Automation & Controls

GTI Predictive Technology, Manchester, N.H., today announced the immediate availability of GTI PowerReader, the latest tool in the GTI Predictive Technology Tool Box. The GTI PowerReader allows users to optimize machine cycles to help increase output and avoid new capital equipment purchases, according to a GTI Predictive Technology news release.

With version 4.7 of the Sinumerik Operate graphical user interface software, Siemens Industry Inc. reportedly improved multi-tasking with machine tools, according to a company announcement release today. Sinumerik Operate and the Sinumerik 840D sl CNC combine several machining technologies such as turning, milling and drilling, as well as workpiece and tool measurement on one machine, which is said to guarantee the complete machining of highly complex workpieces such as those found in the aerospace industry.

Matrix Design LLC, South Elgin, Ill., opened a new sales office in Indianapolis, which will be lead by Tim Fenner, who recently joined Matrix as a sales specialist. Matrix Design develops, builds and installs robotic automation systems worldwide. The Indianapolis office gives the company a more focused presence to better serve industries in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and surrounding regions.

Designed to improve the manufacturing process, the new Walter Tool-ID system reportedly allows users to transfer tool data from the presetting device to the machine tool and evaluate the parameters that are run on the machine, according to a Feb. 2 news release from Walter USA LLC, Waukesha, Wis. The tool data, which may be contained in a laser-engraved matrix code on the tool, can be picked up using a scanner and automatically transferred to a machine control unit, the company explained, noting that "time-consuming and error-prone manual data entry" may be cut from the equation.

The Keyence Corporation of America, Itasca, Ill., recently added a new product to its popular IV Series vision sensor family—the IV-H vision sensor—that reportedly increases the stability and functionality of visual inspection, the company announced in a Jan. 29 news release. The new IV-H models boast increased stability and versatility with a brand new toolset.

Coherent Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., recently enhanced its series of large-area, high-speed PowerMax-Pro laser detectors to enable power measurement of laser beams of up to 375W continuously, 600W for shorter durations, and modulated peak powers as high as 15 kW in intermittent (long-pulse) operation, according to the company. The PowerMax-Pro detectors, introduced in 2014, are based on Coherent's proprietary thin-film sensor technology that combines the broad wavelength sensitivity, dynamic range and laser damage resistance of a thermopile with the response speed of a semiconductor photodiode.

With its new KASTOwin range, KASTO Inc., Export, Penn., presents a flexible, universal solution for serial and production sawing of solid materials, tubes and profiles, according to a recent company news release. Four automatic band saw models were presented at the company's 170th anniversary event. The full line will be on display for the first time at AMB 2016, an international exhibition for metalworking set for Sept. 13-17 in Stuttgart, Germany.

PRAB Inc. offers a heavy-duty, open-frame steel belt conveyor designed to minimize downtime and increase worker safety. The exclusive design allows operators or maintenance personnel to quickly and easily see if carry-over has fallen between the belt. The removable guard panels to allow for easy access to the area between the belt and the bottom cover, providing quick and easy removal of scrap.

Cosen Saws USA, Charlotte, N.C., has introduced MechaLogix Cosen Predictive Computing, a cloud-based system that reportedly revolutionizes the category with an innovative feature that monitors the performance of a blade and can accurately forecast the number of remaining cutting hours left before a saw blade dulls and is no longer cutting with precision or a complete breakage.

Lincoln Frazier has been appointed Southeast regional sales manager for Dorner Mfg. Corp., Hartland, Wis. In his new position, Frazier will work with sales channel partners and key accounts to grow the company's industrial and sanitary conveyor business throughout the Southeastern United States, according to a Jan. 4 news release from the company.

GF Machining Solutions, Lincolnshire, Ill., this week introduced rConnect, a new central communications platform for the company's milling, EDM and laser texturing machines. Advancing the Industry 4.0 vision of the smart factory of the future, rConnect offers the industry's most in-depth remote machine tool analysis, according to a Jan. 20 news release from the company.

These enhancements improve operations, eliminate restrictions to the working area and allow an extremely precise display of the spindle position, the company said. The new sensor is said to be capable of fast, "math-free" positioning of the spindle axis on the edges of the workpiece, and offers precision of 0.01mm when used with original Haimer probe tips.