CNC automatic lathes are fast to program

Precision turned parts subcontractor said Star CNC automatic lathes are fast to set and program, so they are back in production quickly for the next batch run.

UK precision turned parts subcontractor, BGT Automatics, is steadily changing over from using cam-operated automatic lathes to using sliding-headstock, multi-axis CNC lathes Established in Aldershot in 1965, BGT increased the number of Star machines on its shop floor in 2007 by 30% The company acquired a Star SR-20RII, with extensive facilities for driven tool work, and an SV-32 that extends the subcontractor's sliding-head capacity to 32mm.

The other Star CNC automatics used by BGT have bar capacities of 12, 16 or 20mm diameter.

The machine tool supplier, Star Micronics, said that the SV-32had filled a capacity gap between the smaller automatic lathes and a 52mm bar capacity, fixed-head, CNC turning centre. Manager of the family-run company, Carol Naismith, said that the additional lathes and a more even spread of maximum bar sizes enabled BGT to offer a more comprehensive service.

Naismith commented: "It is the policy of large manufacturers and multinationals not to award contracts to subcontractors whose turnover is below a certain level, so we have been missing out on some of the bigger turned parts contracts, even though we would be perfectly capable of fulfilling them".

So BGT decided to increase its capacity to expand the business and raise company turnover.

Naismith added: "It also puts us in a stronger position to handle overflow work from larger subcontractors that may be struggling to fulfill large contracts, or that may not have sliding-head mill-turning capacity".

BGT has only replaced half of its cam automatics.

Eight of these are used to cost-effectively machine relatively simple components very cost-effectively, allowing the CNC automatics to machine the more complex, close-tolerance work.

BGT's customers are spread across many engineering sectors.

The company said two-thirds of its output is in machining stainless steel (303, 304, 316, 321).

Aluminium (HE30, FC1), steel and brass are also turned.

The Aldershot facility runs 24h/day, producing batches ranging between 100- and 50,000-off.

Machining tolerances down to 10 micron total are routinely held.

Less 'second operation' work is needed owing to the twin-opposed-spindle configuration and extensive driven tool capabilities of the Star CNC automatic lathes, and of the fixed-head lathe.

All of BGT's CNC lathes are able to perform in-cycle cross and reverse end machining.

Naismith related something of BGT's history: "Our father, Peter Ball, took over BGT Automatics in the early 1980s and shortly afterwards bought the first Star CNC lathe.

It was a JNC-16 and is still running today, so we have stayed with the same supplier ever since".

She continued: "We find the Stars fast to set and program, so they are back in production quickly for the next batch run.

This is important to us, as machine downtime would eat into our profits".

CNC sliding head turn-mill centres aid Adaero

Citizen Machinery has revealed how its CNC sliding head turn-mill centres have helped Adaero Precision Components secure lucrative components contracts.

Adaero Precision has two Citizen machines installed in its newly extended facility at Crediton, Devon; an M32-III and a mid-range L20 with the high pressure Coolblaster 2,000 lb/in2 coolant system The machines produce batches of 500 or so parts in Acetal, aluminium, brass and a variety of stainless steels Such is the complexity of some of the single operational cycles - for instance, an optical focus component that uses 24 tools on the Citizen M32 - that while cycle times can be relatively long at 5.5min, the overall benefits are significant through combining operations and shortening lead times.

Indeed, it was the purchase of the Citizen L20 in June 2007 that led Adaero to win an important medical contract for three variants of an air flow adjuster in 316 stainless steel for anaesthesia equipment.

Consistency of production from the two Citizens has never been an issue, resulting in the company's high level of confidence for long periods in limited manning and unattended running.

Such is the level of setting expertise that requirements to maintain grinding tolerances can be met when turning on features such as seal diameters and grooves, that are then monitored using the latest optical inspection equipment to ensure full compliance to drawing requirements.

Changeover normally takes between two and three hours depending on the complexity of the batch but, according to Mark Pearson, engineering sales manager at Adaero Precision Components, this time is minimised due to machine's flexibility in being able to accommodate different tooling layouts.

Also, as most programming is performed offline and most jobs have been previously run, efficiency is high, keeping lead times short.

The 13-axis Citizen M32-III is able to hold up to 80 tools.

