Machining

Makino introduces the newly updated a51nx and a61nx horizontal machining centers. With the same rigid casting and axis designs of the original platforms, the updated a51nx and a61nx feature an expanded list of technology advancements, including increased spindle torque, innovative tool monitoring, advanced motion controls and the new Professional 6 control.

Dr. Jeffrey Badger, Cutting Tool Engineering's "Ask the Grinding Doc" columnist, offers some simple advice for detecting whether your wheel has loading.

FAMAR S.r.l manufactures 16 different models of vertical lathes specialized in turning, but also in milling, boring, drilling and tapping. Thanks to electro spindles added to the turret, FAMAR machines are able to do the gear cutting and grinding.

The AGN4 angular wheelhead CNC grinding machine from Weldon Solutions has been designed to produce high precision small parts and is capable of performing plunge, contour and traverse grinding operations. This compact machine occupies only 30 sq. ft. of floor space, but its standard configuration makes it adaptable for factory automation.

GTI Spindle Technology Inc., Manchester, N.H., recently opened a state-of-the-art facility in North Carolina that the company said is capable of repairing and rebuilding high-precision spindles, including those made by Makino, Mazak, Kessler, Gamfior, Enshu and OKK.

The inherent modularity of three Sandvik Coromant tooling product families—Coromant Capto (pictured), Coromant EH and CoroTurn SL—can reportedly prove highly advantageous to manufacturers looking to tool up a single machine or an entire plant.

The new M2131 Sky·tec Ramping Cutter from Walter reportedly brings new, higher levels of process reliability to the machining of nonferrous metals such as the aluminum wrought alloys or aluminum lithium alloys often used in aircraft structural components.

Designed for versatility, improved finish and long life, Carmex's latest additions to the popular Groove Milling line features six flutes constructed of MT8 grade carbide with advanced PVD triple coating for high heat and wear resistance in high-performance and normal operations.

END USER: Special Quality Alloys Inc., (281) 548-1277, www.sqainc.net. SOLUTION PROVIDERS: Industrial Diamond Products Co. Inc., (713) 991-1600, www.idp-tx.com; Simonds Saw, (800) 343-1616, www.simondsint.com. CHALLENGE: Extend bandsaw blade life while reducing cycle times. SOLUTION: Back-edge ramping technology to accelerate the sawing rate.

A team of engineers from several California colleges has developed and tested a type of steel with a record-breaking ability to withstand impacts without permanent deformation. The new alloy, named SAM2X5-630, could be used in applications from drills to body armor to meteor-resistant casings for satellites.

The results from a recent SME survey of parents about their views relating to careers in manufacturing showed there is not enough accurate information about the opportunities a manufacturing career offers.

In last month's column, I discussed the value of communication between engineers and shop personnel.