Machining

Monitoring metalworking fluids is a critical process in optimizing performance and extending fluid life. The necessity and methodology for analyzing fluids has remained virtually unchanged for years, yet there was still no way to easily record the data, share it with other departments or suppliers, and measure fluid concentration. Though new solutions enabled by digital technologies are emerging on the shop floor to help with tooling, machine tools or CAD/CAM services, this was not the case for monitoring metalworking fluid performance. Quaker Chemical Corp. recognized the need for innovation to help its customers monitor fluid performance. As a response, the Quaker team developed CoolanTool, a mobile app that addresses the needs of technicians that use metalworking fluids in their machining processes.

The CoroMill 172 and 171 disc cutting concepts adapted for gears, splines and racks enables gear profile manufacturing on most types of CNC machines.

Cleco Tools, a business unit of Apex Tool Group LLC, announced the launch of its new Vertical Grinder product line.

Besides the basic rpm/sfm, ipm/fpt, Math Conversions and Drill Chart References, the new Android version of the Machinist Journeyman app from Smart Calculations LLC includeds advanced Milling Calculations such as Radial Chip Thinning Factor, Ballnose Effective Diameter and 45 Degree Lead Milling.

MultiCam introduces a combination plasma head for its popular 3000 and 6000 series CNC plasma machines that is for production cutting of diverse materials.

BTM Corp., a Michigan-based manufacturer of clinch joining systems, automation components and contract machine work, has reported substantial savings in coolant usage and waste removal costs after switching its aluminum and steel machining operations to run on QualiChem XTREME CUT 251C semi-synthetic metalworking fluid.

Shimada and Gosiger have collaborated to design a new hybrid CNC multispindle bar machine.

MultiCam offers a solution for heavy duty machining with its 5000 Series CNC Router.

Mitutoyo America Corp. added the new STRATO-Apex574 Coordinate Measuring Machine to its STRATO-Apex line of CMMs.

With approximately 25 percent longer tool life, the new KCSM30 milling grade from Kennametal directly reduces cost-per-part for shops working on titanium, according to the company.

Autodesk announced the commercial availability of Inventor HSM, an integrated CAM solution for Inventor users.

A shop that cylindrical-grinds tungsten-carbide is running into trouble maintaining optimal parameters when switching to a larger diameter. Dr. Jeffrey Badger, the host of Cutting Tool Engineering's Grinding Doc Video Series, offers some insight.