Common tooling can be left set on the vertical tool platen and drilling station for back machining as well as on the Y-axis fed, 10-station turret that is able to accommodate up to 50 tools by using its half index capability and special tool holders.

What is CNC Controlling

Since we are dealing with machines that do work for us, we need to control those machines somehow. We need to control them for safety reasons as well. If you give a machine improper commands it can easily get out of control and cause harm to you or the part you are machining. We want to give good commands to our CNC machines, at the right times so they are not “out of control”.

The language that these machines use is called GCode G-code has been around since the early 60’s. There are a number of variations of G-code, but most are very similar to one another. See the previous section for a sample of G-Code.

We need a computer to interact with our CNC Router. Our computer will send signals to our CNC machine. In-between our computer and our CNC machine sits a controller. A controller converts commands into signals that are used to control the motion of our machine.

As these signals are sent out of the controller, they go to either stepper or servo motors. This is how we create motion. These cnc motors drive our various axis on our machine. While we are moving our axis, there is generally a cutting tool of some sort removing material. This is the machining process coupled with CNC.

Here is a brief description of the two types of motors generally used in CNC:
Stepper motors:
Simple design
Easy
Generate torque at low rpm
Do not know their position in relation to the program

Servo Motors:
Generate torque at high RPMs
Generally need gearing of some sort to be effective
More sophisticated
Can maintain their relative position, thus, they can be more accurate

CNC Machine Controls
Controllers generally stand alone near the CNC machine. They act as a translator between your cnc control computer and your machine. Generally, they add quite a bit of cost to a CNC machine as well. Controllers can cost anywhere from $1000-$20,000 or more depending on their sophistication.

CNC Community Site:
If you need more information about CNC, click over to http://www.CNCInformation.com You can join for Free and you get two free CNC ebooks. One is a GCode Quick Guide and the other is the CNC Info Site eBook. You also get access to the Free Video Series…Image to CNC Art when you join the community.

CNC Water Jet Basics and CNC Machines

CNC Water Jet Information has just been added to the website that already has plenty of CNC Information. In addition to all of that CNC Information, you will now find a complete page full of CNC Water Jet Cutting Information. Learn the basics of CNC Water Jet Cutting from A to Z by visiting this new Computer Numerical Control webpage on CNC Water Jet Cutting at: CNC Machines



Its very odd for one to think of a Computer Numerically Controlled Water Jet that is Cutting some sort of material or fabric. Usually, when a person thinks of cutting something, a Jet Stream of water doesn’t come to mind. However, Computer Numerically Controlled Water Jet Cutter is actually in use in a lot of industries today. You can find various articles that Ivan Irons has added to the webpage that talk about the different uses for having a Computer Numerically Controlled Water Jet in your shop. The CNC Water Jet website can be visited by clicking on this link: CNC Machine



Some of the reasons that a CNC Water Jet is used instead of another kind of machine is that is does a very good and precise job at cutting metals, glass, or fabric. The cutting that happens during the CNC Water Jet process is actually an abrasive cutting that happens by eroding the material away with the pressure of the Water Jet. Now its not just the water that cuts the object, usually there is another additive in the water that helps with the cutting. You can find more about CNC Water Jet Cutting by visiting Ivan’s dedicated webpage that is all about CNC Water Jet Cutting at: CNC Machines



About CNC Information: CNC Information is a community CNC website that brings user into a deeper understanding of CNC.

CNC Machines Including CNC Mill

CNC Mini Mill Basics have now been made available on CNC Information’s Website Category page. There you can find information on CNC Mini Machines of all types including CNC Mini Mill information and CNC Mini Lathe information. Since Computer Numerically Controlled machines have made their way into the home shops of Do-it-Yourself Hobbyist, a new market has come into play and they are called CNC Mini Machines. Just like their name says, these CNC Mini Machines are miniature versions of their older siblings. Since these Mini Machines are gaining popularity, Ivan has decided to make a complete page on this CNC Information website that is dedicated to Computer Numerically Controlled Mini Machines. A user can visit this new CNC Mini Machine site for free by visiting the following web address: CNC Mill



