CNC Machining Centers

Busellato JET 100 & 200 Series

5 Axis CNC machining center

Busellato’s new JET 100 & 200 Series of CNC machining centers, available from Delmac Machinery Group, are the affordable solution for customers who want flexibility. The series is designed for heavy--duty routing, drilling and machining of solid wood pieces and is well equipped for typical panel processing. The working area starts at 4' x 10' and goes up to 4' x 20.' The drill head has 19 vertical spindles and eight horizontal and can be configured with 10--, 12-- or 16--hp HSK electro--spindles with C--axis capability to work with a variety of aggregates, as well as multiple vertical routers, high speed saws, horizontal routers and material probes. The machines also come standard with Genesis Evolution.

8168 ON INQUIRY CARD

Gannomat Index From Tritec

CMS Router Multilathe

A CNC controlled point--to--point drilling, gluing and dowel inserting machine, the Gannomat Index from Tritec features variable programming of boring and dowel inserting patterns with horizontal and/or vertical drilling capabilities. The Index's Windows® operating system with menu--based software is programmable in seconds by absolute, relative or pitch measurements in metric or inches. Automatic mirror--image and program optimization plus virtually unlimited stored program capacity are standard. With a 1250 to 2500mm (49 to 98") working width, the Index allows you to select from 1 to 4 separate work zones.

8171 ON INQUIRY CARD

Jenkins 2200 Series

BIMA 310 Expert Series

The Jenkins Systems 2200 Series Shaftless CNC Double End Machining Centers provide fast set--up and advanced machining capabilities. The shaftless design features electronic squaring that is constantly monitored for accuracy. Productivity rises as operations such as CNC edge profiling and shaping, corner rounding, jump tenoning, angular gaining, boring, routing, blind cutting, and haunching can be computer produced and reproduced accurately on these feed through machines.

8169 ON INQUIRY CARD

SCMI Tech Z30 CNC Boring & Routing Center

Morbidelli Author 744 SA CNC Machining Center

SCM GROUP USA’s new SCMI Tech Z30 is designed for Just in Time production and high production facilities. The Tech Z30 features include a 10 hp air--cooled router, tubeless vacuum work cups, digital display of tubeless vacuum table supports, high speed configuration, high production boring unit, high capacity vacuum pump, graphical diagnostics, graphical interface, and a non proprietary personal computer. The SCMI Tech Z30 is also completely network ready and operates with all major design software.

8170 ON INQUIRY CARD

Morbidelli Author 744 SA CNC Machining Center

Jenkins 2200 Series

SCM GROUP USA introduces the new Morbidelli Author 744 SA CNC Machining Center. The Author 744 SA features a 5 X 14 working field, 15 hp electrospindle, 10 position tool changer, 38 spindle drill head, and X/Y grooving saw. The Author 744 SA utilizes the Morbidelli tubeless vacuum system with semi automatic pod positioning. Standard features also include a Dell PC, CAD/CAM software and user--friendly operator interface. This system helps prevent the operator from routing or drilling through vacuum pods and trays. The set up time per field is approximately 20 –- 25 seconds depending on the program.

8182 ON INQUIRY CARD

BIMA 310 Expert Series

Gannomat Index From Tritec


IMA America Corp. introduces the BIMA 310 Expert Series of modular CNC machines -- for efficient processing of furniture elements and interior design components. Suitable for production of large quantities as well as for batch size, this machine promises to be an investment with high returns. The BIMA 310 is available with edgebanding, enabling complete processing at one station, and with flat table design for nested--based manufacturing.

8172 ON INQUIRY CARD

CMS Router Multilathe

Busellato JET 100 & 200 Series

CMS announces its new 6 axis CNC machining center for gunstocks, chair and table legs and "carving" operations. All this combined into a single machine, Router Multilathe, provides one solution that answers all specific production requirements. Router Multilathe accomplishes a reduction in processing times and an increase in machining accuracy, finishing quality of the worked surface, as well as a considerable reduction in sanding times. Most importantly, it provides complete design, prototyping and production flexibility through CNC in conjunction with the latest popular CAD/CAM software in the industry.

