Products

Manufacturers struggling to get CNC machines to communicate directly with their collaborative robot now have a solution: VersaBuilt's CNC Communication URCap is a simple yet powerful interface for machine tending applications with Universal Robots. The URCap allows a UR cobot to easily execute any machining program stored on the CNC directly through the cobot's own teach pendant.n

Swiss cylindrical grinding specialist STUDER called on grinding experts to compete against the StuderTechnology computer. Seventy specialists took up the challenge. Each had the same grinding task: Six criteria had to be fulfilled for an optimum grinding result. The result? Only eleven percent of the experts achieved optimal values at the first attempt. The StuderTechnology software achieved 100 percent and thus sets new standards in cylindrical grinding.

OnRobot kicked off the new year by shipping pre-orders of its new Gecko Gripper, that uses millions of micro-scaled fibrillar stalks that adhere to a surface using powerful van der Waals forces—the same way that geckos climb. The Gecko Gripper lets robots pick up flat, smooth objects with significant energy savings over existing grippers such as vacuum grippers, which require compressed air that is costly, power-intensive, and bulky.

The RG2-FT from OnRobot is a new gripper available to manufacturers around the world. An update to OnRobot's first edition, the RG2-FT now has built-in force/torque sensing, supporting workpiece detection and centering.

igus has developed an exchange bearing for its drylin W linear guides that allows for swift replacement in high-frequency applications. To execute the exchange, users simply unlock the bearing, push out the old liner and replace it. The exchange bearing saves time and cost, and is available in sizes 16 and 20 for linear guides on the drylin W series, besides the standard installation size 10.

The Kuebler Group offers contact and contactless slip rings for reliable Ethernet transmission—achieving higher data rates and greater cycle synchronicity in demanding industrial environments.

Milwaukee Tool rounds out its cordless grinding lineup with the addition of new small-angle grinders that generate the power of 13 amp corded. Featuring a full 6" grinding capacity, the M18 FUEL 4-1/2" to 6" Braking Grinders include Rapid Stop to automatically stop all accessories in less than 3 seconds.

PI (Physik Instrumente) LP has released the new model E-619, a high-power piezo amplifier designed to drive high-capacitance multilayer piezo actuators with rapid rise times or high frequencies. As a special form of electro-ceramics, piezo materials are the industry standard when it comes to speed, force and precision in a small package.

Walter has introduced its next generation of milling tools: the Xtra·tec XT (Xtended Technology). Designed to achieve increased productivity and process reliability, this new generation of milling cutters is being launched with initial offerings of shoulder milling cutters and a facemilling cutter. The mills cover virtually all requirements in shoulder and slot milling in all common material groups.

The bridge-like design of a gantry provides the framework for controlled precise overhead motion that is often sought after for 3D printing, assembly, pick-and-place, alignment, inspection and industrial automation applications. PI introduces the A-341 HGS hybrid gantry – designed to combine maximum throughput with smooth and highly accurate motion.

The DeHoff 1024C is a 6-spindle gundrilling machine used for high-volume production of automotive camshafts. The machine is designed to gundrill a hole down the centerline of the camshaft to reduce weight. This enables a Tier 1 automotive supplier to produce lighter camshafts in large volumes for use in new high-efficiency engines.

Shops that seek to maximize milling performance while they reduce tooling inventories will benefit from newly introduced Power Milling Chucks from Seco Tools. With holding power and transmittable torque that rival hydraulic and shrink-fit holders, Power Milling Chucks deliver high precision with 5-micron runout accuracy at 3 times diameter in addition to enhanced application flexibility and cost effectiveness.