What is interesting about these CNC Mini Machines is that they make it possible for more and more people to get involved in Computer Numerical Control. Before, in order to get into the CNC Machine marketing, you had to have a signification time and financial investment, not to mention a separate garage or space that can be dedicated just to your CNC Lathe or CNC Mill. Read more at the CNC Mini Machine Page on Ivan’s website: CNC Mill



Now, with the new market for CNC Mini Machines, there is a lot less time, money, and space invested. Not to mention, the makers of these mini machines have made the learning curve a lot less steep than a curve for a large sized CNC Mill or CNC Lathe. This is such a unique market and Ivan has plenty of additional information on his website page that is dedicated to the CNC Mini Machines. Visit the Webpage at: CNC Mill for more information on CNC Mini Machines.



About CNC Information: CNC Information is a community CNC website that brings user into a deeper understanding of CNC.

Penny Slot Machines

Playing slot machines with only one penny seems awfully cheap. Actually, it is cheap but it is exactly what the casinos want you to think.

Gone are the days of the simple 3 reel slot machine, today’s machines are gigantic multiline slot machines who have been developed to include any money making trick known in the book. In the comfort department, today’s slot machines have improved to accept dollar bills instead of only coins and can give prizes in the form of redeemable tickets, all in order to make the player as comfortable as possible.

The biggest change in modern slot machines is the addition of many more pay lines (a modern slot machine will have at least 20 pay lines and some reach a lot higher) which of course requires many more coins in order to activate all of them. With machine that costs 50c per spin but offers 20 pay lines, the cost per spin can easily reach 10$, and suddenly the old “pay less win more” slot machine has become a financial burden on the average gambler. For those who say “play only the minimum lines”, we will remind that in order to win the biggest prizes (and the jackpot, of course if available) you must play the maximum number of lines or your profits will be very slim.

In order to make the players less aware of the cost of playing these slot machines the casinos have come up with 1 penny slot machines. That’s right, 1c per spin. This has become the hottest trend in the casino’s slot machine floor and the low denomination has attracted numerous gamblers who now think that playing slot machines has become much cheaper. The focus though has turned into the multiple pay lines which require multiple points in order to maximize profits. Machines exist which will require more than 1500 coin per spin! This makes the average spin cost almost the same as the regular 50c machine.

Are Penny slot machines a sucker’s bet? Not necessarily. These machines are perfect for a player who came to the casino with the intention of spending a few hours of fun without committing too much money to the casino. On the other hand, those who like to suck every ounce of edge out of the machine and will never settle for anything than less the maximum payout will find better options elsewhere.

By the way you might have noticed some famous jackpots being offered in the penny slot machines, be assure that all in all playing the jackpot in a 1 penny machine and 1 dollar machine has no difference as the total amount required to gamble to be eligible for the jackpot is the same.

Why Rowing Machines Are Used in Gyms

Some of the oddest machines in the gym are the rowing machines and, although they are somewhat rare, it is not uncommon to see a skiing machine, too. Many people wonder why these sports have been singled out as being such great exercise – why is there no tennis machine, or swimming machine, for example? The answer is that both rowing and skiing exercise your body in a way that other sports don’t.

If you’ve ever met a rower, you’ll know that they have huge amounts of upper-body strength, and there’s a reason for that. Rowing is, in many ways, the ultimate upper-body exercise, comprehensively exercising your arm and chest muscles.

The situation is much the same with skiing and your legs. Because of all the leaning and balancing that is needed to ski successfully, almost all of your leg muscles get a workout from skiing.

While rowing and skiing machines are no match for the real thing, either in terms of how much fun they are or how effective they are as exercise, they serve a useful purpose, because we can’t all go rowing and skiing every day. If you use both the rowing and skiing machines in one day, you will get an all-over body workout to more than rival the one you might get on the various weight machines, and the chances are that it will be quicker for you too.

However, with rowing machines especially, you need to be careful about overdoing it. Because rowing tends to feel easier on your muscles than it actually is, it’s tempting to set too-ambitious targets and tire yourself out completely, perhaps even pulling a muscle. For the sake of your health, take it steady, keeping track of how many repetitions you do on the machine on each visit, and gradually increasing, instead of going all-out one day and doing hundreds more than normal.

