Modern Applications News articles from March 2004

Modern Applications News archives from March 2004

Metalworking is rocket science: back in the mists of time, some cave dweller discovered fire. One hundred years later, there was a microwave in the cave.(Editor's Corner)
March 1, 2004... This is preposterous, absolutely laughable. There is no way this could have happened. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] However, 100-years ago, man first accomplished powered flight. One hundred years later, we are exploring Mars. This is an...

Machine tool consumption rises in November.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... November U.S. machine tool consumption totaled $210.25 million, according to AMTDA, the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association, and AMT--The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating...

Production, new orders, employment grow--inventories decline, supplier deliveries slower.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... Economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew in January for the eighth consecutive month, while the overall economy grew for the 27th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On...

PMI.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... The PMI indicates that the manufacturing economy grew in January for the eighth consecutive month. the PMI for January registered 63.6%, an increase of 0.2% compared to the December reading of 63.4%. A reading above 50% indicates that the...

New Orders.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... ISM's New Orders Index grew in January with a reading of 71.1%. The index is 2% lower than the 73.1% registered in December and is the ninth consecutive month the index has exceeded 50%. A New Orders Index above 51%, over time, is generally...

Production.(Industry News)
March 1, 2004... ISM's Production Index is 71.1% in January, 1.9% higher than the 69.2% reported in December, reflecting the ninth consecutive month of growth. An index above 49.9%, over time, is generally consistent with an increase in the Federal Reserve...

Moving, machining, testing parts 24 hours a day: "how were we going to increase productivity and quality for less money?(Machining / Turning Centers)(Cover Story)
March 1, 2004... "The decision to automate came down to cost," says Tim Roskey, business unit manager, Eagle Manufacturing Co. (Florence, KY). "The pressure from customers to cut costs and increase frequency of deliveries meant we had to figure out ways to be...

Mega series horizontal machining center.(Products)
March 1, 2004... Cincinnati Lamb introduces its HPC-800HP Mega series horizontal machining center to meet customers' needs for adaptability, reliability, and simplicity. Initially offered in an 800mm size, this HMC provides large-job-processing capabilities for...

New Bulletin on high precision turning.(Products)
March 1, 2004... Hardinge Inc., has released a Technical Information Bulletin (TIB) covering the features and benefits of its Super-Precision[R] CNC lathes for predictable machining performance. The four-page TIB details the manufacturing process of the lathes,...

New horizontal hobbing machine.(Products)
March 1, 2004... Gleason Corporation has introduced the P 90, a horizontal hobbing machine that combines high cutting speeds with a fast, fully integrated gantry loader system with buffer storage. Easily adaptable to different part types, this machine offers...

New multi-tasking features.(Products)
March 1, 2004... Mazak Corporation introduces the Nexus QTN-250MS with multi-tasking capabilities. This new machine features advanced integral spindle/motor technology (35-HP/4,000 rpm) on the main turning spindle (10" chuck) for heavy-duty metal removal and...

A new generation of HMCs.(Products)
March 1, 2004... Haas Automation, Inc. designed its new generation of horizontal machining centers to meet the needs of customers without requiring expensive options, the performance is built into the machine. The new EC-400 HMC is a T-based horizontal...

High-speed die/mold machining center.(Products)
March 1, 2004... The M-V50-FM, from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. Machine Tool Division, is a new design vertical machining center capable of ultra-high precision contour accuracy for sharp feature definition. The table moves only in the Y-axis,...

Turning centers offer high speed/flexibility.(Products)
March 1, 2004... The G 10 turning center from Romi Machine Tools, Ltd. has a swing of 16.54", a maximum turning diameter of 9.45", a cutting length of 15.75", and offers high-volume production of small parts. The machine's 35[degrees] slant bed design features...

V Series bed mills.(Products)
March 1, 2004... The Trak[TM] DPM V Series machines, from Southwestern Industries, feature the easy-to-use ProtoTrak VM CNC and are designed to increase the productivity of toolroom and small-lot work. These machines are versatile, suitable for small parts, and...

End mill survives cutting copper-beryllium for 100 hours; sometimes it's the unexpected things in life that pay off big. Like getting a free 1/2" end mill to try, and then finding out that it can be pushed to extreme limits with minor wear.(Cutting Tools)
March 1, 2004... Lance Rushton of L and R Design (Salt Lake City, UT) discovered how a free cutter would open the door for faster and more precise mold making. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rushton and Jerry Lockhart are partners in a small company that does...

New laser gas system saves $47,000 annually: with the design and installation of a $22,000 gas system for its welding and cutting lasers, an automotive supplier is on the road to saving an estimated $47,502 every year in gas, cylinder, and maintenance costs.(Lasers)
March 1, 2004... Flex-N-Gate Forming Technologies (Warren, MI) uses laser cutting and welding machines to produce a wide range of automotive products including bumper systems and injection molded consoles for the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Ram, Chevrolet...

