Metalworking product review for July 2012

New shop floor CMMs focused on portability

Hexagon Metrology, North Kingstown, R.I., (www.hexagonmetrology.us) launched its Brown & Sharpe 4.5.4 SF, the latest generation of shop floor coordinate measuring machines. “Metrology trends are pushing dimensional inspection from the quality lab to the shop floor so inspection becomes simply another operation in the manufacturing process,” said Eric Bennett, product manager for Hexagon Metrology.

Designed for harsh manufacturing environments, the SF series focuses on portability: the new CMM measures 52.2 “×32.8 “×79.5 ” and fits through a standard door. It uses standard 110/220v outlets and doesn’t require shop air. The CMM has thermal isolation and temperature-compensation elements to ensure accuracy in changing shop floor environments. The CMM’s standard elastomeric dampers isolate the measuring platform from most vibration. Inverted, high-resolution Heidenhain scales, covered ways and internal cable management protect machine components from ambient dust and debris while minimizing friction, according to the company. For extreme environments, an optional active vibration damping system is available.

The SF series comes with PC-DMIS metrology software. PC-DMIS STI+ (single touch interface) is controlled via a touch screen, expediting inspection program selection and launch. The software allows shop workers to check parts without becoming CMM experts, according to Hexagon. STI+ graphically guides users through part setup and measurement and produces reports. STI+ makes the CMM an alternative to functional gaging on the shop floor, according to the company.

Portable tramp oil separator for multiple machines

The portable coalescers from Eriez Hydroflow, Eriez, Pa.,(www.en-us.eriez.com) are simple, effective and low-cost tramp oil separators that can be moved from machine to machine, according to the company. Use of a coalescer extends the life of coolants and cleaners, improves machining and preserves tools.

The coalescer uses an oleophilic (oil-attracting) coalescing plate pack media to remove oils. This plate pack consists of more than 100 sq. ft. of coalescing area for maximum oil removal. The unit uses a standard electric submersible pump but can be upgraded with an air pump or a heavy-duty electric pump for deeper sumps. Other standard features include an adjustable oil-removal weir pipe, tank lid, floating oil collector to skim off oils and dirty fluid, pre-pump strainer and tank drain valve for cleaning. A single machine can support tramp oil removal for an entire shop or can be made stationary to work on large sumps or central systems. Larger flow rate systems also can be ordered.

Zirconia alumina products get an upgrade

Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Worcester, Mass., (www.nortonindustrial.com) is upgrading its “better” tier of Norton metal fabricating abrasive products for portable grinding. Products in the tier will now be sub-branded as Norton BlueFire and feature a zirconia alumina grain.

“Our new generation NorZon grain has been tested across many product lines and has consistently resulted in performance improvements of up to 30 percent compared to the previous NorZon product,” said David Long, director of marketing and strategy at Norton Abrasives.

Norton “better” fiber discs, flap discs, coated abrasive belts and portable wheels, cones and plugs have been upgraded to the new grain. Current Charger depressed-center and cutoff wheels and NorZon paper discs, nonwoven wheels and quick-change discs for portable grinding will be upgraded to the new BlueFire grain over the next several months.