American Machinist articles from October 2007

American Machinist archives from October 2007

Software pushes fast part programming.(CASE BOOKS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Growing market demands for new designs prompted dramatic changes at Push Industries, a developer of structural components for high-end mountain bicycles. So, to secure long-term manufacturing stability and to get...

Company partners for profit.(CASE BOOKS)
October 1, 2007... Gayle Lackey and her husband, Richard, established a solid business plan and developed a stable demand for their product, then acquired the assets of St. Louis Blow Pipe. The couple merged the company with their Lackey Sheet Metal...

Schmitt Industries, Inc.(AM LIT REVIEW)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SBS Dynamic Balancing System automatically balances grinding wheels ranging in size from 5" to 48" in diameter. The system is computer controlled and very accurate, balancing a grinder to unbalanced levels of...

Southwestern Industries, Inc.(AM LIT REVIEW)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Southwestern Industries announces a new catalog for its full line of CNCs and machines for small-lot turning and milling. This informative 50- page book provides full product specifications. It also discusses the...

Machine tool accuracy in 3D: ultraprecise machines go beyond good positioning and repeatability.(QUALITY & MEASUREMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CUSTOMERS RARELY order a machine tool from Mitsui Seiki with a particular job in mind. Instead, these shops, mostly in aerospace and medical work, want machines built to specific performance accuracy requirements, no...

Manufacturers answer call for more MRAPs.(OFFROAD VEHICLES)(Cover story)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] THE U.S DEPARTMENT of Defense is demanding more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles (MRAPs). Manufacturers are answering that call for increased production while they turn out improved versions of the vehicles....

True PC-based control: integrating software and peripherals into machines just got easier.
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JOHN SKALICKI ALWAYS WONDERED WHY THERE WEREN'T more machine tools with PC-based controls on them. As the products operations manager at Fluid Line Products (www.fluidline.com) in Willoughby, Ohio, he realized...

MTConnect in your future.(FROM THE EDITOR)
October 1, 2007... The Association for Manufacturing Technology (www.amtonline.org) has taken a leading position in the development of a standard protocol for computer equipment that promises to simplify communications for all of the computer devices used in...

You never had it so good.(GOVERNMENT MATTERS)
October 1, 2007... Why is there so much gloom and doom in popular discussion of the economy? As the late President Lyndon Johnson once asked during an address to the nation: "I am not saying that you never had so good, but you haven't, have you?" President...

Clean aluminum machining.(PRACTICAL IDEAS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shops that machine aluminum often must deal with splashes and leaks when using coolant. One suggestion on how to minimize such messes while still providing enough coolant to keep cutters from gumming up with melted...

Tool prevents damaged part edges.(PRACTICAL IDEAS)
October 1, 2007... I often have to tap on the edges of soft and hard (workpieces without damaging them, so I made a tool that allows me to do this. I use it a lot for workpieces in milling vises and to accurately position parts. To make this tool, start with...

Cardboard keeps wire on a roll.(PRACTICAL IDEAS)
October 1, 2007... On a wire-cutting machine, I had to pull out a 1-m to 2-m length of wire after every cycle to thread it through the next hole. The machine has a brake for adjusting the wire roll tension, but no matter how much I adjusted the tension, wire...

TRW to purchase Delphi assets.(LEADING INDICATORS)
October 1, 2007... TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. in Livonia, Mich. (www. trw.com) said in late September it would buy a portion of the Delphi (www.dephi.com) North American brake component machining and module assembly assets. Besides buying that brake...

Indianapolis machining company expanding.(LEADING INDICATORS)
October 1, 2007... Major Tool &Machine (www. majortool.com) an engineering, fabrication and machining services company in Indianapolis, In., is investing $20 million, creating 50 new jobs and adding 150,000 square feet of manufacturing space and automated...

Autodesk case tests re-sale of software.(LEADING INDICATORS)
October 1, 2007... Full-time eBay trader is suing Autodesk, Inc. (www. autodesk.com) over his right to resell software he legally bought. The legal question raised by this lawsuit is how far a license can control a customer's use of software. The trader, Tim...

Motion control manufacturer expands.(LEADING INDICATORS)
October 1, 2007... Animatics Corporation (www.animatics.com), a manufacturer of small computer numeric controlled and general automation machines, is expanding and moving its headquarters and U.S. manufacturing operations to a new 104,000 sq. ft. facility in...

International media company fined $3.5 million for using pirated software.(LEADING INDICATORS)
October 1, 2007... The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) agreed to a record settlement of nearly $3.5 million with an international media firm that was found to not have software licenses to cover software it uses. The Business Software Alliance made a...

