Milling

Transformer: 3D Printer becomes CNC Mill

In recent years the manufacturing world has seen numerous hybrid additive-subtractive machines. These generally are in the form of a 3D printing head combined with a CNC machining center: the additive is added. But creative additive enthusiast Thomas Sanladerer has come at the idea from the opposite direction: he has started with a 3D printer and transformed it to be able to function as a CNC mill.

µV5 (micro V5) Micro Milling Machine

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Machine Tool Co. Ltd. has developed the "µV5" (micro V5) micro milling machine, the latest in its µV (micro V) series. The µV5 has a bigger working surface table and wider process stroke than the current µV1, allowing for high-efficiency machining with micrometer-level (1/1,000 mm) precision for large products or those that require fine milling using small diameter tools, such as molds for car optical components.

ALU/NF CUT Carbide Burs

The comprehensive line of ALU/NF CUT carbide burs from PFERD reportedly brings new levels of machining performance particularly to aluminum applications. Aluminum has grown increasingly popular in industry because of its special properties, such as extreme durability, low weight, exceptional corrosion resistance and uncomplicated recycling. Processing the many different aluminum alloys, however, can be complex.

INOCUT Cutting Data Calculator

In an age of smartphones, laptops and tablets, ordering tools online easily and conveniently is not witchcraft. High-performance apps have made the process simple enough for anyone to use. However, you have to go into greater detail to separate the wheat from the chaff, for example, identifying the right tool for a particular cutting application by using the cutting data calculator. Easy to understand, error-free, secure and fast are the key requirements. With INOCUT, tool manufacturer Inovatools has provided a high-performance application for this purpose.

Researchers improve machining, milling processes

Researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology are helping manufacturers eliminate flaws introduced during the machining of large, costly components. In the February 2017 issue of the Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, the Missouri S&T researchers describe their approach and explain how it can improve the accuracy of the 5-axis machine tools used to make large parts.