Turning Center Offers Five-Axis Movement
A multitasking turning center offers five-axis movement and milling-platform accuracy. The Nakamura-Tome Super MX-5 turning center features a 10-hp, ±95° servo drive B-axis with a ±4.5-sec sensor as a rotary scale. Linear scales on the x, y, and z axes providing 0.0001-in. accuracy, in addition to precision-grade C3 chilled ball screws, ensure precise, repeatable, and accurate machining, according to the system's distributor. The machine incorporates dual 24-tool ATC magazines, one for machining parts on the left spindle and one for machining parts on the right spindle. This feature enables tools to be separated from a central magazine and placed on the side that is closer to where they will be used. However, if 24 tools are insufficient for one-side operations or the machinist wants to use the same tool for similar operations on both spindles, tools from the left magazine may be used on the right spindle or vice versa. To reduce cycle times, the unit can simultaneously machine parts on both spindles. The center features a lower 12-station turret with half-index capabilities, making 24 tools available for turning, drilling, boring, grooving, and threading operations.
Methods Machine Tools Inc.
Sudbury, MA
www.methodsmachine.com
Laser System Produces Parts with High Tolerances
A laser-cutting system produces medical device parts with high tolerances while ensuring process and product control, according to its manufacturer. The Tannlin Model T8H achieves geometry control by means of a gantry-style motion system, which includes a zero-torque bridge design for the overhead x-axis and dual-drive y-axis. This configuration is coupled with a servo system that updates data at a rate of several-thousand hertz. The system also utilizes IPG 150/15 fiber laser technology coupled to a precision cutting head via a fiber beam-delivery system, resulting in consistent cutting performance at the workpiece and clean, smooth surfaces. In addition to these features, the system incorporates a software management system that is designed to marry the motion system and laser to ensure precise delivery of energy to the workpiece. The effect of motion over time plus energy delivery is controlled via the tool system, ensuring consistent part fabrication.
Tech-Source International Inc.
Attleboro Falls, MA
www.tech-sourceintl.com
Grooving Tools Cut Microfeatures in Medical Device Components
To meet the increasing design and production requirements of micro-size medical devices, turning tools can cut grooves down to 0.0019 in. and up to 0.108 in., with cutting-edge repeatability within 0.0004 in. Available from stock, Utilus Multidec 1600-series microgrooving and turning tools can handle both prototype and production work. Designed for use on the smallest Swiss machines, the tools are ground from premium grades of carbide, enabling them to cut tough materials while minimizing tool wear and deterioration. In addition to manufacturing these microgrooving tools, the company provides other specialized tools, accessories, and application and process assistance for Swiss-type machining and small-parts fabrication. These capabilities include rotary broaching tools, tool holders, Swiss-made slitting saws and arbors, polygon and hobbing tools, magnetic finishing and deburring systems, Swiss collet sleeves and chucks, thread-whirling attachments, and high-speed spindles for CNC Swiss machines.
Genevieve Swiss Industries Inc.
Westfield, MA
www.genswiss.com
Multifeed Technology Hones a Variety of Workpiece Configurations
Offering a choice of tool-feed methods to optimize cycle times, abrasive life, and part finishes, a multifeed honing system enables users to accommodate the specific requirements of different workpieces. The system combines the manufacturer's controlled-force tool-feed capability with its controlled-rate feed system. The availability of two different tool-feed modes allows operators to select options to suit a variety of workpiece geometries, materials, and tool types and sizes. Controlled-force honing optimizes the cutting load on the honing abrasive throughout a cycle, irrespective of the incoming part's hardness, geometry, or size variation. In addition to reducing cycle times and lowering the cost of consumables, this technique, by applying minimal force, eliminates glazing of the abrasive and maintains steady, free-cutting, self-dressing operation, ensuring maximum metal removal. The technology is suitable for applications using segmented diamond or superabrasive honing tools or those in which incoming workpieces have slight variations in hole diameters, hardness, and geometry. Its ability to control the cutting load within a fine range also allows tight control of final surface-finish parameters.
Sunnen Products Co.
St. Louis
www.sunnen.com
Laser-Machining Technology Cuts Medical Tubing
Featuring up to five axes of multiaxis motion and sophisticated software control, a laser glovebox system is suited for cutting tubes for a variety of medical device applications. The system is equipped with a proprietary position-based firing laser control algorithm that helps maintain precise pulsing overlap during multiple linear and rotary-axis coordinated motion. A noncontact process, laser cutting optimizes cut quality because it can focus the laser down to less than 20 µm. This feature is complemented by the system's ability to program laser pulses less than 10 µsec with pulse frequencies up to 5000 Hz, limiting rear-wall or thermal damage.
Miyachi Unitek
Monrovia, CA
www.miyachiunitek.com
