Hot Temperatures (and Technologies) at Eastec 2017

This is the screen of Energid’s Actin robotics simulation and control software, here being used with a Universal Robots six-axis collaborative robot arm performing a pick-and-place operation. Niel Tardella, CEO of Energid, told me that among the features that make this software different is its dynamic collision avoidance, which doesn’t wait for the robot to hit an obstacle (such as a person) before arresting motion, increasing safety. The software simplifies programming with interface design (note the colorful blocks representing program steps) and enables monitoring of the robot arm as well as the fixture so that the robot can adapt to position changes in real time (see a video of this capability below the slideshow).

Grob’s G550T HMC features a high-speed five-axis turning table, enabling turning on a milling machine. What makes the machine special is its fully retracting spindle. This is how the machine makes tool changes, which both erases the possibility for tool collisions with the workpiece during automatic tool changes and enables the use of longer tools for better reach.

A selection of GenSwiss’ new Multidec-Lube coolant-through wedges for Swiss-type lathes. As you can see in the two on the far right, these wedges act similarly to through-spindle coolant systems on milling machines to direct coolant directly to the tool’s position during machining.

This sample workpiece at Cogsdill Tool’s booth shows the work of its burnishing tools. On the left is the rough surface from machining; on the right is the burnished surface. The key here is that no metal is actually removed in the burnishing process. It’s quick, too; Cogsdill’s burnishing tool is said to be able to achieve the finish seen on the right in less than 2 seconds.

Distributed by YLM Group, this YL610-B VMC is designed for machining small aluminum components in the die/mold, electronics and automotive industries. It has two linear ways on the base and on each of the three axes. It also features an 8,000-rpm spindle with higher-rpm options ranging to 20,000 rpm.

Koma Precision displayed this TBS 160 four/five-axis rotary table from Tsudakoma designed with a ball drive rather than a direct drive or worm gear. Whereas direct drives offer higher speed but less torque, and worm gears offer high torque but wear over time, Koma told me that the ball drive uses a camshaft and ball bearing design, which enables greater load on a smaller platform, eliminating wear and providing higher torque.