Milling

Numerous toolmakers provide free programs that will automatically generate G code for a specific thread milling application. The programs vary in sophistication and in whether they are online-only or downloadable, but all are useful tools. Among the suppliers of these apps are Scientific Cutting Tools Inc., Simi Valley, Calif.; Guhring Inc., Brookfield, Wis.; and Kennametal Inc., Pittsburgh.

The demands for prototype, tool and mold making are increasing. Only those who can supply high-quality output, quickly and flexibly, can succeed against the powerful competition worldwide. Zimmermann is responding to this trend with the new FZU.

To prepare factories for an increasingly digital future, and to better support Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiatives, DP Technology is focusing on a range of solutions to drive automation in manufacturing. The ESPRIT CAM system enables manufacturers to streamline their workflows, prevent silos from forming during the manufacturing process, increase tool life and machine utilization, and create greater access to practical knowledge for process improvement.

Sandvik Coromant has unveiled a new, high-feed version of the CoroMill 745 facemilling cutter, featuring a 25° entering angle for additional productivity gains when milling steel and cast iron workpieces. The new, high-feed version facilitates even higher metal-removal rates in applications with depths of cut up to 2.8 mm (0.110 inch).

A milestone for the digital transformation: thyssenkrupp connects the machinery of the materials division via a new digital platform. Thanks to toii Industrial Internet of Things platform, all machines can communicate with each other. Due to predictive maintenance, the platform is also supposed to forecast the necessity of machine services in the future.

Walter has introduced the M2136, a multitooth close-pitch finishing cutter that features a high degree of process reliability coupled with superior cost effectiveness, particularly with cast iron, thanks in part to its eight cutting edges per insert.

Trochoidal milling is a relatively new cutting strategy that involves the overlapping of circular toolpaths with linear movement. It is well-suited for difficult-to-machine materials and thin-walled components.

An item in the Look Ahead department of the August 2017 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine features large-volume, high-accuracy robots.

A heavy-duty ID clamping pipe milling end prep tool that can J-prep bevel, face and bore all hard pipe alloys in preparation for orbital welding is available from ESCO Tool. The Esco Prepzilla Millhog ID clamping end prep tool is offered with a wide selection of cutting blades, including a J-preparation blade that creates a consistent contoured radius and clean neck for orbital welding.

The latest release of the Surfcam solution, by Vero Software, introduces a new turning cycle that includes B-axis movements while machining on a turning center. This new feature in Surfcam 2017 R2 allows greater accessibility when machining complex profiles by dynamically positioning the insert.

The HCN-16000Q horizontal machining center from Mazak Corp. features a double-column, quill-head design that enables the machine to perform the operations of both an HMC and a traditional boring machine. This means the machine provides processing flexibility and helps reduce part setups because it allows manufacturers to perform both deep bore and milling applications all on the same machine platform.