Machine Tools – Non-Traditional

Quality Wire EDM Inc. has introduced a tooling-on-demand program called QW Elite. This program was designed from the ground up with the ease and convince of the end user in mind. The QW Elite tooling-on-demand program ensures to be the most comprehensive and efficient program in the industry for managers, toolmakers, buyers and the like to keep their production tooling up and running.

A line of beam splitters for lasers from 100 Watts up that are designed for use at 45 degree angle of incidence and 10.6 microns has been introduced by Laser Research Optics.

Heidenhain Corp.'s Acu-Rite brand introduces new software for its versatile 300 series digital readout (DRO) that now allows users to control a sinker EDM. This new development broadens this established DRO's use to include all of the most common manual shop machines such as milling, turning, grinding and now EDM in a single DRO.

Wire-cutting electrical discharge machining (EDM) is a mature technology, but GF Machining Solutions continues to push the limits of EDM with the new AgieCharmilles CUT AM 500 horizontal wire EDM. This fast, precise and automation-ready machine is dedicated to metal additive manufacturing (AM), making it easy to separate additively manufactured metal parts from the build plate while maintaining geometrical accuracy and ensuring assembly readiness.

A line of OEM-compatible, drop-in field replacement CO2 laser lenses that can be supplied in mounts for smaller engraving and marking laser systems is being introduced by Laser Research Optics.

BEA Lasers has announced the introduction of a new lens for use with its MIL series lasers. The E²L Extreme Environment Lens incorporates a quartz glass lens into the end ferrule, providing resistance to harsh or extreme environmental conditions, such as welding arc flash, abrasives, dust and coolant.

GF Machining Solutions has introduced the Spark Track technology for wire EDMs. Spark Track, powered by the company's Intelligent Spark Protection System (ISPS) module, prevents wire breakage that occurs when cutting irregularly shaped workpiece features. With Spark Track technology and the ISPS module, wire EDM users gain secure and uninterrupted EDM processing, improved machining efficiency and ease of use for operators.

Beaumont Machine has updated its EDM line with a new machine, the S-EW3. This 5-axis servomotor EDM combines several key features for only $69,900. These include compact space, approach control, corner control, auto threader and training software.

A line of sapphire cover glass windows that reduce focus shift and are suitable for use as debris shields on 1,064 nm cutting and welding lasers has been introduced by Laser Research Optics.

BLM Group USA has announced that its LT5 Lasertube can now be ordered with 2kW fiber laser capability for faster processing speeds. This entry level automated laser tube cutter is suitable for small to medium-sized round tube applications up to 120 mm (4.75-in.) in diameter and can process mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and galvanized materials.

BOLD Laser Automation Inc. announces the shipping of its latest digital manufacturing tools, trademarked the LPC1006 Digital Laser Stamping Platform. The LPC1006 is a production laser stamping tool that is coil and foil web fed for lights out operation.

Targeting the medical industry, the GF Machining Solutions Microlution MLTC is an ultrafast laser that provides manufacturers with exceptionally precise holemaking in metal and polymer tubes. As an economical and technically advanced micron-scale machining system, the MLTC is optimized for microscale holemaking and fine cutting without the creation of heat-affected zones in tubular workpieces.