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From the Editor
Advanced Products
Latebreaking Products

Multicollet fixtures

Saves machining time

Gang-machining small parts is possible with the multicollet fixture's ten uniform 5C collet cells. It offers fast loading and unloading, 2´´ center distances, and hydraulic- or mechanical-locking models that speed up machining center operations. The multicollet fixture cuts toolchanging time by 90%. The patented alignment feature prevents radial movement. The multicollet fixture can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Beere Tool Inc, Racine, WI.

Rotary unions

Increases
machine uptime

The Barco BLS series of coolant rotary unions has a one-piece bearing less design that protects seal faces during installation. The rigid support of the rotary union eliminates premature failure and increases its length of service. The rotary unions supply coolant to high-speed multi-spindle heads and independent box spindles. They are designed for use on dial machines and gun-drills. Barco, Cary, IL.

Laser machining center

Eight axes of motion

The new, larger, Gemini five-axis center has been designed for heavy-duty, high-precision, large-envelope processing requirements. It is designed for drilling, cutting, and welding. Convergent Energy, Sturbridge, MA.

http://www.convergent-energy.com

Automated press setup

RamPac automates press setup by automatically adjusting shut-height, counterbalance pressure, and/or die-cushion pressure during each tool and die changeover. Once the die-cushion pressure is entered for each tool, RamPac saves it with tool information. From then on, the cushion is set to this pressure every time the tool is loaded. Data Instruments, Acton, MA.

http://www.wintriss.com

Micrometer checking sets

Meet ISO 9000 recommendations

The 1´´ English micrometer checking kits are available for US Fed accuracy grade 2 and grade 1. The metric 25mm micrometer checking sets are also available for accuracy grade 2 and for grade 1. The Starrett Webber croblox chromium gage blocks in the sets are accurate to several millionths of an inch. LS Starrett Co, Cleveland, OH.

Diamond
edging wheels

Lightweight, won't rust

The Emerald Lite features a plastic polymer core material that will not rust. The lightweight feature, required for floating-head machines, will increase bearing life. Also, the brass arbor holes will increase accuracy. The 110mm x 20mm roughing wheel on the Emerald Lite weighs 480 grams. Hoffman Diamond Products, North Bay, Ontario.

All-aluminum tool

For production riveting applications

The PRG510A-Plus comes complete with an air line and additional jaw service kit. The jaw service kit includes a pair of replacement jaws, a jaw pusher, and a jaw pusher spring. The tool features a relocated air-line connection, that makes the tool more balanced for the operator and easier to rotate and rivet downward. Emhart Fastening Teknologies, Shelton, CT.

http://www.emhart.com

Vertical machining center

Delivers precision at 32,000 rpm

Designed to machine small dies and molds, the Hyper 5 has a top spindle-speed of 32,000 rpm, positioning accuracy of 1 micron, standard scale feedback of 0.01 micron, and thermal distortion ripple of less than 1 micron. It also features feedrates of 630 ipm. Makino, Inc, Mason, OH.

http://www.makino.com/room/pressreleases/hyper5.html

Hydraulic spreaders

With 5 tons of spreading force

The SF5 can fit into spaces as tight as ¹/₈ of an inch, and open a full three inches. The SF5 can also double as a five-ton capacity toe jack. The spreader jaws open parallel to protect against drifting. The all-metal construction promotes a long service life, and the lightweight frame makes the SF5 easy to carry and store. Simplex, Broadview, IL.

Automatic welding lathe

Precise, circumferential welds

The Lathe Master automates the welding production of cylindrical products like hydraulic cylinders, exhaust system components, and fire extinguishers. The machine rotates the part while a torch welds from a few degrees in arc to 360-deg plus overlap. The torch automatically retracts for quick part changeover. Illinois Tool Works, Glenview, IL.

http://www.millerwelds.com

Task light

With optional magnifier

The SN 136 model uses one 36-watt compact flourescent that illuminates for inspection applications requiring wide levels of light. The built-in parabolic louver highlights the work area and keeps unwanted glare off offending zones like computer screens and monitors. Waldmann Lighting, Wheeling, IL. http://www.waldmannlighting.com

Integrated rollforming systems

High-shock
resistance

The rollformer features tapered Timkin bearings with in-board stands, an oil bath gear case, double enveloping worm and worm gear, alloy steel tooling shafts, and toggle gearing. The outboard housing on the rollformer can be positioned along the tooling shaft to minimize deflection. Optional outboard stand mounting holes can be drilled and tapped on request. American Machine & Rollfrom Tech Inc, Salem, OR.

