Metalworking product review for October 2012

CAM technology helps drive standardization initiative

In supporting phase one of the DMG/Mori Seiki standardization initiative, Gibbs and Associates will provide the machine tool builder’s customers a smooth and reliable flow of programming data from any CAM system to the machine control. The Moorpark, Calif., company is the developer of GibbsCAM software for programming CNC machine tools. This work will enable full use of machine and control features without the need for custom post-processors and machine-simulation models. The technology is based on DMG/Mori Seiki’s implementation of the standard automatically programmed tool (APT) language, with DMG/Mori Seiki extensions that are supported within GibbsCAM. The machine builder’s initial focus during phase one is on its 3- and 5-axis machining centers and controls, with an eventual goal of enabling the technology for all its machines.

Currently, when end users purchase a new CNC machine or new CAM package for use with an existing CNC machine, they must work with the machine tool vendor and CAM provider to implement a custom post-processor and machine-simulation model to fully program and simulate a machine’s capabilities. In this new approach, the CAD/CAM vendor outputs DMG/Mori Seiki-specific APT data and DMG/Mori Seiki provides a post-processor and simulation package for the CNC machine, thereby eliminating the need for each CAM provider to develop a custom post-processor and machine model. With this approach, users can start producing parts immediately on their DMG/Mori Seiki machines.

www.gibbscam.com; (805) 523-0004

Application for calculating grinding parameters

Saint-Gobain Abrasives Inc., Worcester, Mass., offers the free Norton Abrasives app for performing grinding calculations. It includes three calculators: wheel-speed conversion, coolant parameters and dressing parameters. The app also features a right-angle grinding product selector and a distributor locator. With the app, users can also link to the company’s Web site to find and order products and check orders and product availability.

“With the increasing use of hand-held digital technology, we are pleased to offer our customers a convenient, simple-to-use grinding app,” said David Long, director of marketing and strategy at Norton Abrasives. “The app is designed for manufacturers to quickly simplify the process of calculating the requirements for their grinding application.”

The app is available for IOS and Android operating systems on mobile devices.

www.nortonindustrial.com/GrindingCalculationApp.aspx; (508) 795-2183

Workholding system for 4- and 5-axis machining

Center Ossipee, N.H.-based Mitee-Bite Products LLC’s Loc-Jaw workholding system is for 4- and 5-axis machining and requires no workpiece material preparation. The rails and gripper towers are serrated to provide a solid and adjustable base. The workholder has an adjustable clamping range of 0.5 ” to 4.0 “, is capable of penetrating 0.060 ” deep per gripper and produces more than 6,000 lbs. of holding force. The low-profile grippers hold 0.100 ” of the workpiece. This allows full access to all work surfaces, including the bottom face. The base adapts to most machine tables with a bore provided for a centering disc. A support bolt reinforces the gripper towers for rigidity and increased workholding capacity, according to the company.