General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

Comau presents the extension of its small robot family for quick applications in restricted spaces, including handling, assembly and pick and place, by introducing two new robots: Racer5-0.63 and Racer5-0.80. Both are controlled by the R1C 19" rack-mounted controller, which can be integrated into a single cabinet to control an entire line.

Weiler Abrasives Group has rebranded its Vortec Pro abrasive flap discs under its Wolverine family of products, and has also reengineered the discs to deliver maximum cut rate and increased life, all at an exceptional value, according to the company. Like other Wolverine brand products, the flap discs are for fabrication professionals who have grinding and blending needs for their everyday carbon and stainless steel applications.

With rising salaries, labor unrest, environmental devastation and intellectual property theft, China is no longer an attractive place for Western companies to move their manufacturing, writes Vivek Wadhwa. "Technology has also eliminated the labor cost advantage. [China] built its dominance in manufacturing by offering massive subsidies, cheap labor, and lax regulations. With technologies such as robotics and 3D printing, it has no edge."

The Magswitch Integrated Solutions (MIS) division is introducing new end of arm tool (EOAT) degaussing technology for magnetic material handling in industrial automation. This reportedly allows for a whole new range of material handling applications.

Walter has expanded its successful DC170 Supreme internally cooled, solid-carbide drill with the introduction of two new sizes, the 25xDc and 30xDc. These sizes extend the drill line, aimed at ISO material groups P, K, and H, to new depths, while keeping the performance enhancing benefits of the DC170 line.

At GreenBiz, Mark Johnson, director of the Department of Energy's Advanced Manufacturing Office, describes the importance of manufacturing innovation to the burgeoning U.S. clean-energy industry.

Los Angeles Times reports: Factories south of the border are fueled by American goods and services—creating a silver lining for at least some workers in the U.S.

5ME recently acquired 51 patents in four patent families from Creare, an innovator in cryogenic systems and fluid dynamics. The acquisition gives 5ME control of the intellectual property related to cryogenic machining – specifically, the process of transmitting liquid nitrogen at -321° F through the spindle/turret and tool body, directly to a cutting tool's edge.

The Make & Elevate Manufacturing Leadership Series will take place September 12-14 to coincide with IMTS (International Manufacturing & Technology Show). The series offers two components: the three-day "Mastermind Forum" and a "One-Day to Elevate Workshop," both designed to help manufacturing leaders take their businesses to the next level.

The Leonardo electric spindle from Koma Precision is the latest innovation from Alberti featuring automatic tool change and speeds up to 60,000 rpm. This system is comprised of a main tool body with indexing pin, a stop block with cable and a controller unit.

Johnson Gage offers the JCR runout and concentricity inspection system for verification of cylindrical runout. The JCR can be used stand-alone or with an optical comparator for verification of geometries in cutting tool product.