Milling

Lab testing and outside-the-box thinking are uncovering novel approaches to difficult machining challenges.

The unique thickness of the YG-1 ENMX insert offers a series of benefits. First, YG-1 makes the inserts 20-25% thicker than others on the market. This allows normal flank wear to develop without encroaching on the secondary edge and results in full use of all four edges for a more economical solution.n

Enhancements to the Page Manager have improved toolpath management. These include the ability to create named groups and functions for copying and modifying existing toolpaths, which speeds up the process of creating finish paths that use the same tool set-up as the rough paths.

The LT360 is configurable and compact, consisting of a cutting head mounted on a 6-axis robot, and a working table with a work area of 1500 x 1000 mm. For increased productivity, a 20 kg capacity handling robot and part holding table can be integrated. Available with a 2 kW or 3 kW fiber laser source, the cutting head features capacitive height sensing, allowing maximum freedom for cutting any three-dimensional profile in space to truly cut at 360° with an accuracy of ±0.15 mm (.006") and a repeatability of ±0.05 mm (.002").

CAD analysis benefits from a new function which improves the suite of analysis-shading modes. Draft Analysis has been added to the existing Undercut and Accessibility shading, performing an on-the-fly analysis of the draft angle. This uses the same technique as in the undercut mode, but extended to more ranges. The colors and angular value of each range can be changed by simply clicking on the colors or numeric labels on the graphics toolbar.

This 32mm capacity machine (with the capability to increase to 38mm) has a new design that helps improve productivity and operating convenience. The standard 12 cutting axes includes a B axis for angular drilling and contour milling. In addition, the 10 station turret with half index capability provides 20 positions.

A number of these productivity boosts have been achieved by reducing calculation time with EDGECAM 2021's enhanced parallel-processing capability. Two of the most popular machining cycles – Roughing and Profiling – benefit from improvements to the software's multi-threading technology algorithms. Three significant time savings: EDGECAM's world-leading high-speed Waveform Roughing strategy is now significantly faster when generating toolpath for both solid and wireframe components.

The mill is best suited to machining steel, stainless steel, cast iron, non-ferrous material and materials with difficult cutting properties. This wide range of uses results in lower tooling and administrative costs, as does the fact that its 90° approach angle dramatically decreases the need for finishing operations. Walter Tiger·tec cutting tool materials, the high number of teeth, and small indexable inserts also makes it ideal for workpieces with small machining allowances.n

We Are Proud to Announce that KItagawa NorthTech has Acquired Tecnaras' Principle Product Lines Through Strategic Acquisition

Designed for slotting operations between 4-12 mm and cutting-off operations from 4-8 mm, the 335.18 and 335.19 cutters are available in metric diameters ranging from 32 mm to 125 mm. Inch diameters range from 1.25" to 4" with widths from 0.156" to 0.50". Inserts for these cutters are available with the full range of grades, edge geometries and corner radii (0.2-6.0 mm, 0.008"-0.236"). For the greatest flexibility and ease of use, as well as superior radial and axial reach, the 335.18 and 335.19 cutters utilize modular Combimaster connections.

Iscar Metals Inc. in early March presented a series of milling and drilling demonstrations during the company's 2020 Milling & Holemaking Seminar at its Tech Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.