General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

What is the main purpose for coolant application? Of course, among many reasons, primarily it's for the lubrication and cooling of the cutting edge and, in addition, to help facilitate chip evacuation. REGO-FIX has launched a cost-effective and efficient attachment for the application of coolant-lubrication liquids through the tool, based on an ER collet nut, which is suitable for use on SUHNER feed drilling units.

The latest release of WorkNC allows users to break free from previous constraints caused by tool shapes, slashing cycle times by up to 74 percent. WorkNC 2019 R1 adds the Z-Level pattern to the Advanced Toolform technology, allowing for tool shapes like barrels, ovals and parabolic to be calculated over the part surfaces, including negative allowances.

SKF and KISSsoft have worked together to create a new interface that makes it easier to develop gear units. When designing machines, engineers can select suitable bearings based on the very latest bearing technologies in the interface. This enables KISSsoft's customers to use these two calculation approaches: the usual ISO calculation, which includes calculation using the latest bearing data from SKF.

JTM Products Inc. has announced a new line of full synthetic metalworking coolants. SynMAX coolants benefit from a radically different chemistry to exceed the performance of semisynthetic fluids but without oil and without the historical drawback of past generations of synthetics. The result for operators is maximized machining output yielding more parts per hour while machining steel, aluminum and difficult-to-machine alloys.

The new Sunnen SV-30 honing series is the next generation in the line of Cylinder King machines. True to its heritage, it achieves expert results on engine cylinder blocks, cylinder liners and other engine parts that require honing. Six standard models include four step-and-repeat capability versions allowing automatic bore-to-bore processing for in-line and V-block configurations, reducing setup time and improving bore quality.

Jergens Inc. announces its Quick Loc (QL) pallet system for fixturing solutions on horizontal, vertical and rotary operations. These low-profile adapters and pallets ensure repeatability of 0.0003″ and provide clamping forces of nearly 14,000 lbs. A single drive screw is used for fast operation.

Plant engineers can now choose one CIRCOR coolant pump to handle pump outlet pressure needs from 0 to 100 bar. The Allweiler EMTEC-C three-screw coolant pump introduced last year handles even higher pressure applications than before, increases overall speed and efficiency, and offers manufacturers one simplified pump suitable for keeping abrasive machine chips, particles and heat away from cutting surfaces in machine tool coolant service.

The latest release of VISI software includes a boost for reverse engineering, along with a range of new and enhanced CAD/CAM functions for the mold and die market. As part of a larger synergy project for reverse engineering and casting, VISI 2019 R1 introduces an extended direct interface to multiple portable measuring arms and Leica scanning devices from Hexagon. This, together with the enhanced dedicated module, provides a reverse engineering solution, as well as the ability to generate casting and stock models from VISI's existing modelling and machining environment.

In connection with my article about flexible manufacturing systems for the February issue, I visited Camcraft Inc., which has a Makino Machining Complex (MMC2) automated pallet-handling system. Four Makino 4-axis a51nx horizontal machining centers are integrated into the system.

TDM Systems has expanded its Shopfloor Management under TDM Global Line. With the TDM Shopfloor Manager, the customer can individually build and illustrate the entire tool workflow on the shop floor.

Troy, Michigan – December 1, 2018 - HELLER Machine Tools is pleased to announce its new strategic partnership with Ellison Machinery.

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA – SA International (SAi), a provider of software solutions for the signmaking, digital printing and CNC machining industries, has announced the appointment of Mikki Webb as Director of Customer Experience.