Interesting Facts:Coffee Machines

Drinking coffee is a pastime of millions of people all over the world. Coffee machines make it possible to meet the demand of all these people. Without coffee machines, it would not be possible for millions of people around the world to enjoy a good cup of coffee.

The first coffee machine was invented in 1818 by Mr. Laurens. The machine was continually modified over the years. New versions of the coffee machine continued to emerge until 1960. This is when the first paper filters for coffee machines were put into place. This simple change created an unbelievable increase in coffee machine sales. People had always wanted the product, but didn’t like the time it took to clean up and prepare with the cloth filters. The paper filter saves people time and hassle which makes the coffee machine more appealing.

Coffee machines have changed in design as well over the years. The early ones were just created to do the job; no one really cared what they looked like. Today’s coffee makers come in all colors and sizes to accessorize nicely in any kitchen or living room. There are also many different brands of coffee machines, as each has their own unique looks and design to attract consumers.

Mr. Coffee has been the leading coffee machine in the United States for centuries. This is because the company continually changes or adds new products to meet the needs of the consumer. Bunn coffee makers lead the industry in commercial coffee maker sales.

Snack Vending Machines are Profitable and a Quick Fix to Hunger

You are in a hurry, perhaps for school, work or a business meeting. You are not even familiar with the place and you’re stomach is churning. You need something to eat. That is the magic of a snack vending machine. It can give you the benefit of grabbing a snack whenever you are in a hurry and needs something to eat fast.

A vending machine is an apparatus that doles out food, drinks or snacks whenever an individual drops money, coins or paper bills. Verification of money is usually identified by a currency detector.

A snack vending machine is a piece of equipment which dish out different snacks and beverages whenever people drop money in to it.

Snack vending machines come in various shapes and sizes. A full size machine is where one can just let it stand on the floor. Some are small, where machine owners can hang it on the wall. A number of snack vending machines are electrically operated. Several are just manually operated. There are snack vending machines that are see-through or have fronts which are glass-made. Various snack vending machines can only dispense as little as six or ten types of snacks or it can sell a wide range of snack and beverage choices.

Different snack foods are available on vending machines. Vending machines display different kinds of chips, candies, peanuts, biscuits, and other finger foods. Commonly, snack vending machines also sell different kinds of beverages such as bottled water, bottled or pouched juices, bottled or canned sodas, hot or cold chocolates, and tea-based drinks.

Locations of snack vending machines are commonly found next to an establishments’ entrance or exit. You can also find it in workplace or school break rooms and corridors, next to other vending machines, and in waiting areas. These places are strategic site where people will most likely buy and grab some snacks.

Snack vending machines are beneficial due to the following reasons:

* Snack vending machines are located where individuals can immediately get to them. You can spot snack vending machines at your workplace, bus or train stations, airports, and other public places.

* Unlike with your ordinary store, you need not search for the right coin. The currency detector can detect what amount you dropped. It will give you your change if change is due. Additionally, there are snack vending machines operated by money cards, wherein you just insert the card and any commodity purchased will be deducted on that cards remaining value.

* Prices of the snacks in snack vending machines are reasonable.

Snack vending machines have their disadvantages.

* If the snack vending machine is electricity-operated, then there will be a problem when power is out.

* There are instances when owners of snack vending machines are not diligent in replacing used up products.

* Malfunction of machine. Sometimes your coin will get stuck or your bill is not accepted.

Snack vending machines are everywhere. You can always count on them whenever you need something to ease your hunger or thirst.

Fax

Fax is one of the many forms of telecommunications technologies in widespread use today. You can find a fax machine in almost every office anywhere in the world. The word “fax” is short for facsimile, which is Latin for “make a copy.” Fax technology basically works by transmitting copies of documents through a telephone network using a device called a fax machine. In simple terms, a fax machine works as if you sent pieces of paper documents to a receiving end almost instantaneously.

A fax machine is basically a scanner, modem and computer printer all rolled into one. The fax process begins with scanning the graphical images from the document inputted into the fax machine. As the sender feeds paper documents into the machine, a sensor scans the document for the white and black spots that comprise it. This data is then encoded so that it can be transmitted through a phone line. At the receiver’s end, the fax machine’s mechanism marks the heat-sensitive paper with a reproduction of the original document sent.

