Fabrication & Cutting

Machining customers examining the productivity benefits of multiple-spindle, high-precision machining centers from SW North America will find even further advantages in the full range of automation and turnkey production systems the company provides.

Technology capable of thermally coating cylinder bores is a highly sought-after solution. High-performance roughening is required to produce a reliable bond between the layer and substrate, ensuring all aspects of functionality. A positive interlocking connection is achieved by undercutting and the complete filling of the profile's roughness; microscopically and evenly sprayed materials are crucial requirements for layer adhesion.

Cutting difficult-to-machine materials is becoming more prevalent but not necessarily less challenging.

Machine Technology: Company builds 8-axis machining center with separate milling and laser-cutting workstations

KERN Precision Inc. (KPI), Eschenlohe (Germany)/Chicago, has concluded a distribution partnership with Innolite GmbH, Aachen (Germany), for the North American market.

ABCO Automation offers SmartForce, a self-contained turnkey grinding, deburring and polishing robotic cell. Developed in conjunction with 3M, KUKA and PushCorp, SmartForce is a flexible automation solution for manual machining processes.

Madison Chemical introduces Stripper Q-17, a premium, powdered, heavy-duty alkaline paint stripper for ferrous metals. This versatile product can also remove light rust and coatings such as varnish, lacquer, alkyd and acrylic.

Blackstone-NEY Ultrasonics, a division of Cleaning Technologies Group LLC, introduces an innovation in a spray and ultrasonic combination aqueous parts cleaning system. The new Rotosonic (Patent Pending) will clean heavily soiled parts in a single machine, rather than having to purchase a spray cabinet and an ultrasonic machine separately.

A line of ZnSe focusing lenses offered in various focal lengths for heavy steel cutting lasers which can be shipped overnight for field replacement are available from Laser Research Optics.

HemiPleat premium retrofit filter cartridges from Camfil APC fit most leading dust collector brands and are guaranteed to last longer than standard filters. HemiPleat filters use a patented pleating technology that exposes more filter media to the air stream to boost the performance of industrial dust collectors.

Houghton International has developed an advanced cleaner designed to replace solvents in precision cleaning applications. Houghto-Rinse RTD is a water-based, nonflammable, ready-to-use cleaner that delivers outstanding process performance and surface appearance in a range of surface finishing applications.

A game and hobby shop in Girard, Ohio, has taken 3D printing and laser cutting into an "infinite realm." The business, Infinite Realms, started with three men making pieces like rock formations, oil pits and satellites, which were sold online.