Machining (CNC)

The manufacturing world is embracing 3D metal printing in a big way. GE Aviation is using it to print fuel nozzles, saving aircraft owners millions in operation costs annually per plane. Medical device companies use it to print patient-specific orthopedic implants and life-saving surgical instruments. These are just a few examples of the gigantic strides metal printing has made over the past decade, with countless more to come as the technology becomes increasingly mainstream.

Mitutoyo America Corp. announces the release of the Quick Image CNC (QI-C), the latest addition in the Quick Image series of 2D vision measuring systems. The Quick Image series of telecentric lens-based 2D video inspection systems has expanded the lineup to include three new models with a moving stage.

Polaris Motion's control system delivers 50kHz servo rates and all the motion axes are synchronized to nanoseconds using Mercury, its real-time Gbps motion network. The result is superior form accuracy, surface finish and better throughput in parts/hour, according to the company.

In response to strong demand for reliable machining solutions in the aerospace industry, Sandvik Coromant has launched new tapping and thread milling tools for ISO S materials (titanium and nickel-based alloys). The products have been specifically designed to enhance process security on high-value components, such as engine casings, thus providing reductions in scrap rates and machine downtime.

HEIDENHAIN Corp. announces the availability of the new StateMonitor for CNC manufacturing personnel who are implementing connected systems as part of the Industry 4.0 initiative. This new software is an option with HEIDENHAIN TNC controls and connects with PC systems to allow the user to view data and evaluate control processes remotely and in real-time.

"The Power of FIVE: The Definitive Guide to 5-Axis Machining" book was officially released this month at an industry conference, Top Shops, in Indianapolis. The author, Michael Cope, is a machinist and works at Hurco as a product technical specialist.

UNITED GRINDING introduces the HELISET PLUS, a new manual measuring system from WALTER that contributes to the reduction of complex tool machining time by as much as 30 percent. Once integrated into tool production processes, the HELISET PLUS concurrently performs measurement operations previously done in separate tool preparation areas or within the machine that actually produces the tool.

Arno Werkzeuge USA announces the introduction of their new SHARK-Cut multipurpose cutting tool platform for a range of turning applications. SHARK-Cut allows machines shops to use just one tool for four different machining operations including: facing, drilling, boring and turning.