Fabrication & Cutting

Whether traditional or new manufacturing processes are involved, none of the available technologies make it possible to produce component surface finishes in the required quality. Process steps such as deburring, rounding and cleaning, as well as targeted functional or decorative surface finishing, are thus indispensable.

If you read the online forums, it is immediately clear that identifying the optimal technique for removing the inevitable burrs created during machining of threaded parts is the subject of much debate.

Microfinishing can make a high-quality gear even better by reducing surface roughness.

Anodizing is an economical approach to resolving surface finishing challenges.

Rhode Island shop applies latest technology to increase productivity.

Micro-Laser Assisted Machining Technologies Inc. makes laser-based tools to improve machining for ceramics, silicon and metal. The lasers generate heat of about 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit at a tiny point a tenth the width of a human hair, softening the target, greatly reducing cutting time and decreasing cutting tool wear.

Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division launched its first blue laser scanning sensor for creating point clouds. The HP-L-5.8 joins Hexagon's comprehensive range of tactile and non-contact sensors for CMMs and is for companies that need a versatile, affordable, fixed-line laser sensor.

Look Ahead: Researchers discover a new class of carbides that may be among the hardest materials with the highest melting points.n

Shops that need a highly efficient digital solution to surface texturing for product design and moldmaking will gain new levels of design quality and productivity with the new AgieCharmilles LASER S series from GF Machining Solutions. This all-in-one texturing solution applies designs to challenging surfaces while it controls cost per part, cuts lead and machining times and significantly improves quality.

Providence Texture LLC, Smithfield, Rhode Island, is a shop leading the way and showing how much femtosecond lasers can do. Femtosecond laser technology represents a new frontier in moldmaking.

EXAIR says its new Soft Grip Back Blow Safety Air Gun uses the smallest back blow nozzle available to deliver a blast of air to effectively blow debris and liquids from inside small pipe or hose diameters, channels, bores, holes, internal threads and other internal part features.

Formulators looking to enhance the corrosion protection of increasingly popular water-based coatings systems can now use Cortec's M-120, a water-based corrosion inhibitor additive that does not contain heavy metals. M-120 can be used alone or in conjunction with other inhibitors to increase the corrosion protection abilities of both water-based and solvent-based systems.