Machine Tools & Metal Working News

Defense expenditure — especially on aircraft — has an image of modernity and state-of-the-art technology. But a ctemag.com article observes there are plenty of old planes still flying and hence opportunities for conventional metalworking companies to help keep them aloft. The last Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker entered service in 1965, for instance, and there are still 417 of them on duty. Manufacturing methods can still be updated: use of modern 7050 aluminum for important wing elements allows for parts to be machined instead of forged. The key to gaining such work is compliance with military specifications. Do that and real business opportunities open up.

If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to the GlobalSpec e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Aerospace Technology.

PlasmaCAM's DHC2 CNC plasma system enables you to cut metal, achieving detail not capable by hand. It consists of a frame with an integrated cutting grate, drive components with servo motors, controller and easy-to-learn CAD software. The machine is so accurate and versatile; you'll make parts you couldn't make before.

Drake manufactures thread grinders, internal and external grinders, gear grinders, rack mills, hobbers, universal and special grinders. We also offer CNC control renewal services. Choose Drake grinders for automotive steering components, taps, gages, ball screws, gears, bearings, medical screws, and other precision parts. Machines are delivered pre-programmed for customer parts.

Generate collision-free programs directly from CAD model.

NX CMM Inspection Programming enables you to use streamlined workflows to minimize ramp-up time and quickly generate collision-free programs. You can reduce non-conformance and ensure accuracy to design requirements by programming directly on the CAD model. View demo.

It's not just machining, it's low-cost, high quality ultra precision machining!

Utilizing best in class technology, companies like Raytheon, BAE, and Dilas Laser, to name just a few, have turned to Central Components for their design assistance of precise custom components for critical systems applications.

The fiber version of Trumpf's 5030 laser cutting machine provides significant benefits over its established carbon dioxide counterpart for processing sheet metals. Achieve feed rates three times faster when cutting 4 mm thick stainless steel and reduce table times by up to 45%. The machine's footprint is also 20% smaller.

A new high-speed cold saw can cut up to six tubes simultaneously, reports tubefirst.net. The Bewo SCF-90 uses a fully hydraulic helical saw head that cuts from below, optimizing swarf removal and reducing required cutting force. A servo feed enables cutting up to 10 different lengths from a single stock of tube.

While not a new manufacturing process, sheet metal hydroforming is often regarded as inefficient and expensive by metalformers. A fandmmag.com analysis explains it is in reality a flexible technique offering real potential for meeting demands of 21^st century markets. Keep a competitive edge with advanced engineering tools and modern control platforms.

Hydraulic presses are essential items of equipment for metalformers which can also be heavy on electricity and expensive to run. A solution indicated in metalformingmagazine.com is to fit them with a variable-frequency drive that accurately matches electricity consumption to machine usage. The investment involved can easily pay for itself in under two years.

As a full service contract manufacturer, Pinto Products Inc. specializes in assemblies and completed products. We can machine and assemble your item "start to finish", including packaging. For assistance with your outsource needs, call us. We can help!

Is there anything the new Powermax65® and Powermax85® can't do? In our mind, no. These two advanced systems from Hypertherm come with four torch options—including two machine torch lengths — and a serial interface for complete CNC control. The systems are also durable, reliable, and perform like nothing else in their class.

New toggle clamps with safety locks come in various sizes of four styles: vertical-handle, horizontal-handle, latch-action, and push/pull types. All have a comfortable handle grip, and toggle clamps are made of durable high-grade steel, or optional stainless steel.

Automated cellular rotary basket parts washers use agitated immersion and spray to remove chips-lubricants from small bores and internal passages. Small foot print models clean-rinse and Dry 1-8 baskets at a time. Ultrasonic cleaning is used to meet stringent millipore specifications. High volume and in-line machines are also offered to meet all production requirements.

Drilling tool supplier Walter is claiming a world record — the ability for a single drill to reach 70 diameters in depth without pecking. The claim is made for the latest in its Alpha 4 XD range of solid carbide twist drills. Despite the extended depth, standard cooling techniques remain sufficient.

An expanded range of tool bodies increases the versatility of the Top Cut and Top Cut Plus indexable drills from Widia. The units are available in in. 2, 3 and 4XD along with upgraded pocket seat design, coolant supply, and flute and cartridge configurations. Use with cast irons, steels including stainless, and non-ferrous materials.

Expensive machine tool hardware is of limited use without the right software tools to program it. One company that knows that is Accutech Machine of Salt Lake City, UT. A productionmachining.com article relates how CAM capabilities helped it ride out the downturn by ensuring that the shopfloor responded quickly and flexibly to customer orders.

A combination of robotic movement and digital micrometry makes easy work of the task of obtaining geometric data from turned workpieces, as this video from mmsonline.com demonstrates. Automation specialist Autonetics of Chapel Hill, NC, put together a system using off-the-shelf technology that can obtain thousands of data points in just seconds.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter, DirectU2 The world of Robotics Systems.

The newest member of Quickmill's lineup is the Eliminator Gantry Milling Machine. At Quickmill we continually work with our customers to develop more efficient ways of processing their parts. This continual involvement has lead to the evolution of our Eliminator LS Gantry Machining Centers to introduce features to improve our customers processing abilities.

Trotec's Speedy 300 flexx is now available! The flexx is integrated with both CO2 and fiber lasers. Mixed materials can be processed in one step. It marks and engraves wood, glass, metal, leather, and even cuts acrylic. One laser, two wavelengths, endless applications.

Koike Aronson Ransome has 70 years of experience in designing the most rugged positioning and cutting equipment in the world. The legacy continues with the KOIKEJET waterjet cutting machine. The KOIKEJET has the highest capacity table and highest pressure system (100,000 psi) in the industry. Go here for more information.

Built-in Cleveland, Ohio at Zagar Inc. this three station, multiple spindle, CNC machine drills, counter-sinks and taps two M6 x 1 threaded holes simultaneously at each of three stations. A total of six holes are machined each cycle.

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Can sheet metalworking inspire young people and steer them toward careers in industry? You bet it can, as ffjournal.net reports. It certainly did so for a group of high school students in Kansas City, MO, who built a 2000 Lola Indy Car from the ground up and visited a local metalworking shop to observe a large scale press brake in operation. They also learned how to handle sheet metal in ways that do not compromise its surface finish. As one of the program tutors comments: "These kids want to learn, they want to be part of something."

First there were telephones, then video conferencing and the internet. The next step in telecommunications may be live transmission of 3D holograms, reports bbc.co.uk. Think of the possibilities — not just personal communications, but the ability for engineers to view dynamic representations of new products or for doctors to advise on surgical procedures. A University of Arizona team used a laser and photosensitive polymer to create representations of objects scanned by video cameras. Put a computerized data link between the two and seeing might well become believing.

Do You Get a Kick Out of Metals?

Does involvement with metals manufacturing have the ability to be exciting? Does your workplace invite school students to see what happens in the real world of manufacturing?