Latest in CNC manufacturing technology

Okuma America’s ‘Make the Leap’ technology showcase highlights advanced CNC manufacturing technologies.

Charlotte, North Carolina – Okuma America Corp. hosted more than 500 customers, partners and distributors at its 2014 Technology Showcase event on Dec. 9-10, 2014 in Charlotte North Carolina. This two-day event featured a wide array of learning opportunities for attendees featuring hands-on demonstrations, App Store and machine demos, a facility tour highlighting titanium machining at the new Aerospace Center for Excellence, and a behind-the-scenes look at Okuma’s electrical and mechanical repair operations.
The theme of this year’s event, “Make the Leap,” included demonstrations of simple technology upgrades that enable users to quickly jump ahead of their competition and enhance the productivity of their CNC machines and operators, thus improving overall profitability. For each technology shown, a side-by-side demonstration of basic vs. advanced machine functionalities and the benefits that can be gained by leaping into higher technology were featured.
The demonstrations were relevant to a wide variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction/farming (heavy equipment), die/mold, firearms/munitions, medical, oil/energy, and general job shops.
Members of Partners in THINC demonstrated how peripheral equipment such as tooling, gaging, workholding, and automation can be integrated with Okuma technology to improve productivity.
“Make the Leap” CNC machine demonstrations
Each side-by-side demonstration gave attendees tips on how they can use advanced CNC machine technology to create a competitive advantage in their marketplace. Examples included:

• 2-axis vs. 4-axis Lathes – side-by-side cutting demonstration of Okuma’s LB EX-II and LU EX lathes show how a 4-axis CNC lathe can easily combine operations to reduce cutting time, improve quality, enhance flexibility and increase throughput
• VMC vs. HMC – how a horizontal machining center increases overall throughput, improves quality and reduces labor, WIP and floor space, all without significantly increasing capital budget
• The Okuma App Store – Machine tool apps can significantly impact the effectiveness and efficiency of machine tools – yes, there IS an app for that

Attendees were able to see more than 20 CNC machines cutting parts, many of which debuted at IMTS 2014. Machines on display included:

• MA-12500H horizontal machining center – debuted at IMTS 2014
• MU-10000H 5-axis horizontal machining center – Okuma’s largest 5-axis machine
• MULTUS U Series – Okuma’s newest multitasking CNC machines
• Okuma’s “Affordable Excellence” products – GENOS CNC lathes and machining centers, LB3000 EX-II and MB-5000H machining centers – functionality at an affordable price

Guests also enjoyed a special dinner at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte where they competed in a driving simulator and in a pit crew challenge and were given the opportunity to explore the history of the sport of NASCAR.

 http://www.onlinetmd.com/okuma-america-manufacturing-technology-medical-121914.aspx#.VKJZWfuAEM

Carvey Is A Powerful CNC Machine For The Rest Of Us

Robotic CNC machines – cutting systems that use spinning tools to swipe through metal, wood, and plastic – are cool but ugly. Most of them are as big as a fridge and designed to carve out objects in a few minutes but none will sit quietly on your desk and do its business with aplomb and elegance. Now, however, there’s Carvey.

Carvey is the Form 1 of CNC. Designed to be a seamless, well-designed tool for designers and makers, you program it by entering a tool path – basically the movements the cutting head will make – and pressing a button. The system can be set up for specific materials.
Now this isn’t exactly a 3D printer. It’s more useful if you’re planning on building a flat-pack sort of buildable object (think Ikea) or a flat piece of a bigger project. For example, you could print an entire pair of glasses with this system by printing the stems and eyepieces separately. You could even cut out the lenses.

http://techcrunch.com/2014/10/21/carvey-is-a-powerful-cnc-machine-for-the-rest-of-us/

Arduino 3D Printing And CNC Machines

October 3rd was National Manufacturing Day in the USA. What has this to do with software? Everything.
We tend to forget that just about everything we do with software is based on hardware and now our software has the ability to create solid, tangible things. Manufacturing is no longer a support for computing. With 3D printers, our software can produce real products.
The 3D printer revolution still has a long way to go, but with Arduino on board it is getting closer to its target. The new Arduino Materia 101 is designed to be simple and with its cool blue Arduino logo you can't help but feel that it really is more approachable.