Fax machines are indispensable office equipment. Today’s fax machines have evolved from simply sending documents to and from, to integrating various functions all into one device. Some fax machines also feature advanced handset functions and can work as the chief phone of a small office.

Multiple functions are also common to many modern fax machines. For instance, a fax machine can also work as a copier, a scanner and a printer. These multi-use fax machines virtually eliminate all other electronic machines and offer their functions all in one package. At present, even though various innovative telecommunication technologies have been introduced, fax machines continue to be an integral part of office equipment. Also, fax machines and fax services continue to evolve to better serve the needs of today’s users.

Embroidery Machines

Creativity, imagination, and hands and finger skills are the keys to unlocking the success of embroidery. This art form started during the early times as a means to put designs on bare pieces of fabric by sewing or weaving pieces of threads to come up with a certain design or pattern. Anyone has to go through the painstaking process of needlework to produce the desired work of art. It was first done by drawing figures or any desired pattern on the fabric which will serve as the guide as to what types of stitches or threads were to be used.

The same creativity and imagination the paved way to the invention of embroidery machines which can be traced back in 1800s through Joshua Heilman who laid the foundation of the embroidery machine industry. It was later on followed by more advanced embroidery machines that made use of the shuttle embroidery and chain stitch embroidery methods. Embroidery sewing machines are still operated manually using the hands and fingers through the aid of other types of fabrics and materials like plastic, wire, metallic strands, and leather.

Further advancement in technology brought corresponding improvements in the embroidery industry through computerized sewing embroidery machines that can automatically come up with a design from a built-in pattern program. Using computerized embroidery machines is much easier and less costly as compared to hand and manually operated sewing machines.

Aside from the ready-made designs, users can use their creativity and imagination to make their own designs and patterns. Ready-made patterns are transferred in the computerized embroidery machines in varied means and ways, although it may depend on the design file format of the machines. CDs, special cards with features similar to compact cards, floppy discs, or cables are just a few of the things that can be used.

A Look at Soda Vending Machines

Soda vending machines come in a number of sizes. You can get soda vending machines in a system that holds just four or six selections, or you can get machines that dispense dozens upon dozens of cans. Choose a smaller size if you’re looking to save money or space. Choose a larger size if you think the customers will be diverse enough in their tastes, and if you think total traffic will merit the greater number of selections.

Soda vending machines can be the closed-box type, where you can’t see the beverages, or the glass-front type, where the beverages are visible. The advantage to the closed-box type is anonymity; the customer can’t see what’s missing, and you don’t have to clean out the inside as often to make it presentable. The advantage to the see-through machines, however, is that the customer can see exactly what they’re buying. Sometimes just displaying the product clearly is enough to make the customer want to buy it.

Some machines are customizable for either cans or bottles. The bottles can be plastic or glass (although today, more manufacturers have found it more economical to offer soda in plastic bottles and glass is becoming increasingly rare). To adjust for cans or bottles, there are a number of possible mechanisms. Some are as simple as pushing or pulling a panel in the back of the machine, to simultaneously adjust all slots. The advantage to this is that you can switch up product styles to find out which style maximizes your profits at any given time. These adjustable machines also allow you to adjust the price, as with all vending machines.

Soda vending machines vary widely in price. If you want to buy new, your advantage is that there is less that is likely to go wrong, you will have warranty coverage, and you might even have service coverage on your soda machines.

Long Arm Sewing Machines

Long arm sewing machines are different from models such as light weight sewing machines, medium-duty sewing machines, heavy duty sewing machines, and special purpose sewing machines.

Long arm sewing machines are Compound Feed sewing machines. They can be used for sewing medium and heavy weight materials. Features include: 18 inch long arm, auto lubrication by pump, selection of special needle gauge, safety clutch device protecting hook, vertical-axis twice large rotary hook etc. Long arm sewing machine also includes Zig Zag TONY H-301L Zig Zag Sewing Machine (Large Hook) for Mid & Heavy Material. It is used for making leather bags, shoes etc. It is also used in garment industries.

The Ontarian 300 is a long arm sewing machine produced by OSA (Ontario Sewing Automation). This long arm sewing machine has the speed of a standard 11" sewing machine. It gives the clearance under the arm of up to 72 inches. This machine is used for stitching tents, greenhouse covers, truck tarpaulins; reinforced swimming pool safety covers etc.