Portable CMM, software set NASCAR standards: at the competitive edge in every professional sport, the margins of victory are tiny differences in energy efficiency, skill, and physical configuration.(QC / Measurement
March 1, 2004... Over time, these strivings give rise to elaborate rules governing competitors' behavior, their contests, and the unending attempts by the clever and the well financed to create a winning edge by stretching the rules. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Reactor Data Recording Kit.(QC / Measurement / Inspection Products)
March 1, 2004... Graco Inc. introduces a Data Recording Kit designed to record critical application information on its Reactor proportioning system. The kit records the volume of material sprayed, target, and actual "A" and "B" pressures, primary temperatures...

Part-seated monitor detects gap distance.(QC / Measurement / Inspection Products)
March 1, 2004... The PS Series part-seated monitor, from ifm effector inc., continuously monitors nozzle-to-part distance in applications such as gap detection, workpiece positioning, part present and part distance measurement. The monitor operates on less than...

Spot analyzer locates inclusions in metals.(QC / Measurement / Inspection Products)
March 1, 2004... Spectro Analytical Instruments, Inc., has released its Midex "M" bench-top alloy analyzer with an optional excitation system and a motor driven X-Y-Z table. The analyzer provides fast, non-destructive mapping analysis of large metal components...

New press force sensors ease installation.(QC / Measurement / Inspection Products)
March 1, 2004... Kistler Instrument announces a new series of force sensors specially designed for press fit and calibration applications. Upper and lower flanges enable a range of mounting options in presses, punches, and rams. Precise piezoelectric measuring...

Expanding Collets/grinding arbors.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Hardinge Inc. will exhibit its Sure-Grip[R] Expanding Collet Systems and center arbors for grinding machines and lathes at Westec 2004. The A2-5, A2-6, and A2-8 expanding collet systems mount directly on to the spindle and due to the...

Combined accuracy/speed/versatility.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... United Grinding Technologies, Inc. introduces a new addition to its Studer line of high-performance external cylindrical grinders, the S32cnc, and will be exhibiting at Westec 2004. Arranged for highspeed grinding, with cutting speeds in excess...

New HSM toolpath.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Engineering Geometry Systems introduces a new type of toolpath for high-speed machining (HSM) in the upcoming release of FeatureCam 2005, which will be demonstrated at Westec 2004. The feature-based CAD/CAM delivers the Curly Corner Toolpath,...

Three holemakers.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Hougen Manufacturing, Inc. spotlights three models of its portable magnetic drills at Westec 2004, the HMD150 for drilling holes in tight spots, the HMD505 for performance versatility, and the HMD904 with economy and mid-range hole making...

Hole-deburring/chamfering tools.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Tooling solutions for deburring, chamfering, and countersinking holes will be exhibited by Cogsdill Tool Products at Westec 2004. Burraway[R] and Burr-Off[R] mechanical hole-deburring tools remove burrs from both the front and back of holes in...

Tooling solutions for internal turning/grooving/threading.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Sandvik Coromant will introduce its new CoroTurn XS line of tooling solutions at Westec 2004. This new line features four sizes, CXS-04, -05, -06, and -07, each including inserts for a range of hole diameters, and available in different lengths...

New hydraulic clamping system.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... De-Sta-Co Industries will feature its StrongHold[TM] line of hydraulic products at Westec 2004. This will include Swing/Pull clamps with holding capacities up to 4,500 lbs. offering "live roller" technology for increased service life in tough...

New toolholder system.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Kaiser Tool Company will display its Thinbit[R] line of cutting tools at Westec 2004, including the new Groove 'N Turn[R] toolholder system. These toolholders can be used on conventional, Swiss, and CNC machines to hold grooving and face...

Handheld marking system.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Telesis Technology will introduce its new handheld marking system at Westec 2004. The TMM4200 Multi-Pin Pinstamp[R] marks up to eight character per second, features a pistol-grip handle, and weighs 4.5 lbs. This marker can be used in on-line or...

Shrink-fit toolholding system.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Briney Tooling Systems will demonstrate its Shrinker Thermo-Contraction Toolholding System at Westec 2004. The toolholders permit cutter changes in seconds providing concentricity, balance, and rigidity. Advantages for high-volume and...

New 4-axis HMC.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Fadal Machining Centers will demonstrate its 4-axis HMC 400 twin pallet horizontal machining center at Westec 2004. This machining center is designed to help job shops increase production levels, such as 24/7 duty cycle to maximize...

