Saturday, March 24, 2007

Mist Collectors For Enclosed CNC Machines - Brief Article - Product Announcement

The model F-275 Filtermist mist collector, designed for use primarily on enclosed CNC machines with an internal volume between 28 cu. ft. and 80 cu. ft., will be exhibited.

The 6" diameter intake results in very low intake velocity, reducing the likelihood that chips and large droplets will be drawn into the unit, the company says. Though designed to be mounted directly on the top of a machine, this model can be modified to be mounted on a stand or to be suspended above a machine.

The units are designed specifically for oil mist and smoke produced by machine tools such as lathes, mills and grinders. These mist collectors are intended to protect personnel from these pollutants.

A CNC Solution For Cells, Lines And Machines - C64 CNC, advanced hardware technology - Brief Article

The company has developed the C64 CNC, which is designed for control of manufacturing cells, transfer machining lines and rotary index machines. Along with the ease of integration to line applications, the C64 incorporates all the features and specifications expected from a high-end CNC. Incorporating a high level of PLC technology, the C64 CNC allows for reduction in man-hours for design work with built-in PLC functions. Also, the line dedicated graphic user interface function shortens the debugging time. Moreover, the improved diagnosis function is said to minimize equipment downtime.

The advanced hardware technology has up to 14 axes of control, and using the multiple system function, one C64 CNC is capable of controlling up to seven program paths simultaneously, thus reducing overall machining line cost. Multiple C64 CNCs can be connected to the same control network to control unlimited module machines in a control line. Operating ease and work efficiency are both enhanced through the use of the "selective machining" and "process machining" functions, making it possible to graphically select only the processes and machining steps that are to be executed, according to the company. The open connectivity to major networks such as the MELSEGNET/10 and CCLINK, as well as Ethernet, Profibus, and Devicenet allows the C64 to interface with other peripheral devices, including remote IO as well as existing shopfloor management schemes.

Extended instructions broaden the control range to provide control. PLC instructions have been increased. "Multiprogramming" allows design sharing and process-by-process design. A multiple number of PLC programs can be entered and executed, enabling program design sharing and structural division by function, process or designer. With the GPPW programming tool, editing of PLC programs within the C64 can be done concurrently without stopping the built-in PLC. PLC loop control can be performed for each axis of multiple systems, using a one-axis program to save program development time and minimize the number of steps.A high-resolution 12.1" LCD, Windows CE touchscreen terminal increases functionality and flexibility. By using this terminal, the machine builder can use the standard interface or create a customized interface utilizing Visual basic or Visual C++. The terminal carries an IP65 rating and is 55mm deep, allowing for installation in severe environments and in shallow enclosures.

METALCUTTING: Turning Machines and Centers

Turned parts cover such a broad range, from slender shafts and tiny precision connectors to large-bore oil-patch tubing and huge turbine shafts, that it's hard to imagine how they fall under the same category of single-point metal removal.

Whether used in the toolroom or for rapid prototyping or for high-production applications, turning centers depend on the latest advances in machine design, control technology, software, and automating load and unload devices for their effectiveness.

Visitors to IMTS 2006 can expect to see technology solutions that reflect the demands of manufacturers for singlesetup production of more and more complex parts to ever higher levels of quality. Here's what visitors should look for:

* CNC lathes with live tools, C axes, subspindles and Y axis have the capability to drill and mill off center, and are much in demand for complete part processing in a single setup.

* CNC lathes approach full multitasking capability with a B axis that allows rotation around the Y axis for drilling at an angle or contour milling off the spindle centerline
Classes of machines such as vertical turning centers and Swiss turns continue to enjoy demand because of growth in markets, including energy, aerospace, medical, and machinery.

For high-production applications, turning machines have evolved with multiple spindles, adding to the number of single-point tools that can be applied to the same part or machine multiple parts in a machine cycle.

Machines that add live (driven) tooling in the form of milling cutters, drills, and sundry other tools can perform turning and milling and other processes in a single setup, and approach true multitasking machines in capacity. Multitasking machines will be covered in the next section of our show preview.

Going to IMTS in search of your next turning machine involves adopting a strategy based on the volume and complexity of parts to be machined, the need for quick-change

change workholding and tooling, desired quality of finished part, and ease of programming. It could he a simple two-axis lathe or a Swiss-turn capable of producing the most complex precision parts in as many as ten axes.

