General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Repeat work is great, but shops have to guard against the comfortable complacency that such work can generate at the expense of diversifying its customer base. Said diversification is essential to a shop's growth.

Sandvik Coromant has introduced a high-precision hydraulic chuck for turning operations that offers enhanced pull-out security. CoroChuck 935 has been designed to deliver fast, rigid and secure clamping, time after time.

Walter has introduced the Walter Prototyp ceramic milling cutters MC275/MC075. These two new tools deliver significantly increased productivity, cutting speeds and high metal-removal rates in the machining of nickel-based alloys.

WorkXplore, by Vero Software, has completely updated its online help in the latest version to include new icons, along with dialog and menu screen captures, so that users can easily recognize where they are in the help file.

TechDay is a dual-location event June 7 by Datron Dynamics Inc. at technology centers on the East and West coasts to demonstrate new CNC control software. Although free and open to the public, registration is required.

TM Smith Tool announces its new general-purpose compensating tapholder for a broad range of tapping applications. The LCTH has tension and/or compression for nonsynchronous machines, and radial float to compensate for misalignment between the workpiece and spindle. The new tapholders are available with a straight shank manufactured from premium-grade steel that can withstand harsh environments and rigorous use.

The Institute for Supply Management reported that the April Purchasing Managers' Index registered 57.3 percent, a decrease of 2 percentage points from the March reading of 59.3 percent.

JW Winco Inc. has available GN 509.4 heavy-duty ball transfer units without flange.

Hypertherm announced the release of ProNest 2019, a major version update of its advanced CAD/CAM nesting software for automated cutting. This new release contains more than a dozen new features and enhancements designed to make customers more efficient and profitable.

HEIDENHAIN Introduces the new ND 5023 digital readout (DRO) for use with manually operated machine tools. This new DRO replaces HEIDENHAIN's entry-level ND 522/523 models and consolidates it to one 3-axis product. The new DRO comes equipped with a new TFT color display that significantly improves the readability of the information displayed over older models, plus features other design changes and enhanced functions.

Whether miniature instruments for endoscopy or tiny mechatronic components in automobiles - the demand for microcomponents in all areas of daily and industrial life is constantly increasing. At the same time, there is a growing need for high-precision miniature tools to produce these delicate products. Fine filtration of metal coolants plays a special role in the overall machining process and is a prerequisite for production of these items. The slightest contamination of the grinding oil or small temperature variances can have a negative impact on finished part quality. The filtration system manufacturer VOMAT offers ultrafine filtration systems with high control accuracy that provide clean coolants in NAS 7 quality and are particularly well-suited for the production of miniature tools.

Tooling Tech Group, Macomb, Mich., acquired Century Tool Group, which is composed of Century Tool & Gage Co. in Fenton, Mich., and CTG Bel-Kur Automation in Temperance, Mich.