Bar-code reader

For large reading distances

The BCL-80 offers a standard 600 scans per second, which can be adjusted on an ap plication-specific basis. It can be used for packaging distribution and in sorting system and pallet identification applications. A reading distance of approximately 5 ft allows for a varied range of package sizes and scanning distances without compromising accuracy. The BCL-80 comes standard with autocontrol, which detects deteriorating label quality. Leuze-Lumiflex Inc, Rockaway, NJ.

PC-based control
with smart gage

With instructional language

The Super 750's PC-based control provides greater storage capacity and faster processing capability than standard controllers. Its graphics-based programming system uses simple, instructional language to guide users at all skill levels. Smart Gage's single point X, Y coordinate gaging system locates the workpiece against a single point to generate repeatable precision. Strippit, Inc, Akron, NY.

http://www.strippit.com

Vertical CNC turning machine

Self-loading

The vertical orientation on the DV series turning machines improve operator ergonomics, space utilization, and chip removal. The downward-facing motorized spindle can pick up conveyorized parts up to 14´´ high and weighing 152 lb. The DV series machines come in two models. Turmatic Systems Inc, St Louis, MO.

http://www.hydromat.com

Diamond sharpening stones

For the industrial toolroom

The sharpening stones are manufactured with an uninterrupted layer of solid crystals of monocrystalline diamond that is nickel-bonded to a steel substrate to ensure a long life. The new bench stones are designed to sharpen, hone, deburr, file, and abrade various materials, including carbide, glass, tool steel, ceramics, composites, stone, and titanium. Norton Co, Worcester, MA.

Multispeed gear transmissions

Compact

A line of multispeed gear transmissions features 2, 4, 6, or 9 speeds within one gearbox housing and from 12 to 288 speeds by coupling up to four boxes. Form-ground gears are shrunk onto the shafts, eliminating the use of keys. The housings are manufactured for installation in any position. When coupled in tandem, the overall length is held to a minimum by a design that eliminates the need for external shaft couplings. Available in seven sizes over the ratio range, the gearboxes are designed for 24-hour-a-day operation. Andantex Inc, Wanamassa, NJ. http://www.andantex.com

High-speed VMC

With a 40 taper machining center

The SV-45 is a 40 taper machining center that has a 1181 ipm rapid traverse rate, hardened and ground ways, and 45´´ x 21´´ travels. The standard configurations of the machine include a 24-position arm-style tool changer, 15-hp, two-speed, 8000 rpm spindle, and 18MC Fanuc CNC control with color graphics. Absolute Machine Tools Inc, Elyria, OH.

Small-parts coater

Coats in bulk

The Dip/Spin coater for small parts and stampings is designed to minimize the cost of coating material and waste disposal. The machine is engineered to handle production volumes of up to 16,000 lb per hour. It cleans and pretreats, applies the coating, and cures. The machine coats fasteners, clamps, springs, O-rings, U-bolts, and motor mounts. The product is loaded into a mesh basket, submerged into a coatings solution, then centrifuged to remove excess coating. Spring Tools Co, Dayton, OH.

