Fabrication & Cutting

A line of polarizing beam splitters that are available from stock for overnight delivery for use with engraving, marking and scribing lasers is available from Laser Research Optics.

SCANLAB GmbH's precSYS micromachining system is drawing positive responses from integrators and system builders. The system's individualized customer service, with in-person commissioning guidance, training and on-site application support, has proven to be of practical advantage. Customers who build laser processing systems to fabricate products, such as electronic devices or automotive components, achieve good processing results much more quickly, thus boosting their productivity.

In connection with my feature article on abrasive machining for the May issue, I spoke with Steve Kendjelic, senior applications engineer for Norton/Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Worchester, Mass., about power gear honing. The process is used for ultrafinishing generated gear teeth and is generally performed on a honing machine.

Designed for use on any size parts, the new Presto Black Gel, Antique Brown Gel, and Antique Black Gel formulations solve the application challenges of liquid products while producing an attractive, high quality, durable darkened finish.

Matrix Design LLC created the Matrix Deburring Applications Laboratory to more effectively design automated deburring systems while streamlining the testing process. For example, having touch detection at the lab enables the speeds and feeds of a deburring brush to be automatically adjusted for optimal performance.

PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P has expanded its E-709 family of low-cost digital piezo nanopositioning controllers with a new plug-in module for the C-885 PIMotionMaster modular controller system.

EXAIR's new VariBlast compact safety air guns are a small and lightweight cast aluminum air gun capable of handling tough jobs. Because of the engineered variable flow trigger they are able to produce light, medium or heavy force upon a target simply by pulling the trigger.

E-Z Burr Tool Co. will continue to operate as an independent entity out of the deburring tool manufacturer's Livonia, Mich., facility, with little or no change in procedures or processes, reports purchaser Cogsdill Tool Products Inc., Camden, S.C. The sale closed Jan. 3.

FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving has further optimized the capability of its CO2-laser marking systems. In response to increasing demands for marking quality and speed, FOBA introduces 10- and 30-watt lasers that mark a broad range of materials with variable contents.

Tungaloy Corp. is adding an economical and multifunctional chamfer cutter series to its TungQuad family, allowing multiple types of chamfering operations to be completed with only one cutter.

There is much to consider when choosing a mass-finishing system, what with operational variables from machine size and design to cutting media, compound abrasives, water volume, cycle time and more.

Abrasive stones commonly found in machine shops are fine for run-of-the-mill deburring and abrading, but absolutely not suitable for precision stoning. For that, you need a pair of carefully prepared, precision-ground flat stones.