Checking in

Infracore previews machining centers

South Korean machine tool maker Doosan Infracore recently previewed several new machining centers at SIMTOS 2014 that will make their North American debuts at IMTS 2014, Sept. 8-13, in booth #S-8100.

Among the machines – named for wildcats – is the Puma GT2100MB series CNC turning center. Compared to previous models, a larger Z-axis servomotor delivers 60% more feed thrust and a shorter spindle reduces acceleration/deceleration time. The spindle drive belt length has been decreased, reducing belt stretch and vibration, allowing for higher milling accuracy. Additionally, fewer parts make the design simpler and more reliable. For example, in the turret, the number of parts has been reduced 53%. Energy savings come from a 23% more efficient hydraulic unit, while an LED work light consumes less power, lasts 10 times longer, and generates less heat than the previous halogen lamp. The machines are also 14% to 25% more compact than previous models with similar specs.

The Puma SMX series is Doosan’s third-generation multi-tasking mill-turn center, combining the capabilities of a vertical machining canter and horizontal turning center in one platform. Initially available in two sizes, the Puma SMX2600 has a 10" chuck and 3.1" bar capacity, while the SMX3100 has a 12" chuck and 4" bar capacity. Both models can machine parts up to 60" long by 26" diameter. Ergonomic design features include a front-located 80-tool magazine and adjustable control panel.

Although the Lynx 220L SY is compact, its Y-axis offers more milling options for more operations in one setup.

The FM 200/5AX is a high-speed 5-axis machining center equipped with precision, linear motors for the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. A water-cooled, direct-drive motor delivers high speed and rapid acceleration/deceleration to the rotary table, while a mineral-and-resin-casting bed can absorb vibration at a rate 10 times higher than an iron casting, extending tool life. Thermal stability of the mineral casting is 25 times higher than cast iron. Spindle speed is 45,000rpm and a laser tool length measuring system is standard.

Doosan Infracore may be less well-known in the U.S., but it’s a major brand of machine tools in Korea. Doosan Group includes excavator and wheel loader construction equipment, diesel engines, portable power, and Bobcat skid steers. The machine tool division began in 1937 as Chosun Machine Works and adopted the Daewoo name in 1976. Doosan Mecatec’s machine tools division became part of Doosan Infracore in 2007. The following year, the company set up the largest R&D center for machine tools in Korea. www.doosanmachinetoolsusa.com

Boeing 737 MAX surpasses 2,000 orders

In May, Boeing reached a milestone on the 737 MAX program, surpassing 2,000 orders for the single-aisle airplane. The 737 MAX reached the milestone faster than any other Boeing airplane. Designed for fuel efficiency, the 737 MAX now has a total of 2,010 orders from 39 customers worldwide, valued at $209 billion at list prices. The 737 MAX also has commitments for more than 250 additional airplanes. www.boeing.com

Industrial Automation NA to feature mobile solutions

Manufacturers looking to improve plant floor operations will find the latest advancements in mobile technologies and solutions at the Industrial Automation North America 2014 global trade show and conference, co-located with the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) at Chicago’s McCormick Place Sept. 8-13, 2014. During the show, exhibitors from around the world will showcase mobile innovations for visualization, analysis of data, process control, and field communications to integrate machinery across the entire plant.

“Mobility is one of the hottest topics in industrial automation today,” according to Larry Turner, CEO of Hannover Fairs USA, the organizer of Industrial Automation NA. “The new era of mobility is delivering the promise of greater productivity, and we are eager to present the latest devices and solutions for enhancing plant floor connectivity at the show. I expect this year’s trade show and conference will drive manufacturers to adopt more of these solutions.”

Industrial Automation NA also will feature discussions about how to use mobility to enhance productivity across manufacturing processes during its Global Automation and Manufacturing Summit. Industry experts will offer insights into how to use the latest mobile devices to deliver greater productivity by channeling information in a timely fashion across a secure environment. www.hfusa.com; http://ia-northamerica.com

Seco Tools recycles carbide

In 2013, Seco Tools LLC’s North American Carbide Recycling Program collected and processed 125,919 lb (57,235kg) of used carbide tools. Of the total, 110,585 lb (50,265kg) were returned to Seco Tools AB for processing into grade powder. In the program, carbide products from any manufacturer can be submitted, including carbide inserts, solid drills, solid end mills, wear parts, and PCD/PCBN-tipped inserts. Manufacturers are paid at the market rate when the carbide is returned. Up to 95% of the material in a typical carbide insert can be reclaimed.

Seco’s Carbide Recycling Program also helps to address the growing global demand for tungsten, which comprises 75% of cemented carbide tools. Recycling also reduces Seco’s related energy consumption by 35% and cuts CO2 emissions by 40%. www.secotools.com/recycling

5ME joins Partners in THINC

Okuma America Corp. officials have announced that 5ME, a Cincinnati-based provider of value-added services focused on increasing manufacturing efficiency including cryogenic machining and software, has joined Partners in THINC.

Partners in THINC, a network of more than 40 companies, come together to solve problems and explore new productivity ideas for manufacturers. With the open architecture, PC-based THINC-OSP control as its nucleus, Partners in THINC brings specialized equipment, expertise, and a commitment to provide integrated solutions to the end-user. www.5me.com; www.okuma.com/partners-in-thinc

Autodesk certifies GibbsCAM for Autodesk Inventor 2015

GibbsCAM software for programming CNC machine tools from Gibbs and Associates, a Cimatron company, has been certified for Autodesk Inventor 2015 3D mechanical design software. This is the 14th consecutive year that GibbsCAM has been certified under the Autodesk Certified Apps Program. www.gibbscam.com