For medical applications, electronics connectors, and a host of similar precision-machined parts, Swiss turns that machine bar, typically to 32-mm diam, are following a number of courses in development.

"Manufacturers are requiring faster changeover, as businesses want smaller hatches and smaller quantities," explains Tom Dierks, president, Tornos Technologies US Corp. (Brookfield, CT). "There is a need to set up faster and change over faster, relying on quick-change tooling or quick-change barfeeders with different bar sizes," Dierks says.

"Tornos has done a lot of things to its Swiss turns to overcome the limitations of the number of tools, for example taking a tool position and tooling it up to handle two or three tools to open up more tool positions on the machine. That's essential for more complex parts typically found in medical applications and some automotive and electronics Darts." Dierks says.

For moderately complex parts, Tornos will exhibit its Deco 20s six-axis machine. It has been boosted to a 20 (25.4)-mm diam size and features a mirror image front to back sliding headstock on the front and sliding subspindle on the back, and gang slide on front and back. "It's a much less expensive option for the user who only requires five or six axes, and it can be configured a la carte or packaged with barfeeder and driven tools for under $200,000," says Dierks.

"IMTS attendees will quickly notice that today's machines are moving in two distinct directions," says Brad Morris, president of REM Sales Inc. (East Granby, CT). "Manufacturers are being driven to do more with less, looking at all of their processes for ways to reduce or eliminate operations while improving flexibility. In doing so, many are purchasing multifunction lathes, including Swiss turns, as solutions.

"In response to this market need, Swiss turn builders are producing more complex machines capable of simultaneous operation. Many of these new machines include turrets and driven tooling for milling, drilling, and other operations not typically performed on lathes," Morris explains.

"Attendees will see more machines than at any previous show capable of helping them consolidate operations in one machine and drop parts complete. At the same time, Swiss-turn builders are also developing simpler machines that are cost-effective solutions with decent capabilities for manufacturers producing parts that demand flexibility, but don't require complex machining operations," Morris explains.

"To an outsider, it might appear that these two strategies run counter to each other. In actuality, they are working together to help machine tool builders broaden their product offerings and provide more comprehensive solutions to their customers," Morris says.


CNC Software is built on open control architecture

OpenCNC[R] v6.5 enables manufacturers to integrate off-the-shelf hardware and software technologies. Set of lathe macros helps saves programming time, while hand-wheel feed feature lets user hand feed job stream up to programmed cutting and traverse speeds. Software also provides compiled HTML help menus, lead screw compensation for rotary axes, and Sercos SoftSERCANS support. With winPlot, users are provided with clear, 2D plot of machine moves.

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Manufacturing Data Systems, Ann Arbor, MI, announces the release of OpenCNC[R] Version 6.5 with a host of features that saves programming time and improves usability across a wide range of machine tools.

OpenCNC software, the first production-proven, unbundled, software CNC built on an open control architecture, enables manufacturers to save cost and keep up with rapidly advancing technology by integrating off-the-shelf hardware and software technologies. It was introduced to the market in 1990 and is installed on thousands of machines across a range of industries.
New set of lathe macros, including profile definition, finishing, grooving, roughing, and tool definition saves programming time, delivering the maximum machine motion for minimum programming time.

o The new Hand-Wheel Feed feature allows the user to hand feed a job stream up to the programmed cutting and traverse speeds. Handy for debugging programs, this feature allows the user to control machine motion and watch the machine tool follow a programmed path and avoid potential collisions or misfeeds in the program.

o Help menus are now compiled HTML allowing for easier searching and navigation.

o Improved lead screw compensation for rotary axes reduces complexity in set up, saving programming time and contributing to machining accuracy due to improved positioning.

o A low-cost assist for analog servos, a new driver for Sensoray526 card also will be included in the new OpenCNC release. The Sensoray526 card is an economical reader of an encoder input used to run a servo.

o Broadened Sercos SoftSERCANS support with the addition of drivers that will run more variations of Sercos drivers in use on machines today, making OpenCNC even more widely applicable to more different machine tools.

SERCOS (SErial Real-time COmmunications System) is an open, fiber-optics-based, CNC-to-digital drive interface standard. Interfacing a completely open, all-software CNC with an open digital communications standard allows the power and tuning of a servo drive to be managed entirely in software from a single PC, with just one fiber optic cable and a passive communication card between the PC and the drive.

