cnc machine

New EDM CNC machine launched by AgieCharmilles

2009-06-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

A new

high-performance wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) system has been launched by GF AgieCharmilles for micro-projects and super-precision applications.

The CUT 1000 takes a classic machine tool set-up which has been "redesigned from the bottom up", giving the technology a heavily reinforced and rigid machine base with slide blocks run on roller guide rails positioned directly on the monobloc.

Mutual interference is also eliminated by separate guideways for the X and Y-axis, with high-quality measuring equipment allowing for particularly precise and accurate machining.

The company is hoping that the new system will deliver improved productivity, greater manufacturing flexibility and increased accuracy on previous releases for micro-CNC machining.

A touch screen remote control complements the system, allowing operators to input relevant data much faster, reducing time spent on job set-ups.

Alongside its EDM projects, AgieCharmilles also specialises in high-speed and high-performance milling in order to enhance the growth of businesses in the sector.

If you're searching for CNC lathes visit our preferred supplier list.ADNFCR-1982-ID-19204614-ADNFCR
http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/machine-tool-news/New-EDM-CNC-machine-launched-by-AgieCharmilles-200.asp

odern Engineering boosts productivity with 600 Machines Colchester lathe

2009-05-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

BRISBANE-based Modern Engineering is using CNC machine tools from 600 Machines at its Northgate machine shop, allowing faster set-up time and quicker production of parts.
Modern Engineering provides general and precision services to industry, as well as pump repairs and breakdown services.
The Northgate machine shop offers full fabrication and assembly services, with CNC machine tools providing tasks like turning and milling. Modern Engineering produces a variety of components in mild steel, stainless, copper, brass, bronze, and other metals and alloys.
Most of the machining equipment was supplied to Modern Engineering by 600 Machine Tools. The company most recently delivered a Colchester Alpha XS lathe fitted with the latest Fanuc 21i TB controller.
According to 600 Machine Tools, no other lathes on the market today, including full CNC machines, can compete with the speed of Colchester Alpha X Series during the production of ‘one-offs’ and small-batch turned parts.
The Colchester Alpha 1550XS has a swing-over bed of 554mm, a 15kW main motor, spindle speeds of 1-2000rpm, and a spindle bore of 104mm. The lathe has an automatic slideway and ballscrew lubrication system.
http://www.metalworker.com.au/Article/Modern-Engineering-boosts-productivity-with-600-Machines-Colchester-lathe/480183.aspx

CNC machine tools for training

2009-04-25T22:39:00.000-07:00

XYZ Machine Tools has supplied three new CNC machines tools to Sunderland Engineering Training Association for the apprentice training requirements of local engineering and manufacturing companies.

For the best part of 40 years Sunderland Engineering Training Association has exerted a significant influence on the training of engineering apprentices on behalf of companies based in the north east of England.

Between 35 to 40 school-leavers, mainly 16 year-olds, are welcomed every year into the well-equipped training centre for first-year training, with post first-year monitoring and support ensuring full completion of the apprenticeship.

Now, having invested in three new CNC machines tools supplied by XYZ Machine Tools of Burlescombe, Devon, SETA is better equipped than ever to meet the apprentice training requirements of local engineering and manufacturing companies.

According to Bob Kiszow, SETA's Works Manager, the training centre on the Wear Industrial Estate in Washington, Tyne and Wear is run on a realistic industrial basis, instilling in the people it trains a work ethic and self-discipline.

"Training young people and seeing them develop is extremely worthwhile," he says.

"Whatever their backgrounds, most will achieve NVQ Level 2 at a relatively early stage of the training programme." All three XYZ machines were installed in January 2007 with commissioning and training of SETA's instructors completed the following month.

The two 5.75 kW (7.5 hp)/2500 rev/min XYZ ProTURN SLX 1630 manual/CNC lathes are equipped with the latest generation ProtoTRAK SLX control.

This control - developed by Southwestern Industries, Inc, specifically for one-off and low volume production - can be mastered within a day by operators with no previous CNC experience, while its unique 'traking' feature provides vital reassurance to trainees.

The user can physically wind through the NC program's tool path, checking for possible collision points and, in the process, boosting operator confidence.

The third machine is a full-CNC 9 hp/8000 rev/min XYZ Mini Mill 450 compact vertical machining centre equipped with a CNC7 control.

This control is easily configured to match existing skills, which is particularly helpful for first-time CNC users and trainees who may otherwise be overwhelmed by CNC language, features and screen displays.

The full-colour graphics displayed on the high-resolution LCD screen allow verification of tool path and part program prior to commencing machining, with operator confidence guaranteed by the synchronised display between the graphics and machine movement - there is no discrepancy between what appears on the screen and what the machine actually does when the program runs.

And there are other safeguards, including a 'mid-program start' feature that allows a program to be verified graphically up to the point where machining should recommence.

At this point the operator can then switch over to 'run' mode Before deciding on the XYZ machines, Bob Kiszow says SETA member companies were asked for their recommendations and individuals responsible for CNC purchases within their those companies invited to check out the machines' specifications and performance.

"We did our homework", he says, "and decided that, pound for pound, we were getting machines that would do a good job for us while also looking the part - and that's important in terms of enthusing young people about the technology of the future." SETA adopted the Engineering and Marine Training Authority's Modern Apprenticeship when it was introduced formally in 1995, and as part of the formal off-the-job element provides a first-year, 30-week, transition from the basics of manual machining to full-blown CNC.

The full training programme leads to a minimum qualification of NVQ Level 3, with part-time college attendance affording apprentices the opportunity to achieve a Higher National Certificate.

Lawrence Whitney, SETA's Chief Executive, says member companies usually employ and pay apprentices from day one, so a high standard of performance and behaviour is required during the training programme.

A commitment by individuals, he adds, "is particularly important in view of the safety aspects of working in engineering - and safety combined with ease-of-use are crucial factors that must always be taken into account when assessing the performance and operation of any machine tool.".

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/xyz/xyz227.html

Engineering workshop utilises Haas CNC machines

2009-04-08T21:54:00.000-07:00

Jean Michel Vallet has built his engineering workshop by making precision components on CNC machines for mostly local companies, but always with one eye on his long-held dream of building a race car.

In the early 1970s, Vallet was quick to realise the potential of CNC, investing in the first of many numerically controlled machines.

In the late 1990s, the time came to move to new premises; and it was the ideal opportunity to streamline the company's workshop.

'When we built this new factory, we had something like seven different makes of CNC machine tools,' said Vallet.

'Running the factory was complicated and inefficient.

'For the sake of productivity, we had to standardise.' In 1998, Vallet took a trip to the Paris machine tool show where, where he came across Haas CNC machine tools.