8173 ON INQUIRY CARD

5 Axis CNC Machining Center

HOLZ--HER CNC Machining Centers

Morbidelli Author 430 SNB CNC Machining Center

CMS announces its new ARES--PX5 CNC machining center. Full 5--Axis interpolation for chair parts, carving, entry doors, stair volute up--easing combinations, also aluminum & plastics, and modeling. Complete LEAN MANUFACTURING flexibility with high volume performance. Work areas from 5' x 12' x 4' to 8.5' x 19' x 4' with multiple zone configurations for pendular production or single--work area production. Other features include: 16--HP, 5--Axis liquid--cooled spindles with fast toolchanging capability; fully enclosed machine for maximum safety and dust collection. Industry standard Fanuc & OSAI controllers with PC--front ends for ease--of--use and ethernet connectability.

8174 ON INQUIRY CARD

HOLZ--HER CNC Machining Centers

Holz--Her PRO--Master

HOLZ--HER provides a full range of CNC Machining Centers for all applications, console type point--to--point, gridded table suitable for nested based machining, flat solid table to provide free placement of vacuum pods and our unique META Conversion system offering fast and economical change over from gridded table to elevated pod providing the ultimate in machine flexibility. In addition a wide range of options are available for your specific application. Our SmartSource team provides software integration to insure smooth communication between your design software and the CNC machine. Pictured is the company’s Easy--Master.

8175 ON INQUIRY CARD

Morbidelli Author 430 SNB CNC Machining Center

Hendrick combination machine

SCM Group USA offers the new Morbidelli Author 430 SNB CNC Machining Center. The Author 430 SNB is available in variety of table sizes 4 X 10 up to 5 X 22 and has an optional rake system for increased production. The Author 430 SNB features a 24 spindle drilling head, 15hp HSK F63 liquid cooled router and ten--position rapid tool changer. The Author 430 SNB has a user--friendly interface operated by a Windows XP platform, standard office PC and is supplied with CAD/CAM software compatible with all major design software packages.

8177 ON INQUIRY CARD

Holz--Her PRO--Master

Stiles Hetan CNC machining center

The PRO--Master 7123 is the latest development in the Holz--Her CNC product line. With a 16--Kw, 21.5--hp liquid cooled HSK spindle, 18 vertical and six horizontal drills and a 12 position ride--a--long tool changer as standard. The PRO--Master 7123 is designed to meet the most challenging of applications and will make it North American debut at 2005 AWFS Las Vegas

8176 ON INQUIRY CARD

Hendrick Combination Machine

SCMI Pratix 48 NST CNC Nested Base Machining Center

Hendrick has combined the best of both a CNC router and a point to point boring machine with the new model 60CNCB--1313WT. Standard features include CNC router style tables pre--machined for zoning and pod fixturing, heavy--duty CNC router spindle, 0/90 degree saw head, 32mm independently controlled gang vertical drills in both X & Y axis and horizontal double ended drills in both X & Y axis. The feature rich Windows2000 based PC controller comes standard with built in easy CAD/CAM software. Optional features include up to 100m per minute rapid traverse speeds, single or dual tables that can be slaved, automatic tool changers, and pop--up stops.

8178 ON INQUIRY CARD

Stiles Hetan CNC Machining Center

Stiles Machinery Inc. offers the heavy--duty, flexible Heian ZR--442PMC twin--table CNC machining center. Features include four 24,000 rpm, HSK--63F quick--changing router spindles coupled with Heian's heavy--duty, dynamic 8--tool automatic tool changers (ATC). For further flexibility, optional C--axis capability can be included to allow the use of various aggregate attachments. Material is held on two 102” x 63” vacuum tables for pendulum or tandem operation by a high volume, oil--sealed liquid--ring vacuum system. Feed rates of up to 60m per minute, along with the four high--speed router spindles, make this machine a solid match for high--production manufacturing where high precision and unsurpassed uptime are required. Additional features include the Fanuc 180i--MB digital CNC control, with an integrated Windows NT PC and full four--axis simultaneous control; and fully automativ machine and spindle lubrication.

8180 ON INQUIRY CARD

SCMI Pratix 48 NST CNC Nested Base Machining Center

SCM GROUP USA introduces the new SCMI Pratix 48 NST that brings total panel processing power to an entry--level machine without compromises. The Pratix 48 NST features a 48" x 105" work area, 9 spindle drilling head, 10hp HSK F63 router, and eight--position tool changer. It has a user--friendly interface operated by a WindowsTM XP platform and a standard office PC and is equipped with CAD/CAM software compatible with all major design software packages.

