On the Radar

Combining Extreme Accuracy with Functional Flexibility
Accuracy of the Roundtest RA-H5200 is largely attributable to a rigid construction. Finite element modeling (FEM) was used in designing the unit’s base assuring geometric accuracy by minimizing deformations caused by normal machine operation. The turntable of the Roundtest RA-H5200 is also manufactured for extreme rigidity, riding on high-precision air bearings. As a result, rotational accuracy – the key to performance of roundness/cylindricity measurement – is (0.02+3.5H/10,000)µm.

The turntable is equipped with an automatic adjustment table (AAT) for high-speed, fully-automatic workpiece centering/leveling, reducing positioning errors. The Roundtest RA-H5200 also features ultra-high Z-axis column straightness (0.05µm/100mm in the narrow range), as well as standard vibration isolation. 

While supporting the full range of roundness measurement routines, the Roundtest RA-H5200 can also be equipped with an optional roughness unit using a multi-sensor probe, which is able to operate in both roundness measuring and surface roughness modes. Incorporating the roughness detector enables measurement in the circumferential direction around the Ø-axis, as well as in direct-drive directions along the X- and Z-axis with a stationary table.  As a result, surface roughness as well as roundness and cylindricity can be validated. 

Mitutoyo America Corp.
Aurora, IL
mitutoyo.com

Linear Motor Sinker EDM
The AD30L features the SVC circuit. The voltage is controlled by the SVC circuit - the surface finish can be uniformly and efficiently controlled - providing a high-grade texture or mirror surfaces in a very short period of time. The AD30L also achieves zero electrode wear by allowing the EDMing of steel materials with virtually zero electrode wear when using graphite or copper electrodes. Less electrode wear results in fewer electrodes required for machining, saving on production costs and errors associated with multi-electrode preparation. The AD30L has X, Y, Z travel of 12.59" (320mm) x 7.87" (200mm) x 9.84" (250mm), and can accommodate workpieces up to 1,212 lb (550kg).

The AD30L can reduce EDMing time by up to 50% over conventional EDMs.  Since the AD30L is linear motor driven, there are no ballscrews or couplings, completely eliminating backlash. Glass scales are on the X, Y and X axes, ensuring complete accuracy. The AD30L comes with a 10-year positioning guarantee.

Sodick Inc.
Schaumburg, IL
sodick.com

Ti Quick Release Pins Offer alternatives
Titanium quick release pins by are designed to satisfy standard designs or accommodate custom requirements for a wide range of attachment applications in the military, aerospace, automotive, marine, and industrial markets. The pins are manufactured from traditional titanium alloy Ti-6AL-4V Grade 5, and can serve as ideal alternatives to standard steel and stainless steel pins by delivering a weight savings up to 50%, depending on size.

QRP titanium quick release pins additionally exhibit high strength-to-weight ratio, high-temperature properties and stability, low density, and corrosion resistance - due to a thin oxide surface protecting against harsh atmospheric and salt-water conditions and a wide variety of chemicals. These single-acting, high-performance pins can be ordered in various sizes with standard diameters as small as 3/16" and are offered with either two detents or four ball detents for enhanced tensile strength. Titanium can be used for pin and/or spindle components. Finishes include passivated, aluminum pigment, solid film lube, or both aluminum pigment and solid film.

QRP Inc.
Leland, NC
qrp-inc.com

Improving Tool Life, Increasing Productivity
With results that include up to 300% improved tool life, an increase in productivity, excellent rancidity control, reduced concentrate usage, CIMCOOL Fluid Technology offers the Cimtech line of products, delivering a range of some of the most technologically-advanced fluids for use in industrial operations.

The Cintech family of products provides excellent results on ferrous and non-ferrous metals in both heavy- and light-duty grinding and machining operations, and is formulated to reject tramp oil while providing a transparent fluid.

Cimtech 610, proven to be an exceptional product for milling and drilling aluminum alloy material, features a hybrid blend of patented and synthetic lubricants, and provides synergistic performance on difficult-to-machine ferrous and non-ferrous alloys without corrosion or stain. The product is formulated to be used on hard, brittle metals that ordinary fluids have difficulties with, such as Inconel, titanium, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and hardened steel.  Cimtech 610 offers heavy-duty performance without chlorine, sulfur, or phosphorus EP lubricants; features a near neutral pH; delivers good corrosion control on ferrous metals; and is non-staining to aluminum and other exotic alloys.  It works best in tough operations, is low-foaming, and provides good part visibility for operators. 

Cimcool Fluid Technology
Cincinnati OH
cimcool.com

TouchScreen Optical Systems
All benchtop optical systems are now available with the MetLogix M2 touchscreen control. The Company’s EZ manual vision systems are also available with the MetLogix M3 touchscreen control. The M2 and M3 icon-based touchscreen interface give users the ability to display graphic-rich measurement data, while utilizing a Windows 7-based operating system, enabling flexible data export and interface with Windows applications.

M2 Touchscreen Control
A Starrett optical projector with an M2 display gives manufacturers a state-of-the-art, intuitive, and accurate measurement system. It has a broad range of powerful, easy-to-use functions on a compact, icon-based touchscreen interface. The M2 provides instant information on feature form, tolerances, and measurement data. It also can coordinate display for X- and Y-axis, and Q radius values for screen rotation. The M2 mounts and displays in either a vertical or horizontal position.

M3 Touchscreen Control
Offering greater functionality than the M2, the video-based M3 is multi-touch software that can pan and zoom with the touch of a finger. It works with active part views and live video feeds, as well as a conventional mouse interface. The M3’s custom Eye Measure probe captures complex edges generated by a finger path drawn on the touchscreen. It also has Measure Logic probe intelligence to provide instant feature determination and measurement with a single touch. Along with a host of other features, the M3 offers simple machine/camera calibration with popular video measurement system correction methods.

The L.S. Starrett Co.
Athol, MA
starrett.com