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Additional measuring ranges together with a wide spectrum of optical sensors

The Zeiss Contura coordinate measuring machine (CMM) delivers additional measuring ranges and a wide spectrum of optical sensors.

Sensors are available in the direkt, RDS, and aktiv versions. With the Zeiss Vasy XXT probe, the direkt model enables scanning. This configuration is designed for small workpieces, for which a small single or star stylus is sufficient. Scanning makes it possible to measure the form, size, and location. For parts with different angular positions, Zeiss offers the RDS sensor model is the right choice. The RDS articulating probe holder can be freely positioned in 2.5° increments, resulting in more than 20,000 possible positions.

Thanks to the RDS-CAA, the data from every position can be mathematically calculated in just a few minutes. Its sensor interface permits the flexible use of contact and optical sensors, including the new Zeiss LineScan sensor. It enables the fast optical measurement of features.

The aktiv configuration is recommended when long styli are needed for measurements deep inside a part or for additional demands on precision and speed. The Zeiss Vast XTR gold and Vast XT gold premium probes are available. This active regulation enables highly accurate measurements with very long, heavy stylus systems. The navigator technology enables a tangential approach without a stop and go, as well as circular or helical scanning, resulting in added productivity.

Zeiss Industrial Metrology
www.zeiss.com/metrology
IMTS 2014 booth #E-5504

Software updates deliver advancements

Two enhancements in PowerMILL 2015 will give great reductions in machining time.

The first change allows tool paths to approach the part from outside the stock at the cutting height for open pockets or in areas where earlier cuts have made this possible. Previously, all entry moves had to be made by plunging onto the surface or by ramping into the material.

The second change allows an increased feed rate to be set for non-cutting moves. The default value is set at double the rate for the cutting moves but this can be altered as required for each machine tool. Time savings depend on the shape of the part, but users should expect about a 20% improvement from earlier releases of Vortex.

Another problem in previous versions of PowerMILL was that unnecessary lifts could be added to area-clearance tool paths when the cutter moved outside the stock or close to its edge. Changes to the roughing algorithm have now reduced the number of lifts per tool path slice to the minimum needed, making area clearance much more efficient.

A number of improvements have been made to the PowerMILL interface. Most important is a clearer form for the strategy selector that makes navigation easier when choosing which strategy to use. It has also been made easier to create folders of strategies most suitable for a particular machine tool, material, or type of part, and to add and remove strategies from those folders.

Delcam
www.delcam.com
IMTS 2014 booth #E-3222

Rotating carbide tools for specific operations

At IMTS 2014, Niagara Cutter will exhibit a range of rotating carbide tools engineered to maximize productivity in specific materials and operations. Included will be the S738 and S938 multi-flute solid carbide end mills for titanium and other challenging materials; MZN 410R and 510R high-feed solid carbide end mills aimed at mold making operations; and NS240R solid carbide, long-flute finishing end mills for peripheral finish milling involving long axial engagement.

Engineered for high-speed milling operations in titanium and other challenging materials, the seven-flute S738/S738R and 9-flute S938/S938R solid carbide end mills from Niagara feature unequal flute spacing that reduces vibrations and produces excellent surface finish. The 7-flute cutters are available in diameters ranging from 0.25" to 0.50", while the nine-flute cutters are between 0.625" and 1.000" in diameter.

Niagara MZN 410R and 510R solid carbide end mills provide high-feed machining capability to reduce cycle times in moldmaking operations on hardened steels, cast irons, and super alloys. The tools transfer cutting forces axially into the machine tool spindle, allowing mold shops to use lighter-duty machines to achieve results comparable to those from larger machines.

Niagara, a wholly owned subsidiary of Seco Tools LLC.
www.niagaracutter.com
IMTS 2014 booth #W-1564