Bel Air's AutoHone Uses Robot Arm to Insert, Remove, Clean and Dry Parts

Bel Air’s AutoHone reverse drag finisher rotates the media instead of the parts, which are then dipped into the flowing media in a rotating bin.

Bel Air’s AutoHone reverse drag finisher rotates the media instead of the parts, which are then dipped into the flowing media in a rotating bin. The machine combines this method with robotic automation, enabling deburring, polishing, cleaning and drying. The machine is said to process parts in as little as 5 sec., making it useful for medical, automotive, aerospace, firearms, machined parts, and 3D printed parts finishing.

The robot arm enables five dimensional motions, meaning parts can be inserted into finishing media at angles tailored to achieving specific finishing specifications. Following the finishing process, the robotic arm cleans the part within the optional ultrasonic cleaning station and can also dry the part in the optional drying station before placing the part back into the tray. 

Tool honing with the AutoHone reduces the friction of cutting tools by removing microscopic burrs and sharp edges increasing cutting speed and providing a surface to which coatings can adhere better, the company says. When pre-coated pieces are honed, the machine removes microscopic irregularities on the surface of the tool. These irregularities happen when the coating is unevenly distributed across the part’s surface. 

 

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AIMS Metrology's Summit 10.10.10 Inspects Large Parts

AIMS Metrology’s Summit 10.10.10 shopfloor coordinate measuring machine (CMM) enables large-part inspection at high-volume.

Designed with a five-axis Revo-2 dynamic scanning probe and capacity of 1 m³, AIMS Metrology’s Summit 10.10.10 shopfloor coordinate measuring machine (CMM) enables large-part inspection at high-volume. The CMM can be automated with a robot load/unload system or pass-through process with a conveyor. The stationary CMM can handle workpieces weighing 2,200 kg. 

The Revo-2 provides measuring speeds ranging to 500 mm/sec. and data collection rates of up to 4,000 points per sec. for increased part throughput. Rapid calibration for all positions expands uptime. Infinite positioning and five-axis motion offer easy access to difficult features while flexible tip sensing aids accuracy and flexibility.

Dual linear motors work using permanent magnets that do not experience wear. The Summit’s polymer-cast base has built-in vibration resistance and thermal stability for longer life and greater accuracy, the company says, in contrast with granite-based machines. The CMM uses 110/220-V outlets, which eliminates the need for shop air. In addition to robotic or pass-through conveyor automation, the Summit can be equipped with automatic tool adjustment to compensate for tool wear. 

 

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168 Manufacturing's FullShop Automates Coolant Delivery for 120 Machines

168 Manufacturing’s FullShop automated coolant delivery system can deliver properly mixed coolant to multiple CNC machines without human intervention.

168 Manufacturing’s FullShop automated coolant delivery system can deliver properly mixed coolant to multiple CNC machines without human intervention. The system monitors coolant usage at the machine tool sump and automatically replenishes the coolant before it runs low to keep the spindles spinning around the clock. The turnkey system consists of a centralized pumping station, controler, distribution manifolds and a small sensor that drops into the machine tool sump to report level and temperature.

With its compact footprint and modular design, a single FullShop system is said to be capable of automating coolant for up to 120 CNC machines delivering 5,760 gal. of coolant a day. It enables lights-out manufacturing, allowing machine shop owners to run high-volume jobs unattended overnight, the company says.

Features of the FullShop system include:

• Per-machine concentrations with closed-loop flow meter measurement
• Internet-enabled features like email alarm notification, data reporting, remote operations and maintenance
• Advanced human-machine interface 
• A rugged design intended for years of service
• Remote distribution nodes for clean installation
• Optional de-foamer dosing functionality

 

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Soraluce's Bridge Mills Available in Fixed- or Traveling-Bridge Configurations

Soraluce’s CNC bridge mills, available from Select Machining Technologies, are designed for machining large and complex components.

Soraluce’s CNC bridge mills, available from Select Machining Technologies, are designed for machining large and complex components. The machines are available as fixed-bridge portal machines with traveling tables or as traveling-gantry portal machines with fixed tables. Both configurations are available with a fixed or elevating cross rail; multitasking options; and the company’s range of universal, vertical, 90-degree and five-axis machining heads, in addition to in-line spindle drive options.

X-axis length can be customized with virtually no limit, the company says. The Y axis ranges from 157" to 413", and the Z axis ranges from 59" to 118". The machines are also available with a fully programmable live W-axis cross rail ranging from 39" to 157" and offering interpolation with all machine axes.

Tool magazine capacity ranges from 40 to 180 tools. The standard design provides full visibility of the magazine, protection against chips and coolant, and a sliding window for loading and unloading tools. Soraluce’s automatic head-changing system is also included. Adapter flanges can be applied to any head for rapid and accurate head changes, the company says.

Linear guides feature passive damping systems contributing to stability and precision during machining. The machines are made with a full cast iron structure for rigidity. The drive systems for each axis are also designed to provide durability and reliability. The cross and longitudinal axes are driven by double rack-and-pinion systems by means of two direct-drive motors on each of the racks. This system is said to ensure high dynamics at maximum speeds ranging to 1,378 ipm with backlash-free transmission.

 

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Unisig's UNE Gundrilling Machines Provide Flexibility for Job Shops

Unisig’s next generation of UNE gundrilling machines is said to provide operational flexibility, improved performance and easier operation.

Designed for manufacturers in high-volume/low-mix or low-volume/high-mix production environments, Unisig’s next generation of UNE gundrilling machines is available in five models built from two frame sizes. UNE machines can drill hole diameters ranging from 1.4 to 40 mm with depths up to 3,000 mm. Compact construction is an advantage for positioning and relocating the machine on crowded shop floors. The machines also can be equipped with robotic automation.

The single main spindle servo motor delivers the necessary horsepower for the two-spindle machines. When power is applied in single-spindle mode, however, shops can produce larger-diameter holes to increase their capabilities and add new business without adding a new machine, Unisig says.

Rather than a pressure-based coolant system, the UNE series features a programmable flow-based coolant delivery system to provide the right amount of fluid to the tool’s cutting edge.

An automated door option can benefit companies with or without automation by reducing fatigue and improving throughput.