General Machining & Manufacturing Processes

While the previous FormControl version (without the "X") was based on a scenario in which a machine operator works at a machine with the laptop and processes the measurements at the same time, the trend today is moving toward automating such processes, meaning this 1:1 relationship is now fairly rare. Genuine automation of workpiece measurement also opens up completely new areas of application. That is why the goal with FormControl X was to enable real measurement automation on the basis of a modern client-server architecture – this means moving away from pure logging and towards process integration and automation with the help of the measurement data collected by the software.n

As a modular control cabinet replacement that can also be decentralized on the machine if required, the MX-System saves engineering, assembly, installation and maintenance efforts. This promotes highly efficient processes for the manufacturers and operators of machines and systems – from the planning, setup and installation of the MX-System through to the maintenance of MX-System-equipped machines.

MERLIC 5.2 is a logical continuation of the approach taken since MERLIC 5, namely to provide customers with the latest deep learning features that are also easy to use. Global Context Anomaly Detection is now being added to the proven deep learning functions Anomaly Detection and Classification (from MERLIC 5) and Deep OCR (from MERLIC 5.1).

Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. exhibited innovative solutions for a resilient and sustainable future at IMTS. The company previewed its enhanced CNC controller, the M800V/M80V Series, which is currently slated for an early 2023 release in the Americas.

MarSurf CD 140 AG 11 features an automated calibration routine for probe arms and a flexible workpiece holder that makes it easy to handle. Automatic tracing force selection assures the proper force is used when replacing several stylus tips. Operators can choose from a comprehensive range of clamps and workpiece holders, and this versatile machine can also be used to obtain roughness measurements (Rz>2µm).

FlexiumPro's Real-Time Kernel (RTK) hosts an embedded Codesys V3 PLC and a CNC unit. Based on a multi-core ARM processor, the RTK is implemented using advanced system-on-chip (SoC) technology. The tightly integrated nature of this technology helps to significantly reduce the component count, resulting in improved system reliability and compactness. The single-board and fan-less design of the RTK unit is only 25 mm wide.

Sharad Mundra, a Marposs product sales manager, provides an overview and demonstration of the company's new visual tool setter, which includes crash protection.

John Weniger, the product manager for Allied Machine and Engineering's T-A Pro line, provides a brief overview and demonstration of the T-A Pro M geometry insert.

Drew Strauchen, GWS Tool Group's executive vice president of marketing and business development, covers a wide variety of products for turning, threading, custom tooling, PCD tools, milling, custom inserts, holemaking and more.

ISCAR introduces small diameter milling cutters with indexable inserts in the diameter range of 6 mm to 12 mm. These new tools provide an excellent alternative for other solid carbide endmills intended for diverse applications such as shoulder milling, pocketing, slotting and more.

Haimer USA's Steven Baier, vice president of sales, and Olaf Stoffels, managing director, provide a brief overview and demonstration of the company's Digital Tool Room.

Clay East, Iscar USA's national product manager for GRIP products, highlights Iscar's newest Swiss product, the Neo Swiss indexable interchangeable quickchange head.