General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Mechanical engineers often need a basic, space-saving linear guide when designing technology that performs simple tasks, such as vending machines. Since such technology does not handle high loads, high speeds or high positioning accuracy, intricate linear guides are not necessary. However, most solutions on the market are advanced, leaving manufacturers forced to either pay for features they do not need or develop their own linear guide.

Inaugural awards hosted by manufacturing innovation centers mHUB, UI LABS and IMEC celebrated region's manufacturing innovation and leadership by recognizing the companies, products and initiatives driving a new revolution.n

A recent CNC Cookbook survey included respondent comments about what they found lacking in their current CNC control. They mentioned inadequate work offsets, lack of web monitoring, limited tool data management and other shortcomings. FANUC Corp.'s Paul Webster explains why for some users, it may not be too late to easily add the capabilities they need.

Bihler says a typical client, such as a producer of metal fasteners, is able to phase out six existing machines for each newly installed 4 Slide-NC, while increasing productivity and performance by sixfold. The client could even halt plans for a facility expansion, thanks to a reduction in the overall footprint required, as one new 4 Slide-NC machine outperforms the productivity of six last-generation machines.

Cortec R&D has developed an enhanced reformulation of VpCI-340 CLP for cleaning, lubricating, and protecting purposes. The upgraded formula has undergone extreme testing to ensure top-quality product performance geared toward the demands of military standards, the company reports.

Good news about the manufacturing economy was shared with members of the United States Cutting Tool Institute who attended the trade association's fall meeting, held Oct. 7-9 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Summit Partners of Boston and Menlo Park, Calif., has bought a majority investment in the privately held Harvey Performance Company, Rowley, Mass. Harvey makes specialized cutting tools for precision machining applications for the manufacturing and metalworking industries, including aerospace and defense, medical, automotive, industrial motors and telecommunications sectors. It consists of two brands, Harvey Tool based in Rowley, and Helical Solutions in Gorham, Maine.

With a new reengineered design, the Seco Perfomax indexable insert drill delivers higher drilling parameters and longer tool life as well as exceptional chip control and evacuation. The drill's innovative features include new flute designs with special anti-friction surfaces and laser hardened fronts for added strength, stability and accuracy.

EXSYS Tool Inc. has introduced a new space-saving 5-axis rotary table TAP for small, high-speed vertical machining centers. The table TAP allows users to upgrade a vertical machining center to significantly increase productivity without incurring the expense of a new machine, according to the company.

Doosan Machine Tools announces the addition of the DMP 500/2SP to its line of vertical machining centers. Equipped with two spindles and two automatic-tool-change (ATC) systems, this new model was designed for production job shops and high-volume parts manufacturers.

Thermal systems manufacturer Watlow has been working to bolster a shrinking manufacturing workforce in the US, and its efforts have been recognized. The Missouri Association of Manufacturers has awarded the company a Made in Missouri Leadership Award because of its support of STEM education, training programs and economic development initiatives.

No. 994 is a 500° F (260° C) special cabinet oven from Grieve, currently used for heating the end of long parts at the customer's facility. Workspace dimensions of this oven are a tapered 10" at front and 20" at rear wide x 20" deep x 21" high.