Software & Digital Solutions

For wireframe 5-axis machining with sphere mills, users can now define which part of the tool is in contact with the drive curve. For example, cutting with the cylindrical part of the flute enables the tool to withstand greater forces and may be more suitable for cutting through certain materials.

As part of the partnership, the library of the machine vision software HALCON has been expanded to include data management functions. With the extension package for HALCON it is possible to build up an image database and to enrich the images with additional information such as time stamp, lot number, product number, temperature, or vibration data.

RCS L-90 is a ballbar device that improves robot system accuracy, reduces deployment time, and monitors robot health with simple routines controlled by its supporting software suite. RCS T-90 is a tri-ballbar system which enables robot users to identify root causes of poor performance, with further comprehensive tests to capture critical robot information – such as remastering the joint offsets to calculated positions, running master-recovery routines, and plotting 3D path performance.

The addition of quick-turn plating builds on the digital manufacturer's current options for CNC machining, which include advanced anodizing and chromate plating capabilities with flexible lead times. Customers with AS9100 and ITAR needs can access Protolabs' precision machining capabilities and those with more complex, high-requirement parts can tap into the company's digital network of manufacturers at Hubs.

As a pioneer in friction stir welding technology, Mazak MegaStir will display some of its latest developments for that advanced joining process at Fabtech.

Utilizing ANCA's machine platforms with a robot cell, blanket grinding offers flexibility across a range of tool sizes and applications. Blanket grinding allows for full automation of tools of similar geometries, by consolidating all tool grinding processes into one single machine.

Smart software is paving the way to optimized production and improved decision-making. Digital technology and smart software have already transformed the machining industry with unprecedented access to actionable data for better results in less time.

Star Cutter Company has hired Robert "Bob" Tennant as its round tool engineering manager overseeing three product lines, each produced at a dedicated facility.

Version 3.50 of edgeConnector Siemens, edgeConnector 804D and edgeConnector Modbus is now compatible with the 64-bit version of ARM (Advanced RISC Machines) processors. This extends the application possibilities to devices like Raspberry Pi, Cisco IR1101, Orange Pi 5 or RevPi Connect.

Mastercam developers worked closely with Sandvik Coromant product management to let users import 3D tool assemblies directly into Mastercam's toolpath operations. Users of Mastercam benefit from having the correct tooling for the material and for the type of machining operation, plus an accurate, 3D model that can be used for visualization and collision checking in addition to the time savings.

VERICUT 9.4 introduces a new module, CNC Machine Monitoring, which connects VERICUT directly to CNC machines and streams data to allow users to monitor what their machines are doing on the shop floor, live in real time.

Melbourne, Australia-based machine tool builder ANCA has been granted a U.S. patent for Motor Temperature Control, a technique that dramatically improves the stability of precision machine tools.