Machining

One of the new products which the steute business division Wireless has presented at the Hannover Fair is an I/O unit enabling existing mechanical switching devices, e.g. cam switches in machine tools, to be integrated in wireless systems.

The demands that industry places on linear guides are becoming higher: they must be suitable for very fast applications, offer increased operational lifetime and cope with higher loads. The new precision UK manufactured NH and NS series linear guides from NSK satisfy all of these criteria, thereby enabling machine builders to either increase the performance of their products or to downsize.

These new more modern designs of indicator housings come from stylish component company Elesa in the form of a 5 lobe housing and a round diamond cut version. Each offers a slightly different operator feel where lobes may be appropriate for heavier torque and the diamond knurling where a lighter precise touch is called for.

Contract machinist BG Engineering operates three Japanese-built Okuma horizontal machining centres supplied by UK agent, NCMT. All are equipped for carrying out Okuma’s novel turn-cutting process, which is used extensively at the subcontractor’s facility to machine gas and steam regulator valves as well as offshore seals and gas storage equipment components.

Count On Tools has introduced PB Swiss Tools’ hex screwdriver with sliding T-Handle, suitable for applying high torques. The movable, sliding handle with two additional hex drives incorporates a dual-sided sliding stop.

Edgecam’s 5-axis capability and Waveform advanced machining functionality have been demonstrated at SGS Tool Europe’s headquarters and manufacturing facility in Wokingham.

Aerotech has developed the PlanarHDX, the most advanced commercially available planar air-bearing platform available. The PlanarHDX was designed using an FEA-optimized silicon carbide structure and optimized air-bearing compensation techniques to provide the highest possible dynamic performance while maintaining unparalleled geometric characteristics and positioning accuracy.

PI provides the PIHera family of compact X, XY and Z flexure-guided piezo nanopositioning stages, offering record travel ranges to 1.8 millimeters.

The Q-545 stage series from PI miCos combines high force, a compact design and precise positioning for 13 mm and 26 mm travel ranges. The linear positioning stages’ drive principle is based on the compact, piezoelectric inertia drives.

Business competition and economic ups and downs are constantly forcing shops to seek new ways of maximizing performance, and they are bombarded with solutions from many sources. Machine tools have stronger, high-torque motors; multi-axis spindles; and better rigidity. CAD/CAM systems offer faster calculations of toolpaths and cutting conditions. Tool providers tout specialized indexable or solid tools with specific advantages for specific materials and applications. WIDIA recognizes that the foundation for successful machining starts with the best thinking and experience, which is why the company is proudly introducing high-speed trochoidal milling strategies featuring advanced WIDIA-Hanita solid-carbide end mills.