CNC Machining (General)

Indy Days: Race Into Excellence, a two-day localized trade show, kicked off today at the Center for Machining Excellence (CME), a new 12,000 sq. ft. educational facility located at REGO-FIX USA's North American headquarters in Whitestown, Indiana. Located just 30 minutes away from the roaring engines at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, CME is a new manufacturing education and innovation facility opened by REGO-FIX in 2024. Indy Days marks the CME's first official event, which offers attendees technology exhibits, machine demonstrations and a number of industry leader presentations.

Shop asked to machine a capture lid mechanism designed using generative AI that was to play a role in collecting Mars samples and returning them to Earth.

James Sabatino, a sales engineer from Marubeni Citizen-Cincom, explains thread whirling technology used in CNC machining. This process is crucial for creating complex threads, especially in medical applications. It utilizes a spinning ring for controlled cutting, which is effective for tough materials like titanium. The modular units from MCC adapt to various machines, and innovations like tandem thread whirls enhance versatility. The A320 Swiss machine supports this technology for intricate part production.

Jason Taylor, Mazak's Product Manager, highlights the EZ Loader 20, a compact automation system featuring a collaborative robot with a 20 kg payload capacity. Designed for efficient loading and unloading, it integrates a vision sensor for precise operations and supports high-mix workpiece production. He also presents the VC-EZ 20X vertical machining center, equipped with a CAT 40 spindle capable of 12,000 RPM, ideal for precise and versatile milling tasks. Additionally, he discusses Mazak's advanced five-axis solutions, emphasizing their expansive travel capacity and spindle performance, suitable for complex machining applications​.

The Starrett AVR400 offers full CNC capabilities including X-Y-Z positioning and comprehensive zoom and telecentric lens options. Users can also choose to use motorized manual positioning via a pendant with a joystick and track ball. Equipped with the M3 software package from MetLogix™, a traditional mouse as well as a touchscreen monitor make user interaction easy and intuitive.

Tool presetting offers manufacturers increased efficiency and precision, reducing downtime by optimizing the tool setup process before machining begins.

The T93XM can profile with a standard 1A1 wheel and accommodates several grind styles including wheel profile, plunge, peel, in-feed and thru-feed grinding. The perimetric workholding, unique to TRU TECH, ensures part concentricity to eliminate shank runout without indicating. Ultra-precision accuracy is achieved through the 3-axis, fully programmable configuration with CNC variable speed spindle. Pick-N-Place™ software eases and shortens programming setup time. Several design features add stability and further support operator ergonomic considerations. Part sizes can be 3" (75mm) in diameter, up to 8" (200mm) in length.

An important production parameter is cobot uptime. To ensure seamless operations and increased efficiency, UR has launched the enhanced UR Care Service Plans that now offer preventive field service, onsite break-fix, dedicated remote support and secure cloud connectivity-based cobot service/performance monitoring through UR Connect.

The Through-Spindle Coolant (TSC) Kit and Mist Collector are designed to take CNC machining to the next level by offering enhanced air quality, superior efficiency and improved machine performance. n

All presetter models feature interchangeable spindles (CAT, BT, HSK, Polygonal Taper, etc.) thereby eliminating the need for adapters which introduce additional error. All units also come with fifty of the most common post processors for today's CNC controls. Advanced models incorporate an advanced automatic spindle rotation system with pneumatic engagement, ensuring zero backlash and optimal indexing. This cutting-edge system includes spindle identification, negating operator error and ensuring tools are always measured correctly for the right machine tool taper/size.

Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, the DWL1900XY seamlessly integrates with the Digi-PasR Smart Level mobile app, enabling real-time data visualization on smartphones and unlocking other advanced features including simultaneous multi-axes readouts, multi devices connectivity, multiple units of measure- ment and self-calibration, among others.

Each ORL product has been strategically designed with a compact footprint, requiring only between eight and nine feet of floor space. Additionally, each product utilizes industry-leading FANUC industrial robot arms and grippers which can hold a payload of up to 25 pounds.