General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Mastercam 2017 for SOLIDWORKS is a CAM application that is fully integrated into SOLIDWORKS. Users can program parts directly in SOLIDWORKS using Mastercam's industry-leading toolpaths and machining strategies. In addition to all the improvements to Mastercam Mill and Lathe, Mastercam 2017 for SOLIDWORKS features the Analyze Toolpath and improved Tplanes.

Methods Machine Tools Inc. has announced the addition of the KIWA-Japan Triple H40 horizontal machining center with a column-traverse structure to its current KIWA line. One of the most unique design features of the Triple H40 is its ability to support flexible mounting of various fixtures and rotary tables based on the application.

Three new capabilities in the 2017 edition of PartXplore are maintaining the powerful high-speed CAD viewer and analyzer's long tradition of updating format support and new enhancements. PartXplore, by Vero Software, contains many innovative features usually found in high-end CAD systems that enable users to perform part diagnostics, create assembly instructions and prepare the production of 3D models.

Whether you're starting a new engineering program or upgrading an existing one, the Haas Mini Mill is the ideal learning tool. Now available in a school edition, this machine is bundled with educator and student tools that provide real-world machine shop experience within the classroom.

The new Walter Cut G1511-P grooving tool with precision coolant supply, available in 1.0 in. shank sizes, provides long tool life and high productivity, among other benefits. It is suitable for universal use, performing grooving, parting-off, recessing and face grooving with GX insert cutting widths from 0.024 to 0.250-in. (0.6 to 6.35 mm), and can perform radial and axial grooving operations without loss of stability.

Reuters reports that America's manufacturers are urging President-elect Donald Trump to back off from his most threatening trade rhetoric and pursue a more nuanced approach to trade with China and Mexico, avoiding unilateral tariff actions and focusing on negotiations. Corporate lobbying groups, some chief executives and pro-trade lawmakers also say they eventually even hope to persuade Trump that free-trade agreements can help grow the U.S. economy and create jobs.

With the introduction of the ERD 150L, EROWA offers a low-cost, linear automation system that is flexible and can easily be expanded at any time. This virtually eliminates the need to purchase additional components before they're needed.

Amacoil-Uhing Model RS drive nuts provide smooth backlash-free linear motion in machine design. Unlike a screw, the RS drive nut runs on a smooth shaft. This eliminates the potential for debris to become trapped in threads which could then clog or jam.

Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH has expanded its machine portfolio for small workpieces with the small-footprint (Platform 1) LS 180 F shaping machine equipped with an electronically operated, movable cutter head slide. The machine can shape smaller gears in different axial positions with only short setup times.

Steute Industrial Controls offers a comprehensive line of industrial-grade wireless switches.

For "smart" factories to function at their best, real-time communication between machines at all levels is of paramount importance. To ensure that all stations can properly share data, Ethernet cables will be used in increasing numbers throughout factories and equipment. To suit the needs for Ethernet cables in moving applications, igus offers more than 30 types, all exclusively designed to suit a range of dynamic industrial applications and mechanical requirements.

In the past 18 months, several Whirlpool Corp. plants have added collaborative robots to the assembly process. Collaborative robots are at the forefront of manufacturing technology and are designed to work alongside their human counterparts. "Collaborative robots allow us to be much more flexible," says Eric Howe, Whirlpool senior engineer and automation lead.