Introduced in 1959, coordinate measuring machines have become increasingly common over the last 2 decades. The complexity and cost once meant CMMs were only suitable for large manufacturers. Advances in CMM technology and manufacturing techniques have reduced the cost of ownership, and the machines are now found at all types and sizes of shops.
The University of Tennessee—Knoxville, a longstanding member of the Council on Competitiveness, was selected by the White House to lead a public-private partnership of 122 leading companies, universities, research laboratories and non-profits that will create a $250 million manufacturing innovation hub.
Machine tool builder Okuma America Corp. hosted "A Day at Okuma America Corporation" for area high school students at its Partners in THINC technology center in Charlotte, N.C., on Dec. 16. The event gave students the opportunity to learn more about CNC machining and technology and to speak with professionals in the CNC manufacturing industry.
Sharp Industries Inc. is offering the large swing, big bore manual lathe that is ideal for large oil pipe work, heavy shaft turning jobs and large diameter steel rods.
According to analysis by the international trade experts at Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI), US and Canadian industry will focus on high-tech machine tools in the coming years with flexible, largely automated and energy efficient manufacturing systems that provide a viable alternative to Asian competition in demand.
Fives brings the combination live spindle and integrated contouring head (ICH) to its Cincinnati MEGA and Giddings & Lewis HMC Series horizontal machining centers, for expanded processing flexibility and dramatically reduced workpiece transfers and setups, with improved accuracy, according to the company.
The new QC-160 Robotic Tool Changer, recently developed by ATI Industrial Automation, has a high moment capacity in a lightweight and compact design and utilizes the same proven Locking Mechanism as ATI's QC-200 Series.