General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

The ASR1300 high-speed, direct-drive rotary stage from Aerotech Inc. achieves accelerations of up to 8,000 rad/s2 and reaches speeds greater than 1,500 rpm in only 90° of travel, making it suitable for demanding tube-handling applications and high-throughput manufacturing processes. The ASR1300's maximum speed of 3,000 rpm and its acceleration capability result from a full system-level optimization of the torque-to-inertia ratio.

J.W. Winco Inc. offers 316L stainless steel GN 139.5 hinges with safety switch. The RoHS-compliant hinges with integrated safety switches are for use in monitoring doors and covers of machines and equipment. Opening the door activates the switch contacts, which causes an interruption in a protective circuit via broken contact (NC) and at the same time signals the door opening by closing a normally open contact element (NO).

TechTool, a mobile app that offers technicians a way to quickly enter all coolant maintenance related data, features pH readings, refractometer readings and the amount of waste, recycling and inventory shops have in stock, according to Houston-based Fluid Service Technologies.

SCANLAB GmbH offers a new collimation module to reportedly close a market gap for reliable connection of fiber-coupled lasers. This industrial-strength fiber coupler helps transform scan heads into a system to be easily integrated in laser processing machines.

Controx-Neuhauser presents precision saw blades designed specifically for use with Hydromat machines. Available in 166 and 250 mm diameters, these cobalt steel (HSS-Co) saw blades feature an axial runout of 0.1 mm/0.004" to assure a straight cut and minimize the breakage rate.

GF Machining Solutions this month appointed two new regional managers in the Western Region to support growing sales of the company's machines, automation solutions and services, especially for the tool and moldmaking industries, according to a March 15 company news release.

In October 1977, the Cortec Corp. developed vapor phase corrosion inhibitors (VpCIs) that allow clean, dry, more environmentally friendly methods of corrosion protection for multi-metals. At a time most companies still relied on inorganic chemistries, Cortec established its first groundbreaking technological platform of organic corrosion inhibiting chemistries.

U.S. factory output increased for a sixth straight month in February while consumer sentiment rebounded in early March, underscoring the economy's resilience even as growth appears to have slowed significantly in the first quarter. That was supported by other data on Friday showing a gauge of future economic activity rose in February to its highest level in more than a decade.

On Robot is bringing its technology to North America to provide manufacturers with more user-friendly, safe and flexible grippers for collaborative robots (cobots). On Robot's two-finger RG2 grippers—available in both single and dual versions—mount on the arms of cobots without any external wires; for robots that have infinite rotation of the last joint, this enables unprecedented flexibility and productivity, according to the company.

SMTCL USA Inc., City of Industry, Calif., received an award at the Digital Manufacturing Showcase event Feb. 10 from Galesburg High School for the machine tool builder's part in a new partnership bringing manufacturing training to high school students. This program gives students an opportunity to learn CAD, CNC programming and CNC operation. Students from six local high schools will be able to take the classes.

Donald Trump promises to bring factory jobs back to the U.S. from overseas, but many blue-collar workers are hurt more by a lack of skills than by globalization.

MP Systems offers a new variable-volume, high-pressure coolant system (HPCS), the Model VR8. The VR8 is part of MP Systems' new Variable Volume VR series. The VR series is engineered to be durable and energy efficient. It also allows users to take full advantage of the flexibility and range of capabilities found in today's sophisticated machine tools.