On the radar

Browser-based monitoring software supports machine data collection

Multi-DNC supports the Haas Machine Data Collection (MDC) feature by providing networking, DNC communications, machine monitoring, and reporting from a single platform. With Haas Setting 143 enabled, the browser-based monitoring software provides real-time machine monitoring by automatically collecting output data to an MS-SQL database. Real-time dashboards and production history reports display shop floor manufacturing data such as machine utilization, OEE, cycle, idle, alarm, spindle, machine downtime reasons, tool usage, setup, parts count, and machine maintenance information. Multi-MDC will alert supervisors by text message and email for part count deviation and alarms.

Developed by Spectrum CNC Technologies, the software offers Haas customers a solution for wired or wireless networking, DNC communications, and machine monitoring and reporting.

The control sends monitoring data through the RS-232 port to the Multi-DNC communications platform, which has been specially configured to read the Haas MDC data. Multi-DNC automatically turns MDC output off and on when downloading or uploading CNC programs through the RS-232 port. This feature provides single cable connectivity for networking, DNC communications, and monitoring and reporting.

Multi-DNC also supports legacy CNC controls, so customers can implement a shop-wide upgrade, regardless of age or mixed brands of CNC controls.
 

Multi-DNC
www.multi-dnc.com

Haas Automation Inc.
www.haascnc.com
IMTS 2014 booth #S-8119

Safety brake for robotic arms

When a catastrophic power failure occurs, robotic arm movement must be halted immediately to prevent mechanical system collapse and equipment damage. In the event of power failure using the BXR safety brake, compression springs engage and capture the brake’s rotor hub immediately stopping arm movement.

BXR spring-applied brakes may serve as an emergency brake or a holding brake for robotic arms. Its low-profile design is two-thirds the thickness of other brakes in the company’s lineup, and weight is also reduced. Designed with a very thin profile, the BXR saves space in articulating joints. Idling wear is reduced because of its lightweight construction.

The BXR brake may also be installed on the output face of a servo motor, serving as a power-off holding brake. This can be an advantage when the overall assembly size must be contained in a small envelope.
 

Miki Pulley
www.mikipulley-us.com

Laser calibration analysis software

XCal-View software brings an updated look, increased functionality, and greater flexibility to laser calibration data analysis. The software is the first part of a planned suite of new software covering data capture, analysis, and error compensation. Compatible with Renishaw’s ML10, XL-80, and XR20-W rotary axis laser calibration systems, it features a simplified interface that allows users to select, edit, and format data in a variety of graph formats. The software’s improved generic error compensation function allows assessment of machine errors and creation of linear compensation files. A compare function overlays multiple data sets on the same screen, especially useful when monitoring the effect of mechanical and servo adjustments or comparing different types of data sets, such as linear and yaw errors. Generic error compensation and zero-point shifting function are possible. All graphs, statistics, and data are transferable to many popular programs, and PDF reports can be generated and printed.
 

Renishaw Inc.
www.renishaw.com
IMTS 2014 booth #E-5510

Robot-mounted laser scanner

The T-SCAN CS hand-guided laser scanner can be mounted on a robot, making it possible to use the system for automated measurements on and off the production line.

A benefit of collaboration with measurement software provider Metrologic Group, robot-supported laser scanning offers advantages in scanning speed and surface cooperativeness since components can be scanned and absolutely recorded in-line.

Metrolog X4 i-Robot measuring software is suited for applications requiring flexibility and productivity with high measurement precision. The multi-axle robot arm serves as the tool holder, with no requirements on specific precision. Measurement precision is assured by a separate tracking camera which follows the T-SCAN CS. An application for this technology is inspection on production lines where the software allows adaptive measurements.

Steinbichler Optotechnik GmbH
www.steinbichler.com

Solid carbide end mill

The Tough Guys series of high-performance solid carbide end mills can be used on steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and many super alloys.

The Walter Prototyp Proto•maxTG end mill maximizes chip removal and guarantees sufficient room for slot milling up to 0.9x Dc. The rear cutting edge has a reinforced core, giving the tool a high degree of stability. The cutter is available with a reduced neck as an option, and is suited to plunging or inclined plunging for deep cavities. In addition, it is suitable for pocket, contour, and shoulder milling. The Proto•maxTG is available in 2mm to 25mm diameter, with three, four, or five cutting edges.

The end mills boast an advanced carbide substrate that provides toughness while an advanced pre-treatment process provides an optimum surface for the tool’s titanium aluminum nitride coating that helps protect against wear and increases tool life.
 

Walter USA LLC
www.walter-tools.com/us
IMTS 2014 booth #W-1700

Indexable milling grade for high-temperature alloys

With approximately 25% longer tool life, the new KCSM30 milling grade can reduce cost-per-part for shops working on titanium. With a fine-grained carbide substrate for strength and stability together with a TiAlN PVD coating for improved wear resistance, tools last longer, and shops are able to increase cutting speeds, up to 230sfm (70m/min.).

Due to titanium’s high strength, thermal management is extremely important in prolonging tool life. KCSM30 is also available in a proprietary Beyond Blast composition, where integral coolant channels deliver coolant through the insert precisely to the cutting edge under the chip, where it reduces heat and friction. In addition, coolant is only delivered in the insert quadrant that is doing the actual cutting, allowing the inserts to remain indexable for maximum use.

KCSM30 is available in face milling, copy milling, and shoulder milling platforms.
 

Kennametal
www.kennametal.com
IMTS 2014 booth #W-1522

Tool-positioning system

The Eppinger Trifix tool positioning system facilitates quick and accurate exchanges of both static and driven tooling for DMG/Gildemeister multi-tasking machines.

Based on the VDI interface, the system reduces tool setup times by up to 80% compared to prior methods while delivering positioning accuracy within 10µm between tool stations and single-position repeatability of less than 5μm at a tool length of 3.9" (100mm). 

After the user aligns the Trifix unit in the lathe turret, further adjustment for subsequent tool changes becomes unnecessary. Manufacturers can preset their tools off the machine, reducing setup times.

Tooling can be mounted with four additional hold down screws to maximize rigidity in heavy-chipload operations such as milling.
 

Exsys Tool Inc.
www.exsys-tool.com
IMTS 2014 booth #W-1671

Through-coolant tool head retrofit

A new technology retrofits a live tool head on a CNC lathe to make it coolant-through instead of coolant-flood as well as a highly secure tool holding solution for demanding part machining applications.

The reCool system is an alternative to high-maintenance, through-coolant-dedicated live tooling heads. With just four components – a special clamping nut with outer ring, coolant pipe, straight fitting, and elbow fitting – the system retrofits onto existing live tooling heads with an ER output (straight and angled) in approximately two minutes.

The system achieves standard speeds up to 12,000rpm and pressures up to 1,000psi. Higher speeds and coolant pressures are available upon request. The system also works in conjunction with Rego-Fix collets, sealing and coolant flush disks, milling cutters, and drills with diameters from 2.5mm (0.098") to 30.5mm (1.200"). Additionally, because of its simple structure and special lubricated bearings, reCool can serve as an internal cooling system.

Adding reCool to CNC turning operations allows manufacturers to remove heat from the cutting zone and achieve better surface finishes, longer tool life, improved chip control, and increased productivity overall.
 

Rego-Fix Tool Corp.
www.rego-fix.com
IMTS 2014 booth #W-2239