Machining

Ideal for use in machine manufacturing industries such as semi-conductor manufacture, Advantech’s Industrial Automation Group has launched an exciting new range of Web operator panels. These newly designed models, with flat panel IP66 certified aluminum edging, include the latest Intel Cortex-A8 processor which is not only faster but also consumes the minimum amount of power and also supports RS-232/422/485/ Ethernet and CANopen protocols to ensure that they’ll connect to your existing network.

Physik Instrumente recently introduced a new miniaturized, piezo-driven linear positioner - the Q-521. Joining PI’s existing Q-Motion linear and rotary positioning solutions product line, the ultra-compact Q-521 is only 21mm wide, and comes with travel ranges of 12mm, 22mm, and 32mm.

Unison launches what it believes is a new category of tube bending machine designed to substantially lower the cost and skill level required to produce precision tubular parts in small volumes. Target sectors for the new machine - which can bend tube diameters of up to 2 inches/50 mm - include shipbuilding, and equipment for oil, gas and other processing sectors.

PI (Physik Instrumente) introduces the new PIglide HS planar XY air bearing stage, designed specifically to maximize throughput while providing the ultimate level of precision. This stage is ideal for wafer inspection and scribing applications, as well as other ultra-precision motion applications, such as flat panel inspection.

Small motion often has a great effect. Just a light shaking of the hand results in blurred, "fuzzy" photographs; unwanted motion due to guiding errors, machining processes etc. can interfere with precision machines during production to such an extent that the result becomes unusable. The constantly increasing requirements on quality and performance of the product make it necessary to avoid these types of problems. The simulation of motion and its compensation are therefore important tools. For this reason, dynamic Hexapods play an important role in positioning systems.

Making a departure from traditional drive architectures in its new P2lean generation of machines, Salvagnini the world's leading manufacturer of panel bending machines is using distributed servo amplifiers for positioning, instead of keeping drives installed centrally in the control cabinet. And with this solution, the new Kollmorgen AKD-D series generates cost savings throughout the whole value chain.

  Nigel Willcock, Technical Specialist, Abrasive Systems Division, 3M, looks at how deburring has evolved and how metal finishers can ensure they are selecting the correct deburring method to optimise efficiency.

MiniTec has launched its new Profile Series 30 range of aluminium profiles with matching modular elements and fittings based on a nominal sectional size of 30 x 30 mm that will suit smaller machine frames, consoles, panels, fixtures, and safety guards. Other application areas targeted are lightweight structural frames for equipment used in the food and medical industries where strict hygiene standards are important, and for organising component or tool storage in confined areas such as vehicle fit-outs. The new range also lowers the cost base for light-duty machine applications.

Precision Electrochemical Machining (PECM) is a non-conventional machining process that can really help deliver high-quality components productively. For specifics, we have asked Kennametal Precision Surface Solutions Product Manager Patrick Matt to explain more about the process.

New improvements mean much better edge utilization and many more parts per edgeBeyond Drive from Kennametal comes in a range of grades and geometries. All feature a bronze TiOCN top coating that increases wear resistance and is an effective wear indicator.