Machining (CNC)

The L.S. Starrett Co. has introduced a new generation of its HDV300 and HDV400 benchtop digital video comparators with impressive speed increases and improved illumination, design and convenience enhancements. CNC motion on the new HDV systems is significantly faster, enabling even greater user measurement throughput. At 10mm/ sec., speed on the Y-axis has tripled and X-axis speed has almost doubled at 45mm/ sec. In addition, improved LED ring lighting provides a more consistent illumination.

An extensive background of experience with operations on transfer machines allows Suhner to optimize a manufacturing process with standard or custom solutions for each machining application. One specific application is for large and long OD threads. These operations are extremely difficult and challenging for manufacturers, when trying to obtain shorter cycle times, simply because an OD threading operation by itself will dictate the overall machine cycle time.

Mazak Corp. has enhanced the already exceptionally productive VTC-200C vertical machining center with the addition of the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC and its suite of SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY software solutions. The control complements the VTC-200C’s full traveling-column design, automatic toolchanger and 40-taper spindle, all of which combine to enable fast cycle times and accurate machining for extremely long and heavy workpieces in industries such as construction, agriculture and energy production.

The new Kurt Pyramid workholding platform is designed to attach three Kurt vises for 5-axis machining multiple parts in one load. The 45-degree vise mounting surface is positioned so each vise provides maximum access to all machined surfaces and allows for enhanced spindle and cutting tool clearance.

Mahr Inc. announced the addition of the variable-drive MarSurf VD series, which enables roughness and contour measurements to be performed on the same machine. The operator can easily and quickly change between a high-precision roughness probe system or a highly dynamic contour probe system, depending on the measuring task.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. announces the CNC Total Care Package service for its CNC systems. The service package is tailored for Mitsubishi Electric’s M8, M7 and M6 control series.

Guardair Corp. has developed the new QuickSelect Tool Rack to organize frequently-used shop tools and keep them within easy reach. Made from heavy-duty aluminum, the QuickSelect features an array of slots and holes sized to accommodate the most popular tools including Allen wrenches, dead blow hammers, screwdrivers and safety air guns.

Methods Machine Tools Inc. has announced the introduction of the new FANUC RoboDrill ecoPLUS, offering a larger 21-tool capacity and increased speed via an optional 24,000-rpm spindle. Two ecoPLUS models are available, including one with a larger X-axis travel and table size.

The large-capacity TRACER 65V/80V hydrodynamic magazine bar feeder from CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies can accommodate bars up to 12' long in diameters from 10mm to 65mm and, following a simple channel change, up to 80mm in diameter. The feeder holds multiple bars, depending on the diameter size. For example, it can hold 36 bars that are 10mm in diameter.

Makino announces the F5 Pro6 vertical machining center designed to provide stiffness and rigidity for chatter-free cutting, agility for high-speed/hard-milling and accuracies for tight tolerance blends and matches typical of complex, 3D contoured geometry associated with die/mold and medical production.