Machining

The first automobile internal-combustion engines used a camshaft to open and close poppet valves. Now, more than 100 years later, camshafts are still used and their basic function hasn't changed—even though camshaft geometries, materials, surface finishes and tolerances have improved greatly to achieve better fuel economy, lower emissions and larger torque.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced the unveiling of the BLAZE 600M, a new noncontact optical measurement solution based on Hexagon's scanner technology. BLAZE 600M is a flexible, manually operated system that provides ultrarapid 3D data acquisition, a high level of accuracy, and actionable data for measurement, inspection, product development, line tuning and reverse engineering.

Gleason Corp. introduces the 200GX and 260GX threaded wheel grinding machines, its latest addition to the Genesis series. The twin-spindle concept combines maximum productivity with minimum idle and setup times. Fast, easy software-guided setup of the machine allows users to set up the GX series from one workpiece to another in 20 minutes using a single tool.

Automatic Tool Changers Inc. introduces a complete range of economical tool turrets for CNC lathes and turning centers, including replacements for the discontinued Dorian turrets as used on many HAAS TL series lathes. All turrets use a three-piece Hirth tooth coupling for high accuracy and maximum rigidity, plus allowing turrets to index without the tool carrier lifting.

Tungaloy Corp. announced an expansion of the AH8000 series for heat-resistant alloy turning. This expansion adds a new positive insert line to the product family.

BobCAD-CAM Inc. has released a training video set for the company's new BobART module, an artistic CAD/CAM plug-in for SOLIDWORKS. New to the BobCAM family of SOLIDWORKS plug-in products, BobART brings a set of creative tool sets that allow SOLIDWORKS users to apply artistic elements to CNC manufactured products.

Tongtai's brand new iVU-5 from Absolute Machine Tools Inc. is a rotary-type ultrasonic assisted machining center that operates as a dual function vertical machining center combined with rotary ultrasonic assisted machining of advanced materials. The Tongtai iVU offers X, Y, Z-axes travels of 500mm (20") x 400mm (15.7") x 350mm (13.8").

The new You Ji VMT-800 from Absolute Machine Tools Inc. is a versatile mill/turn multitasking machine well-suited for both oil and gas and aerospace manufacturing applications. This machine allows a manufacturer to perform vertical turning operations as well as five-face milling operations in one setup.

Focusing on the replacement of cam-controlled multi-spindle lathes up to 22 mm bar diameter, the new extended version INDEX MS16 Plus of the MultiLine series is a modular design, 6-spindle CNC multi-spindle lathe. In each work spindle position, the machine can simultaneously accomplish two or more operations., dropping complete parts in very short cycles.

With three 14-position tool turrets and identical main and counterspindles, the new space-saving INDEX C100s are designed for fast, cost-competitive production of medium complexity parts turned parts from bar stock from 30mm to 42mm diameter.

Jeffrey Badger, Ph.D., , the host of Cutting Tool Engineering’s Grinding Doc Video Series, explains the difference between friable grits and tough grits in the 69th episode of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine’s Grinding Doc Video Series.

Mitutoyo America Corp. announces the addition of the Quick Vision Active series to its line of vision measurement systems. This CNC vision measuring system is an easy-to-operate, space-saving model with advanced functionality to meet many contact and noncontact measuring needs.