Published 9/18/2015

WESTEC 2015 Slideshow

A new breed of sensors will give us real-time information about what’s happening during the machining process — the kind of information that the Industrial Internet of Things can communicate as actionable data for better decision making on the shop floor. The Spike sensory toolholder from Pro-Micron USA is one example. This device measures the forces in torque occurring during machining in real time, using strain gauges embedded in the holder. Data is transmitted widely to a receiver and attached computer.

This picture is not upside down. The swiveling/rotary table on a Grob universal machining center is able to fully invert a workpiece for additional flexibility in five-axis machining. The machining spindle also rip tracks fully into the column for added clearance and capacity in the machining zone.

This backlit display board highlights the numerous applications for waterjet cutting. Flow uses this board with attached sample workpieces to show the various materials that are cuttable, the capabilities of the process for fine detail and multi-axis tapering, and the advantages of stress-free, no-heat production.

High-speed scanning of a complex shape is the point of this display by Hexagon Metrology. Whether gathered by a non-contact scanning head, touch probe or digital camera, the mass of recorded points can be converted into a precise CAD model for finite element analysis, reverse engineering, or dimensional inspection. The model is the latest Formula 1 racecar.

Eldec, a new member of the EMAG Group, specializes in modular induction hardening systems. Here is a look inside the MIND-M250 machine that combines heating elements, cooling system and workpiece rotation in a compact platform that lends itself to manual or automated part loading. The two-station option shown here handles shafts as long as 250 mm.

For the shop that has been doing only manual inspection, Verisurf says it’s CMM Master based on the Renishaw Equator should be that shop’s first automated coordinate measuring system. The key is using metrology data that can be quickly compared to CAD data for in-process inspection.

Don’t overlook desktop CNC milling for 2D and 3D prototyping and low-volume production. This Othermill from Other Machine Co. has a “build area” (machining work so) that is 5.5 by 4.5 by 1.4 inches. It is touted as an affordable alternative to 3D printing systems.

The essence of lean manufacturing is a constant focus on eliminating steps that don’t add value. TCI Precision Metals is offering precision workpiece blanks with a dovetail feature already added. For shops that do four- and five-axis machining and use dovetail workholding fixtures, TCI Machine Ready Dovetail Blanks enable them to skip the step of creating the dovetail feature on the bottom of the workpiece. The sample shown at the show is customized for the Raptor brand of fixtures, but TCI can match the customer’s specified workholding system.