Through-coating measurement

Ultrasonic thickness gages

With through-coating measurement, the coating layer is not included in the digital thickness reading of the gage. By pressing the direct acess key, one can read the remaining metal thickness. There is no need to incur the time and expense of use scrapers, files, or handgrinders to remove coatings before making ultrasonic thickness measurement. Krautkramer Branson Inc, Lewistown, PA.

http://www.krautkramer.com

Wastewater evaporators

Hyde offers Hevap electric-powered models and Hgvap LP or natural-gas powered-models. A number of features make them safer and more cost-effective to operate. Systems are available for batch or continuous treatment of up to 720 gallons per day. Applications include: acid rinses and alkalai cleaners, tumbling and vibratory fluids, oil-based process waters, plating and metal finishing waste waters, wire-drawing compounds, and paint booth washer solutions. Hyde Products Inc, Cleveland, OH.

http://www.hydeweb.com

Inspection microscope

For 3D viewing

The compact Stereomaster 3 system features a jointed long-arm stand, incident illumination, and 10x, 20x, and 35x magnifications with long-working-distance objectives. It reaches heights and widths of 16´´, enabling the viewing of large objects and assemblies. The microscope's antireflection-coated lenses provide clear and upright images. Prior Scientific Inc, Rockland, MA. http://www.prior.com

C-frame
hydraulic presses

Greenerd HCA series hydraulic presses are available in capacities from 6 to 250 tons. Standard options include: touch-screen control, a wide range of operator controls, automatic cycle, dwell timers, light curtain/PSDI, rotary index tables, and speed controls. A precision servo system capable of controlling ram position to ±0.001´´ is available as an option. Extra-heavy steel weldments significantly reduce flame deflection, allowing more precise parts and longer tool life. Greenerd Press and Machine Co Inc, Nashua, NH.

http://www.greenerd.com

Horizontal
machining center

Features two-pallet changer

The standard indexing table of the HTC-400 allows access to multiple sides of a single part, or to multiple prismatic parts in one setup when using a tombstone fixture. The HTC-400 offers 10,000 rpm spindle speed with 15-hp rating. The armless automatic tool changer offers a high speed, servo-driven tool magazine. Maiximum workpiece size is 22´´ x 24.8´´. When using the machine's 15.75´´ square pallets, it offers a total machining of X=22´´, Y=20´´, and Z=20´´. Mazak Corp, Florence, KY.

http://www.mazakcorp.com

Pen-based computer

It's hand-held

About the size of a book, this battery powered computer measures approximately 8 ³/₄´´ x 6 ¹/₄´´ with a 1 ¹/₂´´ thickness. It is designed to collect, process, and communicate information in most work environments. The pen is cordless for flexibility. The system combines point-and-touch simplicity with bar code data capture and computer capability. The unit features a 7´´ backlit display and a passive styles activated screen. It has an elastic hand strap for for easy-to-grip usage. Digital Weighing Instruments Inc, Dayton, OH.

http://www.digitalweighing.com

Rolling offset and rolling pincher

Leave virtually no burrs

The Wilson Wheel rolling offset and rolling pincher tools utilize wheel technology for high-speed operation. Both products are able to perform high-speed operations from 0.032´´ to 0.078´´ on mild steel, 0.032´´ to 0.060´´ on stainless steel, and 0.032´´ to 0.098´´ on aluminum, at the programmed table travel speed of the machine. They create no scrap, leave virtually no burrs, and can start or stop anywhere on the sheet. Wilson Tool International, White Bear Lake, MN.

Horizontal machining
centers

With high-speed ATC

The HS500 and HS630 feature a highly rigid box column and solid T-shaped bed, permitting positioning accuracies of ±4 microns. A high-speed built-in spindle diminishes vibrations for a smooth surface finish, and provides more responsive start-and-stop control. The HS series design provides for efficient discharge of large volumes of chips. A high-speed ATC accomodates a standard 40-tool magazine, with options of 60, 90, and 120 tool positions. Both machines feature cutting feeds as fast as 787 ipm and a rapid traverse of up to 1770 ipm. Hitachi Seiki USA, Inc, Itasca, IL.

http://www.hitachiseikiusa.com

Machine vise

Increased jaw opening

Verti-Lock machine vise offers an increased jaw opening of 7 ¹/₂´´. The vises can be ordered with a separate swivel base. The base can rotate 360-deg and is calibrated in 1-deg increments for ease of use. Workstops can also be ordered for quick, accurate positioning. The movable jaw plates allow clamping in four different positions. The fixed jaw is rated at 70,000 psi, and the annealed, surface-ground sliding jaw is rated at 70,000 psi. Wilton Corp, Palantine, IL.

