Machining

If you have ever had parts or components CNC milled, you probably have a good understanding of the process. However, unless you have had custom products manufactured, you may not be aware of everything that goes hand-in-hand with custom CNC milling.

Although picks, or plectra, for playing musical instruments are commonly plastic injection molded or stamped, some are machined.

Seco Tools has expanded its Steadyline vibration-damping tooling system to include large-diameter turning/boring bars that provide a reliable, plug-and-play solution for increased productivity in large and deep bore operations.

Milltronics USA Inc. says its new SL-II series slant-bed CNC lathes are fast, accurate and affordable. The SL-II Series are available in three models: the SL6-II, the SL8-II and the SL10-II. Designed as machines that anyone in the shop can run, they feature Milltronic's latest series 9000 CNC, which can be programmed either conversationally or with industry standard G and M codes.

Mahr Inc. offers the MarOpto MT 100, the first in a new series of Fizeau interferometer towers for measuring optics directly in production. Fizeau interferometers from Mahr are supported by the company's proprietary Intelliwave software to allow easy measurement of both radius and form deviations.

Designed for internal threading and grooving applications, the new Carmex Modular Line (ML) uses a single boring bar that can be fitted with multiple adapters, offering high accuracy, easy adjustment and full repeatability. Coated with abrasive-resistant nickel, the ML adapters can be used with all Carmex standard thread turning inserts sizes 16, 22 and 27 mm.

If you are in charge of production on a manufacturing shop floor, there is no doubt that you have likely come across productivity issues. Nothing is perfect, and this includes your employees and your equipment.

JM Performance Products Inc. has engineered its patented hydraulic Clamp Force Gage to provide a quick and inexpensive method to regularly check and measure the clamping/pulling force of the spindle drawbar. The hydraulic gage instantly reads in ft/lbs the amount of pull force being applied to the toolholder.

Kitagawa NorthTech Inc. introduces its new AS series of grinding steady rests. The AS series expands and completes the company's portfolio of steady rests specifically designed and engineered for grinding applications. The new AS steady rests feature narrow retractable arms for easy automated part loading, as well as many other capabilities for grinding applications.

The H80/100/160/200 series is the latest version of Star SU LLC's hobbing machine line for small applications, specially engineered for automotive. These machines have been designed for dry cutting operations in particular, although using oil or emulsion is not a problem.

The technology educators at CamInstructor Inc. announce new, online CNC programming training courses of interest to manufacturers. The course offerings are designed for people brand new to CNC machine tool programming, as well as for more experienced programmers who may need a refresher or get up to speed on the latest software release.