CNC Machining (General)

​​​In conventional lathe-type machine tools, the capability of feed motion in the XZ plane is an inherent limitation. In a parting operation, this inevitably directs the resultant vector of cutting forces sharply across the cross-section of the tool, resulting in high loads and susceptibility to deformation. The classical parting blade design compensates for this with a large height relative to the width. Sandvik Coromant engineers now have a remedy that utilizes the modern machines' capability to feed the tool in the Y direction.

THINBIT offers CBN- and PCD-tipped inserts. CBN (cubic boron nitride) tipped inserts provide an increased production rate, improved surface finish and dimensional control when used on high-temperature alloys, such as inconel, nickel-base alloys and materials with a hardness of HRC 35 or harder.

HELLER introduced the new model HF 5500 5-axis horizontal machining center equipped with pallet changer and offering a work envelope of 900mm x 950mm x 900mm and a maximum pallet load of 750kg.

Norton |Saint-Gobain Abrasives offers a new line of Norton carbide burs for surface removal, for those more demanding production runs with less changeovers. The Norton double-cut carbide burs quickly and comfortably remove surface stock, weld splatter, burrs, and are for chamfering applications, along with medium to light cleaning.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation introduces the M80W computer numerical controller, the latest in its M8 series CNCs. The M80W features a touch screen Windows-based display that is separate from the control unit, providing expandability and flexibility.

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.