As you might guess, at its heart is an Arduino Mega and the entire machine is a collaboration between Arduino and Sharebot. At the moment, few hard facts are available. What we do know is that it is a fused filament printer, i.e. it prints melted plastic and its printing area is about 140x100x100 mm, which isn't huge. Resolution is claimed to be 0.06mm in the XY plane and 0.0025 in the Z direction - clearly these are theoretical.
Overall the machine looks a lot like the Sharebot Kiwi-3D and uses the same material and printing area. We will have to wait to see if there are any substantial differences in performance or UI.
The Materia 101 is expected to cost $800 as a kit and $1000 for the fully-built version.




Of course, the original 3D printer is the CNC machine tool. These vary in size from a full metal milling machine to a small router. Although not really printers, in the the sense that they work by taking material away from a block rather than depositing it to create the shape, they have the advantage that the range of materials they can work with is much greater - anything from wood to high strength metals. If you want a tough, computer-generated component then a CNC machine is what you need.
As a demonstration of how CNC works the following video explains how a 3D model of a face was constructed - yes CNC machines can be accurate - from high density foam.
Next the same 3D model was rendered using a three-color powder printer. A powder printer works by "inkjet" printing glue onto a layer of powder. Once the layer is complete, another layer of powder is deposited and the print head once again deposits glue.

http://www.i-programmer.info/news/91-hardware/7826-arduino-3d-printing-and-cnc-machines.html

New Multi-Function Machine Capable Of 3D Printing, CNC Milling, And Injection Molding

Luminar Products from Nampa, ID announces launch of the TRiBOT Kickstarter project. The first multi-function machine capable of 3D printing, CNC milling, and auto-injection molding.
Nampa, ID (PRWEB) - View the Kickstarter here.
The TRiBOT fills the void that currently exists between light duty 3D printers and heavier duty machining and injection molding equipment. The TRIBOT desktop workshop machine can take ideas from prototype to production without investing in three different machines at more than three times the cost.
It is the first machine to offer the unique three-in-one manufacturing capabilities of 3D printing, CNC milling and auto-injection molding. Unlike other 3D printing machines, the TRiBOT is built on a solid 130 lb iron frame. It is capable of printing detailed prototype models while still preserving the practical use as a CNC Mill or manual mill to shape solid steel with ease.
The TRiBOT is the ultimate tool for creators with great ideas who don’t have access to the multiple machines, tools and technology needed to bring their ideas to life. The TRiBOT offers the unique ability to develop their ideas and prototype them, then perfect them down to the finest detail and then produce them. All with ONE machine.
John Rule, President of Luminar Products in Nampa, Idaho says "The TRiBOT is the most versatile machining tool that offers creators the ultimate tool for bringing an idea to life."
Ron Steele, chief engineer comments "Anyone who has ever tried to turn an idea into a finished product knows how difficult it can be to get from prototype, to perfecting, to production stages. You often need not just one, but an assortment of very expensive specialized tools to travel through the creation process." The TRiBOT offers the versatility of three machines with a much smaller footprint and price tag than would normally come with purchasing three machines capable of the same functions.
The Kickstart campaign aims to raise $30,000 in 45 days on the crowd-funding website, by reaching entrepreneurs, inventors, artists, clothes designers, jewelry designers, engineers, schools, labs, manufacturing shops, or just a machine hobbyist who wants the most versatile machine available. The campaign launched September 17th and ends on November 1st.
Learn more about the team here.
Luminar Products is a small manufacturing company located in the beautiful Idaho Treasure Valley right outside of Boise. Luminar plans to send waves through the small scale manufacturing world with the the TRiBOT. Passionate about providing inventors, designers, engineers, artists, and anyone with an idea the tools necessary to make it a reality.

http://www.machinetoolsonline.com/doc/new-multi-function-machine-capable-printing-cnc-milling-injection-molding-0001

Case Study: Integrating high end CNC routers and software into manufacturing

By integrating an ART CNC router into the manufacturing process, StyroMAX was able to improve cut quality and and productivity 

Panel manufacturing facility StyroMAX purchased a CNC router from Advanced Robotic Technology (ART) to improve cut quality and increase productivity.

StyroMAX, the panel manufacturing division of Summercool Truck Bodies in Darra, QLD, offers a high level of value-added service to its customers by providing lightweight refrigerated transport bodies and laminated FRP panels for the food and beverage industry, as well as RV caravan panels.