New turning/milling/grooving products.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Valenite Inc. will display its new advanced cutting tool and toolholding products at Westec 2004. These products include the new Valturn[TM] Turning System that features seven carbide grades and fourteen top form geometries, and the new Valturn...

Rigid tap driver doubles tap life.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... The SynchroFlex tap driver, from Tapmatic Corporation, will be on display at Westec 2004. This tap driver has a precisely machined flexure between the shank and the chuck that compensates axially for unavoidable discrepancies between the...

Latest CAM software release.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Gibbs and Associates will be demonstrating GibbsCAM 2004, as well as the next generation Windows interface and the new 2.5D Solids Machining option, at Westec 2004. This new machining option was specifically designed to provide powerful CNC...

Lightweight handheld marking machines.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Schmidt Marking Systems will display the latest innovations to its Styliner Stylus marking machines at Westec 2004. For bench top applications, the Styline Mark3's versatility is enhanced with a robust post located off center of the marking...

Expanded Toolroom Mill line.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Haas Automation, Inc. expands its line of toolroom products with the new TM-2 Toolroom Mill, which will be exhibited at Westec 2004. The TM-2 features a 7.5-HP (peak) vector drive spindle that uses standard 40-taper tooling and spins to 4,000...

New manufacturing software release.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Surfware Inc. will be demonstrating Surfcam[R] 2003, the latest release of its manufacturing software, at Westec 2004. This software features 3D offset finishing, which calculates the toolpath motion based on the part's surface, conforming the...

New milling/drilling product line.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... The new Xtra-tec[R] line of milling and drilling tools from Walter Waukesha will be on exhibit at Westec 2004. The new drill is a two-effective indexable insert drill available in lengths 3x, 5x, and 7x diameter, and has two cutting edges to...

High-performance machining center for mass production.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Mitsubishi Machine Tool introduces the new M-H4050 Horizontal Machining Center, with improved productivity, reliability and accuracy. The machining center will be exhibited at Westec 2004. The spindle technology utilizes four rows of front...

Fully integrated 3D Laser ScanArm.(Westec 2004)
March 1, 2004... Faro Technologies, Inc. has introduced the industry's first seven-axis contact/non-contact measurement device with full integrated laser scanner called The Faro Laser ScanArm[TM] and will exhibit it at Westec 2004. Users can collect simple...

Interfaced CNCs control 77 servo axes aircraft riveter: technology is the key to efficiency. To efficiently rivet aircraft panels, four interfaced CNCs control 77 servo axes on an automated riveter.(CNC
March 1, 2004... At the Boeing Company facility in Macon, GA, where they build subassemblies for the C-17 Globemaster III airlifter, two Broetje-Automation Integrated Panel Assembly Cells (IPAC's) have been added to increase Boeing's complex process capability....

Grinding wheel dressing system.(New Products and Literature)
March 1, 2004... Service Network, Inc. has announced the release of their new heavy-duty lift-up (HDLU) dressing system designed to be used as a replacement on most Heald internal grinding machines. The HDLU dresser is designed with a one-piece cast iron body...

New guillotine shears.(New Products and Literature)
March 1, 2004... Strippit/LVD introduces a new line of MVS-C guillotine shears designed to provide high shearing accuracy and repeatability for a range of cutting requirements. The design uses a new cutting beam driven by double acting pull down hydraulic...

60 pocket Automatic Tool Changer.(New Products and Literature)
March 1, 2004... Fadal Machining Centers has announced a new 60 pocket dual-arm Automatic Tool Changer (ATC) option for its Performance Series VMC 6535, which features a 2.3 sec. tool-to-tool change time. The dual-arm ATC uses a synchronous swing motion,...

Small-screw options/special tooling.(New Products and Literature)
March 1, 2004... The Bulletin SST profiles the StickScrew[R] System for fast and accurate small-screw insertion. This bulletin features a step-by-step chart to guide users in selecting screw options to meet application requirements and introduces newly...

New Vise Lift.(New Products and Literature)
March 1, 2004... The Vise Lift allows for quick and easy removal or installation of a machine vise on a mill table, reducing the risk of back injuries caused by manually lifting a vise, according to the manufacturer. This new lift from the Accudyne Corp. mounts...

High performance hydraulic turret punch presses.(New Products and Literature)
March 1, 2004... Finn-Power International, Inc. has introduced the C5 33-ton hydraulic turret punch press. The 20-station unit has a maximum sheet capacity of 50" X 100" (1270 mm X 2500 mm) and is available with either Siemens or Fanuc controls. This new press...

New drill information sheet available.(New Products and Literature)
March 1, 2004... Seco-Carboloy has published a new data sheet containing information on its new CrownLoc system 7xD for deep-hole drilling. The system offers precision of a brazed drill without the added effort, as users can drill a new hole using the same...