Turning

END USER: Helac Corp., (800) 327-2589, www.helac.com. CHALLENGE: Reduce maintenance and programming time on a large vertical turning center. SOLUTION: Retrofit the VTC with a new CNC and AC digital-axis servodrives and servomotors. SOLUTION PROVIDER: MAG IAS LLC, (859) 534-4600, www.mag-ias.com

Get with the Program: CNC systems, metrology equipment and other types of machinery often require a linear motion component. This may be because of a need to move a cutting tool back and forth, position measuring probes, convey material or clear debris from the work area.

New Beyond grades from Kennametal are delivering higher productivity for turning tough alloys, both in higher speeds and feeds (faster turnaround time) and longer tool life (more parts per tool).

A new range of turning inserts is available from Sandvik Coromant.

The VL 2 P is a two-spindle vertical turning machine with pendulum technology from EMAG is for parts that have a diameter of up to 100mm.

Ingersoll Cutting Tools offers Gold-Flex, the new product line that features a 4-edged insert for multifunctional operations.

ISCAR is expanding the range of MINCUT inserts and tools for face grooving and turning in a diameter range of 10 to 34mm, for up to 9mm grooving depth.

Walter USA LLC has expanded its line of Walter Cut tools for parting, grooving and turning with three new models optimized for shallow depth grooving of up to a maximum of 0.236" (6mm).

END USER: A large aerospace manufacturer. CHALLENGE: Avoid buying a new machine by retaining use of a 25-year-old lathe. SOLUTION: Rebuild the lathe and retrofit it with a new control. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Infinity Rebuild Inc., (704) 588-4995, www.infinityrebuild.com

J.W. Winco Inc. announced it offers series GN 7336 Plastic Hollow Knurled Knobs, with steel tapped inserts or threaded studs, in metric sizes.

Due to an optimized nanostructure that creates a balance of improved hardness, toughness, and resistance to residual stresses, BALINIT PERTURA from Oerlikon Balzers stands out as a universal coating solution for high-performance solid-carbide drills in a variety of drilling applications.

The Manager's Desk column in the December 2011 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering addresses the importance of developing interest in manufacturing careers.