8179 ON INQUIRY CARD






http://www.wooddigest.com/products/article.jsp?siteSection=68&id=300

Developing A Safer Way To Machine Magnesium

Machining magnesium parts is risky business. The small chips and fine dust generated during cutting are highly flammable and pose a serious fire risk if not properly handled. These particles are commonly removed from the machine tool by means of a vacuum extraction system, in some cases using a hood mounted near the cutting tool to collect particles as soon as they are produced. Dry machining or use of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) in conjunction with this extraction method allow chips to be recycled and can eliminate secondary part cleaning operations. However, auxiliary collection devices hamper both tool changes and machine high speed movements.



http://cnc-info.blogspot.com/

Guide To CNC Machines

CNC machines are used in a variety of industrial settings and in woodworking shops. Most are out of the price range for the individual user, but can be purchased used for about half the price. These machines increase speed and accuracy when doing large jobs or repetitive tasks.

How CNC Machines Work

CNC machines are used in a variety of industry, manufacturing processes and woodworking shops. CNC routers are used for drilling holes. Some machines have the capability of holding several tools. This allows them to perform more than one operation at a time. They save time and improve accuracy.

CNC stands for Computer Numerated Control. This technology was first seen in the 1970s. The machines need to be programmed and set up properly before operation. Once the initial set up is completed, they are fairly easy to operate and keep running.

In CNC routers, they can be programmed to drill holes in an automatic fashion. This is faster and more accurate over several pieces than in manual drilling. The results are more uniform. This method is very beneficial for larger jobs that require a lot of drilling. Manual drilling can become tiring and when the operator becomes tired, the results can become inconsistent.

Types of CNC Machines

A CNC lathe is a good piece of equipment for cutting wood. These come in models ranging from fifteen to forty horsepower. The amount of power you need depends on the amount of wood you will use with the lathe. The best models operate in several different modes, from completely manual to all CNC. This allows you to tailor the machine’s operation for each project.

A Bridgeport mill is the best in milling technology. Mills are used in many industries, both large and small shops. They are efficient and reliable. Bridgeport mills are built to last a lifetime. However, they are very expensive. The price is out of the range that most people can afford.

The CNC mill is a specialty piece of equipment. It uses computer programming and robotics for accurate operation. The results are more accurate than any person could ever achieve. For this reason, Bridgeport mills are often used in the airline industry. Once the specs are entered, the CNC decides which tools need to be used and automatically changes the tools as needed.

Engraving equipment is made to engrave a variety of materials including glass, stone, metal, wood, composites and many others. The machines mark and engrave with more accuracy than could ever be achieved by hand. Everything from large signs to small lettering can be done, depending on your needs.

Buying Used units

CNC equipment is very expensive and out of the price range of most people. Buying used CNC electronics is an affordable option for some people. You can save nearly 50% or more on some equipment. Be careful when buying used, you want to be sure the equipment is in good condition.

A better option is to look for refurbished equipment. These machines have been inspected at the factory. Any broken or damaged components are replaced. In many cases, the machine is painted and new decals are applied. It’s like getting a new machine for a significantly reduced price. Often, you will get a one year warranty with reconditioned equipment. This gives you time to be sure it is working properly and if not, you can get it fixed for free.



http://www.reprint-content.com/Article/Guide-To-CNC-Machines/734

CNC Carving Overview

High tech cnc carving has taken school projects a long way from a hammer, chisel and a block of wood that wound up being a birdhouse for Mom. Today’s students are using CAD programs and cnc machines to make a carving that includes intricate design features. The experiences help give them a running start with the skills they will need for tomorrow’s job market. Cnc carving is the process of using a computerized machine carving away the unwanted material from a stock piece, leaving only the computer aided design piece. A computer numerical controlled machine can maintain extremely tight tolerances to produce pieces with a very high level of precision. They can carve virtually any material, including metal, wood, plastic and even ice.

Specialized computer software takes CAD designs and ‘tells’ the cnc machine to cut a specified amount of material from a stock piece with specialized cutting tools. The machine will make a series of precision cuts on multiple axes to yield the finished cnc carving. Virtually any object that can be designed with a CAD program can be carved with a cnc machine.

