Milling

The new release of Edgecam, from Vero Software, contains 54 items of new or enhanced functionality that improve productivity for manufacturers by using a range of cutting technologies and machining strategies. They include significant changes to the Pre-Drill Approach Roughing cycle, creating features from wireframe entities, 3D milling cycles in mill-turn Rotary mode, 28 new technology databases in the Wire EDM module and Tombstone.

By packaging both turning and milling functions in a single machining center, machine tool builders believe they've hit on a winning combination that can boost part quality while also slashing cycle times, space and costs.

If you've ever struggled with inserts coming loose during a slotting operation, keep reading. How about inconsistent slot widths, fumbling with awkward screws and inserts on a slotting cutter, or having to use a piece of shim stock to pry wedged chips from deep inside a slotted workpiece?

Make a complex process simple and intuitive. This was the goal for the specialists at DATRON AG intent on developing an innovative control called "DATRON next." The result is a control system with surface optics that compare to the newest smartphone technology--clearly laid out tiled optics, self-explanatory icons with intuitive control logic, clearly illustrated tools in 3D optics.

Tests on the new nesting engine unveiled in Alphacam 2018 R2, by Vero Software, show a 17 percent improvement in material yield. Using proprietary technology to deliver what Brand Manger Hector Henry says are "best-in-class geometry," toolpath optimization and part handling, the nesting engine also provides faster calculation times, along with improved feedback and graphics.

WIDIA has created an app to quickly access machining speeds and feeds for WIDIA tooling without interrupting production. The newly released Machining Central app scans the WIDIA product bar code or searches the tool's corresponding order number or an ANSI or ISO catalog number to automatically generate product information and availability along with feeds and speeds in seconds.

Mitsui Seiki says its new Vertex 100 5-axis vertical machining center is engineered to fulfill manufacturers' demands for a compact, high-speed machine capable of high-precision milling of larger parts such as blisks for aircraft engines. The Vertex 100 can machine workpieces 1,250 mm in diameter and 850 mm tall while occupying only 3 m x 4.2 m of shop floor space.

END USER: Ansco Machine Co., (330) 929-8181, www.ansco-machine.com. SOLUTION PROVIDER: DP Technology Corp., (800) 627-8479, www.espritcam.com. CHALLENGE: More efficiently program large mill-turn vertical turret lathes. SOLUTION: CAM software that can program complex mill-turn parts using subprograms.

While milling has gone high performance, the newest machining centers at your shop were installed when Bill Clinton was president, and the oldest one still uses paper tape. So how might you benefit from emerging high-tech milling strategies?

North American Tool Corp. has introduced a new line of standard solid-carbide thread mills. These thread mills feature a helical flute design and are manufactured from premium micrograin carbide for increased life and improved thread quality in a variety of materials. Straight-flute tools are available as specials.

For all practical purposes, says Bob Warfield of CNCCookbook.com, manual machinists always use conventional milling and CNC machinists always use climb milling. "Most of us do one or the other, and seldom change," he observed, but is that right?"

The Spike sensory toolholder is a wireless force sensor used for tool monitoring. During the machining process (e.g drilling or milling), it can measure the generated force and torque directly at the toolholder. The occuring data will be transmitted wirelessly to the receiver and the tool measurement software.