To ensure delivery of their products with the assurance of optimum quality and short lead times, company co-owner Steve Whitelock and his team decided it was time to upgrade the production process by adding a CNC router to the factory.

Founded in 1977 by Steve Whitelock and Bevan Carrick as a manufacturer of refrigerated transport bodies, the company was able to attract customers through competitive pricing, the latest in thermal truck panel technology and extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities. Ten years ago, the company decided to bring all panel manufacturing in-house, but wasn’t producing the high volumes to justify CNC equipment.

The decision to buy the CNC router was taken to meet the increase in volumes as well as the need for the refrigerated truck bodies to meet the ever-changing environmental, legislative and commercial demands placed upon them. The advanced technology allows the company to provide high quality products with quicker turnaround, enabling them to maintain their strong business position in the market.

According to Mr Whitelock, the primary objective was to increase the cut quality as well as become more productive and competitive. The CNC cutter would also enable them to offer more complex type of panels.

They chose an ART router because of ART’s local roots and friendly service. Although the machine involved a huge investment, for StyroMAX it was the service and the relationship that made all the difference, because they knew that the complex machine would require ongoing reliable support. StyroMAX also had the assurance that ART could simply log in, diagnose the problem and fix it straightaway.

The ART RT15600 CNC router delivered to StyroMAX’s Darra factory is one of the largest machines built by ART. Measuring 15.5m in length and 3.8m in width, the machine provides the necessary capacities for both sides of Mr Whitelock’s business, Summercool and StyroMAX.

StyroMAX is already reaping the benefits of the CNC router installation. Where it took two men three days to make a complete truck set, the RT router accomplishes the same task in about three hours, making a huge difference to the business. Working in a very competitive market, Summercool has positioned itself as a premium truck body builder for many RV and truck manufacturers; the increased efficiency and productivity therefore helps the company stay ahead.

http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Advanced-Robotic-Technology/Case-Study-Integrating-high-end-CNC-routers-and-software-into-manufacturing-n2517058

Laser Alignment Tool for CNC Gantry Machines

Pinpoint Laser Systems offers its Pinpoint Gantry Kit, a tool for geometric alignment of three-axis CNC gantry machines.

Pinpoint Laser Systems offers its Pinpoint Gantry Kit, a tool for geometric alignment of three-axis CNC gantry machines. Its straight, weightless laser beam replaces traditional piano wire, heavy steel straight edge and granite references. The company says that its tool is faster, easier and more consistently accurate than conventional methods, checking an entire machine in hours. Other potential uses include machine fabrication and assembly, setup and certification, and maintenance.

The kit measures straightness, perpendicularity, level and other parameters to an accuracy of 0.001" over a longitudinal travel of 150 ft. The measurement values can be used directly to make machine adjustments or uploaded to a PC for display and further computation and compensation. The solid aluminum laser and receiver housings are precision-engineered and anodized for wear resistance. The system is battery-operated, and a USB interface enables connection to a PC. Also included is the company's Pinpoint Capture software for data display, graphing and storage. All components fit in a carrying case for safe transportation.

http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/laser-alignment-tool-for-cnc-gantry-machines

Combining 3D Printing & CNC Milling in 1 Machine

Combining additive and subtractive manufacturing in one machine is on the rise. From Mebotics' Kickstarter project for an all-in-one 3D printing/etching/milling machine we told you about last year, to our recent report on Optomec's America Makes project for repairing metal aircraft parts, lots of people are trying to figure out how to combine the two.

Many of those hybrid manufacturing combinations, like Mebotics' desktop Microfactory -- which didn't reach its funding goal -- are attempts to combine some form of additive manufacturing (AM) with some form of subtractive manufacturing, usually CNC milling. Some are attempts to create an all-in-one prototyping machine using plastic and wood. Others are far larger and more ambitious, aiming at a hybrid manufacturing prototyping and manufacturing machine for metals. A couple of the latest come from Flexible Robotic Environment and Hurco.

Hurco, a major supplier of CNC machines, has applied for a patent on its new additive manufacturing adapter. The adapter plus the company's proprietary control software can turn its CNC machines into combination milling/3D printing systems that produce both plastic prototypes and metal finished parts.
(Source: Hurco)

Hurco, a major supplier of CNC machines, says it's applied for a patent on a new additive manufacturing adapter. The adapter, combined with the company's proprietary control software, can turn its CNC machines into combination milling/3D printing systems that produce both plastic prototypes and metal finished parts. This cuts down on setup time and labor, as well as materials for multiple prototypes, not to mention floor space.
Although Hurco is not revealing which 3D printing technology it's using on the adapter, the company did say it plans to expand to other AM processes. The new control technology will debut next month at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago.