'We found the best machines for our growing company,' he added.

'All Haas machines have the same control, which means if you can program one, you can program all of them.

'Plus, they offer lots of torque, which is ideal because we often use large diameter end mills on stainless steel.' He was also impressed with the Haas fourth-axis capabilities.

The company now owns several Haas machines, including a VF-9 vertical machining centre.

Vallet began by supplying a local company making machines for bottling plants.

Today, the company's bread-and-butter work, the work which will pay for Vallet to pursue his motor racing dream, is mainly making parts for companies building food packaging and processing machines, plus some special and secretive aerospace projects.

'We make scale models of new and prototype aircraft, which are used for wind tunnel testing and are full of sensors measuring airflow and aerodynamic forces,' he said.

'We also make five-axis parts for our aerospace customers, which are actually comparatively straight forward to machine.

'The trickiest parts we make are for the food processing industry, machined from special stainless steels.

'These parts often have very tight tolerances, which is a challenge because we have to find ways of making them at the price the customer wants to pay.

'It's demanding work, which we're able to do because we use accurate but relatively low-cost machine tools.' In Vallet's busy workshop is a line of Haas machines including eight CNC vertical machining centres and five CNC turning centres.

One, a Haas VF-1, runs 24 hours a day using a Kuka robot arm to change parts.

An adjacent PC, using software designed personally by Vallet, controls the robot separately.

PCs interconnect all the machining stations, allowing managers to keep tight control of planning and scheduling.

The factory runs three shifts and 24 hours a day; 10 Haas machines running through the night with just five operators on duty.

'My aim is to create an entire racing car from just six solid blocks of aluminium, in 70 hours, using only four tools,' said Vallet.

Big blocks of aluminium, he admits, but just six, from which he intends to machine all of the major and supporting structural components, including the chassis, suspension, mounting brackets, and so on.

No castings, no extrusions, just solid parts.

'We'll buy-in brakes, glass, wheels, that sort of thing, we'll make the body from glass fibre and we'll use an Alfa Romeo V6 engine, giving 340HP,' he added.

'But otherwise, we'll make it here, on one Haas machine, in less than a week of running two shifts a day.'.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/has/has151.html

Toolmaker buys CNC machine tools

2009-03-26T08:50:00.000-07:00

Precision toolmaker Hanson Thorpe, based in Middleton, Manchester, has recently invested in two CNC machine tools from Agie Charmilles.

An FO 550s spark erosion machine and a Mikron VCE 800 Pro 3-axis milling machine were installed at Hanson Thorpe's facility in January and April respectively, and are being used to manufacture high-precision, complex plastic injection mould tools (pre-production tools, single and multi-impression, 3D form and twin-shot) for the medical devices, automotive, electronics and consumer goods sectors.

These machines have also enabled Hanson Thorpe to diversify its operations into complex part production for specialist high-precision industries, such as medical and surgical instruments.

In 2007, the company invested in a purpose-built and designed 3-axis high-speed machining centre, a Mikron Graphitemaster, which in conjunction with special diamond cutting tools, is used to machine graphite electrodes.

Once machined, inspected and measured, the electrodes are transferred to Agie Charmilles spark erosion machines for mould manufacture.

The FO 550s is a large, high-performance die-sink machine with 600 x 400 x 450mm (X, Y, Z) travels, which can handle parts of up to 1,600kg.

The machine produces consistently high and homogenous surface finishes (0.1 micron Ra), eliminating the need for costly and time intensive secondary polishing operations.

Owing to the machine's rapid Z-axis movement, which facilitates the optimum evacuation of particles and debris from the spark gap - plus the machine's high acceleration rates - intricate details and features such as medium-to-deep ribs and thin walls can be machined 30 per cent faster and to greater accuracy.

The machine also delivers increased productivity, and can be left running unattended (lights-out) for longer machining operations.

The VCE 800 Pro is a powerful, high-precision 3-axis machining centre used by Hanson Thorpe to manufacture plates, bolsters and larger mould tools.

The machine is also used for high material removal machining (roughing) operations.

It has a good working envelope (X 800mm, Y 500mm, Z 540mm), and is equipped with a powerful 18.5kW 10,000rpm spindle.

The machine has fast rapids (24m per minute in X and Y and 20m per minute in Z), and was supplied with laser tool and workpiece probes, and linear scales.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/agi/agi193.html

Microprocessors make CNC machines faster, smarter

2009-02-27T07:03:00.000-08:00

CNC technology follows mass-market computing trends, so advances in general-purpose computing engines make more capable controllers available for CNC systems. Link to tutorial.

That general-purpose-computing needs drive microprocessor trends is a fact of life. Simple semiconductor-fabrication economics makes mass-marketable designs very inexpensive, while making designs aimed at smaller market segments, such as CNC, cost prohibitive. The good news is that rapid development of advanced computer chips for consumer products provides CNC machine developers with a steady supply of high-performing control processors at relatively low prices. The bad news is that sometimes there is a disconnect between what CNC machine technology needs and what general-purpose computing provides.

**Serial or parallel processing?**

Click here for a wider view of this image and the CNC microprocessor topic.

“Tutorial: Microprocessor advances translate into more CNC machine capability,” a newly published online tutorial article (www.controleng.com/article/CA6634377.html) by Control Engineering, explores how semiconductor device advances affect CNC controller trends. The article looks at how semiconductor trends, including multicore processors, system on chip technology, Flash memory, and reduced power dissipation, dovetail with CNC controller needs.

“Overall, positives outweigh negatives,” says C.G.Masi for Control Engineering. “Following the path of semiconductor device advances provides CNC controllers with capabilities only dreamed of before. Where CNC needs do not align well with consumer electronics trends, OEMs developing new CNC products have to find work-arounds to make the available parts do CNC jobs adequately.”

An example is in the area of non-volatile solid-state disks (SSDs). Mobile consumer devices have a short life span, so limitations on how many times a Flash memory cell can be rewritten are not a problem there. For CNC, however, limited write-erase cycles is a major problem. In CNC applications, system developers want to keep a real-time record of the entire machine’s current state as a safety feature in case of unexpected system shutdown, such as during a power failure. That means updating the SSD data in real time, which can rapidly exhaust Flash memory cells.
http://www.controleng.com/article/CA6637444.html?industryid=48517

How to reduce the CMM programming bottleneck

2009-02-01T07:28:00.000-08:00

“When we get a new part order we start programming for our CMM inspection at the same time we start programming for our CNC machines,” Jeff Lage said. Lage is vicepresident of B&B Manufacturing in Valencia, Calif. B&B is one of American Machinist’s 10 Best Shops for 2008.