The benefit of the OpenCNC SERCOS interface for machine tool builders and end-user manufacturers is enhanced servo performance, improved part finish, and the cost savings associated with using standard digital interfaces and non-hardware-based open solutions for communications to the machine tool versus using proprietary digital or analog drives.

Other new features include:

o The new winPlot feature allows users to display the machine coordinates during operation for diagnostic and prove-out purposes. The feature provides a clear, two-dimensional plot of machine moves.

o The winSevView feature makes it easy to search and view specific patented Significant Events / files. Significant Events are time-stamped events stored in the control in order of occurrence. With this new tool users can quickly review significant events from any time in the machine's operating history.

Unlike proprietary CNC controls, OpenCNC requires no proprietary hardware or motion control cards. Combining a soft CNC and soft PLC in a single application, OpenCNC is well suited for new equipment as well as machine control replacements and allows the easy and regular installation of software updates. OpenCNC also provides essential software tools and diagnostic features for customizing servo, spindle, ATC and other hardware interface options.

"In an industry dominated by proprietary hardware CNC solutions, MDSI has proven that high-end, multi-axis CNC machine tools can be controlled entirely from software-without any motion control cards, proprietary hardware, or embedded firmware," said an MDSI spokesperson.

OpenCNC provides a common control technology across a full range of machine tools: single- and dual-turret lathes, single- and multi-spindle precision drills, routers, mills, grinders, gear hobs, dial index machines, and gantry machines-all from a single operating system, running from a single processor.


Waterjet Machines work with EDM technology

Available in 3 models, Waterjet series include stainless steel tanks, dedicated nano control, and 15 in. waterproof screen. Featuring 2D CAD-CAM software, 2-3 axis Classica offers accuracy of [+ or -]0.004 in. Suprema 4-axis' software includes Intelligent Tapering Control that corrects tapering of cut and achieves [+ or -]0.001 in. wall straightness in 1/2 in. thick steel. Evolution 5-axis' 3D System uses rotation point device to maintain constant distance from nozzle to workpiece.

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Wood Dale, IL - Mitsubishi introduces the first waterjet line designed specifically to work hand-in-hand with EDM technology. The Waterjet line brings speed and flexibility to EDM shops, while maintaining the level of reliability and accuracy required in EDM manufacturing.

Mitsubishi experts have played an active role in the Waterjet machines' design, making sure they're engineered specifically to work with EDM technology. Mitsubishi engineers are constantly delivering ways to increase efficiencies and boost productivity. The machine's speed is ideal for reducing production times attached to roughing and bulk material removal before finishing on EDM. For example, a time study showed a 28% time savings on materials roughed with Waterjet versus an EDM machine.

The Waterjet series is available in three different models to best fit every shop's needs. These include the 2-3 axis Classica, 4-axis Suprema, and 5-axis Evolution.

The machines feature stainless steel tanks for easier maintenance and cleaner cutting conditions. A solid base construction and custom-made table for accepting tooling systems allows Waterjet and EDM to easily work together.

The Waterjet line is powered by Mitsubishi Electric, giving it more programming capabilities than other waterjet manufacturers. The Mitsubishi 700 Series Control provides unprecedented productivity and operating comfort. Dedicated Nano control helps achieve high-precision machining. The unit is controlled on a 15-inch water-proof screen, with improved graphics and NC design to simplify operation.

The 2-3 axis Classica features 2D CAD-CAM software with nesting capabilities, and accuracy and repeatability of [+ or -] 0.004".

The 4-axis Suprema's software features (ITC) Intelligent Tapering Control, which correct tapering of the cut automatically. The CNC tilts the high-pressure water jet [+ or -]2 degrees which allows for increased cutting speeds in a contour. The ITC system can achieve [+ or -]0.001" wall straightness in half inch thick steel.

The Exclusive 5-axis Evolution 3D System uses a self-positioning rotation point device on the material to automatically maintain a constant distance from the nozzle to the workpiece. This protects the nozzle through a working range from flat work to a contoured interpolation of [+ or -]69[degrees].

The Mitsubishi Experience is providing customers with the ingenuity and innovation to stay competitive on all levels. We deliver industry-leading technology and integrated solutions to help you reach new manufacturing heights. The Mitsubishi Experience is the unparalleled support of our sales and service teams, the knowledge of our application engineers, and the expertise from specialists dedicated to maximizing your productivity.


