Machining

Traditional manual indexable tool repair methods can place limitations on the feasibility of repairing more than moderate pocket damage. GKI says its process using 4- and 5-axis CNC machines removes the damage completely and replaces it with new metal, resulting in a superior-quality tool while enhancing GKI's ability to repair tooling that other repair houses would likely turn away as "beyond repair."

Additive manufacturing (AM) will neither displace existing machining processes nor revolutionize industrial production operations—at least not for the next 5 to 7 years, according to Myron Graw, an AM authority who spoke at METAV 2016, the 19th International Exhibition for Metalworking (Metallverarbeitung) Technologies.

Bumotec has launched the s181 turn-mill center, a compact cost effective multifunction machine targeted at industries such as micromechanic, aerospace, medical and surgical instruments, as well as watch and jewelry. Derived from the well-known Bumotec s191 linear CNC turn-mill center, the new s181 is a 5- to 9-axis unit targeted at single-setup machining of complex and high-precision workpieces.

Machinery's Handbook from Industrial Press Inc.. is an authoritative, comprehensive and practical tool, providing its users with fundamental and essential aspects of manufacturing practices. It is a must-have reference for mechanical, manufacturing, and industrial engineers, designers, draftsmen, toolmakers, machinists, engineering and technology students, and the serious home hobbyist, according to the publisher.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence launched its latest system software release and a new Ethernet Real Time Feature Pack (RTFP) for the Leica Absolute Tracker AT960 and AT930. This combination delivers a 7DOF measurement solution designed to empower Factory of the Future applications, such as laser tracker-based machine control and robotic guidance.

Walter has introduced a new version of its Walter Prototyp Proto▪maxST high-performance, solid-carbide milling tool designed for optimal performance on steel with secondary applications in stainless steel. This new entry in the Walter Prototyp lineup is called the Proto·maxST Z-5, available with the same tough yet wear-resistant TAZ coating that is offered in the original 3- and 4-flute variations of the Proto·maxST.

Microlution Inc., Chicago, recently introduced its MR-4 Precision Micro Lathe turning platform that reportedly offers positional accuracy of +/-0.00004" (1µm), maximum acceleration better than 2g, spindle speeds up to 15,000 rpm, tooling speeds up to 30,000 rpm and torque up to 6 Nm (S1), according to the company's website.

The Tracer Vx-105XL bar feeder from CNC Indexing & Feeding Technologies can handle bars up to 4 1/8" (104.775mm) in diameter and up to 72" (1,828.8mm) long. The bar feeder's magazine rack accommodates up to five 4 1/8"-dia. bars.

JETCAM announced the launch of Version 19 of its Expert CADCAM and nesting software, featuring several major new features and hundreds of improvements across the software. Several features focus around nesting. Multi-sheet nesting takes advantage of JETCAM's powerful high-performance nesting module to nest parts across multiple sheets at a time, drastically improving overall material efficiency while taking less time to generate the nests.

Drilling and threading with the same tool? Even in working depth up to 3 diameters? Yes it is possible, thanks to the new DC Swiss circular thread milling cutter from Mikron Tools with internal coolant starting from 3mm (0.12").

Meister Abrasives USA, Inc. has introduced a new generation of cDD Diamond Dressers that deliver certified tool radius tolerances, which are essential for most demanding microprecision grinding applications. The radius form tolerance of these new microprecision diamond dressers can be certified accurate to within 2μm (+/-0.001mm) if the application requires.

Daniel Franklin, who began his career at the Rollomatic factory in Switzerland in 1999, will take over the team leader's position with immediate effect, according to a recent Rollomatic news release. Franklin takes over for Mac MacKenna, who transitioned into a sales manager position in the Northeast.