May 2008 Edition
IMTS readers’ choice
Waterjet • Lasers Manufacturing Cells
Tooling & Production has invited IMTS 2008 exhibitors to share their latest innovations with readers before the doors of Chicago’s McCormick Place open in September. This month, T&P focuses on waterjet, laser, and manufacturing cell products.
In the coming months, T&P will feature grinding/abrasive machining products and the best in turning and machining.
Use the Reader Service leads (rsleads) addresses at the end of each listing to receive more information directly from the company. Readers’ Choice winners will be featured in the August IMTS pre-show issue.
Waterjet precision and flexibility
OMAX’s new 60120 JetMachining Center is a large format machine that is ideal
for quick and accurate cutting of larger or multiple parts. The 60120 features a
600-pound abrasive delivery feed system, as well as an innovative traction drive
that enables faster traverse speeds and reduced throughput times when machining
multiple and nested parts. The 60120 employs a bridge style Y-Axis design that
allows the cutting head to move past the catcher tank for unobstructed loading
of materials.
OMAX, Booth B-6241
Laser machine offers flexible automation
Mitsubishi Laser’s newest generation of LVPLUSII has flexible automation, making it both versatile and expandable and all the more valuable to its users.
The machine’s new 40CF-R resonator technology reduces rise time/fall time of square wave pulse, providing a more consistent beam power during the cutting process and delivering a consistent edge quality. Additionally, the uniform low current discharge provides low power stability for improved micro machining and etching.
Mitsubishi, Booth D-4202
Simple installation, fast setups for integrated production cell
The new JobShop Cell from Methods Machine Tools is a fully integrated production cell that combines the drilling, tapping, and milling capability of a lightning-fast RoboDrill, with a fully interfaced FANUC six-axis robot for automated loading and unloading. Pre-engineered to meet a job shop’s need for simple installation, fast setups, quick changeovers, operator safety, and production flexibility, the JobShop Cell is easily configured to handle virtually any part that will fit in its 6" vise or chuck.
Method Machine Tools, Booth D-4114.
Waterjet intensifier pump can help boost productivity
The new Jet Edge X-Stream xP90-100 waterjet intensifier pump is capable of
producing pressures in excess of 90,000 psi, achieving much faster cutting
speeds and drastically lowers operating costs. The X-Stream produces 50 percent
more pressure than a 60,000 psi intensifier pump, resulting in a 40 to 50
percent increase in productivity for many materials. The X-Stream supports a
75,000 psi continuous operating pressure and is capable of producing flow rates
of 1.45gpm and supports up to a 0.017" orifice.
Jet Edge, Booth B-6252
Modular fixturing for welding
The Bluco Corp. Demmeler modular fixturing system features accurate five-sided welding tables made of high tensile strength steel. Angles, spacer blocks, clamps, positioning, and clamping bolts and universal stops can be assembled into a ready to use welding fixture in a matter of hours. Suitable for prototypes, spares and other short run jobs.
Bluco Corp., Booth B-6309.
Compact waterjet machine
The new and improved Hydro-Jet Eco, manufactured by Knuth Machine Tools USA, offers companies with small production volumes the opportunity to take back control of their business. Cost-effective manufacturing and programming have gone into this compact machine, designed for low-volume work.
The water-jet technology uses both pure-water and abrasive cutting, making
precise cuts in nearly any material, including stainless steel, marble, granite,
glass, ceramic materials, and composites. Also, Knuth’s Hydro-Jet Eco includes a
software package which allows for quick programming on an integrated PC control
with graphical user interface.
Knuth Machine Tools USA, Booth B-6620
Laser cutting with integrated automation
With the TruLaser 2030, Trumpf has added a larger working range to the TruLaser Series 2000. There are three different working ranges to choose from when it comes to laser machines with integrated automation.
Besides the new working range, the TruLaser 2030 machine now also boasts a new, open design. A mobile guard now guarantees safe beam protection. Consequently, there is no longer any need for a large cabin and the machining process is always in full view.
Access to the machine is improved and less floor space is required than for a comparable flatbed laser machine.
Trumpf Inc., Booth B-6108
Laser welding machine
LaserStar’s iWeld fits into any work environment. iWeld is one of the highest peak powered machines in its class and its convenient side entry panels provide easy access when performing field maintenance tasks. The iWeld is suitable for a wide range of metal joining and repair applications, including medical device component assembly, complex electronic components, high-precision industrial assemblies, and pressure-sensitive hermetic seals.
LaserStar, Booth B-6512
Increased laser speed and flexibility
Trotec’s FP 100 has a host of new technologies, enabling increased speed, flexibility, quality and longer product life. The FP 100 is a flatbed, gantry-based laser containing a pulsed fiber laser source. It is the fastest laser in its class as a result of Trotec’s robust High-Speed Ramp Up-Control, and is capable of a full 2 m/sec at a maximum resolution of 1000 ppi. Materials that can be processed include coated and bare metals, and many plastics.
Trotec, Booth B-6049
LMC generates 3D chip breakers
Wendt GmbH has introduced the Spectra 820 Laser Machining Center for generating complex, 3D contours in hard materials. The Spectra 820 provides a quality solution to the challenge of creating chip breakers in PCD, PCBN, carbide, and ceramic tools. Other fields of application include pill punch pressing, tool and mold making, eroding dies, inscriptions, and medical implants.
The Spectra 820 machines the desired contour by passing the workpiece under a rapidly pulsating, highly focused laser beam. The laser beam and workstation are programmed to operate at up to 100,000 pulses per second. Each pulse chips a small piece of material from the workpiece. After each pulse, the workstation moves at speeds up to 100,000mm/minute to reposition the workpiece before the next pulse.
Wendt GmbH, Booth B-7054
CNC software adds new utilities
CGTech’s latest version of Vericut CNC machine simulation and optimization software features a host of enhancements to simplify processes and produce better results. A new “NC Program Preview” offers an option to process an NC program in Vericut without actually simulating material being removed, while several new utilities have been added to the NC Program Review window. A Turret Setup wizard has been added, along with the ability to simulate and analyze tapping operations.
CGTech, Booth D-3035