“It is not unusual for us to complete the CNC programming, machine parts, then have them sit in inspection waiting for the CMM program to be completed,” Lage added.

The shop consistently works at improving its operations. It uses some of the latest equipment, and it has competent, experienced Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) programmers.

Yet, like many other shops, it hits a production bottleneck in inspection. The primary reason for that bottleneck is not limitations of the CMMs, nor is it limitations of the programmers. The bottleneck is the direct result of the limitations of the software tools its programmers use.

Coordinate Measuring Machines are used in manufacturing to test a part or assembly against the original design of that part or assembly and to develop a report to show how successful the part or assembly is in meeting the original design intent.

Some CMMs use probes to touch predetermined spots on a part that is being measured, and record the X, Y and Z coordinates at that point for use later to determine the size and position of various features on the part. Other probes can be dragged along the surface of a part to take measurements at specified intervals.

The latest development in CMM inspection involves the use of laser beams that are projected on the surface of the part to record thousands of points of reference.

In addition to the CMM there usually is a personal computer attached with software that drives the machine and enables a user to create a program to tell the machine exactly what to test and how to do it.

That is where the bottleneck begins.

Developers of the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software that is used to program CNC machines spend much of their time and money in creating user-friendly, feature-rich human interfaces for their software because that is what is needed to stay competitive.

CMM manufacturers spend much of their development time and money creating better machines. CMM manufacturers see the creation of software to program and drive their machines as necessary, but it is not their primary focus.

The result is that the human interfaces of the software supplied by CMM manufacturers are not as user-friendly or as feature rich as the interfaces made available on CAM software programs.

Programming a CMM using only the software supplied by the manufacturer is far more tedious and time consuming than programming a CNC with any of the current CAM packages. In fact, it frequently is similar to programming a CNC machine by writing one line of G-code at a time.

In response to the need for a better, easier way to develop programs for CMMs, several software development companies have created packages that attempt to bring the user-friendly, feature rich qualities of a CAM package to the task of programming CMMs.

PAS CMM showing the result of feature extraction and inputting inspection parameters.

Inputting dimension and positioning data for each feature to be inspected.

Probes location

Probe motion optimization to reduce actual inspection time.

CMM machine simulation

One such company is Hexagon Metrology with its PC-DMIS suite of software modules.

Another is Siemens PLM Software which offers stand-alone packages in addition to CMM programming capability integrated into its NX CAM software suite.

A third supplier is Delcam PLC with its PowerINSPECT software.

And the latest, and perhaps most interesting entry into the CMM programming market is PAS Technology and its PAS CMM package.

All of these software packages are designed to provide improvements in programming a CMM. However, trying to determine which offers the most productivity improvement potential for any given shop is more difficult than determining which CAM package is the best solution.

All of the CAM packages on the market use the Automatically Programmed Tool (APT) computer language that commonly is known as G-code. That is the reason that it is possible to use any of the packages to run any of today’s CNC machines by feeding the generated G-code through a post processor tailored to each machine to get the machine commands unique to each machine.

In CMM programming, there is no one common language similar to APT, and there are at least two languages that are incompatible with each other.

One is DMIS (Dimensional Measuring Interface Standard) and the other is CALYPSO.

Most Zeiss CMMs are equipped with controllers that use CALYPSO while CMMs made by other companies use some form of DMIS. Software developers who aim to improve CMM programmer productivity also focus on generating and using DMIS code.

A consortium of companies led by Deere & Co. was formed to try to convince all CMM manufacturers to certify that the version of DMIS that they use meets the current DMIS standard. Until that consortium is successful, there is no guarantee that any randomly chosen package could be used to generate code that will run on all of the CMMs in a shop. Even if that happens, shops that use Zeiss CMMs would have to use a DMIS-driven controller to take advantage of available software productivity tools.

In addition to language incompatibility, there is no current standard for the electronic capture and transmission of the most important information needed for inspection — the geometric dimensioning and tolerance (GDT) data that is used to describe the nominal geometry and allowable variations.

Currently, that information usually is transmitted from the designer to the manufacturer on a drawing.

There is a separate effort to develop a standard STEP file format for transmitting geometric dimensioning and tolerance data electronically. Until such a standard is established and implemented, only a few software packages are available to transmit that information electronically, and they use proprietary formulas to do it, so they are not compatible with each other.

The net result is that, in almost all cases, geometric dimensioning and tolerance data must be input manually into a CMM program.

Then there are the questions of whether a shop wants to inspect parts on its CNC machine or at its standalone CMM, and whether it wants to use a stand-alone CMM in a temperature- controlled room or, as with a portable CMM, on the shop floor where temperature variations could cause erroneous measurements.

The overarching question is, however, whether a given software package would work with all of the types of CMMs that a shop could own.

Hexagon’s PC-DMIS, Siemens’ NX suite and Delcam’s PowerINSPECT all offer a form of on-machine inspection capability. There is a growing trend for shops to use on-machine inspection as part of the machining process rather than as part of a final inspection.

The CMM software from Hexagon, Siemens and Delcam all generate reports. Because the ultimate output of any CMM operation is to report how close a part is to the design intent, the form of the report that a CMM generates and the report’s ability to effectively communicate such information is an important factor in choosing an operating software package for the machines.

But the capability of a software package to do on-machine and stand alone inspection, and to generate useful reports does not address the problem of the programming bottleneck.

All of those packages work from 3D CAD models. Siemens’ NX suite is a comprehensive CAD/CAM/CAE package that is being integrated with other Siemens Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software to provide companies with a very extensive suite of software modules that support both the shop floor and front office.

Several years ago UGS, the developer of Unigraphics, acquired Technomatix and with it a strong CMM plugin module that was, and still is being used by other CAD/CAM packages such as Catia and PTC’s Pro/E.

When Siemens PLM acquired UGS, it changed the name of Unigraphics to NX and began an integration of its PLM software with NX. The CMM software developed by Technomatix has been integrated into NX so that the user interface for CMM programming has the same look and feel as the NX CAD and CAM modules. The NX native file format is one that allows geometric dimensioning and tolerance data to be passed electronically from the designer to the CMM programmer, and Siemens is working to automate that data into the CMM program generation process.

Delcam’s PowerINSPECT also has the user-friendly look and feel of other Delcam products. Geometric dimensioning and tolerance data is still a matter of point-and-click feature selection combined with manual data input.

Both of those packages represent some improvement in reducing CMM programming time, but the fourth package mentioned above, PAS CMM from PAS Technology, represents a quantum jump in reducing CMM programming time.

