Fabrication & Cutting

OMAX says the GlobalMAX line brings value-priced abrasive waterjets to the global market. The new GlobalMAX line is available exclusively through international distribution and incorporates two and a half decades of waterjet industry R&D.

Most manufacturers finish their sintered ceramic parts with grinding equipment designed for metals. Tratech Corp., however, has introduced what it says is the first commercially available CNC grinding machine designed specifically for the demanding needs of machining fully sintered ceramics.

All shops are concerned with burrs, a natural side effect of cutting. They are all looking for a single solution to prevent or remove burrs. Unfortunately, there is no panacea.

A growing number of manufacturers in the medical industry are seeing the light when choosing a machining option for micro parts and features. The light they're seeing emanates from laser micromachining systems.

Omegasonics has introduced a new cleaning unit, the 1900BTX, that features two cleaning technologies, a water agitation cleaning process and ultrasonic cavitation. Each operates independently to facilitate a more thorough, yet gentle, cleaning process. The unit is especially effective for cleaning 3D prototype parts.

Madison Chemical introduces AquaBlue, an alkaline detergent for general floor cleaning. This water-based degreaser has excellent penetrating and wetting properties, allowing fast removal of dirt, oil, grease, tire marks and other soils from industrial floor surfaces–even painted ones.

The patented COMBICLICK quick-change disc system from PFERD provides lower workpiece temperature while improving stock removal and disc life. Designed for use with coated abrasive, nonwoven and felt discs, the COMBICLICK system consists of a specially developed backing pad with an innovative locking mechanism.

Guyson just completed a custom grab bar peening machine for the commercial restroom industry. The cabinet was equipped with 100" linear actuator with encoder to blast parts up to 105". The part enters the cabinet and is rotated at high velocity while (4) pressure nozzles blast the part to create a selective etch.

Laser Institute of America (LIA), the professional society for laser applications and safety, announces its release of the LIA Guide to High Power Laser Cutting. In the guide, students, engineers and scientists alike will gain a more in-depth understanding of the science behind laser cutting. Written by a team of specialists led by industry experts Dr. John Powell and Dr. Dirk Petring, this 136-page guide is a comprehensive resource that touches on all features of laser cutting machines and materials.

Manufacturers evaluating taking black-oxide finishing in-house now have a low-cost and safe-entry option with the Birchwood Technologies BC40 Presto Black finishing system. The seven-tank process line, with 20-minute room-temperature blackening capabilities, comes complete with tank system, heaters, plumbing connections and tank lids.

END USER: Zodiac Engineering, www.zodiaceng.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Brush Research Manufacturing Co. Inc., (323) 261-2193, www.brushresearch.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce programming and cycle time, and eliminate the need to regrind or replace chamfering tools when deburring part edges. SOLUTION: Apply in-line abrasive nylon disc brushes.