A cnc carving can be extremely intricate within extremely tight tolerances. Once the machine is set, hundreds and even thousands of identical pieces can be carved. Tolerances as tight as 0.005 inches are possible.

One of the advantages of a cnc wood carving is that when the CAD design is created, the cnc machine can be used to make one or many identical pieces. Students in many schools are learning to come up with an idea for the project and design it with a computer and a CAD program. The design is then controlled number of cuts made by the cnc machine to produce a perfectly carved piece. Elaborate desks, coffee tables and other projects are now being built in many schools with this technology and equipment. Students in schools are given projects as a means of teaching them the technology and the machine operating skills necessary to run this equipment.

Cnc carving skills are necessary for design and development work as well as actual production. These are the important skills these students are learning. They are developing the ideas, creating the designs and using specialized software to translate them into designs to be used by the cnc machines. The actual operation of the machine requires only a minimum of skill relating to properly loading the stock material and removing the finished pieces. These skills development prepare the students for a much different career than could have been imagined when schools taught students to build birdhouses with a hammer, saw and piece of wood.



http://www.insidewoodworking.com/cnc/cnc_carving.html

CNC machine performs variable radius bending

Although the company made its name in tube manipulation, and is a successful business that has been part of Metalrax Group for the past 30 years, Toolspec's managing director, Dick Corking, says it is probably more accurately defined as 'a producer of welded assemblies'. An example of this approach is the tube components for LH and RH versions of a tractor cab grab handle that are being produced on the sixth tube bending machine to be supplied by BLM Group.

Because both conventional and variable radius bending can be combined in the same automatic cycle, the BLM Dynamic 2 is particularly suited to producing the complex components often to be found in the design and manufacture of, for example, furniture, air conditioning systems, motor vehicles and 'yellow goods', such as tractors, excavators and earthmoving equipment.

However, when manipulating tube for these demanding applications the bending process should, ideally, produce a consistently accurate result if, as is the case at Toolspec, each tube component is subsequently placed in a fixture and lugs, brackets, plates and similar items robot welded in place.

Since manual intervention to correct any misalignment that may have occurred during tube manipulation is not an option, there is no room for error, especially when the component in question is a grab handle that locates directly onto glass and cannot be adjusted to fit when delivered to the assembly line.

'The fact that we robot weld the grab handle assembly combined with the actual configuration of the tee-piece demands that we bend the tube within a 2mm envelope, which for tube work is a very tight tolerance,' said Corking.

'We got the initial order before we bought this latest BLM machine on the basis of our track record for this type of work, and I am delighted to report that, over the past 18 months, we have maintained a consistent high quality and order quantities for this particular assembly are expected to double in 2007.' Toolspec produces a wide range of bent tubular products, from brake pipe assemblies to safety cages for earthmoving equipment, and is a long-established user of BLM Group equipment.

The tractor cab grab handle order has been placed by a French OEM and it is not the first time that Toolspec, with the help of BLM's applications team, has replaced an overseas supplier.

'To succeed against stiff European competition demands investment in modern production equipment and the Dynamic 2 has risen to the challenge of a difficult component and a high standard of accuracy and repeatability,' said Corking.

'Although the component features a multiple-radius bend it looks as though it is a single, gentle radius.

Even so, BLM Group was the only supplier prepared to guarantee that its machine would do the job - in a cycle time of around 45 seconds - and an added bonus is that the after-sales support is very good.' The Dynamic 2, which can bend tube up to 42mm diameter, can be equipped with up to two sets of bend tooling for conventional bending with two different radii, or compound bending with little or no straight between the bends.

This, combined with the capability of producing variable radius bends and curves along the entire tube length, makes it a totally flexible tube manipulation system.

The Siemens 840Di CNC fitted as standard to the Dynamic 2 uses digital technology and the graphical interface can be personalised to user requirements.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/blm/blm103.html

VISI-Series - machining STRATEGIST

The Shop Floor Machining Solution machining STRATEGIST is a CAM system designed for high speed machining with built-in logic for use with solid carbide and carbide insert cutters. Developed by the people at Vero International in England, machining STRATEGIST is used in Mold, Tool and Die, Prototype and Pattern shops for generating cutter paths on complex geometry developed in disparate CAD systems such as VISI-Modeling, CATIA, Unigraphics, Pro/Engineer, SolidWorks, and Solid EDGE.



