Originally Published MPMN April 2006

SPOTLIGHT

Machining

Swiss-type lathes

A series of lathes are equipped with full servo axes and advanced technologies that enable fast machining operations while reducing noncutting idle time by 40% compared with the company’s earlier models. All L-20 models include a Mitsubishi Meldas 720 control. Another feature is a TFT color LCD screen. The monitor provides a sharp image of a part during specific machining operations and allows the operator good visibility. The 720 control enables the lathe to be started and shut down instantaneously.
Marubeni Citizen-Cincom Inc., Allendale, NJ
www.marucit.com

Multitasking center

The x-, y-, and z-axes on a multitasking center move independently, preventing problems associated with axis-on-axis stacking. The three axes on the TB-25-LYMB series are 90° to each other and do not require movement of two axes to enable y-axis motion. The design makes the unit a turning center and a four-axis machining center in one. The single-spindle machine has a 10-in. chuck with a swing of 21 in. and a turning length of 24 in. It has a bar capacity of 2.5 in. and a full travel tail stock.
Tong-Tai Seiki USA Inc., Cottage, NY
www.tongtaiusa.com

Benchtop prototyping mill

A three-axis mill has 8.3 in. of x travel, 5 in. of y travel, and 6.25 in. of z travel. The unit comes with stepper motors, drivers, cables, and a computer with preloaded software. The stepper motors will resolve linear movement to 0.000125 in. and the machine can hold tolerances of less than 0.001 in. overall. Applications include developing working prototypes and machining molds for small plastic parts.
Sherline Products Inc., Vista, CA
www.sherline.com

Machine tool probe

Created specifically for small machining centers, an optical probe measures 40 mm in diam, and 50 mm in length. The OMP400’s size allows small machine users to benefit from strain gauge technology. The probe is suitable for use on machines with short z-axis travel and spindles as small as HSK32. The unit is sealed to IPX8 and built to withstand harsh environments. Battery life provides up to 50 hours of continuous use.
Renishaw Inc., Hoffman Estates, IL
www.renishaw.com

Hard turning lathe

A modular machine has one spindle, one turret, and one robot. The FUJI ANS-3100P is a rigid, hard turning lathe that offers built-in automation with a four-axis rack-and-pinion swing arm robot. The unit is equipped with a Fanuc control with five-place decimal control. It comes with a 12-pallet work stocker and other auxiliary loading options. The machine operates at a maximum of 3500 rpm, has an eight-position turret, and hard turns with a 20-hp spindle motor.
Fuji Machine America Corp., Vernon Hills, IL
www.fujimachine.com

Gang tool lathe

A gang tool lathe with two spindles offers complete part machining of complex bar products in a single setup. The BX-26S has a 3-D linear turret and traverse-type identical left and right spindles, both with 5 hp. This ensures stable cutting from end to end. High-speed turning of 8000 rpm maximum is made possible by built-in spindle motors and high-rigidity linear guides. Ease of operation and setup is enabled by y- and c-axes on either spindle with eight revolving tools.
Miyano Machinery USA Inc., Wood Dale, IL
www.miyano-usa.com

High-precision CNC machining

A global manufacturer offers high-precision CNC machining with wire EDM, milling, turning, and grinding, Custom machining includes sizes ranging from 0.1 to 28 × 15 in., with tolerances of ±0.0001 in. Complete in-house tooling, MasterCam programming, and SolidWorks design are also provided, as well as mechanical assembly.
Johnson Matthey, Temecula, CA
www.jmmedical.com

Five-axis rotary table

A company’s horizontal machining centers are available with a five-axis rotary table as a designated option. This feature is suitable for manufacturing applications that require maximum throughput and reliability. The 5XR option can help any sized operation concentrate machining processes for multiface jobs, intricately shaped parts, and for machining the cutter body.
Makino, Mason, OH
www.makino.comCopyright ©2006 Medical Product Manufacturing News