Trade Show Booth Visits

IMTS 2024 showcases the Koma Precision booth, featuring the KMA-60 SmartLoader. This compact and affordable loader meets the demand for efficient pallet changers with a small footprint. It operates with rotary pallets, handling up to 60 parts of various sizes, supporting both high-mix, low-volume, and high-volume production. The design focuses on affordability to enhance automation and speed up part processing in shops.

Scott Walrath showcases the OptiLine series of End Mills, offering four, five, six, and seven flute configurations tailored for diverse machining applications. These tools are available in sizes ranging from 0.005 inches to 2 inches, providing exceptional versatility and precision. Kenny Green introduces the MaxiMill 211 DC, an innovative 3D-printed coolant-through cutter designed to enhance cooling efficiency. Ideal for machining high-temperature alloys, titanium, and nickel, the MaxiMill 211 DC ensures superior performance in demanding applications.

Jason Taylor, Mazak's Product Manager, highlights the EZ Loader 20, a compact automation system featuring a collaborative robot with a 20 kg payload capacity. Designed for efficient loading and unloading, it integrates a vision sensor for precise operations and supports high-mix workpiece production. He also presents the VC-EZ 20X vertical machining center, equipped with a CAT 40 spindle capable of 12,000 RPM, ideal for precise and versatile milling tasks. Additionally, he discusses Mazak's advanced five-axis solutions, emphasizing their expansive travel capacity and spindle performance, suitable for complex machining applications​.

Step into the Vargus USA booth at IMTS 2024 to explore innovative threading solutions transforming the medical sector. Featuring advanced bone screws and dental implants, these products showcase Vargus's commitment to precision and efficiency.

Mike Coffey, a field service engineer at Rush Machinery, showcases the RushCut, a PLC-controlled machine designed for efficient cutoffs. It features adjustable clamping, customizable work holding, and a direct coolant system for enhanced performance. The user-friendly touchscreen allows for easy programming, while safety features prevent operation with the door open. Coffey also presents the end profile grinder, emphasizing its programmable functions and convenient loading options.

Step into the future of manufacturing automation with system 3R at IMTS 2024! This year, system 3R unveiled its cutting-edge Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR), designed to boost productivity by autonomously transporting materials between workstations. Seamlessly integrating with existing systems, the AMR is a game-changer for fully automated factory environments.

Tapmatic Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer based in North Idaho, has specialized in tapping attachments since 1952. Their product lineup includes the self-reversing Drill-n-Tap 50, designed for both drilling and tapping operations, and various CNC tapping heads tailored for high-volume applications. Additionally, Tapmatic offers marking tools like the TapWriter® for dot peen marking and the ScribeWriter® for scribing, as well as innovative deburring solutions such as the DeBurr-Z floating tool holder. Their collaboration with O.M.G. Srl. enhances their product range, featuring digital angle heads and MOX series spindle speeders to improve machine performance.

Arndt Hauger, innovation manager at Vollmer, introduces the VLaser 370 — a high-precision machine crafted for PCD tool production with a focus on the automotive and aerospace sectors. The VLaser utilizes a unique kinematic design that enables fast and efficient laser machining of complex profiles. It offers exceptional dimensional accuracy and is supported by a flexible loading system that accommodates various tool placements. n

Martin Dillaman, global manager at Greenleaf Corp., presents innovative tooling solutions for hardened steel. Key highlights include the WG-600 ceramic insert, designed for high-speed, coolant-free operations, and the versatile Excelerator milling tools. Live demonstrations underscore the efficiency of ceramic inserts, cutting process times from 30 minutes to mere seconds — a game-changer for applications in the oil and gas sector.

Tom Dang, vice president of Lyndex-Nikken, introduces a new workholding product aimed at improving shop throughput. The presentation highlights its zero point system, known for its compact design and high repeatability. The video also showcases reversible jaws for different workpieces and a user-friendly tombstone automation system. The insights emphasize incremental investment in automation, allowing one operator to efficiently manage multiple machines.n

Designed for cross holes in both manual and CNC applications, Orbitool deburring tools from J.W. Done feature a flexible shank and protective disc, allowing for selective material removal at intersecting edges. J.W. Done General Manager Stanley Kroll demonstrates how Orbitool is shown to effectively deburr complex contours and surfaces, particularly for brass parts. Custom tools also are available.n

Tungaloy-NTK Chief Technical Officer Kedar Bhagath shares insights on the company's advancements in turning technology, including its AddMultiTurn six-corner inserts for front turning, back turning, profiling and face turning. He next highlights the company's new grooving product, the AddForceCut, which features a self-clamping design. Bhagath also discussed the company's miniature cutting technology, ceramics innovations, drilling solutions like its DrillMeister product, and advancements in the company's milling technology, with a focus on high-feed solutions and unique clamping mechanisms.