasing threads 3mm to 50mm and they complement the company's low-torque thread verification units. New Vista Corp.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-256

Bridge Mill for Aerospace Machining

MANThe Hi-Net DMC-1600HN is a 45,000 lb bridge mill for high-speed, net shape machining complex 3D parts, such as those in mold/die and aerospace. Its travels are 63"×51"×32" and rapids 590 ipm/590 ipm/472 ipm. The DMC-1500HN has a 56-hp, 15,000-rpm HSK-100A spindle that delivers 300 ft-lb of torque for heavy cutting and fine finishing. It handles loads up to 13,200 lb. Absolute Machine Tools Inc.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-259

Pneumatically-Assisted Arm Handles Heavy Tools

MANThis manufacturer's heavy-duty torque arm has a pneumatic cylinder for moving heavier tools. It accommodates inline pneumatic and electric drivers that weigh up to 15 lb and torque to 110 lbf-in. This arm maintains tool location for easy and smooth movement in up-down and 180° side-to-side motion. It also absorbs torque to prevent operator injury. A dial regulator easily adjusts resistance for balance. ASG

www.rsleads.com/711mn-262

Blue Fluid for Milling and Drilling

MANPicocut Code Blue is a chlorine-free and blue-colored cutting oil for material-removal and forming applications, such as milling, drilling, reaming, threading, broaching, grinding, stamping, and drawing. It can replace older cutting oils and water-soluble fluids in medical and aerospace metalworking industries. Code Blue improves lubricity and provides extreme pressure, anti-weld performance, and anti-oxidation protection without tank-side additives. This oil is low misting, has low odor properties, and formulated for elastomer compatibility. Pico Chemical Corp.

www.rsleads.com/711mn-257

Industry News

Blue-collar Jobs Lead Employment Decline
According to information released by the National Council for Advanced Manufacturing – NACFAM – seasonally adjusted manufacturing employment was reported at 13.4 million by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in September.

NTMA and PMA Join to Strengthen Industry Advocacy
The Precision Metalforming Association, Independence, OH, and the National Tooling and Machining Association, Fort Washington, MD, are combining their federal government advocacy programs to promote the U.S. government to ensure a strong manufacturing sector.

Unemployment Trend by State
According to the Economic Policy Institute, since the economic downturn began in December 2007, the U.S. has lost more than 600,000 jobs, and the national unemployment rate has risen to a five-year high of 6.1 percent.

Manufacturing Technology Consumption Falls in July
July U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $303.44 million, according to the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association and the Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Consumption – USMTC – program, was down 21.5 percent from June but up 5.7 percent from the total of $287 million reported for July 2007.

GE Fanuc Backs MTConnect
GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms, a unit of GE Enterprise Solutions, Japan, announced its support of MTConnect, a new communication protocol to link machine tools from varying suppliers around the world.

Flow Executes Definitive Agreement in Omax Merger
Flow International Corp., Kent, WA, a developer and manufacturer of industrial waterjet machines, executed a definitive agreement to merge with OMAX Corp., Kent, WA. OMAX was a privately-held provider of waterjet systems.

Dimension 3D Printing Provides $400,000 in Grants to Schools
The Dimension 3D Printing Group, Minneapolis, a business unit of Stratasys, Inc., gave more than $400,000 to schools across the nation to underwrite the purchase of 3D printing systems for the 2008-09 school year.

PennEngineering and Peninsula Components Announce Patent Fight Agreement
The patent infringement suit brought by PennEngineering & Manufacturing Corp., Danboro, PA, against Peninsula Components, Inc., San Carlos, CA, was settled.

Shuttle Follow-on Builder Chooses PLM Software
Siemens PLM Software, Plano, TX, announced Space Exploration Technologies – SpaceX – a privately-held leading space launch vehicle developer and services provider, standardized on Siemens’ NX and Teamcenter software for product design, simulation, and product data management.

Lincoln Electric Opens Automation Center
The Lincoln Electric Co., arc welding products manufacturer, opened its Automation Center of Excellence on October 23, adjacent to its Cleveland headquarters. The 100,000 ft2 facility showcases the company’s robotic welding solutions.

Association For Manufacturing Technology Elects New Board of Directors
The Association for Manufacturing Technology – AMT – elected its 2008-2009 officers and directors at its 2008 Annual Meeting in Austin, TX.

Some Good News in a Sour Economy
There may be at least three silver linings in the dark cloud of global economic crisis, according to a Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Rockford, IL, economic consultant.