High-speed
machining center

Twin spindles

The BostoMatic 40TS is designed for high volume production of larger precision parts. Both 15-hp 8000 or 12,000 rpm CAT taper spindles have their own 20-station tool changer. Standard centerline distance is 15.75´´, with other distances available as options. With axis travels of X=40´´, Y=22´´, and Z=22´´, the machine is ideal for the rapid production of larger parts and multiple cavity molds. Boston Digital Corp, Milford, MA.

Laser-based scanner

For tracking systems

The noncontact Optocator scanner S002 is designed for real-time thin sheet seam tracking in a variety of robotic arc wel ding and surface profiling applications as well as numerous other assembly applications. The scanner increases productivity and improves quality whether it is used in robotic arc welding, or integrated into a flexible measuring system, the manufacturer reports. Easy to mount on most welding guns, the scanner can be integrated into most applications. Selcom Inc, Southfield, MI.

http://www.selcominc.com

Parts program
storage

Lose the punched paper tape

The CNC Minifile is an IBM/MS-DOS compatible part program storage system. It eliminates up to 1090 meters of punched paper tape and the downtime associated with breakage or loss of tapes on the shopfloor. The Minifile stores part programs on 3.5´´ or 5.25´´ diskettes. It runs under a multitasking operating system, so an operator can run a job on a machine tool while the programmer is transferring NC programs. Available in rackmount or portable versions, the system has been interfaced with over 400 reader/control combinations. Greco Systems, El Cajon, CA.

http://www.grecosystems.com

Cold stripper

Won't affect sensitive metals

Chemo Series 1800 and 1850 cold strippers remove paint, enamels, synthetics, varnishes, and lacquer. The stripper is nonflammable, safe, and does not affect sensitive metals or precision machined parts in the time normally required to strip the finish. Series 1850 is for general purpose dip or immersion; and Series 1800 is for brush, flow, or spray applications for fixed or large parts that are impractical to dip. Available in 55-gal steel drums or 5-gal steel pails. Chemco Manufacturing Co, Northbrook, IL.

http://www.chemcomfg.com

Presaturated wipes

Low-lint, environmentally sound

Bioact 105 presaturated wipes are low-lint wipe towels with an environmentally sound precision cleaner. The wipes are designed for surface preparation prior to painting, bonding or coating, cleaning prior to final assembly or packaging, equipment maintenance, and general-purpose clean-up. They remove oils, greases, fingerprints, coolants, lubricants, adhesives, mold release, tar, inks, waxes, and other soils without leaving a residue. Petroferm Inc, Fermandina Beach, FL.

Semisynthetic coolant

For ferrous and nonferrous metals

Kleerkut 1900-FRC is a semisynthetic coolant that performs various machining and grinding operations on ferrous and nonferrous metals. It is low-foaming and contains additives that prevent corrosion of the machine and workpieces. Harry Miller Corp, Philadelphia, PA.

Rust dissolver

Exrust concentrated chemical rust remover makes surfaces ready for painting or coating. It can be diluted and used as an immersion or applied directly to any metal surface, neutralizing ferrous oxide on contact. Kano Laboratories, Nashville, TN.

http://www.kanolabs.com

Belt sander

Direct drive
coupling

The model S6MS 6´´-belt sander features a 6´´x 48´´ variable-position belt with direct drive coupling, quick belt release, safety guard, and a reversible-platen tilt worktable. The sander is offered with a cast iron frame, steel stand, manual switch, and a 3-hp motor for either single-phase or three-phase current. Kalamazoo Industries, Kalamazoo, MI.

Pneumatic bench press

Direct-acting

Eight models of direct-acting pneumatic bench presses are designed for applications in which the pressing force must be constant throughout the working stroke. The presses operate on 87-psi shop air, with maximum output ranging between 335 and 6295 lb of force. The presses are compact, with anti-twist ram, adjustable stroke length of 1.18´´ in increments of 0.05mm, long-honed ram guide, economical air consumption, and quiet operation. Two types of electropneumatic controls are also available. Hudson Automatic Machine & Tool Co, Clark, NJ.

