August 2010 eNews

MSC and Apex Join Forces to Introduce a Revolutionary Metalworking Tool Dispensing Solution

MSC Industrial Supply and Apex Industrial Technologies today announced that they have entered into an agreement to expand MSC’s metalworking point-of-use solutions.

MSC is filling a niche by adding the Access 180N to an already impressive lineup of dispensing solutions. The Access 180N is a specialized capacity dispensing system designed to control production metalworking items in the round cutting tool and indexable cutting tool categories.

“Many MSC customers have expressed a desire to manage vital production tooling in a decentralized manufacturing cell environment,” said Tom Cox, MSC’s Executive Vice President of Sales. “As such, we are very excited to announce the arrival of a revolutionary new dispensing system which is a perfect alternative to full-size vending machines.”

The Access 180N can be mounted to a wall, pedestal or bench. Apex Connect n’ Go Technology means data flows seamlessly from the Access 180N to the Edge C3iHub via the Internet. Since the Access 180N is MS Windows free, it eliminates many of the support requirements of earlier generations of automated dispensing systems.

Everything is taken care of from the C3iHub. It allows customers to see detailed information sorted and sub-totaled the way they want to view it from their browser, anytime and anywhere. In addition, when customers are leveraging multiple units in multiple cells, they have the option to request consolidated order processing, leading to a single replenishment shipment the following day.

“Apex Industrial Technologies is thrilled with the new agreement signed with MSC, North America’s largest metalworking distribution organization,” said Kent Savage, Apex Chief Executive Officer. “The combination of Apex’s advanced dispensing design and technology together with MSC’s strength and expertise in delivering customized solutions to metalworking customers makes this a natural relationship. The Access 180N will bring automated dispensing to areas never before considered feasible due to lack of space or quantity of tool usage.”

Want more information? Click below.
MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc.
Apex Industrial Technologies LLC


Jet Edge Introduces ‘Idro line’ 5 Axis Water Jet Cutting Machine

Water jet manufacturer Jet Edge, Inc., is pleased to introduce the Idro line 5-axis precision water jet cutting machine.

Capable of cutting virtually any material, the Idro line is available in three sizes, 5.5’x6.5’ nominal (1700 mm x 2000 mm), 5.5’x13’ nominal (1700 mm x 4000 mm) and 6.5’x13’ nominal (2000 mm x 4000 mm). It features the innovative IKC 5 Axis water jet cutting head, which is capable of making inclined cuts and controlling kerf to ensure optimal part quality. The IKC’s capabilities include 600º rotation, a maximum angle of +/- 60º, and dynamic precision from +/-0.2 to +/-0.5 mm/m, depending on the tilt of head.

The Idro line’s high-precision ground rack and pinion X and Y axes and ball-screw-driven 5.9” (150 mm) Z axis make it one of the most accurate waterjet systems available. It maintains a cutting tolerance +/- 0.004” (0,1 mm/m), and repeatability accuracy tolerance of +/- 0.001” (0,025 mm) and supports a contouring and rapid feed rate of 0-1575 ipm (0-40000 mm/min.) Motion components are protected by steel covers with labyrinth lip seals to ensure lasting performance.

The Idro line is equipped with programmable contact height sensing and comes standard with one 5 axis cutting head; a second 5 axis or 3 axis cutting head can be added. Other standard features include a stainless steel tank, automatic safety guards with clear windows on front and back, and a dredge conveyor for abrasive removal. Its many options include a rotating axis for pipe cutting, fire jet etching system, a drill and twin shuttles. Free software updates are included for the life of the machine. The Idro line’s monolithic design expedites installation and makes it easy to relocate if necessary. Its rigid fixed upright bridge structure can be moved out of the way for forklift or crane loading.

Want more information? Click below.
Jet Edge


For Superior Productivity, Niigata’s New HN1000-S Horizontal Machining Center Boasts The Largest Work Envelope In Its Class

Niigata’s new HN1000-S Horizontal Machining Center from SNK America, Inc. is uniquely capable of swinging a part up to 2300mm (90.6”) in diameter and 1850mm (72.8”) in height. The HN1000-S rapid traverse rate of 40m/min (1575ipm) allows for the reduced in non-cutting time.

