On the radar

Single-cable solution for servo drives

Motors normally need two cables: one for the motor speed encoder; another for the motor power supply. The Hybrid Motor Cable Project (HMC 6) integrates the encoder lines into the power cable. All the lines for the encoders, motors, and brakes are available in one cable, reducing hardware and associated costs.

The six-wire HMC 6 cable connects to the motor with a special connector. For connecting to the inverter, the cable is split into power connections and an encoder connector, making it compatible on the control side with the same components as conventional cables.

The HMC 6 single-cable solution is designed for encoders with EnDat 2.2 interface with purely serial transmission. Encoders with purely serial RS-485 interface also can be connected.

The HMC 6 project offers cable lengths of up to 100m, with a clock frequency up to 8MHz, and is useful with motor power wires up to 1.5mm² and 14A.

Download the spec sheet at http://bit.ly/1fW7M88.

Heidenhain Corp.
www.heidenhain.us

Precision grinding

A new abrasives platform, Vitrium3, features a bond technology with an exclusive chemistry that promotes grain adhesion across a wide range of applications.

Users can optimize grinding processes via solutions testing from Norton.

Increased porosity improves coolant flow and chip clearance to eliminate burn or other damage on high nickel alloys, tool steels, and chrome.

Other features include: superior form and corner holding for delivering improved part quality and higher tolerances; reduced dressing time and wear; and the ability to meet the higher wheel speeds.

A video demonstrating Vitrium3 technology can be viewed at http://bit.ly/1iAhxIJ.

A white paper on Norton Vitrium3 can be downloaded at http://bit.ly/1db0rkY.

Norton Abrasives
www.nortonindustrial.com

High speed end mills

A series of high performance end mills, the T-Carb product line is designed for aggressive machining applications. The 6-flute design reduces tool loads while machining at higher feed rates, preventing breakage and failure. The T-Carb’s variable pitch geometry provides strong performance in roughing and finishing operations, resulting in faster cycle times and lower costs. This series is also suited for applications requiring aggressive ramping at high speeds. The flutes are offered in a variety of length, neck, and corner radius options, and are available with proprietary Ti-Namite-X coating for thermal protection, strong adhesion, and longer tool life.

SGS Tool Co.
www.sgstool.com

Advanced CNC for basic machine tools

The Sinumerik 808D Advanced CNC, designed for basic milling and turning machines, is available now in North America. This addition offers a suite of design features to improve the accuracy, surface finish, safety, and communication of the control.

Offering up to 5-axis/spindle motion control on a single machine channel, the drive bus communication between the CNC and drive delivers better position control and data transfer over standard Ethernet protocol. It also offers auto servo tuning for superior surface quality and repeatable part accuracy in mold and die applications.

Motor speeds up to 4,000rpm are available with safe torque off (STO) and IP65 enclosure protection. The rated torque is 1.9Nm to 40Nm with a driveline input of 400V and overload rating of 300%. Vertical and horizontal configurations of the Sinumerik 808D are available to suit standard control panels.

Part programs can be managed on an external PC, then fed to the control over an Ethernet cable or USB port. Simple program sub-folders can be stored on the control, just like on the PC. Other standard features include intelligent jog; precise tool data handling with easy-to-recognize on-screen icons; tool wear data logging to ensure consistent high workpiece quality; and startGUIDE engineering support, complete with the graphical user interface wizard for easier machine commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.

Siemens
www.usa.siemens.com

Moving magnet voice coil actuator

The NCM08-35-450-3LB series voice coil actuator can be operated under either open or closed loop position control, or force control, and is suitable for high force motion control applications. The moving magnet-type linear actuator combines high energy product neodymium magnets with a precision layer wound winding to obtain maximum motor efficiency. It has a precision ground 0.500" (12.7mm) diameter hardened steel shaft that is guided by two recirculating linear ball bushings. Sliding contact bushings are also available. An optional hollow shaft is available for routing a fiber optic cable, passing light through, or routing an air hose for vacuum or pressurized air.

The coil has a 0.750" (19.1mm) stroke, generates 45 lb (200N) of continuous force, and 145 lb (600N) of peak force. The actuator can be driven in open-loop force mode by feeding a control signal into a DC linear or brush type servo amplifier connected to the actuator. It can be operated as a closed-loop positioning system by adding a programmable motion controller and a position feedback device.

H2W Technologies
www.h2wtech.com

Skiving and roller burnishing solution

Designed for high-precision hydraulic cylinder manufacturing, the SBN300/1-600 skiving and roller burnishing machine from Precihole Machine Tools can produce hydraulic tube IDs ranging from 35mm (1.37") to 400mm (16.00") and lengths up to 40ft using plain carbon steel, ST-52, ST-55, or aluminum. By combining skiving and roller burnishing into a single operation using a combination tool, the manufacturing process is typically 40 to 50 times faster than honing, resulting in a tube ID that is more work-hardened than the parent material, and features a high surface finish. Additionally, feed rates of up to 2,500mm/min (100ipm) are possible during processing. Bore tolerances of IT7 to IT8 and a surface finish as fine as 4Ra to 6Ra micro-inches are possible. Multiple self-centering vices are provided for support for longer tube applications.

The skiving tool is a modified floating reamer with carbide inserts for cutting. The roller burnishing finishing process flatten surface peaks and valleys by pressing multiple rollers against the surface. The result is a mirror-like surface finish.

The SBN300/1-600 uses a tool that is rotated and fed with a high-capacity AC spindle motor mounted on a rack-and-pinion arrangement for tubes measuring longer than 2m (6ft), while a ball screw and nut mechanism is used for shorter tubes. Dual-pressure hydraulic clamping settings are programmable for the self-centering vices that hold the component in place during manufacturing, ensuring uninterrupted smooth finish and uniform size control throughout the tube. Dampeners help support the tube and remove any vibrations while the tool finishes the ID at high feed rates.

Absolute Machine Tools Inc.
www.absolutemachine.com