This configurable 6-axis robotic work cell from Flexible Robotic Environment can combine laser scanning, CNC milling, and metals laser sintering, among other functions. The VDK6000 has a build platform measuring 2 feet high by 3 feet in diameter, and is aimed at both making and repairing metal parts.
(Source: Flexible Robotic Environment)

Meanwhile, one of the most impressive has got to be the complete 6-axis robotic work cell that can combine laser scanning, CNC milling, and metals laser sintering from Flexible Robotic Environment. The VDK6000 has a build platform measuring 2 feet high by 3 feet in diameter, and is aimed at both making and repairing metal parts.
The system is completely configurable, and can integrate tool heads for a number of different processes, such as laser scanning, milling, ultrasonic inspection, polishing and grinding, and plasma welding, among others. One machine, for example, can print metal parts using AM techniques, scan them via ultrasound for defects, and then finish them via traditional subtractive grinding, polishing, and drilling.

http://www.designnews.com/document.asp?doc_id=274350&itc=dn_analysis_element&dfpPParams=ind_183,industry_auto,industry_aero,industry_machinery,kw_robotics,aid_274350&dfpLayout=article

Okuma and Hartwig Open House Offers Preview of CNC Machines and Technology to Be Displayed at IMTS 2014

Okuma America Corporation, a world-leader in CNC machine tool manufacturing, and Hartwig Inc., the largest machine tool solutions distributor in the Midwest, partner to host an Open House, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at the Okuma Tech Center, Houston, Texas.
This one day event will feature select CNC machines in addition to new technology, tooling and workholding that will be displayed at IMTS 2014. Attendees will get a preview of special event pricing on a variety of machines including Okuma horizontal lathes and machining centers, Tsugmai Swiss turn centers, EDM machines, and inspection and measuring equipment.
The event will include live cutting demonstrations and seminars and attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from Okuma, Hartwig, members of Partners in THINC and other suppliers. The Open House schedule is:
*9:00 - 10:00 a.m. – Welcome
*10:00 -11:00 a.m. - ABB, KUKA Automation Seminar
*12:00 – 1:00 p.m. - Lunch
*1:00 -1:30 p.m. - Okuma Technology, Jeff Estes
*1:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Demonstrations
To register for the event and for more information on CNC machines that will be on display visit http://go.hartwiginc.com/hartwigopenhouse.
About Okuma America Corporation
Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools, founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. The company is the industry’s only single-source provider, with the CNC machine, drive, motors, encoders, spindle and CNC control all manufactured by Okuma. Okuma’s innovative and reliable technology, paired with comprehensive, localized service protection, allows users to run continuously with confidence – maximizing profitability. Along with its industry-leading distribution network (largest in the Americas), and Partners in THINC, Okuma facilitates quality, productivity and efficiency, empowering the customer and enabling competitive advantage in today’s demanding manufacturing environment. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @OkumaAmerica.
Hartwig
Founded in 1960, Hartwig has become the largest distributor of machine tool solutions and inspection equipment in the Midwest and Mountain regions. Built on a foundation of fairness, after-sales support and hard work, the company has grown to more than 170 employees covering eight office locations in 15 states including: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. Hartwig partners with its customers to optimize machining performance, decrease downtime and improve overall efficiency of equipment and applications. The company prides itself on not just being a machine tool distributor, but a true solutions provider intent on assisting customers in controlling their destiny and keeping manufacturing within the U.S. Hartwig delivers applications, service and sales to numerous industries, including aerospace, computer, construction, farming, fluid power, industrial machining, medical, oil and gas energy, and semiconductor processing. Hartwig’s name is synonymous with quality, service, support, and engineering. http://www.hartwiginc.com

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/06/prweb11975008.htm

PAU to organize two-week training course on CNC Machines

LUDHIANA: Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) will organize a two-week hands on training course on "Operational and Programming of CNC Machines" from May 19-30, 2014 for Agricultural Machinery Manufactures, ITI pass out and educated village youths.

