Product News

Anyone who’s replaced a head gasket on an internal combustion engine knows a smooth, flat surface on both cylinder head and block is needed for proper operation. No one understands this better than automakers, who strive for predictable, controlled surface finishes and high production output, together with maximum tool life and the lowest tooling cost per machined component.

For those shops looking to boost productivity as well as profitability, Mazak’s Quick Turn-250MSY turning center sports several new productivity-enhancing features. These include a new direct-drive turret design, higher torque main spindle, a faster more powerful milling spindle and the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC.

A VED (Video Edge Detection) Calibration Slide makes it simple to calibrate pixel size of a camera within a video measuring machine, and is available from HEIDENHAIN Corp. While machines typically are set up at the time of installation, it is good practice to keep tools on-hand in case calibrations are lost or verification of the accuracy of the measuring system is necessary.

Launching the LOXrail program, German manufacturer Losyco provides a round rail system that increases assembly line efficiency for large machine and product manufacturing processes. The new system, characterized by minimal rolling friction, is brought to the market by a team of accomplished intra-logistics industry experts, led by managing director Derek P. Clark. Loads as heavy as several tons can be moved manually or with a small auxiliary drive with much lower energy consumption and much less equipment compared to standard procedures using overhead cranes, SGVs or pallet trucks.

CNC Software Inc., producers of Mastercam CAD/CAM software, announced a 3-axis milling postprocessor that will unleash the highest productivity on Sinumerik-controlled machine tools. The new postprocessor was developed utilizing the technical expertise of Siemens CNC engineers.

A high-feed milling cutter for diameters 13–25 mm and 0.500–1.000 inches has been introduced by Sandvik Coromant. Among the advantages of using the new CoroMill 415 are enhanced security, thanks to iLock insert seat interface technology, and high metal-removal rates as a result of high cutter density and high feed capacity.

The SCHUNK KONTEC KSC-F single-acting clamping vises with fixed jaw, achieves high clamping forces at comparably low torque. Due to the 160 degree “Quick Clamp” force intensifier, workpieces are clamped in less than a second, and the vise is safely locked, making retightening with a torque wrench no longer necessary.

Siemens announced a new control-only retrofit program for CNC machines. Tailored precisely for milling machines up to four axes plus one spindle or 2- to 3-axis turning machines, users can gain new levels of manufacturing efficiency and productivity.

Jenoptik Automotive says it introduced the Hommel-Etamic AG380 pneumatic snap gage to quickly, cost-effectively, and flexibly check a range of different diameters (from 17-48 mm), providing measurements with consistent high levels of precision. Manufacturers previously had to constantly invest in new diameter-specific pneumatic snap gages when producing a new type of workpiece.

International Tool offers a Milwaukee cordless, digital, inspection camera kit that boasts a lot of power in a compact,
3.40-lb. tool. The camera takes high-quality photos and videos and makes it easy to switch between video and picture mode, allowing users to see more.

DoTwistBall from Tungaloy America is an ideal tool for die and mold, as well as general engineering. Combined with a rigid clamping mechanism, the insert’s unique twisted shape improves chip evacuation for stable machining and long tool life in roughing operations.

Tungaloy Corp. introduces TungTri-Shred, a new shoulder milling cutter for highly productive machining. With today’s dramatic growth in the performance of machine tools, high-speed machining is often the first choice for manufacturers.

Allied Machine & Engineering announces the expansion of its AccuPort 432/AccuThread 856 program to include more than 120 kits for manufacturing hydraulic ports and manifolds. The kits are available to meet SAE J1926, ISO I6149, John Deere G1731 and SAE AS5202 (aerospace standard/Mil-Spec) specifications.

DoMini-Mill is a copy mill developed for semifinishing operations, featuring Tungaloy’s latest H-class insert. The economical six-cornered insert with dovetail clamp technology has a double-sided geometry, yet positive flanks, providing sharpness and high cutting edge strength simultaneously.

Tungaloy Corp. offers MillQuadFeed, a new high-feed milling cutter. With a depth of cut up to 0.098” (2.5mm) and a feed rate up to 0.078” (2.0mm) per tooth, MillQuadFeed accomplishes astounding metal-removal rates in rough milling operation, according to the company.

SPRING Technologies announces the launch of its CAM WorkPackages, a set of interfaces between commercially available CAM solutions and NCSIMUL 4CAM (formerly NCSIMUL CAM). WorkPackages are provided for for CATIA (Dassault Systèmes), NX (Siemens), CREO (PTC), TopSolid’Cam (MISSLER) and Mastercam (CNC Software Inc.). Ultimately, SPRING Technologies plans to offer its users direct interfaces with all the leading CAM products on the market.

DoTriple-Mill is Tungaloy’s latest facemilling cutter, featuring an innovative dovetail clamping system that will reportedly dramatically reduce insert lift up and excessive shear force imposed on the screws during heavy-duty milling. Compared with the last generation of facemilling platforms, DoTriple-Mill delivers stable machining and consistent tool life.

Tungaloy Corp. offers TungForce-Rec, the indexable miniature shoulder milling cutter. The TungForce-Rec insert has a unique V-shaped bottom to enhance the insert’s resistance to centrifugal force, assuring reliability and high productivity during high-speed machining, according to the company.

Allied Machine & Engineering announces Wohlhaupter’s VarioBore precision boring head and system, a versatile and cost-effective tool that features a universal digital readout module. The VarioBore system improves productivity through ease and accuracy of adjustment and virtually eliminates scrap because of its exact adjustments.

Saint-Gobain Abrasives has introduced CarbonForce, a new lightweight line of vitrified CBN wheels for OD grinding. With proprietary high-strength carbon fiber cores, CarbonForce wheels are 75 percent lighter than heavier steel-hubbed wheels and provide the safety and performance-enhancing benefits of a precision superabrasive wheel, according to the company.