PAS CMM does not generate reports, is not a CAD or CAD/CAM package, and doesn’t drive on-machine inspection the way the other packages do. All it does is take a 3D CAD model, any 3D CAD model, and generates DMIS code that can be used by any DMIS-controlled CMM. What makes it interesting is that it reduces the time it takes to generate the DMIS code by as much as 80 percent or more.

In an actual test on a potential customer’s part, PAS CMM reduced total time to develop a DMIS CMM program for that part from the seven working days the customer had spent to develop the program to less than six hours.

PAS CMM uses a combination of sophisticated feature recognition and probe control to almost completely automate the DMIS code generation. In this example, it took two minutes to import the file into PAS CMM, two minutes to build the alignment, one minute to specify machine orientation, three minutes for feature recognition extraction preparation, 30 minutes to complete feature extraction on 880 identifiable features, and four minutes to generate the CMM DMIS code. The bulk of the time was spent in manually entering inspection parameters and dimensions (geometric dimensioning and tolerance data). That took 300 minutes. Other tests using parts from other customers had the same results.

If there was a standard format for electronically transmitting the geometric dimensioning and tolerance data, then Sam Golan, president of Pas Technology, estimates that those 300 minutes could be reduced to less than 30.

Developing that standard is a goal that several companies are working on. Golan believes it will happen, but that it will take another two years at least to realize.

Because PAS CMM is focused only on automating the generation of DMIS code from a 3D model, and because it has a very intuitive user interface, according to Golan, it takes only one or two days to become completely proficient in using it.

PAS CMM is not a direct competitor to any of the other software packages mentioned because it does not generate reports or work for on-machine probing. However, it works in conjunction with any of the mentioned packages or with software supplied by CMM OEMs to greatly reduce CMM programming bottlenecks.

http://www.americanmachinist.com/304/Issue/Article/False/83647/Issue

Grinding expertise leads to premiere machine

2009-01-24T18:54:00.000-08:00

CNC North Inc. has always specialized in supporting, remanufacturing and providing design enhancements for Bryant Grinder CNC machines.

The products and engineering developed for these machines has resulted in the expansion of precision dressing systems and custom tooling packages for various OEMs and end users. And while the manufacturing community has benefited from CNC North’s support and design efforts, the company has added original equipment manufacturer to its list of capabilities.

CNC North recently unveiled a two-axis internal grinding machine customized for an aerospace landing gear manufacturing application.

The machine rests on a granite base that allows CNC North to build the machine to customer applications, and in some cases, per a customer’s floor space requirements. The base provides stability and can be engineered and delivered in a short time period.

Hydrostatic slides of the machine are sized per application, and the first machine features a 48-in. Z slide and a 14-in. X slide. Its dovetail design helps reduce costs in the manufacturing process while maintaining the stiffness necessary for grinding applications.

A precision, fourbearing Micron workhead on the machine accepts either a three jaw chuck or a custom face plate, so customers can use their existing tooling. Both the workhead and the machine’s steady rest run on a precision slide and operate manually by enabling an air bearing. The setup makes for quick and easy adjustments of both devices and fast changeovers for various workpieces.

CNC North can customize the machine’s steady rest based on part diameter requirements. In addition, custom wheel head mounting lets both new and existing wheel spindles be quickly mounted during part changeovers.

Pivots operating on an air bearing make for easy taper adjustments of the work/steady rest assembly as well as the machine’s wheel spindle assembly. A three-door system on the machine accommodates setup and gauging requirements, and direct feedback absolute linear scales are standard.

CNC Code Shooter Mill and Lathe 2.0.9

2009-01-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

CNC Machine G-code generator for Lathes & Mills, tool nose radius, corner or fillet radius, set clockwise or counterclockwise, set drill depth and feed rate, add G-codes and M-codes, set threads per inch, set up sheet, V thread or Acme, set rapid, set feed, add new tool, set spindle speed, forward or reverse, G76, choose a straight or tapered thread, x, z rapid to position, x start thread diameter, depth of cut, threads per inch, G92, set major or minor diameter, set min. and max cut, straight or tapered thread, Face, set x, z start and finish, set depth of cut, retract after cut amount, feed rate, 1 or 2 line G72, G70, Groove, groove width, closest edge to face, radius at top, radius at bottom, part and groove diameter, mic over balls, set angle off of face, ball diameter, ID or OD. Several changes such as combined mill and lathe together, support for G92, and taper per foot instead of angles, and other improvements.

Version 2.06 has fixed circular interpolate inside and outside.

Horizontal Machine Hobs Spur and Helical Gears, Splines and Threads

2008-12-21T00:11:00.000-08:00

Hoffman Estates, IL - The Bourn & Koch 400H CNC horizontal hobbing machine is a 7-axis CNC machine that can hob spur and helical gears and splines and threads on cylindrical blanks or shafts. The standard model comes equipped with a NUM 1060H CNC control, CNC operated tail center with variable load control, and can hob wet or dry.

See the 400 H hobber in Star SU's booth in the North Building at McCormick Place (B-6912) during IMTS in Chicago, IL, from September 8 through September 13. To receive additional machine details prior to the show, request a Quick Quote at www.star-su.com/Quick-Quote or call Star SU at (847) 649-1450.

Bourn & Koch, Rockford, IL, is a manufacturer of new machines for its OEM Fellows, Bourn & Koch, Motch, Springfield, Blanchard, Acme and RotoTech machine lines. It also is a custom machine builder and a remanufacturer/retrofitter of many OEM lines of machine tools owned exclusively by Bourn & Koch and other metal cutting machine tools.

Visit Bourn & Koch online at www.bourn-koch.com.

Star SU LLC is the go-to-market cooperative of the partnered companies of Bourn & Koch, Star Cut Sales, and SU America (a unit of Samputensili S.p.A). All sales, sales engineering, sales & marketing administration, direct sales force human resources, sales Information Technology, and sales distribution for North America are merged into a single enterprise managed by an executive committee made up of the senior management of the (3) companies.