PAU authorities said, "In this course, training will be provided on CNC Lathe, CNC Milling, CNC Drilling, EDM Machine and latest manufacturing technologies. The training will be useful in enhancing the skill of the employees of the agricultural machinery manufacturers of the state".

"The village youths will get more employable opportunities in the production/manufacturing units. There are 15 seats for the participants and the training fee for the program will be Rs 3000 per person. The participant will be awarded certificate after the successful completion of the training".

PAU spokesperson said that the boarding and loading will be arranged at the PAU as per university norms and expenditure will be born by trainees from their own pocket. He added that further detail about the training, are available with Dr G S Manes, Head Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, PAU, Ludhiana or on phone.   http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ludhiana/PAU-to-organize-two-week-training-course-on-CNC-Machines/articleshow/35163857.cms

CNC Machine Tool Builder Okuma America Corporation Announces New Member Of Partners In THINC

Okuma America Corporation announces that 5ME joins Partners in THINC, a collaborative effort by more than 40+ members bringing specialized equipment, expertise and a commitment to provide the best possible integrated machining solutions to the end-user.
Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) - Okuma America Corporation, a world leader in CNC machine tools, is pleased to announce that 5ME, a leader in innovative technologies, products, and value added services solely focused on increasing manufacturing efficiency, has joined Partners in THINC.
5ME, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and complemented by a Technology Center in Warren, MI, provides technologies, products, and value added services that are brand agnostic, allowing solutions to be applied to all types of machinery and manufacturing systems. 5ME addresses five critical components – the five "M's" of Man, Material, Machines, Methods and Metrics – to improve a manufacturing enterprise's efficiency (the "E"). 5ME solutions are used by a variety of Okuma customers across multiple industries.
Benefits of 5ME solutions include:

• Cryogenic Machining - game changing metal-cutting technology that increases throughput, part quality, tool life, and profitability while reducing energy consumption. Environmentally friendly, it also facilitates a safer work environment for plant floor personnel.
• Manufacturing Solutions – comprehensive portfolio of manufacturing consumables such as tooling, tool holders, and coolants, as well as process technology solutions ranging from process optimization, work-holding / fixture design, clamping and automation, and turnkey systems
• Manufacturing Software - suite of software focused on manufacturing efficiency that integrates seamlessly into production and business systems to provide full transparency into manufacturing processes such as asset utilization, performance, quality, “OEE”, in addition to machine health, process health, and energy consumption

“Partners in THINC's newest member, 5ME, has proven expertise and dedication to helping manufacturers obtain the highest level of profitability possible through a suite of solutions for the entire manufacturing enterprise. We’re excited about our partnership and look forward to working with 5ME,” says Jeff Estes, Director of Partners in THINC.
For more information on 5ME and other members of Partners in THINC, visit http://www.okuma.com/partners-in-thinc.
About Okuma America Corporation:
Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools, founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. The company is the industry’s only single-source provider, with the CNC machine, drive, motors, encoders, spindle and CNC control all manufactured by Okuma. Okuma’s innovative and reliable technology, paired with comprehensive, localized service protection, allows users to run continuously with confidence – maximizing profitability. Along with its industry-leading distribution network (largest in the Americas), and Partners in THINC®, Okuma facilitates quality, productivity and efficiency, empowering the customer and enabling competitive advantage in today’s demanding manufacturing environment. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @OkumaAmerica.
About Partners in THINC:
Partners in THINC is a collaboration network of more than 40 industry leaders who come together to solve problems and explore new productivity ideas for real-world manufacturers. With the open architecture, PC-based THINC®-OSP control as its nucleus, Partners in THINC brings specialized equipment, expertise and a commitment to provide the best possible integrated solutions to the end-user. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com/partners-in-thinc.
About 5ME:
5ME brings a proven suite of capabilities to industry, solely focused on increasing customers’ manufacturing efficiency as a means of building profitable, competitive and sustainable businesses. 5ME addresses five critical components – the five "M's" of Man, Material, Machines, Methods and Metrics – to improve a manufacturing enterprise's efficiency (the "E"). 5ME services and products are brand agnostic, allowing solutions to be applied to all types of machinery and manufacturing systems. 5ME solutions include cryogenic Machining, manufacturing solutions and manufacturing software. For more information about 5ME, visit their website at http://www.5ME.com.

http://www.machinetoolsonline.com/doc/cnc-machine-tool-builder-okuma-america-corporation-announces-partners-thinc-0001

