CNC & Machine Controls
Too Small To Touch
Hummingbird takes on machining work that is too small for most shops to handle. In fact, Hummingbird tries not to handle it either. To accurately machine the tiniest parts, this shop relies on processes that are as hands-off as possible.
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Little Things Mean A Lot
The design of a machining center with the precision to mill tiny features illustrates what is (and is not) required for micromachining.
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Software Gives Offline Programming “Real” Robot Feel
Motoman’s enhanced graphics simulator, MotoSim EG, is available with virtual robot controller (VRC) capability, which is said to provide accurate 3D simulation of robot cells. With VRC, the software operates and displays the actual programming pendant interface for the NX100 controller. The interface display is the same whether a programmer uses a teach pendant on the controller or uses the software on a PC.
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Die/Mold Shop Joins Constant Velocity Revolution
According to machine tool supplier GBI Cincinnati, data processing inefficiency inherent in many CNCs can cause actual feeds and speeds to vary significantly from those called for in the part program, leading to acceleration and deceleration during the cut. GBI’s Revolution machine, which features a high speed control designed to keep feeds and speeds closer to programmed rates, has helped this shop significantly improve cycle time and tool life on demanding prototyping applications.
Read MoreSingle Controller Manages Four Robots
Motoman’s NX100 robot controller with a Windows CE programming pendant and a color touchscreen is designed to easily handle multiple tasks. High speed processing capability allows it to control as many as four robots for a total of 36 axes (including robots and external axes). It also features I/O devices from a single point of control.
Read MoreMotion Controls Reduce Development Time
The flexible, easy-to-use NewtonWorx line of motion controls from OES reduces machine development time and saves engineering resources, the company says. Featuring a modular system of driver boards, NewtonWorx stepper drives can be assembled as part of a complete CNC system. The control features plug-and-play capability.
Read MoreDigital Readout System Features Color Screen
The Innova 40i digital readout (DRO) system is dubbed the “true vision” due to its high-resolution TFT color screen. With the color screen, it is possible to execute solid 3D program simulations right at the DRO. In addition, standard features include a pocket cycle, bolt-hole cycle, linear hole and matrix cycles.
Read MoreSoftware Enhances Machine Tool Productivity
For the job shop, new versions of ShopMill and ShopTurn software packages allow users to achieve higher productivity, simplicity and speed, the company says. By featuring easy, step-by-step, on-screen programming, job shops can quickly respond to customer demands by reducing programming, tooling and production times, the company says. The company also offers its Sinumerik 802D operator panel-based control system that combines the NC, the PLC and the HMI in a single unit.
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Linear Scales Improve Lathe Accuracy
When Ford Automotive offered a contract to this Canadian automotive manufacturer for producing rear toe links, the company found its lathes simply weren’t capable of attaining the accuracy required to complete the job. In addition to enabling the company to win the contract, installing Heidenhain linear scales on the lathes reduced scrap rates and the need for frequent operator adjustments.
Read MoreCNC For Toolroom And Small-Lot Work
Southwestern Industries’ ProtoTrak SLX CNC is suited for toolroom and small-lot work. According to the company, the advanced user interface of the CNC differentiates it from production-oriented CNCs. Users can generate complete part programs by naming the geometry required and answering prompts.
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