Contact:

Laurie Applegate Star SU LLC Phone: 847-649-1419 FAX: 847-649-0112 E-mail: lapplegate@star-su.com www.star-su.com

http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/822794

CNC Basics E-Course | Learn CNC Tutorial Video | CNC

2008-11-29T04:11:00.000-08:00

Components cutting tools Machines

2008-11-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

In 21st century’s industrialized world, the machines like CNC Machines, Water-jet Cutting machines and Granite Bridge Saw are getting very trendy. These are some of the rapid emergent methods to cut materials having benefits like most effectual, cost effective and easy to operate.
One of the new emerging technologies in metal industry is CNC Machines. The prologue of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines has made an immense impact on the manufacturing mechanized industry. CNC machines can assist individuals to cut curves as a straight line; Complex 3-D structure can be created and thus abridged the human actions. Thus these machines are giving credit to CNC Shop for getting so trendy and helpful to mankind. It provides the manufacture to produce more flexibility in holding the parts while manufacturing and to alter the machine to produce different modules. CNC machine consists of milling, grinding, polishing and sculpting functions. It is particularly suitable for creating high grade basin plank and other abnormal products. Normally made from stone, ceramic, glass and micro-crystal stone. The machine will automatically terminate the processing of any requisite profile by effortless setting. The products are of elevated accuracy and good glossiness rate.
Water jet cutting is the other pattern of same type of tool, which is proficient of slicing into metal or substances with high velocity and pressure. Mostly used for the fabrication and manufacture of components for machinery and some other devices. Water jets are used to cut materials as assorted as fish-sticks, 'gas-station' sandwiches, and titanium. Tranquilly there are few components which cannot be efficiently cut with a water jet cutter such as, tempered-glass, which smashes when cut, despite of the cutting technologies which are used. Water jet cutting technology is the most proficient, cost effectual and fastest mounting method to cut components. Due to its flexibility and ease to operate, fabricators rapidly comprehend the enormous potential of these machines. Water jets (or abrasive jets) can cut virtually any component having any shape with no heat deformation or mechanical pressure usually caused by other methods.
Another tool which is getting very valuable position in manufacturing industrial use is Granite Bridge Saw. Bridge Saws also comprise different assortment for the diverse principles in Small laboratories or manufacturing industries such as Marble and granite bridge cutter, diamond saw machine into rails, electronic bridge shape sawing machine, Compactness and sturdiness etc.
These tools help businesses and populace to execute hundreds of reinstatement and refinishing projects, both large and small. Companies can reinstate many damaged marble statues and stonework, in numerous cases masking any evidence of damage.
http://www.prlog.org/10138892-components-cutting-tools-machines.html

Jones & Shipman, the UK's Foremost Precision Grinding Machine Manufacturer, Launches the Dominator 624 CNC Machine

2008-10-04T18:33:00.000-07:00

The Dominator 624 CNC machine is the smallest in a three model line-up from Jones & Shipman, yet offers all the functionality of a high-precision grinding cell in one compact machine. The Dominator 624 CNC offers creepfeed, surface and profile grinding in a multi-axis configuration and the latest GE-Fanuc® intelligent terminal CNC control from a diminutive 2025 mm x 1500 mm footprint.

The highly compact size makes the Dominator ideal for use in busy machine shops where space is at a premium, but precision, ease-of-use, and high productivity rates are still paramount. The compact dimensions are achieved by using a cuboid machine bed design and mounting the wheelhead on a carrier assembly to provide the 'Z' axis, the work table then moves vertically to provide 'Y' axis. In addition to retaining the maximum grinding dimensions within a confined machine envelope the cuboid machine bed also contributes toward a very rigid machine platform.

The work table is supported from the front face of the bed on preloaded precision linear slides. The vertical movement has an additional benefit in that makes loading parts far easier as the work holding drops down to allow more comfortable access, particularly useful when handling large and heavy parts.

A full suite of dressing and grinding programs is available for the Dominator operator. Easy to follow Windows® set up pages allow the operator to quickly digitise diamond and wheel positions and by a minimum of mouse or keyed inputs produce a finished program. Graphical images prompt the operator and spreadsheet style programming ensures quick and simple input. The option of ISO programming is also available if required. The Dominator 624 offers maximum grinding length of 600 mm x grinding width of 200 mm from a 400mm work table.

About Jones & Shipman and the Precision Technologies Group
Jones & Shipman, is part of the Precision Technologies Group of companies, together with its sister companies Holroyd and Edgetek. The Group is firmly at the forefront of high precision machine tool design, build and supply. Its machines produce ultra precision components in a diverse range of industries including aerospace, medical, mould tool & die, power generation and high end automotive. In addition the Group has developed some of the most sophisticated, bespoke software in the marketplace boasting a simple rapid set and intuitive user interface. This allows customers to operate more efficiently and effectively with faster turnaround between jobs.

Jones & Shipman are also exclusive distributors for Favretto one of Italy's foremost manufacturers of large capacity surface and profile grinding machines, a relationship going back for almost 30 years. Favretto produce an extensive range of Single and Double column models with capacities up to 16000 x 3000 x 2000mm and Rotary table models in capacities up to - 3100 x 1550mm all with conventional CNC or proprietary digital electronic control.
http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/820961

CADCAM software powers toolmaker's

2008-09-18T04:27:00.001-07:00

A combination of Delcam software has powered growth at toolmaker and precision machinist Eccles Tooling Systems.

The largest growth has been in the size of the machine tools at the company, which has recently added an 8 x 3 x 1.3m Correa five-axis milling machine and a 3m 7-axis Faro arm to its equipment The company, which has been based in Halesowen in the West Midlands for over 60 years, has also increased the range of industries that it supplies with tooling, prototypes and machined components, to include the aerospace, automotive, defence, marine, medical, motorsport and rail industries
Bob Morton, managing director, said: 'Seven or eight years ago, around 95 per cent of our work was for the automotive industry.

'We were undertaking projects for most of the leading manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, Honda, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes, Renault, and Toyota.

'Even so, we knew we had to expand into other areas.
'We had always done a small amount of work in the aerospace industry so we have focussed on growing that business.

'We are also winning projects in the marine and rail sectors.' The latest changes continue the expansion that the company has experienced since the introduction of its first CNC machine in 1996.

This addition, together with the use of Delcam software, provided the improved productivity and shortened delivery times that were needed to make the company more competitive.

As a result, Eccles was able to win more projects.

Additional staff, more equipment and larger premises followed as part of a long-term investment plan.

The ways in which the Delcam software is used has also changed.

Morton added: 'Like most companies, we started with a dedicated CADCAM office to carry out both the design work and the programming of the machines.

'However, as we became more confident with the software, we transferred most of the programming onto the shop floor.

'Powermill is so reliable the operators don't need to spend so much time monitoring the machines.

While one job is running, they usually have time to program the next project.

'We can run projects overnight or even over a weekend with minimal supervision.

'Many of the larger parts still need to be produced to fine tolerances.

'This means longer machining times but there is still the same pressure for fast delivery.

'Twenty-four-hour shift machining is essential with the tight deadlines that we now face.' The eight-large capacity Correa CNC machines at Eccles help the company to win larger projects and increase productivity, as the bed sizes range from 2000mm to 8000mm, which allows a number of parts to be machined in one operation.

