American Machinist articles from June 2007

American Machinist archives from June 2007

A probing strategy.(CASEBOOKS)
June 1, 2007... For its done-in-one production strategy, Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems, a manufacturer of aircraft wheels and brakes, invested more than $3 million for a cell of machine tools capable of multiple operations and multiface/ axis processing...

Company gives its customers an edge.(CASEBOOKS)
June 1, 2007... Wobble Light LLC experienced so much success with its Wobble Light construction-site model work light that it wanted to offer the product to the general consumer market for home and small-contractor use. The new version, called Wobble Light...

Mold shop leans on software.(CASEBOOKS)
June 1, 2007... EIMO Americas Inc., a provider of plastic molding, tooling and related services, has overhauled the way it builds tools, with speed and cost-effectiveness recognized by both its domestic and foreign customers. Through lean manufacturing...

Balancing machines.(ACCESSORIES)
June 1, 2007... Balanced tool/toolholder combinations are indispensible for high quality surface finishes and cutting results. Here are new products that make balancing easier. A new balancing machine from Schunk Inc. (www.schunk.com) called Acuro Plus,...

Inserts for square shoulder milling.(CUTTING PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2007... Seco Tools Inc. (www.secotools. com)has introduced its new MD (medium difficult) insert geometry for high-feed, high metal removal square-shoulder milling applications. The company said the MD geometry--designed for Seco's Super and Power Turbo...

Hard part turning inserts.(CUTTING PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2007... Sandvik Coromant (www. coromant.sandvik.com/us)has broadened its offering of hard part turning inserts with the introduction of CB7025, a strong grade optimized for interrupted cuts in case-hardened steel. The CB7025's high performance...

Filling the labor pool for the future.(FROM THE EDITOR)
June 1, 2007... Mazak Canada Corp. opened a $4 million headquarters and technology center in Cambridge, Ontario, Mori Seiki USA is planning to spend about $7 million a year for its new "university" in Rolling Meadows, Ill., and Okuma Corp. pooled together 23...

China export controls coming to a head.(GOVERNMENT MATTERS)
June 1, 2007... As a former Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration in the Reagan Administration, it gives me no pleasure to criticize the good faith attempts of the current administration to institute new export control regulations....

Idea moves machines.(PRACTICAL IDEAS)
June 1, 2007... As a machine rigger, I needed a quick and easy way to move two Bridgeport knee mills around the shop floor, and instead of using pipe rollers, I built a set of wheels and axles for the job. Prior to my new method, I wasted about 20 min moving...

Stuck on aluminum threads.(PRACTICAL IDEAS)
June 1, 2007... Stuck aluminum threads where giving me a hard time. I could not apply too much force for fear of breaking the whole bolt, and I knew I could not use a torch to heat it. Here are some suggestions I found for loosening the threads. Get as...

Internet connections.
June 1, 2007... AMERICAN MACHINIST is launching a new monthly feature to highlight some of the wide number of internet sites that could be useful for machinists. Here are a few interesting internet sites our staff finds useful. If you are into...

Design for die casting info available online.(LEADING INDICATORS)
June 1, 2007... The North American Die Casting Association has put its Design for Die Casting information on its website--www.diecasting.org--to give die casters faster, more convenient access to the design program. The Internet version of the program is...

MAG Industrial Automation systems group appointed Robert Wassmer as its new president.(LEADING INDICATORS)
June 1, 2007... MAG Industrial Automation systems group appointed Robert Wassmer as its new president. He will have responsibilities for the international operations of the company. Founded in 2005, MAG IAS includes such established and well-known companies as...

T.M. Smith Tool.(BRIEFLY ...)
June 1, 2007... As part of its 50th year celebration, T.M. Smith Tool (www.tmsmith.com) of Mt. Clemens, Mich., announced in May that David Smith, the son of D. Fred Smith, was made president of the company. The younger Smith takes over the president's position...

