Composite Resources

Breakthrough research promises to advance the design of high-temperature alloys with exceptional mechanical stability.

Part manufacturers can reap significant benefits by weaving a digital thread through their plants but face potential pitfalls.n

Robots can not only improve working conditions for existing personnel but help attract new, young colleagues.

When companies collaborate on R&D projects, manufacturing takes a win.

The VB53α VMC from OKK USA Corp. offers a variety of features aimed at minimizing vibration and maximizing accuracy.

For one high-mix, low-volume application, Methods Machine Tools reported that it worked with diamond tool manufacturer CDP Diamond Products Inc. in Livonia, Michigan, to design, create, test and integrate a custom turnkey automation cell composed of a Fanuc CRX cobot (video demo), two Fanuc C600iA Robocuts and an infeed/outfeed system.

Supporting both the growth of U.S. manufacturing and the growth of the cutting tools market is ARCH Cutting Tools, with its expanded, all-American Patriot High Performance portfolio.

The machine's X-, Y-, and Z-axis travels are 300mm, 325mm, and 200 mm (11.8", 12.8", 7.9") respectively. A-axis rotation is +40˚ to -100˚, and the C-axis rotates a full 360˚. High-speed linear motors move the X-, Y- and Z-axes, while the rotary axes employ direct-drive motors. Rapid traverse speed for the X-, Y-, and Z-axes is 20 m/min (66 ft/min).

GN 415 is available in three sizes between 0.87 and 1.54 inches (22 and 39 millimeters) wide, each with two spring strengths. The two available slide types and the wedge-shaped or cylindrical, rounded thrust pad not only hold parts with side pressure but also exert an additional downward force. All thrust pads can be rotated around their long axis in 90-degree steps to optimally adjust to the part geometry – this is as simple as loosening the central slide screw. The thrust pads are also available in a POM plastic version as well as in stainless steel with smooth or textured pressure pad for better grip. The latter type is produced by injection molding of metal and is therefore subject to only minimal measurement tolerances.

In response to growth in Europe, the Middle East, India and Northern Africa, Eriez in Erie, Pennsylvania, has promoted Gareth Meese to Regional Sales Director-EMEA.

Far surpassing the industry standard of 1%, the BigRep SHIELD maintains 0.1% humidity by looping air through a controlled desiccant chamber without the use of heat, therefore avoiding the risk of over-drying filaments from long-term heat exposure. As part of an industrial workflow, the BigRep SHIELD reduces misprints and material waste by 20% and saves up to 50% on repair costs caused by clogging and extruder damage.

Once in place, the PIC, which houses convenient pass-through connections, allows quick, easy, safe access to the controls inside the cabinet without opening the main door. The ability to interface with the contents of the cabinet without opening the door prevents a lot of potential safety hazards associated with having an open electrical panel, such as Arc Flash.n