New Releases: Manufacturing Machines, Tools and Technology

The first four months of 2024 have already brought us a number of new machines and technology releases.

Skim the previews below, or dig deeper on TechSpex, our machine tool search engine. Browse by type, size, spindle speed, horsepower, performance metrics, geographical location and more.

Turning

Index Corp.’s CNC universal lathes, which includes models Index B400/B500 and Traub TNA400/TNA500, have been upgraded to feature 18 tool locations. The maximum turning length is 750 mm for the Index B400 and Traub TNA400. Index now offers a long version for each of the two large universal lathes B500 and TNA500, which enables a turning length of 1,200 mm. The remaining performance data remains unchanged, while the length of the machines has grown from 3,595 mm to 4,271 mm and their weight has also increased. More here

Absolute Machine Tools’ Johnford SL-300L-II slant-bed turning center features an extended 40" turn length for longer part turning. Johnford SL Series lathes are constructed with a one-piece Meehanite cast iron base for strength and rigidity, as well as to dissipate heat away from the part, improving dimensional accuracy. The lathes feature 22.8" swing-over bed design; 17.7" swing-over cross slide; 2" bar capacity; 40" turn length; 20 hp; 8" three-jaw hydraulic chuck; 12" tool turret; 787 ipm rapid traverse; fully programmable tailstock; and dual hydraulic steady rests. More here

Grinding

Junker’s Platform 3 series of modular grinding machines were developed to provide smaller lot sizes and greater part variety. The new Junicor covers all conventional grinding requirements, while high-speed grinding machines such as the Jumat, Jucam, Quickpoint and Jucrank feature CBN and diamond grinding wheels. This series of high-performance grinding machines is well suited for producing individual parts in small batches and larger workpiece series. More here

ANCA’s TapX grinding machine is designed and integrated with automation to provide high productivity in mass production. The specialized machine and integrated ToolRoom software enable a vast range of tap types and sizes to be designed and manufactured in one setup. TapX uses ANCA’s LinX motor technology for all linear axes and direct drive technology for all rotary axes. By eliminating all belts, pulleys and gears, the TapX machine provides a more, reliable precise machine than traditional grinding solutions. More here

Emag SU’s gear-profile grinding solutions include the G 160 and the G 250 machines. The G 160 is used for components up to module three and with a maximum OD of 160 mm. The G 160 does not have a tangential axis; instead, the existing Y- and Z-axes generate a “virtual” tangential axis through simultaneous movement. As a result, the distance between the A-axis and the tool-contact point is very small, which prevents the so-called “ghost frequencies” on the surface of the component.

The larger G 250 machine features precision, minimum chip-to-chip times, short setup times and reliability for components with a maximum length of 550 mm. The grinding mandrel can accommodate grinding wheels with different diameters, and the entire design is very rigid. Gear-generating grinding and profile grinding take place on the main grinding spindle, so the machine does not have a thermal growth. It can also be retooled for the other process in just a few minutes. More here

Saint-Gobain Abrasives has announced the introduction of Norton RazorStar Fiber Discs, Quick-Change Discs and Belts, which feature shaped ceramic grain to enhance performance in tough grinding applications. A specialized combination of razor-sharp grains with a large grinding aid helps reduce heat generation for cooler cuts and longer life on a range of materials, such as carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, nickel alloys and other hard-to-grind metals. More here

Laser and Waterjet

Murata Machinery USA Inc.’s (Muratec) MF3048HL integrated punch press and fiber laser combines the benefits of punch operations with laser cutting technology, eliminating the need for separate setups or material transfers between machines. With a press capacity of 33 tons and a rated output of 4.0 kW, this hybrid machine delivers precise and efficient operations with power and speed. It handles a maximum sheet thickness of 1/4", making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The processing sheet size options of 4 ft × 8 ft or 5 ft × 10 ft provide flexibility to accommodate various sheet sizes. With a hit rate of 510 hpm and a table speed of 4,921 inches per minute, processing is said to be fast, reliable and efficient. More here