Duggan Manufacturing.(BRIEFLY ...)
June 1, 2007... Duggan Manufacturing (www. dugganmfg.com), a Michigan metal stamping prototype manufacturer, has established a wholly owned subsidiary, Unified Pattern Division, to provide low to medium casting production capabilities to original equipment...

Guhring Inc.(BRIEFLY ...)
June 1, 2007... Guhring Inc. (www.guhring.com) has opened a 60,000-square-foot expansion of its manufacturing and office space at its Brookfield, Wis., headquarters. The company said the additional space will allow it to triple the size of its PCD/CBN Diamond...

DNV Energy.(BRIEFLY ...)
June 1, 2007... DNV Energy (www.dnv.us) has launched a Material and Corrosion Research Center in Columbus, Ohio, in close cooperation with Ohio State University and CC Technologies. The center will develop new technology and methodologies related to the...

Mazak Canada.(BRIEFLY ...)
June 1, 2007... Mazak Canada opened its new Canada headquarters and technology center May 2, and launched a new Internet site, www.mazakcanada. ca. Mazak is planning to make that website bilingual soon...

MAG Industrial Automation Systems.(BRIEFLY ...)
June 1, 2007... Separately, MAG Industrial Automation Systems (www.mag-ias. com), Sterling Heights, Michigan, formed MAG Canada, a sales and service organization that the company expects will expand support of machine tools, systems and services from MAG IAS...

Cinetic Landis Grinding Corp.(BRIEFLY ...)
June 1, 2007... Cinetic Landis Grinding Corp. (www. cinetic-industries. com), a manufacturer of precision grinding systems, is planning to relocate its headquarters and manufacturing and assembly facility to Hagerstown, Maryland, from its current facility in...

Pay now, cash in for the future: one approach to strategic investment.(METALWORKING MANAGEMENT)
June 1, 2007... THE DAILY DEMANDS OF running a machine shop can easily fill up all the hours in a day. But sometimes, when everything is running smoothly, when material is flowing in one door and parts out the other, the shop operator gets a minute or two to...

Sinker EDM side-by-side.(SIDE-BY-SIDE)
June 1, 2007... MORE SHOPS ARE OPTING FOR SINKER EDMs with longer table travels than those of the often considered "standard-size" of 12 in. by 8 in. (X/Y) for two reasons. First, shops see the larger machines as offering increased production. The second...

Monitor in the here and now: don't be late or come up short. React immediately to changes in manufacturing processes.(SOFTWARE)
June 1, 2007... YOU CAN KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING right now on your shop floor, what happened five minutes ago, and what is likely to happen in the next few minutes. Real-time plant performance monitoring (PPM) systems give you the ability to do just that and to...

Editor's note.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Editor's Note: American Machinist receives many new product announcements each month. To provide greatest access and exposure for these new products, here is a list with the company Internet sites where you can see the details and photographs...

Macrosensors.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Macrosensors says its new line of 24-V spring-loaded position sensors offer the industry's most accurate position measurement with maximum linearity error of +0.10 percent of full scale output. Also, a new family of rugged, hermetically sealed...

Magnatag visible systems.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Magnatag Visible Systems offers the Production Efficiency-Tracker magnetic printed whiteboard kit to chart and track production rates hourly for a full 24-hour day and translated into 31-day and year-long graphic line-chart summaries....

Marposs Corp.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Marposs Corp. has developed an ultra-compact gage head for in-process grinder control. The NanoUnimar has sub-micron accuracy and stability in a compact unit. (www.marposs.com)

Mazak Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Mazak Corporation is offering a job-shop productivity package with its NEXUS QTN 100-II CNC turning centers and its VCN 410A-II vertical machining centers. (www.mazakusa.com) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

MicroE Systems.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... MicroE Systems offers the new Mercury II digital encoder platform for high-performance motion-control applications. (www.microesys.com)

MIDACO Corporation's.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... MIDACO Corporation's new series of manual pallet systems minimize spindle downtime at lathes and mills, and 4-axis and 5-axis rotary tables. (www.midaco-corp.com)

Misumi USA, Inc.'s.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Misumi USA, Inc.'s new precision linear shaft features a consistent hardening depth and a light pre-load to minimum-clearance design between the shaft and bushing thus allowing for smoother, more precise and quieter operation....