To ensure high levels of accuracy, the HN1000-S includes a hybrid guideway system consisting of an ultra heavy-duty roller guide system on the X- and Z-axes and a hardened ground box way system on the Y-axis.

Equipped with a multitude of features, the HN1000-S outperforms traditional machining centers. A rigid spindle snout reduces the need to extend the quill to reach the part and provides a high radial load capacity for heavy milling cuts. The HN1000-S also features a center-mounted spindle that eliminates the column twist of a side-mounted spindle. For accuracy and rigidity superior to table-feed machines, the column feeds of this HMC have compound slides (stacked X- and Z-axes).

The mono-block casting spindle headstock of the HN1000-S includes a gear-driven system that achieves heavy milling capability for your most demanding applications. The standard spindle achieves speeds of 6000 rpm. For additional machining applications, the machine can be equipped with a BAR/Quill style spindle. Other optional spindles are available for the HN1000-S.

The HN1000-S also includes true coolant thru the spindle for improved cutting conditions, longer tool life and superior chip removal capabilities.

For more information, visit SNK at IMTS in Booth #S-8936, or contact SNK America, Inc., 1800 Howard Street, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, Phone: (847) 364-0801, Fax: (847) 364-4363, E-mail: dbasten@snkamerica.com.

Want more information? Click below.
SNK America, Inc.


Geometric to introduce CAMWorks® 2011 at IMTS

Geometric will preview CAMWorks® 2011, the upcoming version of its solid-based CNC programming solution, at Booth #3830 at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS 2010),Chicago, IL from September 13-18, 2010.

CAMWorks 2011 provides significant new capabilities, including improved knowledge-based machining information, a new electrode design solution for the mold and die industry, smarter tool paths. In this version, the technologies that enable automation of NC programming have also been enhanced.

For example, Feature Recognition, which is used to automatically identify areas to be machined, has been upgraded to find more features, while decreasing computation times by more than 50% over previous CAMWorks versions. As part models become increasingly complex, recognizing more features in less time represents huge time savings for the NC programmer. The proprietary Technology Database (TechDB™), used to store and apply knowledge based machining information has been enhanced to simplify the process of creating best machining practices. The improved interaction will result in greater use of the knowledge-based machining capabilities of CAMWorks and will reduce potential errors in machining information.

A number of user interfaces have been modified, making it easier to learn and use the software, while at the same time minimize overlapping into the graphics area. Similar changes as these will be expanded in future versions.

For the mold and die industry, Geometric will introduce ElectrodeWorks, an electrode design solution that automates all aspects of extraction, design, management, documentation, and manufacturing of EDM electrodes. This new product will guide the user through the electrode design and production process. Electrodes are designed through a comprehensive yet easy to use interface.

CAMWorks 2011 also introduces VoluMill®, ultra high-performance toolpaths for 2 and 3 axis high speed milling. With VoluMill toolpaths, programming and cycle times have reduced to a great extent, and cutting tool life has significantly increased, all the while, placing less stress on the machine tool. Cycle times have been observed to be reduced by up to 80% and cutting tool life has seen increases up to 500%. These benefits are made possible by utilizing the full capabilities of modern milling machines.

In this latest version, CAMWorks introduces more intelligence into machining operations and toolpaths so that changes to machining parameters minimize regeneration time. This is increasingly valuable to large 3-axis toolpaths. User ground turn inserts can now be used to generate finishing toolpaths in turning. This allows even greater flexibility in generating more efficient toolpaths.

Want more information? Click below.
CAMWorks

Innovative Toolholder Extension for Narrow Spaces

SCHUNK introduced its new hydraulic expansion extension TENDO-SVL. The extension transforms almost every precision toolholder into a highly versatile specialist for narrow spaces independent from the spindle interface. The precise run-out, excellent vibration dampening and the internal coolant supply ensure outstanding machining results and a long tool life. Due to the radial clamping actuation, tools can even be changed in the machine. The maximum torque of the hydraulically clamped extension ensures that tools are held securely for all drilling, reaming and finish milling operations. Extensions are available in four sizes with a shank diameter of 32mm or 20mm, a clamping diameter of 20mm or 12mm, and a length of 150mm (200mm also available with 32mm shanks).

