Construction & Heavy Equipment

The old adage is that if it "ain't broke, don't fix it." While this has been tried and true wisdom for ages, it might be a little suspect in today's modern age, when one technology advantage can make the difference between standing apart from the competition or falling behind. That is one of the observations imparted by Visual Components, which at the recent Fabtech Show in Chicago gave Cutting Tool Engineering a "walk-through" of its newly released, highly anticipated, Visual Components 5.0 software platform.

From moving cobots to novel mobile automation solutions, Güdel Inc. highlighted two new technologies at FABTECH 2025. The equipment included the CoboMover, a 7th-axis linear track purpose-built for collaborative and lightweight robots. The CoboMover is designed to help integrators and end users expand the range of cobot and lightweight robot applications. In addition, the company showcased an air bearing track motion product. The modular track system was fitted with air bearings and used just 5 psi to levitate a track and a Fanuc robot, which weighed over 7,000 lbs., 1/2" above ground.

Maximum Metal Removal, SERIOUS SAVINGS

When surface finish, diameter, straightness, or roundness requirements are closer than traditional drilling operations can produce, it may be necessary to add a drill, endmill or single-point boring tool to the operation, often at the expense of poor chip control.

Achieve next-level precision in your turning applications with Tungaloy's Non-Ferrous Application Series. Engineered with ultra-fine-grained PCD-tipped inserts, this series delivers unmatched edge sharpness, exceptional wear resistance, and flawless surface finishes even at high cutting speeds. Its advanced 3D chipbreaker geometry ensures stable chip control from roughing to finishing. Whether you're machining aluminum, acrylic, or other non-ferrous materials, this series offers the performance you need to enhance productivity and maintain consistent high-quality results.

Will, Aaron and Dennis sit down and enjoy a glass of bourbon while discussing the milling operations for the Vargus Pump Shaft Project.

The RF 100 Sharp is a high-performance carbide milling cutter designed specifically for machining soft, tough, and high-alloy materials. Engineered with advanced geometry and precision cutting edges, it ensures smooth, efficient material removal with minimal cutting forces. This results in excellent surface finishes and extended tool life, even under demanding conditions. The RF 100 Sharp delivers reliable performance across a wide range of applications, making it an ideal choice for industries requiring accuracy, speed, and durability. Whether for finishing or general milling tasks, it provides optimal results while reducing tool wear and maximizing productivity in challenging machining environments.

In this episode, Will Nash and Aaron Kolb discuss the pump shaft machining project—executed with Vargus tooling and filmed start to finish at Harper College. From part print review and tooling selection, to programming in hyperMILL® from OPEN MIND, setup, running the first piece, and final inspection with Bruker alicona, the conversation takes you inside the process. This is Part 1 of our Vargus story, focused on lathe operations.