The Mitsubishi consumable products.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... The Mitsubishi Consumable Products Group (CPG), a division of MC Machinery Systems Inc., says its new wire tension meters are the easiest way to ensure superior part straightness, accuracy and surface finish before machining even begins....

Moeller Mfg. Co.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Moeller Mfg. Co. has developed a technology for producing a helical hole and dimple that accepts a standard screw fastener. (www.moeller.com)

Mountz, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Mountz, Inc. Is launching its next generation hand-held PTT Torque and Angle Analyzer, the EZ-Plug & Play. (www.etorque.com)

MasterCAM/CNC Software Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... MasterCAM/CNC Software Inc. has released Mastercam X2's Maintenance Release (MR1) which includes improved toolpaths for high-speed machining, multi-axis enhancements and other new capabilities. (www.mastercam.com)

MTS Systems Corp. sensor division.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... MTS Systems Corp. Sensors Division has introduced a new line of liquid level sensors using lower-cost variations of its Temposonics magnetostrictive sensing technology for use in steel production, wood processing, form and fabrication...

Numerical Control Computer Sciences (NCCS).(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Numerical Control Computer Sciences (NCCS) has added new capabilities to the flow-line milling option that automates the machining strategy of toolpaths created within its NCL multi-axis machining software. (www.nccs.com) [ILLUSTRATION...

Nikon Instruments Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Nikon Instruments Inc. has expanded its line of NEXIV Video Measuring System products to include the new jNEXIV VMA-2520 designed to measure 3D workpieces on the benchtop. (www.nikonusa.com)

NTC America Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... NTC America Corporation has a new Ultra ZV5500 vertical machining center and ZH4000 horizontal machining center useful in transfer lines or as stand-alone machines. (www.ntcmc.com)

NVision Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... NVision Inc. says its new MAXOS multi-axis optical CMM is the fastest CMM. (www.nvision3d.com) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Olympus NDT, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Olympus NDT, Inc. introduced the new Nortec 500 Series of portable eddy current flaw detectors for use in non-destructive testing. (www.olympusNDT.com)

OSG Tap & Die's.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... OSG Tap & Die's Exocarb Max-Oil-Al drills deep drill up to 30-times diameter in aluminum and copper alloys. (www.osgtool.com)

Parker Hannifin Corp. actuator division.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Parker Hannifin Corp. Actuator Division introduced the Express Solutions Guarding System providing customized perimeter guarding with standardized modular frames. www.parker.com)

Parker Hannifin Corp.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Parker Hannifin Corp. Actuator Division has a new PRNA series of miniature rotary actuators incorporating a rounded vane design that provides lower vane seal bypass than typical vane rotary actuators. (www.parker.com)

Parpas America, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Parpas America, Inc. has introduced a bridge-type, 5-axis, high-speed machining center. (www.parpasamerica.com) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

PartMaker Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... PartMaker Inc. has released Version 8 of its PartMaker CAD/CAM software for CNC machines and has entered into a partnership with Mori Seiki Co. Ltd. to provide as seamless, proven programming solution for the new Mori Seiki NT Turn-Mill center....

Pepperl+Fuchs Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. has expanded its family of short-barrel Pile Driver inductive proximity sensors and introduced the VBA family of I/O modules for AS-interface specification 3.0 that are CE marked and UL listed. (www.pepperl-fuchs.com) ...

Perceptron, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Perceptron, Inc. a supplier of 3D laser-scanning sensors, has released a new hand-held 3D laser scanner, the ScanWorks V5 sensor. (www.perceptron.com)

Pilz Automation Safety L.P.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Pilz Automation Safety L.P. has introduced a new generation of drive-integrated automation systems, PMCprimo Drive, and servo amplifiers, PMCtendo DD, to provide a more compact and powerful overall solution for machine automation....