New CNC Machineries from ECVV Become A Daring Challenge to Its Competitors

SHENZHEN, China – March 26, 2014: A cluster of new CNC machines has been introduced by ECVV which are poised as a direct challenge to other major B2B online portal. The new CNC Milling Machine and CNC Router Machine displayed on the catalogues expected to infuse fresh waves in the online marketing business and increase the competition.
Machineries play vital role in the overall development of countries in the growing sector. Gone are the days, companies depends on few suppliers. Ever since the arrival of ECVV in the B2B market and their introduction of CNC machines have changed market perspective. Today ECVV enjoys an enviable position in the online business other than its cotemporary competitors. They have consolidated their presence further by adding new products of CNC machineries especially CNC Milling Machine and CNC router with easy terms of supply. From the vast pool of 334 milling machines and 2,681 models of router machines, selection of machines became a convenient option with few mouse clicks.
With the introduction of cutting edge technology incorporated CNC machineries, the sales of CNC Router Machinery re-gained the lost momentum of sales that has been badly affected by the world economic recession. Mr. Steven Chen, the CEO of ECVV put the facts in an overwhelming enthusiasm that “China is expected to rebound in the machineries export market with a projected growth of 6.8% per years. This projected growth is much more than any other industrially developing countries. The new favorable trend shall continue for few years and we have the price flexibility in China’s advantage”. He further said, “We have streamlined our marketing efforts by adding more CNC milling machines and CNC routing machines in our portfolio, which are economically priced with quality assurance. To boost the confidence of our clients we have introduced lot of support service, after sales service with the strong backup of our principles”. There are some unique features which are special with ECVV such as product guarantee and replacement or free repair or free service during the warranty and guarantee period. It is could be seen as a bold initiative by ECVV and that marks the differenceof comparing the relatively new incumbent with veterans of this field.
ECVV has a strong presence in machinery portfolio
Buyers would be bemused to see the machinery portfolio of ECVV. Well laid details along with product pictures, technical specification and make of the product gives an ample positive feel of the product. The brand name of the product let the buyers to do a market survey and reach in to a conclusion with justifiable reasoning. It would be a tough experience in going through all the product details. But ECVV has special key word options which allow the customer to search for the exact machine what they are looking for. With these options, clients will be getting few short listed machinery details that would help them to narrow down the selection.State of the art net software is used to give quick computing with lightening speed and accuracy. The site optimized well to meet the customers challenging demands. The overall business environment with ECVV is turned out be a pleasant engagement.
The impact of recession on machinery sales with a global perspective
The world economic recession played an important role in slow down the pace of rapid growth of Chinese machinery tool industry. By 2012 CNC cutting machine touched a whooping growth of 25.8% and CNC forming machine had a growth of 5.8%. This is considered as an exploding growth when compared with world machinery growth and sales. Presently the machinery Chinese industry had a considerable sales drop and the 2013 statistics had shown the growth rate as 5.5 percentage. This is in fact a healthy situation comparing to the other contemporary competition from developing countries. The efforts of ECVV to trap the desperate importers who are looking for cheap and reliable CNC machineries have shown promising results.
Media Contact
Company Name: ECVV Technology Development Ltd.
Contact Person: ECVV Online Marketplace for Wholesale
Email: Send Email
Phone: +86 731 89824048
Address:Rm.407, Software Bldg., No.662 Lugu Road
City: Changsha
State: Hunan Province
Country: China
Website: http://www.ecvv.com

CNC Tool Grinding Software handles complex geometries.

NUMROTO v3.8, run on Flexium+ CNC system, automates multi-helical and variable flute grinding and provides form cutter function for profile inserts. Utilizing speed and computational capabilities of PCs, software can handle complex path calculations necessary to create sophisticated flutes. This aids users in accurately defining core path geometry of flutes on end mills. Software also supports 3D models for production clamping system, which enables visualization during 3D simulation. 

Complex-Geometry Machine Tool Manufacture and Service Simplified by New CNC Tool Grinding Software

Naperville, IL --- The growing challenges of grinding and servicing new generations of complex-geometry drills and end mills are resolved by a new release of the NUMROTO tool grinding software package. Version 3.8 of NUM's market-leading software automates multi-helical and variable flute grinding, as well as providing a new form cutter function for profile inserts. It is available to existing NUMROTO users as an update.