Juki TL98Q long arm sewing machine has the following features: easy bobbin replacement, extended sewing area, automatic needle threader without eye strain, knee lifter lever helps to lift the presser foot without using hands, sews heavy weight materials easily, machine, foot pedal switch for thread trimming increases sewing efficiency, even feed foot helps this type of machine to produce beautiful seams when sewing velvet and georgette.

Some long arm sewing machines have free space measuring 420mm width which allows the operator to handle a large sewing product easily.

Delkar Machine Company produces long arm sewing machines. These long arm sewing machines are used to stitch golf bags, filter bags, car covers, airplane covers, parachutes, aircraft fabric covers, awnings etc..

Long arm sewing machines can be purchased on-line or from local stores. Payment can be made using credit card, Master card etc.

Office Machines

Finding office machines can be a real problem is the budget is tight. But the problem can be solved when you shop smart. And let’s face it, furnishing an office and finding high quality office machines on budget can be a little bit of a challenge. But with a little more effort, nothing’s impossible. Usually, a cubicle in an office can fully furnished within $6,000...but let’s just say that if you shop smartly, you can get furnishing for each cubicle done for under $3,000! And who doesn’t know you can get office machines from eBay at low prices?

First off, determine the space that you have and the budget that you have got to work within. Discuss the style that you want on the furnishings and the kind of office machines that you will need. Once you’ve got that all settled, you’re ready to get going.

Now, one way to save cost on furnishing your office is by purchasing used workstations and used office machines. Used furniture is not always drab and dirty. In fact, some used office furniture and office machines are almost brand new. They sell the office machines off cheap. There are tons of used office machines in the market, so, navigate through the flood of used office machines and furniture carefully. Although the price of the used office machines and furniture is of utmost importance, the quality and condition of the office machine and furniture should be taken into serious consideration.

Another way to get cheap tasteful office furniture and high quality office machines is to buy refurbished office machines and furniture. Refurbished office machines and furniture are, essentially used office machines and furniture, but they have been refurbished or repaired to an ‘almost new’ condition. Be careful to test out the office machines and furniture before you buy them because refurbished office machine and furniture may look fine and dandy on the outside but it may already be worn out on the inside. So, if they don’t allow you to test the office machine and furniture out, don’t buy.

Of course, another way of getting your office furnished is to lease the office machine and furniture instead of buying them right off. This helps free up some cash for the daily operations of your business. Most of these office machines and furniture leasing companies have a wide range of office machines and furniture for you to choose from and they are mostly top-of-the-line.

As you can see, furnishing an office need not be an expensive feat. The only condition is that you look at the right place at the right time. In fact, if you find someone with good contacts with office machines and furniture dealers, they may give you a big discount if you buy the office machine and furniture in bulk.

Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.office-machines-plus.com on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.

Fax Machines Guide - Some Guidelines About Fax Machines

A telecommunication tool that sends and receives documents or graphics via telephone lines is known as ‘fax machine’. Fax machine is basically a package of image scanner, a modem and a computer printer. Scanner is used to convert the content of physical documents into digital image whereas modem sends image data via phone line and printer is used to make a duplicate of original document.

Sometimes fax machines are used to scan documents into a computer and to take a print of documents from computer. Fax machines converts a picture into zeros and ones format so that data can be easily transmitted like normal computer data while on the other side it reads the data and translates zeros and ones back into dots and reprints the picture.

Fax machines are affordable and easy to use devices. Fax machines transmit data at speed from 4,800 bps to 28,800 bps. Fax machines with a speed of 9,600 bps transmit one page within 10-20 seconds. Several fax machines use thermal printer that needs special paper to print the best pictures. Thermal paper mostly comes in two sizes such as 8.5 inches wide and 10.1 inches wide.

Some fax machines come with vast variety of dialing features. It enables you to set a program to send a document at future time. Another important feature of fax machine is that you can send multi page document without feeding each and every page manually in the machine.

Latest fax machines are a bit faster than the old ones. You should determine quality, price and other important features at the time of purchasing a fax machine. You can select ‘fax modem’ in case you want to send faxes but not receive them. Choice of fax machines depends on your requirements.