Pinpoint Laser Systems.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Pinpoint Laser Systems is introducing a new, precision, machinery alignment kit for use in factories and manufacturing facilities for parallelism, and also a new measuring and alignment system for lathes, turning equipment, spindles and related...

Precision Dormer.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Precision Dormer offers Hyperion PHP-Plus solid-carbide drills that the company says result in an over 58 percent increase in tool life. (www.precisiondormer.com)

Presto Lifts, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Presto Lifts, Inc. has developed a line of fully powered stackers. (www.prestolifts.com)

PQ Systems, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... PQ Systems, Inc. wear-trend analysis is among new features in GAGEpack 7.5 software now downloadable for a 30-day free trial from PQ System's web site. (www.pqsystems.com)

RealVision Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... RealVision Inc. is selling ToolSet, a tool optimization system that maximizes tool life by determining which particular tool needs changing based upon predetermined part counts or hours of cut time. (www.realvision.biz)

Rego-Fix.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Rego-Fix offers its line of swissQuick toolholders with preset capabilities that make them good for automation and lights-out machining. (www.rego-fix.com)

Royal Products.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Royal Products introduced the Royal Roto-Shield, an innovation to increase a live center's life by up to 300 percent, as standard on Royal's most popular live center models. (www.royalprod.com)

Sandvik Coromant.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Sandvik Coromant says its GC4235 grade is the toughest, most versatile grade in its family of steel turning inserts. Its improved edge line security, optimized coating and substrate result in high resistance to deformation....

SCHMIDT Technology Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... SCHMIDT Technology Corporation introduced its seventh electric motor-powered, CNC-controlled ServoPress System, the Module 416 with PressControll 4000 Sequence/Monitor Controller. www.schmidtpresses.com) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Schneider Electric.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Schneider Electric is offering the Ositrack radio frequency identification system full line of compact stations, electronic tags and connection boxes through its Telemecanique brand. (www.schneider-electric.com)

Scotchman Industries, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Scotchman Industries, Inc. has introduced a heavy duty, American-made, column design semi-automatic circular coldd saw, the CLM350, with their Metal Fabricating Solutions. (www.scotchman.com) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

SmalTec International, LLC.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... SmalTec International, LLC has introduced its latest micro-EDM/ nano-grinding machine, the M217-n. (www.smaltec.com)

SmartCAMcnc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... SmartCAMcnc has released Version 14.0 for all of its applications including Production Milling, Advanced Milling, FreeForm Machining, Production Turning, Advanced Turning, Advanced Wire EDM and Advanced Fabrication. (www.smartcamcnc.com)

SolidCAM GmbH.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... SolidCAM GmbH has released SolidCAM2007 R11.1, which SolidCAM says provides seamless single-window integration and full associativity to SolidWorks2007. (www.solidcam.com)

Southworth Products Corp.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Southworth Products Corp. has new powered stackers that can handle up to 3,000 lbs. at a time. (www.southworthproducts.com)

STAMA America.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... STAMA America introduced its System 8 Milling-Turning center with one (MT) or two (MT-TWIN) milling spindles and one or two turning spindle(s) for machining of semi-finished and saw sections on one machining center. And the company has new...

L.S. Starrett Company.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... L.S. Starrett Company announced it has expanded its No. 799 Series Electronic Calipers with new extended range models up to 40 in. (1,016 mm), and also introduced the completely new 795 and 796 Series of Electronic Micrometers....

Steinmeyer FMD.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Steinmeyer FMD has introduced a compact high precision piezo driven linear stage--MT-84-25-PM--that is 27.5-mm wide and 84-mm long with a standard travel of 25 mm. (www.steinmeyer.com)

Sunnen Products Company's.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Sunnen Products Company's new SV-1005 series vertical CNC honing system is available with an integrated air gaging system to provide closed-loop control of tool size, along with downloadable SPC data. (www.sunnen.com) [ILLUSTRATION...