Dart Controls, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Dart Control, Inc. now offers the programmable ASP 10 Digital Closed Loop Control as RoHS compliant for use with conventional AC, DC, or Brushless DC adjustable speed drive systems to provide an LED display of set speeds and precise, digital...

Dassault Systemes'.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dassault Systemes' SIMULIA brand has released Abaqus for CATIA V5 Version 2.5 for use in advanced finite element analysis in the CATIA V5 environment. SIMULIA says the software provides realistic simulation. ...

Delcam.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Delcam FeatureCAM 2008 includes support for continuous 5-axis machining, more efficient turning and an improved tool database. Delcam also has introduced ArtCAM Express with basic 2D drawing and 2D/3D machining for...

FANUC Robotics America, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FANUC Robotics America, Inc. introduced its new LR Mate 200iC/5H robot designed especially for small part assembly applications typically handled by SCARA-type robots. www.fanucrobotics.com

Guyson Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Guyson Corporation has designed and custom built the Model SP-12 automatic blast system for gritblast surface preparation of large aircraft engine components prior to thermal spray coating. www.guyson.com

Hexagon Metrology, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Hexagon Metrology, Inc. released the new Brown & Sharpe OptivTM line of multi-sensor measurement systems featuring optical, camera, laser and tactile probing options in a wide variety of configurations. www.hexagonmetrology.us

Koepfer America, LLC.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Koepfer America, LLC has developed the new KFS250 Large-Capacity CNC Hob Sharpening Machine based on its KFS100 series. www.koepferamerica.com

Kubotek USA.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kubotek USA has released KeyCreator 7.0, the latest version of its geometry-based mechanical design and manufacturing CAD/CAM software. www.kubotekUSA.com

Lion Precision.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Lion Precision now has the Targa III Dynamic Runout instrument that measures runout on high-speed spindles at speeds up to 300,000 rpm. www.lionprecision.com

MecSoft Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... MecSoft Corporation has released a 3D parametric CAD/CAM bundle that includes Alibre Design Basic, Alibre CAM and MecSoft's VisualMILL suite of products. www.mecsoft.com

Metalfab, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Metalfab, Inc. newly redesigned MetaTech Feeder has only two moving parts for simple, economical and reliable feeding of dry bulk materials. www.metalfabinc.com

Motoman Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Motoman Inc. new 3-axis UH-series robots are designed for high-speed, high-accuracy positioning of large workpieces in applications such as flexible automotive lines that spot weld or handle a variety of models. ...

Noran Engineering, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Noran Engineering, Inc. uses new technology for analysis and simulation at the CAD design stage. www.neinastran.com

New Vista Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Vista Corporation has a new all-electric Thread Verification Unit for robot-guided inspection of internal threads in production parts. www.newvistacorp.com

PANalytical.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... PANalytical has published new data on the MiniPal 4 energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and Axios-Petro wavelength dispersive fluorescence spectrometers that show their effectiveness and value in predictive machine maintenance programs. ...

Peter Wolters of America, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PeterWolters of America, Inc. the new AC 640-F low-cost fine grinding machine handles workpieces up to 180 mm (7 in.) in diameter. www.peter-wolters.com

Precision International Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Precision International Corporation new Coborn RG9 CNC Grinding Machine with 5 programmable axes including cross slide X axis and 3 programmable CNC camera axes for PCD & PcBN inserts and round tool grinding. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Product Development Company.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Product Development Company released Pro/TOOLMAKER 8.1, a stand-alone software application that provides multi-CAD support to enable fully associative NC toolpath programming for Pro/ENGINEER and other CAD systems. www.ptc.com

Professional tool Manufacturing LLC.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Professional Tool Manufacturing LLC best known for the Drill Doctor, Darex and Work Sharp brands, has introduced a Ratcheting Hex Key Wrench. www.ratchetinghextool.com

SmartCAMcnc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... SmartCAMcnc release V14.5 brings significant modernization of SmartCAM's macro language, and builds on and adds to the working with solids, visualization and usability themes found in recent releases. www.smartcamcnc.com

SolidWorks Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... SolidWorks Corporation unveiled PDMWorks Enterprise 2008, a new version of its product data management system with new features for managing bills of material, replication of data across sites, foreign language support, data connectivity,...

Sunnen Products Company.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Sunnen Products Company says its new SV 310 vertical CNC honing system combines a wide choice of tooling options, large work envelope, and 762 mm (30 in.) stroke and a work envelope of 1016 mm by 1778 mm (40 in. by 70 in.) and weight capacity...

