Machine Tools – Metalcutting

Tormach Inc. has started the preproduction beta phase of its AF50 autofeed bandsaw.

New CoroMill Plura routers unveiled by Sandvik Coromant offer optimized milling and slotting operations in composite materials such as CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) and GFRP (glass fiber reinforced plastic). Production engineers, machine shop managers and operators will all benefit from the patented geometries provided by the new routers, particularly those in the aerospace industry, where these materials are increasingly prevalent, as well as others in sectors such as automotive, motorsport, wind power and marine.

Building on its PS-Series product line, Makino announced the next-generation PS65 and PS105 vertical machining centers. Both models feature enhanced design characteristics and next-generation technologies that expand upon the capabilities of their predecessors.

Parker Steel Co. offers a large supply of metric-sized metals in North America. Suitable for applications where presized metric parts are needed, Parker's cold-finished carbon, alloyed and high-strength stainless steel bars/shafting, tubing, sheets and plates; carbon and stainless angles, channels and tees; and carbon beams can be shipped out the same day as ordered with few exceptions.

A pneumatic saw and clamp system that eliminates torch cutting and lets users produce clean accurate cuts on thick steel plate fast with no heat affect zone (HAZ) is available from ESCO Tool. ESCO's APS-438 air-powered saw and Quick-Clamp sets up fast using a 2"-wide steel track and has two wedge-style clamps that attach to steel plate up to 15' wide by 3.5" thick and accepts the saw.

Thomson Industries Inc. has expanded its WhisperTrak actuator line to give motion system designers greater ability to extend quiet, compact actuation to more demanding applications. New additions to the WhisperTrak linear actuator line double force-handling capability from 2kN to 4kN; provide higher-speed operation at 2kN; and offer new options for low-level switching, limit switching and position control at both 2kN and 4kN operation.

Simonds Saw introduces QUAD 7 carbide-tipped bandsaw blades for demanding production cutting operations, such as steel service centers, foundries and aerospace sawing applications. QUAD 7 blades are suitable for alloy; high chrome alloy; Inconel and other nickel-based alloys; titanium block and plate; stainless steels; and mold, tool and bearing steels.

Controx-Neuhauser presents precision saw blades designed specifically for use with Hydromat machines. Available in 166 and 250 mm diameters, these cobalt steel (HSS-Co) saw blades feature an axial runout of 0.1 mm/0.004" to assure a straight cut and minimize the breakage rate.

Simonds Saw has introduced CWT carbide-tipped bandsaw blades for demanding production cutting operations such as in steel service centers, foundries and aerospace sawing applications. CWT blades are suitable for sawing aluminum block, aluminum gates and risers, aluminum automation (Mossner), Inconel and nickel-based alloys.

The latest edition of Alphacam, from Vero Software has new features ranging across the modules, making it easier to use and improve productivity.

Tungaloy America Inc. offers the DuoJustCut parting tool for Swiss-style lathes. The clamping system rigidly clamps inserts, and the optimized overhang length delivers stable and productive machining, according to the company.

The Kanefusa single use saw blade technology is reportedly superior to other sawing concepts both in economical and environmental perspectives. The FM (Ferro Max) cold saw blades (single use) cut on average three times faster than a conventional bandsaw or metal saw, which means one machine can do the job of three, reducing power consumption, exhaust emission and mist oil in the air and floor space, all good for the environment.