Milling

Robotmaster V7 Task-based Robot Programming Platform

Hypertherm is launching Robotmaster V7, a task-based robot programming platform built from scratch on a new architecture. Robotmaster V7 caters to process experts to make robot programming easy and intuitive, even for first-time robot users. This new programming platform builds on the performance of Robotmaster’s offline programming CAD/CAM software that was first introduced in 2002.

Admitting my mistakes

I received an email from a reader letting me know that he disagreed with my recent article on tapping versus thread milling. In it, I stated, “There’s little chance of successfully thread milling metals much above 45 HRC. And if you’re going to try to tap them, be prepared to duck the flying shrapnel when the tap explodes!” We all make mistakes. So when Tom Fares, president of TNT Custom Equipment in Stow, Ohio, called me out on that section of the article, saying that he routinely taps holes in 45 HRC steel alloy and thread mills into “the low 60s,” I listened to what he had to say.

MILLHOG Portable Pipe Beveling Tools

Two alternative portable pipe milling tools for performing welding end preps on pipe and tube from 0.5” I.D. to 3” O.D. with different bores and wall thicknesses are available from Esco Tool.

New Release of Edgecam Software

The new release of Edgecam, from Vero Software, contains 54 items of new or enhanced functionality that improve productivity for manufacturers by using a range of cutting technologies and machining strategies. They include significant changes to the Pre-Drill Approach Roughing cycle, creating features from wireframe entities, 3D milling cycles in mill-turn Rotary mode, 28 new technology databases in the Wire EDM module and Tombstone.

Narrow Slotting Cutter

If you’ve ever struggled with inserts coming loose during a slotting operation, keep reading. How about inconsistent slot widths, fumbling with awkward screws and inserts on a slotting cutter, or having to use a piece of shim stock to pry wedged chips from deep inside a slotted workpiece? These are just a few of the problems machinists face when trying to cut narrow slots and grooves, but thanks to the newly introduced Kennametal Narrow Slotting (KNS) cutter, the days of “slotting dread” are over, according to the company.

Datron next Control System

"Make a complex process simple and intuitive." This was the goal for the specialists at DATRON AG intent on developing an innovative control called "DATRON next." The result is a control system with surface optics that compare to the newest smartphone technology--clearly laid out tiled optics, self-explanatory icons with intuitive control logic, clearly illustrated tools in 3D optics. Simply swiping the colored touchscreen activates an integrated camera within seconds.

New Nesting Engine in Alphacam 2018 R2 Software

Tests on the new nesting engine unveiled in Alphacam 2018 R2, by Vero Software, show a 17 percent improvement in material yield. Using proprietary technology to deliver what Brand Manger Hector Henry says are “best-in-class geometry,” toolpath optimization and part handling, the nesting engine also provides faster calculation times, along with improved feedback and graphics.

Machining Central App

WIDIA has created an app to quickly access machining speeds and feeds for WIDIA tooling without interrupting production. The newly released Machining Central app scans the WIDIA product bar code or searches the tool’s corresponding order number or an ANSI or ISO catalog number to automatically generate product information and availability along with feeds and speeds in seconds.

Taking a turn for the better

05/03/2018

Author:

William Leventon

By packaging both turning and milling functions in a single machining center, machine tool builders believe they’ve hit on a winning combination that can boost part quality while also slashing cycle times, space and costs.

Read Article

Vertex 100 5-axis Vertical Machining Center

Mitsui Seiki says its new Vertex 100 5-axis vertical machining center is engineered to fulfill manufacturers’ demands for a compact, high-speed machine capable of high-precision milling of larger parts such as blisks for aircraft engines. The Vertex 100 can machine workpieces 1,250 mm in diameter and 850 mm tall while occupying only 3 m x 4.2 m of shop floor space.