Morton said: 'The flexibility of the Delcam software is just as important for this multi-part machining.

'For example, if we need to make a left-hand and right-hand version of a design, we can program one part and then quickly edit the Powermill project to produce the mirrored component.

'Also, we don't have to complete one piece and then machine the next one.

'We can integrate the toolpaths for several parts into one session and so minimise the number of tool changes.

'Another big change where the Delcam software proved essential was the introduction of five-axis machining.

'With five-axis machining, we can cut our larger parts with shorter cutters that give greater accuracy and allow faster machining. Request a free brochure from Delcam ...

'Many of the aerospace projects we are now winning would not be practical without five-axis machining because of the number of set-ups that would be needed on a three-axis machine.'.
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/dea/dea726.html

Robot unloader for CNC machines

2008-08-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

To make the unloading process more efficient, Bardons & Oliver offers a robot unloader for CNC machines. After the part is cut off and discharged, a lifting mechanism positions the part so it can be unloaded by the robot arm. Lifting the parts with a magnet, the unloader can be programmed to tilt the part to dump any coolant prior to stacking. It can then stack the part in a bundle frame or move the part to the next operation. With the ability to swing 180 degrees, the robot can service two machines by swinging back and forth.
http://findarticles.com

Flashcut CNC Announces New USB Signal Generator

2008-08-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Flashcut CNC, a leader in robust and affordable CNC controls and machinery, is announcing general availability of its USB Software and Signal Generator, capable of more than 60,000 steps per second for steppers and up to 100,000 steps per second for servo.

"We are very excited about the launch of our new USB product line. We have engineered a new architecture to be fully compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.0 platforms while at the same time stepping up the performance and features of our signal generator. ," said FlashCut co-founder Ron Worth.

Added Worth, “The new architecture and software paves the way for new and future features that our customers have been asking for such as 10X speed performance over our standard product as well as 5 axis simultaneous movement.”

The new USB signal generator is compatible with Windows 2000 and Windows XP, and boasts many additional features. According to Worth, Flashcut CNC has completed final testing of the USB Software and Signal Generator, and is now in general release.

Those interested in learning more about Flashcut’s USB Software and Signal Generator can obtain more information at www.flashcutcnc.com

About Flashcut CNC
FlashCut CNC, Inc. was started in 1993 in Silicon Valley by two Stanford Engineering graduate students determined provide robust, intuitive CNC controls and CNC machinery. The company has since expanded with its headquarters to Deerfield, IL with sales and development offices in Silicon Valley and Maryland. FlashCut is a leader in robust, affordable CNC controls and automated machinery, providing solutions to many thousands of customers including Fortune 500 companies,major universities, small machine shops and home hobbyists.

http://www10.mcadcafe.com/nbc/articles/view_article.php?section=CorpNews&articleid=375590

Benchtop Milling Machine

2008-07-27T03:35:00.001-07:00

You can spend thousands of dollars on a benchtop milling machine, but you can do a lot of good work on an inexpensive mill, too.

The Atlas CH-10M mini-mill is a benchtop milling machine, designed for small-scale metalworking. Unlike other machines in its size class, the Atlas is mostly cast iron, with an extruded aluminum column. It's about 2 1/2 times as heavy as the Sherline mill, Atlas vs. Sherlineand has a significantly larger Morse taper #3 spindle. The motor is 1/2 horsepower variable-speed DC, with the power switch and speed control knob on the head. The machine is supplied with a Jacobs-style chuck, held in place by a 3/8"-16 drawbar bolt.

The travel is 9 inches on the X axis, 4 inches on the Y axis, and 8.5 inches on the Z axis (from the bottom of the drill chuck to the top of the table). Atlas rates the drill capacity in C1018 cold-rolled steel as 1/2 inch, the same for end milling capacity, and 1 inch face milling in the same stock.Back view All three axes have locks that act on the gibs, The Y- and Z-axis ways are protected by rubber accordion boots. Some folks use the ability to cut a 3/8" slot 1/8" deep in steel as the separation between real milling machines and toys. The Atlas makes that cut with ease.

Unlike most mills in this size category, the head is counterbalanced. It uses a gas spring, which is nestled into the column extrusion. A link rod connects the head to the gas spring. The column is a full 5 inches wide, with a 2.7 inch dovetail. The column is attached to the base by a 40mm nut that looks big enough to hold a wheel onto a railroad car. A wrench is provided. The column can tilt 45 degrees right or left for angle drilling or milling by loosening the monster nut.
http://cnc-machine-cnc.blogspot.com

Continuous CNC investment gains contracts

2008-07-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

Continuous investment in the latest CNC machine tools has enabled a UK machining subcontractor build ongoing cuctomer confidence, and using mostly one supplier ensures back-up.

HySpeed (CNC) in Southbourne, West Sussex, UK, operates some 20 mainly large capacity machining centres with capacities up to 2000x950x800mm in its 18,000ft2 machine shop and they are all engaged in 24h production of pump and aerospace components HySpeed has two main customers that use almost all the capacity since the company's foundation by brothers Barry and Gary Francis in November 1993

Consequently these customers drive the almost continuous plant purchase policy.

According to managing director of HySpeed, Barry Francis, the company's investments have exceeded GBP 1.5 million.

An example is a pair of Hyundai-Kia V50D, twin-pallet vertical machining centres (VMC) and a Hyundai-Kia VX950 VMC.

Each VMC has contributed to improved productivity by reducing machining cycles by some 30-50% against the machines they replaced.

All three of these Hyundai-Kia machines were installed by C Dugard of Hove, UK, which has also installed a Hyundai-Kia VX650 VMC and two Hit-15F CNC turning centres as well as six Niigata 4-axis and four Kiwa 4-axis horizontal machining centres (HMC).

According to Barry Francis, the reason so many machines have been from the same supplier is because it provides the service and most important the support as well as all aspects on the installation - and at a realistic price.

Barry Francis' confidence in having two major customers is qualified by his company's trading record on price, delivery and quality.

This consistency of supply has been repaid by these customers in schedules providing security for forward planning of up to some five years ahead.

The continuous 'drip-feed' of repeat batches of around 30 parts and occasional demands of quantities varying between one and five to 200 parts partly provided the catalyst for constant business growth.

The demand also motivated the two directors to add with machines well able to satisfy the deamnd.

Gary Francis, technical director, said they always check out competitive equipment for specification, capability and price, which on a few occasions has led to other purchases of machines that better fitted the bill.

However, he said: "In straight business, the range of machines available from C Dugard's Hove operation is difficult to beat".