Tecumseh sets its course: a very different kind of CNC software paves the way for creating an integrated manufacturing environment

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step."

This ancient Chinese proverb is good to keep in mind when thinking about how a factory begins to move toward a plant-wide electronic production monitoring system. The vision of the future destination may be luminous and compelling, but turning this vision into reality is no hop, skip and a jump. It has to be taken earnestly and carefully, step by step.

In the end, plant managers will be able to access the system and get instant, up-to-the-moment reports summarizing the OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) rating of the whole plant, separate production lines or even individual machine tools. Analysis of the collected data used to calculate this rating will pinpoint where problems or opportunities for improvement appear.

Here is an example of what is to come when a production monitoring system is in place: Managers are alerted to a report showing that a certain machine in one of the machining lines needed an average of 3 minutes cycle time during the last shift when it should have been closer to 2 minutes at programmed feed rates and spindle speeds. Reviewing the log of events that occurred during this shift shows that a grinding wheel was not cutting as aggressively as intended and had to be replaced at 50 percent of its expected life as a result of excessive wear. A recent change in wheel grade is recorded in notes entered by the manufacturing engineer. At the start of the next shift, a message to the cell operator gives instructions to install a harder grade wheel. Cycle times monitored during the day show a return to the required output. Problem solved.

This vision is not new. It's been talked about and dreamed about for years. In fact, the software and hardware to make it happen not only exist, but they also have a proven track record. What is becoming clear is that making the transition to this future state will be neither quick nor effortless. The first steps are the toughest, but that is where the journey begins, as the proverb reminds us.

Tecumseh Products' compressor plant near Tupelo, Mississippi, has taken those first steps, and the benefits are already clear and substantial. The plant has installed software-only CNCs on several "bottleneck" machine tools and is running key portions of a bidirectional production monitoring system that integrates the CNCs with the plant's existing computer network and ERP software. Plant management is taking the results of these initial installations as proof that these steps are definitely moving in the right direction.

Under Pressure

Although Tecumseh Products is best known for its small engines found on leading brands of lawn mowers, snow blowers and similar products, the company is a major producer of compressor motors for refrigerators and air conditioners. Consumers are not likely to be aware that the reason these products run so quietly and efficiently is the unseen presence of a Tecumseh-built compressor inside, yet the reliable performance they enjoy is dependent on the quality of those compressors. Because many of the major brands of refrigerators and air conditioners have moved production offshore, Tecumseh has had to redouble its efforts to maintain profitable operation of its compressor plants in the face of the cost pressures brought on by the severe contraction in U.S.-based appliance manufacturing.

In Tupelo, Tecumseh operates three main machining lines that feed an assembly line on which the various compressor models are built in a mix that is determined by a schedule of firm customer orders. This plant houses about 100 active metalcutting machine tools. A shop control system that relies on manual data entry allows managers to monitor production, but the information is at least 1 day old by the time it is available for analysis and response. The system tells managers basic information about labor input, machine output and scrap rates. This gives them a somewhat sketchy picture of where the bottlenecks are and when part shortages may affect the assembly line. It is adequate to tell them how to react but rarely helps them anticipate and avoid shortages that hamper the assembly line. It can't tell them what is happening inside each machine to reveal the causes of bottlenecks.


Four-Spindle CNC Lathes

To maximize productivity, SB Machine Tools (Schaumburg, IL) offers Kitako four-spindle CNC lathes. With the four-spindle concept, zero loading/unloading time and virtually uninterrupted productivity come true. With their independent spindles housed in an indexing carrier and working in pairs, two preloaded chucks are continually cycled through the machining compartment. Upon completing each cycle, the carrier indexes at 180°-the two loaded spindles go to the machining area and the two "job-done" spindles go to the loading and unloading area.

Two independent turrets work on the two different, or identical, parts simultaneously, providing broad flexibility. Employing either manual loading or an automatic servo-driven loading system, the part loading process is accomplished during the machining cycle. It is very possible for just one operator to run two machines, which is equivalent to the productivity of almost five to six single-spindle CNC lathes. Kitako technology is available in both horizontal and vertical models covering 4-22" chuck sizes. Each is capable of being customized to maximize its productivity and profitability.

Contact SB Machine Tools, 1300 Remington Rd., Unit K, Schaumburg, Il 60173; Ph: 847-882-9600; Fax: 847-882-9800; or Circle 454.

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