General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

J.W. Winco Inc. offers GN 2180 and GN 2182 edge-protection seal profiles. These RoHS-compliant seal profiles, which can be used to seal doors, covers and hatches, are pressed by hand onto the front of metal sheets and plates.

Synova, a leading manufacturer of high-precision laser cutting systems, opened a new Micro-Machining Center (MMC) in Secaucus, NJ, according to an April 10 company news release. The new MMC offers laser machining services such as application trials, single and recurring cutting jobs and machine demonstrations.

Thomson Industries Inc. has expanded its WhisperTrak actuator line to give motion system designers greater ability to extend quiet, compact actuation to more demanding applications. New additions to the WhisperTrak linear actuator line double force-handling capability from 2kN to 4kN; provide higher-speed operation at 2kN; and offer new options for low-level switching, limit switching and position control at both 2kN and 4kN operation.

Rockford Systems LLC is bringing added safety to the factory floor with a new line of noncontact magnetic switches that ensure a machine's chip deflection shield is properly positioned between the operator and machine's point of operation hazard while running. Chips are very sharp and can cause serious, sudden injuries to the operator without the shield in place.

Amada Miyachi America Inc. announces the availability of the LMF70-HP, an addition to its popular LMF series of lasers. The 70-watt LMF70-HP is suitable for welding small components and thin metals up to 0.01-inch (0.25 mm) thick. It is particularly well-suited for welding battery tabs to cans (two thin sheets of metal), but can also weld thin wires (thermocouples, guide wires). In addition to welding, the unit is capable of engraving, deep engraving and cutting metal, plastic welding and general-purpose high-speed marking.

In the machine shop of the future, a digital thread will weave through the pre-, in- and post-machining processes. Prior to machining, those processes include design, process and operations planning, and production logistics. After machining, part verification and outbound logistics enter the picture.

The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) sees cyber security awareness and prevention in manufacturing as an emerging challenge and competitiveness issues that manufacturers are facing. In response, NCMS has released a new whitepaper, written by Senior Vice President Rebecca Taylor, "Balancing Productivity and Security: The New Cybersecurity Challenge for Manufacturers."

BENZ Inc. has introduced a new product called NanoFix, a modular quick-change system for Swiss lathe live and static tools applications. The BENZ NanoFix modular quick-change system is designed for Swiss-type tooling with a minimum spindle distance of 22 mm and makes it simple to change tools inside the Swiss lathe in as little as 15 seconds.

Simonds Saw introduces QUAD 7 carbide-tipped bandsaw blades for demanding production cutting operations, such as steel service centers, foundries and aerospace sawing applications. QUAD 7 blades are suitable for alloy; high chrome alloy; Inconel and other nickel-based alloys; titanium block and plate; stainless steels; and mold, tool and bearing steels.

Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in March, and the overall economy grew for the 94th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

Wildeck Inc. has introduced a new LiftLok VRC safety system to prevent lift operation by untrained or unauthorized personnel. A basic key switch or a more feature rich 10-key pushbutton digital keypad can be added to any Wildeck mechanical or hydraulically-operated VRC (Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor).

Wildeck Inc. has announced its new NetGate pick module safety gate, which will transform open rack loading zones into protected, safe access areas by providing full height fall protection within the pallet zone.