The Hyundai-Kia V50D moving column, twin 180 deg indexing pallet VMCs are installed back to back.

They replaced two 14 year old VMCs.

Said Gary Francis: "The pace of machine tool development really comes to the fore when you compare new with old.

But already we find the 600mm by 460mm by 570mm capacity is stretched to the limit with some of the parts we are now machining for aerospace".

Each pallet of 700mm by 500mm is fitted with a subplate to which setters can quickly mount fixtures or clamps.

For very thin components, a vacuum chuck is used to secure the part.

Most of the original tooling from the older machines is used in the 24 station, 40 taper tool magazine with double-arm automatic tool changer (ATC).

As an illustration of the working relationship between C Dugard and HySpeed, Dugard was entrusted to specify the machines with features such as Cool Jet high pressure coolant system and the swarf removal system to suit the type of work that was scheduled to be produced.

It included the Fanuc 18iM CNC and software package to cater for 3D profiling from solid billet and general milling and drilling.

Indeed, even the original programs were able to be used with just a few minor 'tweaks' to further improve cycle times from the Licom DNC linked CAM system.

While tolerances tend to be fairly open on a lot of parts, certain dimensions are 'ultra-tight'.

The company uses master checking techniques and even have to account for ambient temperature.

Most materials machined are aluminium, titanium and steel and some cast iron is used for pump body housing production.

* High precision VMC - the Hyundai-Kia VX950M high precision VMC was installed recently.

Dugard told manufacturingtalk that this VMC very popular in the mould and die sector for its high speed RISC processor to multi-buffer blocks of program and manage feed, speed and acceleration by auto recognition of any curved surface.

HySpeed uses it to machine long aerospace parts from solid billets with significant rough and finish cycles.

"Quite often these parts can be on a machine for 12 hours," said Gary Francis, "But that is at least 30% quicker than we could produce them before." With each part worth more than GBP 700, most weeks see four, two left and two right hand, parts machined on the 2700mm by 950mm table.

The Hyundai-Kia 950M has a working volume of 2450mm in X, 950mm in Y and 850mm in Z with a 50 taper, 22kW spindle.

Said Gary Francis: "With a table of this size we can also multi-load the same or different components to improve our efficiency".

* About HySpeed - HySpeed (CNC) now employs 42 people.

A third partner Leigh Hunter is engineering director.

HySpeed (CNC) was started by the Francis brothers and two other machinists from the same failed subcontractor and six machines bought with a three month 'finance holiday' from the finance company.

To help them at the start, a small order book was placed by the two current customers who were willing to help out.

Said Barry Francis: "The country was also in the depth of recession but we passed the test with the customers and from those heady days, both companies have faithfully bought most of our capacity and generated enough business to encourage a move into our current premises in 2001".
http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/cdu/cdu198.html

Wire EDMs improves metal cutting efficiency

2008-07-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

The acquisition of two Fanuc Robocut Alpha wire EDM machines has paid major dividends for Gateshead based Omega Plastics UK.

The acquisition of two Fanuc Robocut Alpha wire EDM machines has paid major dividends for Gateshead based Omega Plastics UK Since the installation Omega has reduced its dependence on third party sub-contract wire erosion which has enabled the company to maintain high levels of service with shorter lead times leading to a rapid expansion of the business

As a result, production of wire eroded components is so much more efficient with machines often running unmanned in its 'Rapid Cut' injection mould tooling business.

And, following the benefits of the high performance of the Fanuc wire machines coupled with service back-up from 600 Centre of Shepshed near Loughborough, Omega has now ordered a Joemars CNC vertical die sinking EDM machine, with Hirschmann automated toolchanger, for cavity work.

Omega Plastics UK is a 75/25 partnership between Omega Plastics, of Mount Clemens, Michigan, USA, and the prestigious Tyneside-based Express Engineering Group.

The UK company began trading in 1998, offering fast turnaround on plastic injection mould tooling for prototype, bridging production and low volume production applications.

Since it was set up turnover has risen to around GBP 3m with customers drawn mainly from the automotive and medical sectors.

However, with the 'Rapid Cut' tooling concept the company can apply its service to any sector that has need of pre-production moulding services and this concept is set to increase sales further in the future.

As well as manufacturing tooling, Omega has plastic injection moulding (PIM) machines up to 2000kN clamping force to enable tool trials to be carried out and production runs of components.

This service has been instrumental in allaying any doubts that a potential customer might have about using relatively soft aluminium tooling under production conditions.

Prior to Omega Plastics starting its wire EDM production it had access to good quality subcontract facilities.

But as the business expanded, it became apparent that the volume of work being sent out would easily justify the installation of the technology at the Gateshead plant.

"We looked hard at the machines that were currently available." Peter Angus, technical manager recalls: "We were obviously looking for the best performance/price combination that we could achieve and sought a quotation from a local supplier, Rotary Machine Tool Company which suggested the Fanuc Robocut Alpha 1iA.

One of the attractions of the machine was its comparatively large work tank of 1100mm by 730mm by 400mm which would take our largest components.

The machine was also so easy to use especially for programming the Fanuc 18i-W control and process control software which led to excellent erosion performance - using plain brass wire.

Not only were running costs lower but the machine offered very high levels of productivity." Features of the Fanuc machine include adaptive control software which detects any changes in the workpiece thickness and automatically adjusts the process settings for maximum cutting efficiency and less tendency to wire breakage.

When wire does break, the automatic wire feed takes less than 15 seconds and can be performed while submerged.

By the end of 2000 Omega Plastics' business had grown to the extent that the toolmaking workforce had doubled to 12 and wire EDM capacity was becoming very tight.

This led it to purchase the smaller Fanuc Robocut Alpha OiA on the basis that the smaller machine would release capacity on the larger Alpha-1iA for larger jobs.

Managing director Paul McMorris explains how the business was developed: "Omega Plastics was established by Tom Kaczperski in 1985 to fill a gap in the US market for short-run PIM tooling targeted at prototype and short run applications; the potential for setting up a UK based subsidiary was explored following a visit by senior Express Engineering personnel to the US company in 1998.

We offer fast track production of injection mould tools in aluminium or P20 steel to provide OEMs and first tier suppliers with a means of generating small quantities of full specification injection mouldings.

Our product stands mid-way between the output from rapid prototyping shops and the traditional toolmaker, combining the speed of the former with the quality of output achieved by the latter.

This fills a gap in the market by making available production specification components well ahead of volume production." Omega's tooling thereby offers the opportunity to run full trials without committing to full production tooling.

Almost all the tooling produced at Gateshead is single impression and much of it is 'manual' in that cores are loaded and extracted manually following single shot moulding.