Grooving tool inserts

Light to
moderate duty

The M70 is designed for soft and hardened cast iron applications. The insert is available in widths of ¹/₈´´, ³/₁₆´´, and ¹/₄´´. For customers already using an OD grooving system, M70 inserts will mount into standard toolholders, and will require a different clamp. Manchester Tool Co, Akron, OH.

http://www.manchestertool.com

Device-level networking

With micro-PLC

The MicroLogix 1000 controller provides any manufacturing facility or OEM with the communication capabilities typical of a larger PLC, along with the means to fully decentralize control. The MicroLogix 1000 family is designed for controller applications under 32 I/O per node. The smallest model in the family measures 120 x 80 x 40mm. MicroLogix, using the DeviceNet network interface, allows the user to take advantage of peer-to-peer messaging, program upload/download over the network, and the ability to mix high-speed local control with distributed I/O. Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley, Bloomington, MN.

http://www.ab.com

Aqueous cleaning

For larger parts

The ES-2 MultiClean aqueous cleaning system, a replacement for vapor degreasing, has two programmable sealed processing chambers. The first chamber contains turbojet wash/rinse, push/pull ultrasonics, and a final spray rinse. The second chamber has hot-air dry and vacuum-shock drying. Both chambers can be coordinated with rotation and oscillation cycles and a tank management system which brings the process to the parts. The ES-2 large processing chambers use baskets 26´´ x 19´´ x 12´´ with combined weights up to 330 lb. SurfTran Cleaning Systems, Madison Heights, MI.

YAG laser

Continuous wave

Designed to be integrated with an industrial robot for ultimate system flexibility, the HL 1003D will automatically regulate its laser power at the workpiece to its programmed requirement. The HL 1003D will deliver up to 1000 watts at the workpiece for the life of the flashlamps, the manufacturer reports. It is also adept at processing thin materials. With a small focus spot, the laser provides a very narrow kerf while maintaining high speeds. Trumpf Inc, Livonia, MI.

Spindle cleaners

Precision, repeatability

A new line of spindle cleaners provides an easy way to assure the cleanliness of the tool taper and spindle interface. They are available for all tapered spindles or HSK toolholding fixtures. On the HSK fixture, they will clean the taper and face of the toolholder at the same time. Kaiser Precision Tooling Inc, Elk Grove Village, IL.

Oil and water separator

Recirculating,
no replaceable parts

Recirculating oil/water separator removes tramp oil from machine-tool coolant at a high-flow rate. With a circulation rate of 300 gal per hour, the Keller 751 Coolant Purifier can be used to purify coolant in the hold tank of a central coolant system. It can also be used to clean the sumps of 10 or more machines in rotation. The purifier can remove virtually all tramp oil from a typical sump in two to three hours. The purifier assembly has no replaceable parts and is completely enclosed. Keller Products Inc, Lexington, MA.

Stackable safety lights

Permanent light sources

The Werma Signaltechnik 805-807 Mini Signal Beacon series and the 815-817 series produce signal beacons with bulbs, flashing light or LED light. LED beacons, which eliminate the need to change bulbs, are available with permanent, blinking and revolving light in either red, green or yellow. Both series come in 12V DC, 24V DC and 230V AC. Norstat Inc, Rockaway, NJ.

High-wear
resistant steel

Sheet and plate

A chemical composition provides Everwear 500 with a nominal Brinell hardness of 500. Available in sheet and plate, Everwear 500 has a tensile strength of over 200,000 psi and yield strength greater than 170,000 psi. The steel can be worked, formed, and welded. Leeco Steel Products Inc, Chicago, IL.

Spring lifters

Rugged construction

Model RB spring lifters provide easy die loading and unloading from the press. Available in standard and high capacities, the spring lifters include easy height adjustment for various U-slot or T-slot sizes. The lifters come in two basic lengths that can be stacked end to end. Kosmek USA Ltd, Bridgeview, IL

This article was originally published in the
March 1998 issue of Metlfax. * Email the editor: jmckenna
Please Note: some pictures or diagrams are only
available through the printed media.