Five-Axis Machines

Mazak’s VC-500A/5X AM HWD five-axis machine delivers hybrid multitasking and hot wire deposition (HWD) part processing for manufacturers. The machine combines additive and subtractive processes. Like conventional welding, an HWD process melts metal wire directly onto a base material and/or part of the same or a different material. This technology enables shops to generate precise sealing coatings and near-net shape part features, or to repair costly, complex components such as impellers, turbine blades, and tool and die parts. The HWD laser cladding head feeds wire automatically to an argon gas nozzle. Depending on processing variables, the head can deliver a deposition rate of 3-5 lbs per hour with a 98% material utilization. More here

Zimmermann Inc.’s FZU/FZP42 machine line offers efficient five-axis portal milling machines for heavy workpiece machining. These machines feature a thermo-symmetrical design that incorporates a centrally-guided Z-slide. This particular construction, as well as the guide layout, is said to increase machine stability, while also saving weight — resulting in a more dynamic, productive and energy-efficient machine. According to the company, high tool weights of up to 40 tons do not pose a problem for the FZU42 system, because the components are not being moved. The movement system, consisting of the portal, Z-slide and milling head, can operate with consistently high dynamics, regardless of the tool weight. More here

Vertical Machining Centers

Mazak’s VC-Ez 20X vertical machining center (VMC) provides accurate, cost-effective processing of complex parts via 3+2 or full five-axis machining. It features a rotary/tilt trunnion table with roller gear cam technology. For part-size flexibility, axis travels on the VC-Ez 20X measure 31.5" in X, 20.08" in Y and 20.08" in Z (1050 mm × 510 mm × 635 mm), with a rapid traverse rate of 1,260 ipm (42,011.6 mm/m) on all three axes. The machine accommodates maximum workpiece dimensions of 27.55" in diameter, 23" tall and weighing up to 881 lbs. The ergonomically designed machine requires only 99.72 sq ft of floor space. More here

Fryer Machine Systems’ VB series of vertical machining centers are built in the U.S. and designed for easy loading of large parts. Designed without an enclosure, the open design, large frame and rugged construction enables for versatility in production and job-shop applications. The VB series features five machines ranging from 60" X travel all the way to 160" X travel. The Y-axis travels are 30", 35", 40" and 50". Simple setup and programming enables these machines to be efficient for even short run parts. Full manual operation makes one-off part production quick. Full conversational mode and G-code mode are designed to provide rapid programming. More here

Measurement

Evident’s DP75 digital microscope camera enables users to capture brightfield or wide-wavelength fluorescence images using a single camera, eliminating the inconvenience of switching between multiple cameras. The DP75 camera empowers researchers and inspectors to capture high-resolution images from brightfield to fluorescence, even in the near-infrared (NIR) range. More here

BYK-Gardner USA’s BYKO-test 9500 series of dry-film thickness gages provide measurements on Fe and NFe substrates. The gages come with a detachable probe and a cable for different modes of operation. They have functions to store, archive and document measured values, easily change device settings on a PC and pre-configure by setting pass/fail limits. More here

Zeiss Inspect Optical 3D is a solution for the inspection and evaluation of any 3D measurement data (e.g., optical 3D data, volume data, image moving data). With this release, data acquisition is accelerated, and evaluation functions are further improved. The new Autosurfacing app also automatically converts scan data into a high-precision CAD model. More here

The new Starrett KMR-MX 200 manual vision system features a manually driven X-Y stage motion paired with a 6.5:1 zoom lens and MetLogix Mx200 digital readout in a stacked display format. Well suited for a range of industries, such as medical, aerospace and defense, that require traceable and secure measurement data, operators can perform measurements without Windows-based software or a PC. More here

LK Metrology’s Altera C HA ceramic-bridge CMM machines are optimized to provide high accuracy during a measurement cycle with better repeatability and more accurate scanning. According to the company, the machines provide volumetric accuracy from 1.3+L/350, repeatability from 0.0013 mm and scanning accuracy from 0.002 mm. More here