Automation
CNC Training Software Uses Actual NC Programs
Siemens Energy & Automation’s SinuTrain CNC training software is designed to run with Windows XP and is said to be suited for machine tool control-identical simulation training. The software is designed to provide mill and lathe operators with a high degree of practical hands-on experience prior to using the CNCs for the first time, the company says. While using the application, NC programs are developed and simulated using a direct connection to the company’s CAD systems to further speed the program generation protocol.
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Automation For Chucked Parts
A free-standing parts loading system allows automated material delivery and parts storage so a chucker can run unattended for long stretches of time.
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One Tool, Two Turning Functions
A combination bar puller and cutoff tool is an inexpensive way to enable short stretches of unattended turning while saving a turret position.
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A New Spin On Parts Collection
How do you manage the parts your bar-fed lathe creates overnight? An indexing collection device can serve as an effective means to safely collect precision components.
Read MoreItalian Builders Focus On High-Tech Solutions
More than 96,000 visitors attended the 26th edition of Italy’s biennial machine tool show, Bi-Mu, from October 3 through 7 at the Fiera Milano exhibition center in Milan. While attendance remained roughly the same as the previous edition, this figure is “not only positive, but also rewarding, considering the particularly turbulent context,” says Giancarlo Losma, president of Ucimu, the Italian machine tools, robots and automation manufacturer’s association. Many exhibitors say the financial crisis and dollar-Euro exchange rate have had an adverse impact on business in the U.
Read MoreMazak Establishes New Department
Mazak Corporation has established Mazak Automation Systems, a new department at its North American headquarters in Florence, Kentucky. The company says the department will offer a comprehensive range of automation solutions and enable customers to benefit from the company's experience in manufacturing and machining technologies. Systems include process and software engineering, project management, application support, customer support and customer training.
Read MoreMachining Center For Lights-Out Production
Incorporating a flexible manufacturing system, the Mycenter-HX400iF HMC from Kitamura Machinery features a 12-station flexible pallet container (FPC) system. According to the company, the center’s rigid construction; precision; intuitive controls; ability to move easily between difficult materials; and its ability for high speed production make it suited for lights-out production. The company’s multi-pallet systems enable manufacturers to incorporate an unmanned machining development process for a multitasking machine environment that optimizes up-time.
Read MoreCAD/CAM Software Expands Machining Flexibility
CNC Software’s Mastercam X3 is designed to increase machining flexibility by emphasizing on speed and automation. With feature-based machining, high speed tool motion and faster toolpath generation, X3 is said to improve shop-floor productivity. The software’s feature-based machining capability allows automatic milling and drilling of solid models because it can evaluate a part’s features and automatically develop a machining strategy.
Read More"Show And Tell" CAD/CAM Lessons
VX Corporation has released its Show-n-Tell communication tool that is designed for on-screen, step-by-step lessons and to automate, design, review and markup 3D files. The tool is built into VX CAD/CAM. With the “Show-n-Tell” tutorials, there are no video drivers or codecs to install or reams of paper to print.
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Lathe and Feeder Talk Via Ethernet Interface
Research into the connectivity and communication between machine tools and equipment like bar feeders, part unloaders, pallet systems and even high-pressure coolant systems is yielding useful ability on the shop floor. In this case, LNS uses Internet technology in its S65 bar feeder to communicate with a PC-based Fanuc CNC running a Mori-Seiki NZ2000 lathe.
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