Most popular CAM systems that are used in today's mold shops weren't designed with High Speed Machining in mind. In order to take advantage of today's cutter and machine tool technology, machining STRATEGIST had to be and was designed completely from scratch. Released less than 6 years ago, it is the newest technology on the market today.

Using the latest software development tools, Vero people created a CAM system that generates efficient toolpaths very quickly, while still maintaining unparalleled ease of use. Strategist also takes advantage of multiple processors for more productive programming. But, the biggest advantage of machining STRATEGIST is in it's toolpath generation. Because it maintains a cut stock boundary, it knows exactly where to go to remove stock. It allows use of higher feedrates because toolpaths are created without any sharp corners so cutter deflection is maintained more constant. And all this allows your CNC machines to run faster and more productively with less wear and tear.

Advanced Rest Machining
Steep and shallow areas are machined in a single toolpath with different strategies - steep and shallow machining - for each. Crucially, rest machining can be calculated in areas where the final cutter is smaller than the curvature of the part.

Point ReductionAll machining passes operations now support enhanced point reduction and arc fitting. Arc fitting is enabled by default for those operations where it is likely to have the biggest benefit. In benchmarking, reductions of over 50% in NC file size have been observed.

Horizontal Finish Machining
Horizontal surface machining has been designed to use a flat-based cutter. This strategy will dramatically reduce the time it takes to finish machine the flat areas on a complex 3D mould, and in finish machining pockets in aerospace components.

Rest Roughing
The system will calculate the rest areas of a selected toolpath - areas left on the surface that have been insufficiently machined - generate a stockmodel with this information, and edit passes to it.

This is a good way to generate efficient toolpaths, reducing air-cutting and shortening the machining time.

Morph Machining
Each pass in a morphed "patch" - the toolpath prior to linking - echoes the shape of the one before, while suggesting the shape of the one after. Akin to machining with the flow of a surface but by creating a set of boundaries with control points, the operator can exercise tight control on how a toolpath flows as it is mapped onto the model.

It is now possible to access two advanced machining presets quickly and easily from the menu, consolidating pencil milling and constant surface stepover.

Parallel Pencil Milling PassesA set number of passes are offset from an active boundary or existing single line toolpath.

Tapered cutter support extends to carbide insert button cutters, predominantly used for roughing. To leave a tapered finish, it is critical to rough with taper to leave a material-on condition.



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Use 5 axis CNC machining for precise work

5 axis cnc machines are used for a variety of purposes. Large scale machines can be used to mill automobile sized pieces, including models for wind tunnels or casting. Smaller 5 axis cnc machines are also available, and these can save time by reducing the amount of material repositioning needed for 3D products. In order to understand 5 axis units, it is necessary to take a brief look at 3 axis machining. A standard 3-axis machine operates in 3 linear axes of movement (x, y, z). These axes of movement tell the tool where to begin and stop each procedure, and could produce 3D engraving. But if you wanted to machine the sides of the project you would be forced to reposition the material.

In addition, 5 axis cnc adds two more axes of movement (a, b). These two axes allow the cutting tool to tilt so that the sides of the material can be machined. The result is e.g. a cnc router that can produce highly accurate 3D products quickly and efficiently.

CNC routers with five axis are ideal for accurate, high-speed trimming, cutting, and routing of wood, plastic parts, composites, clay, and metals. These routers come in many different sizes, ranging from garage sized machines designed for making aluminum molds to larger models designed for accurate cutting and trimming of large aircraft parts and other components. They are fully automated, and allow the operator to input just a few commands to produce many different pieces. These machines can also help to trim and finish large metal and plastic pieces with just a simple cnc software.

