On the radar

Grinder automation

Gantry-style systems, vibratory bowl feeders, hopper feeders, roller conveyors, belt conveyors, and robotic options extend the capabilities of the TGS-CL-6020 centerless grinder.

Designed for medium- to large-batch production with short setup times, the grinder handles a variety of grinding applications.

TGS-CL-6020 in action
For a video of the TGS-CL-6020, visit http://goo.gl/oMa5Vw.

Total Grinding Solutions
www.totalgrindingsolutions.com

Laser scanner upgrade

The RS3 upgrade package improves performance for the Romer Absolute Arm with an integrated laser scanner. The RS3 doubles the scan rate of the previous RS2 integrated scanner, enabling users to inspect parts in approximately half the time. The laser scanner will be available with all newly purchased Romer Absolute Arm SI portable measurement systems or as an upgrade option for existing customers.

The RS3 integrated scanner delivers greater point cloud density with a maximum acquisition speed more than 9x faster than its predecessor, resulting in more detailed scanning without compromising accuracy. The latest RDS software monitors the arm in real-time and reduces the mean time to repair.

Even on tricky surfaces such as carbon fiber and steel, the RS3 improves performance compared to the RS2.

The Romer Absolute Arm with integrated scanner combines non-contact scanning and tactile probing into a multi-purpose portable measurement system.

Hexagon Metrology
www.hexagonmetrology.us

Large part, multi-sided machining

The VTM-2000YB multi-tasking CNC turning center is built to handle heavy-duty turning and cutting of large parts. The extreme rigidity and powerful cutting capabilities of this machine make it suitable for machining large-diameter workpieces. The vertical workholding design delivers high precision and accuracy and offers the advantage of natural part handling and chip fall, while taking up minimal floor space.

The VTM-2000YB takes the concept of the VTM-200YB and advances the design to increase rigidity, power, B-axis range, speed, and accuracy. It uses the Thermo-Friendly Concept to enhance thermal stability and has powerful turning and milling capabilities with 0.001° B- and C-axis. This CNC turning center has 1.6m of Y-axis travel, combines turning and milling functions for large parts in the same machine, and includes a 36 tool ATC for tool changing.

Okuma America Corp.
www.okuma.com/americas

Indexable insert milling cutters

The Highfeed series of indexable insert milling cutters has expanded to include the Highfeed 2 and 4, featuring new insert designs combined with more teeth per diameter to achieve high speeds and feeds when processing tough workpiece materials.

Highfeed 2 is for applications that require a high ramping angle or superior plunging performance. These positive LP inserts handle sticky materials such as stainless steels, titanium, and super alloys.

Highfeed 4 close-pitch and negative-pocket LP inserts machine common workpiece materials.

Highfeed 2 and 4 cutters were designed to reduce vibrations for smooth, stable cutting and increased productivity. The cutters also evacuate chips and process challenging materials at high speeds on smaller machines with high-speed, low-torque spindles.

The Highfeed series of milling cutters permit up to 3x faster machining than conventional methods. They provide shallow depths of cut with high feed per tooth rates to deliver greater metal removal rates for an overall boost in productivity.

At-a-glance
Highfeed 2

• Single-sided LP05 inserts for 12mm (0.5") to 20mm-diameter (0.75") cutter bodies
• ME, M, and MD insert geometries
• Includes Combimaster heads and cylindrical shanks

Highfeed 4

• Double-sided LO06 inserts for 20mm (0.75") to 63mm-diameter (2.50") cutter bodies
• ME, M, MD, and D insert geometries
• Includes Combimaster, cylindrical shank, and shell end types

Seco Tool LLC
www.secotools.com/us

Hydraulic chucks

WTE Präzisionstechnik GmbH (Germany) High Performance Holders hydraulic chucks offer temperature stability, strong holding forces, vibration damping, and high radial stiffness to improve surface quality.

Solid construction and a sealed clamping system reduce process times and micro-structure cracking on the tool’s cutting edge. Available with axial and radial adjustment in the most common shank forms, the chucks can also be used with reducing sleeves or hydraulic chuck extensions to increase flexibility.

Micro-universal chucks were developed for high speed micro-machining up to 60,000rpm while delivering concentricity <0.005mm. Chucks offer a clamping range from 0.2mm to 6.4mm.

ERI America
www.eri-america.com

Profile measurement software

Paired with the GapGun range of handheld, profile measurement systems, Inline View software delivers real time measurement data and quality management tools on the production line. Real-time readings are instantly displayed on a screen to show whether a particular part has passed quality tests.

Third Dimension
www.third.com

Horizontal boring mill

The KB-150-WR horizontal boring machine is a T-type machine for multi-face machining of large workpieces. Cast iron elements and linear roller guideways with a hydrostatic dampening system improve the machine’s performance. Thermal stability is due to cooling systems for the bearings, gearbox, and spindle motor.

The rigid quill spindle is mounted in large angular contact bearings that are lubricated with an air-oil system. This spindle design is matched to an oversized ram to provide for machining in extended reach applications.

This machine offers 787ipm rapid rates, high axis feed forces, a 5.9" quill with 31.5" of travel, and a ram with 40" of stroke.

A variety of rotary tables are available. Tables rotate on high precision bearing and low friction surfaces for smaller load capacities and on hydrostatic bearings for larger load capacities. Table rotation is via a dual-drive system using a large external crown gear with a helical gearing/zero backlash precision gearbox. The hydraulic clamping system provides for a maximum tangential clamping force up to 140,000Nm (103,200 lb-ft).

Soraluce America Inc.
www.soraluce-america.com

CNC wire bending machine

The E-Flex CNC bending machine for wire fabrication has two clockwise and counter-clockwise bending turrets for three dimensional bending during one part operation. Coil-fed wire is straightened in both a vertical and horizontal orientation to allow for various size and types of wire as well as automatic operation.

The E-Flex is best suited to bend wire with complex shapes, and its flexibility allows for short runs as well as high-volume production. The machine automatically corrects programs by searching for prior bends that could interfere with the bending sequence.

The unit incorporates VGP3D, a 3D visual graphic program for monitoring of the machine. With VGP3D, operators can generate a single machining program by entering geometric part data, automatically simulating the feasibility of the bending operation, changing the running sequence directly in simulation mode, and calculating cycle time.

E-Flex in action
To see a video of the E-Flex, visit http://goo.gl/TRbq03.

BLM Group USA
www.blmgroup.com

Multi-tasking turning center

The Nakamura-Tome AS-200LMY-S sub spindle machine is a multi-tasking turning center designed with an upgraded long bed with sub-spindle. The machine is equipped with a powerful milling drive; a high-speed, high accuracy C-axis; and 82mm stroke Y-axis. The system eliminates deburring, milling, drilling, and re-positioning of fixtures.

Sub-spindle speed is approximately 6,000rpm and distance between spindle noses is 31.50" (800mm). The machine offers a 7.5hp milling motor on a 6,000rpm, 12-station turret with 1/2 indexing, providing 24-tool capacity.

The Y-axis enables turning, drilling, and milling off center with full power. The equipped NT Work Navigator can recognize the coordinates of machine parts with non-round shapes such as those in forgings and castings.

Methods Machine Tools Inc.
www.methodsmachine.com