SCHUNK Inc


More Sliding Head Users to Benefit from New QS System

Sandvik Coromant’s innovative QS™ holding system, already available for users of Citizen and Star automatic sliding head lathes, is now being introduced for machine shops with Tornos, Tsugami and Nexturn sliding head models. Released as part of CoroPak 10.1 phase of product introductions, the QS (Quick Start) system is a productive alternative to conventional tool holders. With the QS system, tools can be slid in and out quickly, automatically locking into place on centerline, thus improving repeatability and accuracy thanks to its highly secure positioning in the tool post. It consists of a system of stops, wedges and short toolholders that replace conventional tool post hardware. The result is reduced downtime through faster tool changes. The following new QS components are available: QS wedges for Nexturn SA20 and SA26 machines; QS wedges and stops for Tsugami B0, BS, BU, BM, BN, BA and BW models; and QS wedges and stops for Tornos Delta 12 and 20 machines. Toolholders are available to suit CoroTurn 107, CoroCut 1, -2, -3, CoroCut XS and CoroThread 266.

Sandvik Coromant


Centrifuge Recycling System Offers Unique Cost-Savings/Improved Cleaning Features

A unique, self-cleaning centrifuge system that automatically separates fine particulate from water-based solutions in most metal parts deburring equipment has been developed and is now available from ALMCO, Inc. The revolutionary system, which can be purchased with new equipment or retrofitted to nearly any deburring machine in the field, solves long-standing, costly recycling problems and significantly improves cleaning performance, according to company engineers. In addition, it produces waste in the form of clay-type material that is environmentally safe and has no special removal or disposal restrictions. The centrifuge is offered in single-stage and dual-stage models -- the SSC-40 and the DSC-40, respectively. The former handles most small vibratory finishing applications with either plastic or ceramic media. The latter is required for even higher efficiency cleaning, leaving water almost in its original clear state. The SSC model processes up to 40 gallons of incoming liquid per hour. The filtered liquid can be sent back to the machine for reuse, depending on the application, or can be sent to drain. Residue removed from the liquid is automatically discharged to a container for disposal as solid waste. The dual-stage DSC model, which incorporates two centrifuge units, is a closed loop system with liquid automatically passing from the first to the second for further cleaning. It can handle waste material from more than one deburring machine (or machine tool), also processing up to 40 gallons of incoming liquid per hour. Both ALMCO models are equipped with PLC controls that result in fully automatic cycles. Because of their automatic nature, worker training and operation of the centrifuges is minimal. Both models stand 39 inches wide and 76 inches high. The single-stage unit is 47 inches long; the double-stage unit is 85 inches long.

ALMCO Inc


Seco Adds Combimaster® Heads to Square 6™ Milling Cutters

Seco Tools has added Combimaster® heads to its line of Square 6™ square shoulder milling cutters. Combimaster is a replaceable head milling cutter system with a wide range of shank types, lengths and interchangeable cutter heads to offer maximum flexibility over a wide range of application. All Combimaster heads and shanks come standard with through coolant capabilities. The heads are available in many inserts styles and sizes along with different cutter pitches.

The Square 6 is a reliable, cost-effective, first choice tool for a variety of general machining operations including face milling, contouring, plunging, slotting, and square shoulder milling. This flexibility allows users to carry less inventory and reduce tool changes to gain productivity.The Square 6 features trigon shaped inserts with six cutting edges, lowering the cost per edge and delivering parts for less cost.

For added productivity, there are four Duratomic grades available for Square 6 as well as three different insert geometries and three different pitches.The nickel-coated Square 6 cutter bodies provide longer tool life and come in a diameter range of 40 to 160mm (1.5 in. to 6.0 in.). Given the range of product choice, there is a Square 6 combination that will meet any machine size, strength or set up ridigity requirements.

With the Square 6, inserts are set to achieve a true 90 degree setting angle, creating clean 90 degree walls the first time and eliminating secondary operations.

For more information on the new Square 6 shoulder milling tool, visit http://tiny.cc/jerxi

Want more information? Click below.
Seco Tools