General Shop Equipment & Supplies

Early in my stint here, I called Alan Baker, founder of toolmaker A.B. Tools Inc., in connection with an article I was writing about thread milling small-diameter holes. I started the interview with a general question about available thread mills sizes for these applications and was encouraged to first gather that information from Machinery's Handbook and then call him back. I thanked him before ending the call and turning to the appropriate section of "The Bible of the Mechanical Industries," published by Industrial Press Inc.

Star CNC Machine Tool Corp. introduced the 10-axis SR-38/B, which it says sets a new standard in the machining of complex, large-diameter parts by offering greater capacity and capability. With the efficient Star Motion control system, B-axis versatility and an 8-spindle back working unit, the SR-38/B accommodates very complex geometries in one operation with the precision and accuracy required by quality critical applications across a variety of industries.

GTI Predictive Technology Inc., creators of the VibePro iPad Data Collector, offers VibePro-EX, an explosion-proof vibration analysis package for iPad. The package includes a wireless Bluetooth accelerometer, a specially certified explosion proof iPad case meeting all hazardous compliance standards, and a new version of GTI's vibration analysis software, VibePro.

The Umill 1800 from Mecof, part of EMCO Group, offers milling and turning solutions designed to meet the needs of mold makers, aerospace, automotive, and precision engineering users by offering precision, high dynamics, operational flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Umill 1800 is a 5-axis milling center in a bridge design with moving table and crossbeam permitting loading from the top or the front of the machine.

GF Machining Solutions, , will purchase micromanufacturing machine builder Microlution Inc., Chicago, according to a comany news release issued May 11. Described as a specialist of micro-machining based on milling and laser technologies, Microlution was founded in 2005 and reportedly generated $10 million in 2015 with a workforce of 30 employees.

IBAG, which offers a broad line of machine tool spindles, has launched a new website at www.ibagnorthamerica.com featuring content-rich product coverage about high-speed spindles.

Abbott Workholding has introduced premachined versions of its popular configurations complete with a universal mounting pattern for use on virtually any machine make and model. These 400mm, 500mm and 630mm fixtures include top plates where applicable and can ship same day.

Abtex Corp., Dresden, N.Y., recently hired Christian Donovan as Operations Manager in response to "dramatic growth in all lines of business," according to an April 29 company news release.

Jana Davis steps into a new role as Chief Operating Officer at Bunting Magnetics Co. effective May 30. Davis, who joined the company in 2011 as Chief Financial Officer, will oversee day-to-day business operations at the company's Newton, Kan., location, as well as at its Magnet Materials Division in Elk Grove Village, Ill., Bunting Magnetics Europe in Berkhamsted, U.K., and Magnet Applications Inc. in DuBois, Penn.

Jeffrey Badger, Ph.D., , the host of Cutting Tool Engineering's Grinding Doc Video Series, explains the difference between friable grits and tough grits in the 69th episode of Cutting Tool Engineering magazine's Grinding Doc Video Series.

Once word got out that PTooling, a self-described small, family-owned machine shop in Amherstburg, Canada, had added a Lasertec 65 3D laser deposition welding and milling machine to its arsenal, major aerospace manufacturers began knocking on its door.

The Berghoff Group, a German manufacturer, recently announced plans to open its first U.S. plant, which will be located in Auburn, Ala. The company reportedly will invest $30 million to open the manufacturing facility, which is expected to create 100 precision-machining jobs over the next 5 years, according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Commerce.