This means moulding cycles are significantly longer than full production moulds.

For example a vehicle pedal moulding takes around 15 minutes to produce versus 90 seconds for the equivalent full production technology item.

But at prototype stage, time is not an issue.

The company can also produce sliding core tools for production runs up to 100,000 which compares with a maximum of 500 from cast resin type tooling and an expectation of 25 million from a hardened multi-impression production mould.

As Peter Angus, explains: "Using easily machined materials like aluminium or P20 means we can provide a very rapid turn-around on tools.

We are geared to get a working tool running within two to five weeks of receiving the component geometry which means wire erosion is a key production process to us.

The Fanuc machines allow us to cut aluminium components to very high levels of accuracy very quickly and, as they are able to operate unmanned once programmed, this leaves the toolmaker free to concentrate on other aspects of the job." The Omega set-up is novel in that each toolmaker is fully responsible for design and production of a particular job.

To that end the factory layout comprises a series of 'cells', each containing a CAD/CAM terminal, a digital-readout equipped turret mill and toolmaker's bench.

These are set up around a CNC services block which includes machining centres and the EDM facilities with each toolmaker having access to all the facilities to produce the components for the tool.

Peter Angus continued: "Nearly all of the tools we manufacture are built up with a series of feature inserts which provide the customer with plenty of scope for change.

In practice we use CNC milling to generate the surfaces of cavities but as much as possible is performed using the Fanuc wire EDMs.

For instance, we usually wire the split lines of a tool, the pockets for inserts and the corresponding shape of the inserts themselves.

In some cases we even wire cut the form of the inserts.

The reason for using the process so extensively is that it is very quick, accurate and consistent." According to Peter Angus: "The Fanuc machines have proved very successful while the technical back-up from 600 Centre has also been very good.

Programming has been very straightforward and the ability of the machines to automatically re-thread while submerged means that multiple components can be set-up for lights-out manufacture without any concerns.

This obviously helps us by shortening lead times and providing rapid turn-around on tooling and has helped the business to grow.

The 600 Centre Joemars die sinking machine will also offer similarly good value and we believe it will complement and enhance our EDM capabilities.".

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/siz/siz112.html

Haas CNC penalties upheld

2008-06-28T22:12:00.000-07:00

In two separate actions on Monday, the National Stock Car Racing Commission upheld penalties imposed against Haas CNC Racing for upper rear wing mounting point violations found on both Haas CNC cars May 24 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The rulings were announced Tuesday.

In upholding the penalties, the commission rejected Haas CNC Racing's appeal, which dealt not with the infractions themselves but with the severity of the punishment. The crux of the commission's decision lay in its finding that the violations appeared to be intentional.

The harshest aspect of the penalties imposed by NASCAR was the suspension for six races of the crew chiefs and car chiefs of both cars, an unprecedented action. Crew chiefs Bootie Barker and Dave Skog also were fined $100,000 each. The two cars had been confiscated and taken to NASCAR's research and development center in Concord, N.C., the day the infractions were discovered.

In addition, drivers Scott Riggs (No. 66 Chevrolet) and Johnny Sauter (No. 70 Chevrolet) were docked 150 championship points each. Owners Joe Custer (No. 66) and Margaret Haas (No. 70) were docked 150 owner points each.

Acting on a tip from a garage source, NASCAR discovered that the location of the upper rear wing mounting points had been altered, ostensibly between May 23 qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 and the running of the race itself on May 25.

The crew chiefs and car chiefs of both cars will remain on probation through Dec. 31, 2008. Derick Jennings is car chief of the No. 66 car; Thomas Harris is car chief of the No. 70.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=421967

old cnc-machine

2008-06-14T03:49:00.001-07:00

CNC machining and CNC turning services from Laser Processing Industries

2008-05-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Laser Processing Industries provides of CNC machining and CNC turning services. In addition to offering CNC machining and CNC turning services, Laser Processing Industries also provides laser cutting, abrasive jet cutting, metal folding, bandsaw cutting and surface grinding services. All these cutting, folding, machining, turning and grinding services provide an artistic finish to various materials.

Laser Processing Industries offers CNC machining services for aluminium, brass, copper, plastics, mild steel, high tensile steels, stainless steel etc. Laser Processing Industries uses high torque 15 kilo watt high Speed 10000 RPM spindle for performing CNC machining. Laser Processing Industries holds a team of highly experienced professionals to provide value added services to its clients.

Laser Processing Industries provides CNC turning services for brass, copper, engineering plastics, high tensile steels, mild steel, stainless steel and most other materials. Laser Processing Industries offers CNC turning services with high speed 5000 RPM spindles to ensure improved efficiency and quality. The quality machine tools for servicing purposes enable high levels of accuracy and repeatability. The machine tools feature automatic bar feed and part catching facilities.
http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Laser-Processing-Industries/

CNC Training

2008-05-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines are often used for the rapid prototyping of parts or the development of mechanical components in low volume. CNC machines are often used to build parts that are used to setup (tool) a high volume production line. A CNC machine allows very precise, highly repeatable milling and machining instructions that are programmed into the CNC machine much like a computer program. Schools offering CNC training familiarize you with the basic functions of the machine and how to program the machine.

CNC training programs are designed for people with existing experience in machining or manufacturing design. CNC program courses concentrate on the use of the Fanuc/GE style g-code programming language to operate CNC machinery such as mills and lathes. In Mastercam training you learn to process CAD drawings through CAM software and automate the g-code writing process. Learning CNC will give you the advantage of mastering a specialized and in-demand set of skills.
http://www.education-online-search.com/programs/

Breton CNC Machine

2008-04-26T21:47:00.000-07:00

Handheld CNC data storage

2008-04-13T06:45:00.001-07:00

RBR Associates Inc. and CNCini, both of Darien, Ill., have developed a software program that runs on the Palm OS platform and turns a PDA into a data-storage device for CNC machine tools.

The CncGcoder is a G-code program storage and editing device for CNC machine tools.

The CncGcoder system backs up and edits CNC machine tool G-code programs. The software lets users define special settings for up to 1,000 different machines and allows for storage of up to 1,000 G-code programs per machine. Users can edit programs directly on the handheld and perform backups by syncing up the information from the PDA to a desktop or laptop PC.

The system is in place at Parker Hannifin Corp., where the manager of manufacturing systems, Domingo Mojica, reports on the device's compatibility.

"I am impressed by how easily it interfaces with most CNCs, no matter how old the machine is or the brand of control," he says.

The system is sold as a package including the handheld computer, all associated software, and interface cables.

http://www.americanmachinist.com/304/Issue/Article/False/8165/