Who uses a 5 axis machine

Because a 5 axis machines typically takes up a great deal of space, it is highly unusual to see these machines in anything but the largest shops and manufacturing plants. The high cost of a 5 axis machine also makes it prohibitive for users on a smaller scale. The most typical users are companies which need to produce large, one piece products with shaping, carving, or finishing on all sides. Plastics plants, aerospace factories, automakers, and fabricators are just few examples of industries which use 5 axis cnc technology.


http://www.insidewoodworking.com/cnc/5_axis_cnc.html

About CNC Machining

Computer numeric control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process that automatically shapes or forms metals or other materials into highly precise parts. This is done through the manipulation of raw materials by machine operated cutting tools. Precision CNC machining systems are equipped with a computer consisting of one or more microprocessors and storage units. CNC machines utilize specialized software in conjunction with CAD/CAM software systems to instruct the tooling to execute the exact movements necessary to create the part. Precision CNC machining is a highly automated process that requires very little attention from workers. Operators only need to load materials and make any adjustments to the design parameters in order for a CNC machining operation to run unattended for a certain period of time. Precision machining is an efficient and quick way to precisely produce detailed parts.

CNC machining can consist of a number of detailed operations including grinding, turning and precision laser work. They are essentially modern milling machines and the range of available procedures is vast. The process more generally begins with the loading of a “raw” metal piece referred to as a billet. This piece of metal may have been cast, forged or rolled. It is then cut via laser or other device to create highly detailed work, as in the case of laser CNC machining. The milling done by a CNC machine requires little “finishing” to remove rough edges or blemishes, but some post production work may be required to meet safety regulations.

The majority of the operations of a CNC machine take place on what is called a lathe. This lathe performs any operations which require the rotation of the piece in order for the cutting or milling to take place. Parts like the lathe require frequent calibration to ensure accuracy of operation. The maintenance required to keep a CNC machine working does make it a more expensive operation than other types of metal forming, yet the accuracy of the final part is greater, and the range of services available is much wider. Since acute angles are virtually impossible to create using a standard forging or molding technique, CNC machining has become the preferred metal machining method for many industries.

It is important to know the parameters of a machine part that is needed when utilizing CNC machine work services. Many CNC machining service companies will create the design code based on specifications given them. Often the CNC machining systems are able to take an existing part and create code based on photo imaging programs. Some companies will take a CNC file and create the parts on their machines. Many shops are able to handle both continual and short-run orders. A few CNC operations can create a decent amount of waste material, so looking for a shop which has appropriate, up-to-date recycling methods is crucial to saving material and money in the long run.

http://www.cnc-machining.biz/info/cnc-machining/index.htm

Wire EDM Machines: An Overview

While there are many brands and models of Wire EDM machines available today, the three most prominent manufacturers are Elox, Japax, and Mitsubishi.While each of these companies manufacture similar products, there will always be some varying features such as the User-interface with the CNC controller, the numbers of wires, be it a 4-axis or 5-axis Wire EDM machine, type of electrical current (AC vs. DC), and the gauges of wires that can be used.

Another very big difference will be the size of the tank in which the manufacturing is accomplished.Some examples of specifications for one model from each of these companies are:Elox Fanuc Model M - (the Fanuc indicating the type of CNC controller that is a component of the Elox Wire EDM) has an X-axis path of 20”, a Y-axis path of 14”, and a Z-axis path of 10”Japax Wire EDM Model LDM-S - has a Y-axis path 13.8” and capable of machining a work piece with the measurements of 15.7” x 19.7” x 5.9” and a table that moves 7.9” x 13.8”Mitsubishi Wire EDM Model DWC 110 H-1 - has an X-axis of 12”, a Y-axis of 18”, and a Z-axis of 10”Each of these models only represents one of many different models offered by their respective manufacturer.

Variations will be observed from model to model with some differences including the distance that each axis wire can travel, the size of product that can be manufactured and the CNC controller.When selecting a wire EDM machine, one must take into consideration the product that will be manufactured, the degrees of tolerance and variances that are allowed, how detailed the cut will be, and not least importantly, the funds available for purchasing the wire EDM.While Elox, Japax and Mitsubishi are three prominent manufacturers of wire EDM machines, remember that there are also other manufactures of wire EDM machines.


http://cnc-info.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2007-01-23T01%3A31%3A00-08%3A00

Fagor automation offers CNC systems - Machine tools of Spain: European quality

Conversational 8055i TC/MC CNC's from FAGOR AUTOMATION

The most outstanding feature of FAGOR AUTOMATION's CNC systems is their operating friendliness, simple and intuitive, which gives them a competitive edge widely acknowledged by our customers. There are standard models with ISO and high level programming with the possibility of conversational programming that make them adaptable to both single-part work and long runs.