Superior Honing Equipment Company.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Superior Honing Equipment Company HL300 Super Finishing Machine is designed to finish honing and lapping the face or inside and/or outside diameters of small to medium sized cylindrical parts. www.superiorhoningequipment.com

Surfware Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Surfware Inc. now is shipping Service Pack 1 of its SurfCAM Velocity version 3.0. www.surfware.com

Toellner Systems, Inc.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Toellner Systems, Inc. introduced a new multi-row parts magazine for automated loading and unloading systems. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] www.toellner.com

Toyoda Machinery USA.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Toyoda Machinery USA new Inverted Vertical Turning Centers have a traveling inverted spindle that allows for direct part pick up, and a mono-block polymerized concrete-filled, steel fabrication base for maximum vibration dampening and rigidity....

VX Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... VX Corporation has incorporated Offset3D Feature Aware Machining to its CAD/CAM software and says Feature Aware Machining will help mold-makers produce high-quality, smooth surfaced molds with crisp, fine highlights. www.vx.com

Weiler Corporation.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Weiler Corporation says its new AL-tra CUT discs are specially designed for superior grinding performance on aluminum because the discs resist loading when grinding aluminum, ensuring constant contact with the work surface and dramatically...

WEMA Vogtland GmbH.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... WEMA Vogtland GmbH has developed the modular machine concept HPC FLEX-V with up to five axes making it possible to convert to new operations within a reasonable period of time and can be used both as a single step workstation and interlinked...

Weingartner Maschinenbau Gmbh.(NEW EQUIPMENT)
October 1, 2007... Weingartner Maschinenbau Gmbh Mpmc 600 series combined turning-milling unit has been designed for parts up to 820 mm (32.3 in.) diameter and up to 7 m (32 ft.) length. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] www.weingartner.com

Gurus of maintenance: outsourcing production maintenance provides proactive, preventive resources and an infrastructure that ensures maximum machine uptime.(SHOP OPERATIONS)(Company overview)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The perception of maintenance is changing with forward-looking shops that appreciate the crucial contribution it makes to their success. These shops view maintenance as the way to keep machines and equipment...

Six Sigma without the belts: quality programs that can be implemented in machine shops.(SHOP OPERATIONS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Attend any machine tool or manufacturing conference and the term "Six Sigma" will echo in your ear like a siren's song calling you to come and feast at the elusive table of improved productivity. Listen more...

End mills for micromachining and mold & die work with hardened steels.(CUTTING PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Seco Tools Inc. (www. secotesco.com) has introduced two Jabro Mini solid carbide end mill lines including the JM100 series. The tools are designed to machine hardened tool steels to 65 HRc, and the 400 series is...

Finish boring heads.(CUTTING PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2007... New EWP UP series finish boring tools from BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling Inc. (www.bigkaiser.com) provides fine adjusting resolution - diameter corrections in 0.001-mm steps (0.00005-in. steps on diameter for inch-graduated heads). The company...

New Z-Carb-MD end mills from SGS Tool Co. (www.sgstools.com), that produce a smooth, chatter-free surface finish when run at high metal removal rates, are designed to machine hardened steels to 62HRc.(CUTTING PRODUCTS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New Z-Carb-MD end mills from SGS Tool Co. (www.sgstools.com), that produce a smooth, chatter-free surface finish when run at high metal removal rates, are designed to machine hardened steels to 62HRc. The company...

Quick Change Pallet System.(TOOLING & WORKHOLDING)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Schunk Inc. (www.schunk. com) said its new Unilock Quick Change Pallet System provides accurate and repeatable setups of workholding fixtures for production run machining and grinding operations. Workpieces can be...

Vises for large parts.(TOOLING & WORKHOLDING)
October 1, 2007... With a 21-in. jaw opening and 20,000 lb of clamping force, the new XL 8-in. vises from Kurt Manufacturing Co. (www. kurtworkholding.com) are designed to hold large parts that require aggressive, high-speed machining. The vises lock precisely...

Magnetic workholding chucks.(TOOLING & WORKHOLDING)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EEPM magnetic workholding chucks from Earth-Chain Inc. (www.earth-chainusa.com) reduce set-up time for thin to thick workpieces. Sliding pole extensions support uneven workpieces so rough, uneven or round stock can...

Precise simultaneous five-axis machining.(TECHNOLOGY TRENDS)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] StarragHeckert AG (www.starragheckert.com) has developed a reputation for designing five-axis, simultaneous machining centers to tackle complex structural parts, and it is pushing its technology further with its new...

Variable horizontal machining center designed for precision.(TECH TRENDS)
October 1, 2007... MCM SpA (www.mcmspa.it) has developed a horizontal machining center that can be set up in a variety of configurations for high-speed, precision machining and flexible production. The company's Concept machine has a 23.62 cu. in. (600 cu....