Surfware, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Surfware, Inc., developer of SurfCAM CAD/CAM systems, has introduced version 3.0 of its Velocity Series CAM software, including its TrueMill toolpath engine and significantly enhanced multi-surface 5-axis milling capabilities. (www.surfcam.com)...

Tapmatic Corp.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Tapmatic Corp. offers the Synchromatic rigid tapping fixture technology that increases tap life by 100 percent. (www.tapmatic.com)

Tower Oil & Technology Co.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Tower Oil & Technology Co. offers its Towerkem 574 synthetic coolant for machining aluminum alloys. The coolant features a newly discovered lubricity molecule in a synthetic micellar dispersion fluid that does not contain petroleum oil or...

Toyoda Machinery USA.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Toyoda Machinery USA introduces a new Service Network "... to deliver the shortest possible response time while minimizing downtime and customer expenses, said Pete Lechtanski, SPD national service manager. (www.toyoda.com) [ILLUSTRATION...

Tsugami/Rem Sales, LLC's.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Tsugami/Rem Sales, LLC's new P01 precision automatic lathe with a maximum bar capacity of 3 mm is specifically designed to machine micro parts. (www.remsales.com) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

UGS Corp.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... UGS Corp. released Version 9.3 of Femap software, the finite element analysis (FEA) component of the UGS Velocity Series software. UGS has also released new versions of its D-Cubed 2D component software solutions, Version 51.0. (www.ugs.com)

VX Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... VX Corporation announced the release of VX CAD/ CAM Version 12, which includes new capabilities for mold and industrial designers, enhancements in light-source rendering, raster-to-vector conversion, surface analysis, assembly modeling, drawing...

Wheelabrator Group.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Wheelabrator Group strengthens presence in aerospace with a new computer-controlled peening system. Also, the new Upblast EZEFIT Wheel is intended for high-production pipe cleaning machines that must meet the stringent surface preparation...

Zontec Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
June 1, 2007... Zontec Inc. has announced the availability of Synergy 200, a mobile statistical process control (SPC) system that allows members of a quality department to move freely about their production facility while performing real-time SPC on a wireless...

Alive and well in automotive: strategic partnership puts Michigan shop in the driver's seat for high-volume production.(METALWORKING MANAGEMENT)
June 1, 2007... AFTER CAREFUL CONsideration, Southern Michigan Tool & Machine Inc. made a gutsy move: It partnered with a Tier One automotive supplier it had never worked with before and agreed to take on a long-term, high-volume job. As a result of the...

Make sure the process suits the job: how to choose which cutting option to use.(METALWORKING MANAGEMENT)
June 1, 2007... "I WISH THAT PEOPLE WOULD call me and described their job so that I could help them choose the right process rather than have them settle on a process and tell me that's what they want to buy," said Drew Elliott, owner of demo sales Co. in...

Armor for tools: with the right protective coating, tools last longer and cut better.(TOOLING)
June 1, 2007... SELECTING THE RIGHT COATING FOR TOOLING--based on the application--is one of the most important factors to ensure effective machining. The right choice of coating can cut tooling costs per job or per piece because it can leed to reduced...

BobCAD-CAM rewrite incorporates predator verification.(TECHNOLOGY TRENDS)
June 1, 2007... As complex software programs evolve, they inevitably accumulate kludges--coding that, while inelegant, inefficient, clumsy or patched together, succeeds in solving a specific problem or performing a particular task. The more a program evolves...

Autodesk introduces inventor light(LT).(TECH TRENDS)
June 1, 2007... On May 1, 2007, Autodesk launched Inventor LT, a subset version of its Inventor 2008 3D CAD package, as a technology preview. A technology preview is an interesting marketing/product-development tool that Autodesk uses to test-market and refine...

Manufacturing equipment makers join forces in Thinc partnership.(LAST WORD)
June 1, 2007... Under the leadership of Okuma Corporation, 24 manufacturing companies have come together to put a very different spin on the development of a new numerical control and to establish a special demonstration facility that is also designed to be a...