Conversational CNC's from FAGOR AUTOMATION (8055iTC/MC) may be adapted to the usual work method of a shop and have been designed to make intuitive programming easier for the operator; they have an interactive editor based on operations associated with each one of the processes that make up the machining of a part. The previous graphic simulation helps verify each operation and correct the data entered.

The system is programmed very easily. All the automatic operations have an interactive help, geometry defining area and other areas to set the machining conditions of the roughing and finishing stages with several editing levels or types of cycles with their own screen. This minimizes the preparation time; and any operator, without previous programming knowledge, can operate the CNC and carry out typical operations efficiently.

Its intelligent profile editor, similar to an integrated mini CAD, helps create profiles without the need for complex calculations by directly entering the values and parameters of the part, run a previous simulation and machine the part defined. If the part is too complicated, the preparation may be faster than when using an external CAD-CAM.

Telediagnosis and Setup Assistance On FAGOR AUTOMATION CNC's

FAGOR AUTOMATION has developed the Telediagnosis option to remotely control all the incidences that may occur on the machine.

Just connect the CNC with the PC of the Technical Department via the internet through a modem. This way, the technician, from his work table and at his own PC can remotely manipulate and observe the system status (CNC-drives-motors). This functionality may be used to detect PLC program errors, do a setup, or change parameters (CNC, motors mad drives), saving in travel expenses and labor of the technicians and minimizing machine down time by receiving assistance and error diagnosis immediately.

In order to facilitate the setup, it offers assistance such as the oscilloscope function and the circular geometry test.

The Oscilloscope function shows the response of the axes in time. With this feature, the signals may be seen directly at the CNC. (variables of regulation, path, feedback, etc.) without requiring external devices to check the status and facilitate the adjustments of the machine. The advantage of this feature is that the setup and the troubleshooting of incidences are faster and the diagnosis easier (even remotely) because the signals generated by the oscilloscope may be sent by fax or email.

The Circular Geometry Test may be used to cheek the behavior of the axes when doing a circle by enlarging the measuring errors of the axes. This function helps detect mechanical misadjustments and check the performance of the electronic equipment quickly while saving on additional devices.


http://cnc-info.blogspot.com/2007/01/fagor-automation-offers-cnc-systems.html

What is a CNC Machine

What is a CNC Machine? CNC stands for Computer Numeric Control. Sounds complicated, but it isn’t. Years ago, it was just NC, or Numeric Control. Since, they’ve added computers to control the machine.

In the simplest of terms, think of a drill press. It’s a machine that drills holes. But before you can drill the hole, you have to loosen the chuck, install the correct drill bit, drill the hole in the correct place, turn off the drill, and remove the drill bit. Manually, this could be time consuming and cause fatigue over the course of numerous parts. This is a simple example, but throw in some lathe or milling machining and you have a greater chance for error.

With the CNC machine, all of this drilling can be done automatically instead of the manual process listed above. Machining has to be precise, and whether you use a CNC lathe or milling machine, you have to make sure the part is right. The computer takes a lot of the guesswork out of the machining of these parts. In fact, a CNC programmer can sometimes get bored watching the machine do all the work.

But there is more programming for the machine than you would think. The operator has to enter a set of instructions. The programming uses about 50 words and tells the machine how fast, how deep, and location for machining.

What can you do with a CNC machine? In manufacturing, you can use this tool for milling, drilling, reaming, boring and counter boring. You can also groove and thread parts in a CNC turning center. You may have several setups including CNC lathes, CNC drill and tap area, CNC milling, or even CNC grinding.

EDM (electrical discharge machining) can also take advantage of CNC operations. EDM can be either vertical or wire. A vertical EDM machine uses an electrode to make a cavity for a plastic injection-molding machine. A wire EDM machine uses a wire to cut metal for a tooling operation for fabrication. EDM is more closely related to making tooling for other machines, people often overlook the use of CNC with these machines.

CNC machines can also be used with routers in the wood industry. CNC can also be used with lettering and engraving.

