Machining

For years the flexible, ball-style hone has dominated the market for applications that require honing of cylindrical metal surfaces, such as engine piston bores and drilled through-holes. Now the tool, in a slightly different configuration but with the same filaments and abrasive globules, is increasingly being utilized on 2D, or planar, surfaces.

Make a complex process simple and intuitive. This was the goal for the specialists at DATRON AG intent on developing an innovative control called "DATRON next." The result is a control system with surface optics that compare to the newest smartphone technology--clearly laid out tiled optics, self-explanatory icons with intuitive control logic, clearly illustrated tools in 3D optics.

The precision tooling company founded by Heinz Kaiser in Rümlang, Switzerland, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.

Mazak Corp., Florence, Ky., made organizational changes aimed at empowering customers with rock-solid services and support.

Precision Drive Systems LLC, Bessemer City, N.C., a global provider of high-speed precision spindle motors, support and spindle repair, promoted Calvin Stiles to national sales manager.

Additive manufacturing seems to monopolize the spotlight when it comes to part production these days. Manufacturers flock to industry trade shows to see how this novel technology has advanced and learn about how it might transform and benefit their operations.

Wall Colmonoy Corp., Madison Heights, Mich., a global materials engineering group of companies engaged in the manufacture of advanced metal coatings and components, was established in 1938 in Detroit by Albert F. Wall.

To improve coverage for all tasks in the fields of automation, visualization and communication, the popular C60xx series of ultracompact Beckhoff Industrial PCs has been expanded with the addition of the new C6017. This latest addition to the Beckhoff Industrial PC (IPC) portfolio combines compact design and installation flexibility with an increased variety of interfaces and an integrated UPS.

Tests on the new nesting engine unveiled in Alphacam 2018 R2, by Vero Software, show a 17 percent improvement in material yield. Using proprietary technology to deliver what Brand Manger Hector Henry says are "best-in-class geometry," toolpath optimization and part handling, the nesting engine also provides faster calculation times, along with improved feedback and graphics.

WIDIA has created an app to quickly access machining speeds and feeds for WIDIA tooling without interrupting production. The newly released Machining Central app scans the WIDIA product bar code or searches the tool's corresponding order number or an ANSI or ISO catalog number to automatically generate product information and availability along with feeds and speeds in seconds.

Marposs Corp. has expanded its MIDA VTS visual tool setter family with the addition of the VTS WF45 and WF85 wide field versions suited for noncontact measuring and verifying "double-sided", large-diameter tools. Relying upon LED technology, the wide field versions can perform both profile and surface integrity inspection of the entire tool front to back, identifying any minor faults in the work tool that could affect workpiece integrity.