I hope this gave you some basic information about what a CNC machine is and what they are used for.


http://cnc-info.blogspot.com

Probes improve CNC machining cycle times

Dunlop Aerospace Braking Systems, a part of Meggitt, is a global organisation that designs, develops and manufactures wheels and brakes for commercial and military aircraft applications. Aircraft production in the UK has experienced steady growth and to meet this demand the hub and flange cell at Dunlop Aerospace purchased three key CNC machines between 1998 and 2000, at that time actively specifying Renishaw probe systems. This has increased process consistency and has also had a marked effect on the manufacturing time.

* Dramatic reductions - Andrew Cartledge, team leader of the hub and flange cell, speaks positively about the decision to employ Renishaw probing systems, 'We've seen improvement both in machining cycle times and the overall set times every time we've introduced a component to the cell'.

'This is critical to our New Product Introduction process (NPI) which we use every time a new wheel is introduced, essentially allowing us to 'design for manufacture'.' * Runners, repeaters and one-offs - orders for wheels fall into three different categories according to the number of batches made each year.

The 'runner' orders are classed as those wheels produced in more than 10 batches a year; 'repeaters' are less than 10 batches a year.

Dunlop Aerospace also supply one-off orders and recently succeeded in a very impressive project to re-manufacture components for the 1950s Canberra.

This involved taking original drawings and re-programming the machining through the modern CNC process.

Cartledge continued, 'NPI involves a process we call Manufacturing Process Approval (MPA) whereby any machining process must be closely analysed to see if it affects the stresses and component strengths of a wheel assembly.

All the main 'runners' and any 'repeaters' that are introduced to the new cell need MPA before production can start.' * Investment in technology and automation - between 1998 and 2000 Dunlop Aerospace chose to spend nearly GBP 2 million on three state of the art multi-axis CNC machines; a multi-axis Mazak Integrex - a turning centre with full C-axis and driven tooling to give milling capability; a Mazak HV800 5-axis horizontal machine centre; and the most recent investment, a Mori-Seiki MT4000, at the time the first of its type in the UK.

* Probe systems make all the difference - the underlying technique made possible by the integration of the probe systems is the ability to identify the component position and material condition, updating and monitoring the deviation in the wheel forgings.

This reduces cutting time, as it eliminates fresh-air cuts - this is because the probe ensures that the critical surfaces of forgings are accurately located and metal cutting starts immediately.

* The importance of one hit machining - during the cutting process stresses are relieved in the material, so one hit machining results in the cutting process achieving greater consistency.

L77 aluminium is the most commonly used material and, with the high cost of each process, it is essential that Dunlop Aerospace keep scrap levels low.

In-process monitoring and tool offset updating ensures process control and minimises scrap.The nature of the aviation industry demands ever-increasing accuracy and quality, ensuring both wheels and brakes can be reliable in all conditions and scenarios.

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Trade old machine tools for latest CNC models

Trade old machine tools for latest CNC models Trade-in values for used machine tools against new purchases should be available within around 10 min from C Dugard, UK, under its Express Delivery from stock package for CNC machine tools. Trade-in values for used machine tools against new purchases should be available within around 10 min from C Dugard of Hove under its Express Delivery from stock package for Hyundai-Kia and its own Dugard Eagle range of mill/turn centres, lathes, vertical and horizontal machining centres. In addition, due to its expertise in the machine tool market, certain other machines from the extensive turning, milling and grinding products available from C Dugard can be included for fast track pricing.

This capability draws on C Dugard's specialist second-hand machine tool sales operation and worldwide network of distributors that provides a ready market for any traded-in equipment.

Says managing director Eric Dugard: 'Our aim is to provide a 'one stop' solution to customers with the availability of two trucks and crews.

We can quote a sale, price a trade-in, arrange delivery and very often the trade-in price can provide the deposit and part finance for the new installation.

We get a lot of market feedback from our connections around the world and do not have to involve third party machine tool sales companies.

Therefore we can often provide a more competitive and immediate package deal.' Around a third of Dugard Eagle machines are now sold this way and as Eric Dugard points out, the international contacts can prove to be very valuable to customers.

He cites one customer with four Manurin lathes that the UK trade were very reluctant to accept.

'Our distributor in France was able to quickly source an outlet for the French built machines enabling us to painlessly extract the machines and install the new lathes in the customer works within a few days of the order being confirmed.'

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