NUMROTO is widely regarded within the tool grinding industry as one of the best and most versatile CNC software solutions on the market. Launched by NUM in 1987, it has undergone continuous development to stay ahead of improvements and innovations in machine tool design. The software runs on NUM’s powerful Flexium+ CNC system, which offers significant advantages. These include the use of sub-nano interpolation to ensure high quality surfaces, with short cycle times to allow fast 5-axis movement – even if the part program contains a very high density of ISO sequences. Flexium+ supports all the safety functions that are needed on today’s high performance machines and can be operated very easily, using the same type of ‘dual touch’ gestures that are employed with modern smartphones.

Today, 15 of the world’s leading manufacturers of CNC tool grinding machines incorporate NUMROTO software in their products, to the extent that it is used across more than 40 different types of machine.

Many of the high performance end mills that manufacturers now employ for precision machining applications, such as the production of aircraft components from specialist alloys or composite materials, are multi-helix tools designed for use at speeds up to 30,000 RPM. Producing these types of tools cost-effectively is a demanding process that requires increasingly complex grinding capabilities. For example, to help prevent vibration, each of the tool’s cutting edges is twisted at a different angle – and with differential helix designs, the twist angle of each individual cutting edge also changes along the length of its body, from the tip of the tool to the shaft. Furthermore, the width of the flute area of these tools can vary considerably, demanding precise positioning of the grinding wheel to ensure that the land width on the back of the tooth is correct.

By harnessing the speed and computational capabilities of modern PCs, the latest version of NUMROTO software is able to handle the extremely complex path calculations necessary to create these sophisticated flutes. Users can now define the core path geometry of flutes on end mills very easily and accurately.

Designers and manufacturers often seek this functionality when optimising the chip transport characteristics of high performance machine tools – the rate at which chips are removed from the cutting face has a major bearing on the tool’s cutting speed and efficiency.

By allowing the core path of each flute to be defined individually, NUMROTO also makes it possible for tool designers to compensate for any potential imbalance caused by irregular helices or asymmetric cutting blades. Additionally, by enabling the entry point of the grinding wheel to follow the corner radius of the cutting edge, the software now facilitates the grinding of a defined rake angle on complex body forms and on cutting edges which pass from the body of the tool to its tip – a task that was previously extremely difficult to achieve.

NUM believes that the level of control flexibility now provided by NUMROTO software for creating flutes will prove to be a key enabling factor for manufacturers seeking to develop the next generations of machine tools.

Nowadays, the cutting edges of most machine tools are ground from tungsten carbide. Small rotary tools are usually manufactured from a single piece of carbide, whereas larger rotary tools and the majority of non-rotary tools feature individual cutting blades in the form of carbide inserts, which are retained in a holder made from a less expensive material. Until relatively recently, the inserts were soldered or cemented to the holder prior to being ground, which sometimes made it very difficult or impossible to produce or maintain such tools on a CNC tool grinding machine – due to their size and complexity. Another disadvantage of this approach is that it requires the manufacturer to define the complete assembly as a rotary tool in the CNC program, demanding time-consuming and expensive programming.

Working in partnership with a number of leading machine tool manufacturers and tool sharpening companies, NUM has further developed NUMROTO's form cutter function to simplify insert grinding significantly. Users can now define a form cutter as a rotary tool or as a standalone profile insert. Holders with soldered or cemented inserts can still be defined as rotary tools, and the position of each insert can be probed individually, allowing any mounting inaccuracies to be detected and compensated for automatically during the grinding process.

Many of the latest cutting tools employ user-replaceable profile inserts, which are ground as physically separate blades on a CNC grinding machine. Instead of being fixed to a holder during grinding, the insert is held in a production clamping system that has an optimized geometry for efficient grinding, with unobstructed working space for the grinding wheel.

NUMROTO’s new profile insert function simplifies the programming of the new types of ultra high efficiency CNC tool grinding machines that are now coming into service. After selecting the profile insert form cutter, users are presented with an easy-to-understand menu that enables them to specify whether the part to be ground is held in a fixed or adjustable collet, or by clamping plates. The software supports different mounting plate arrangements to allow the insert to be oriented in any of three planes and provides a simple means of specifying parameters such as transverse and longitudinal offset values. NUMROTO also now supports 3-D models for the production clamping system, which enables it to be visualized during 3-D simulation and monitored for collisions with the grinding wheel; the insert itself is displayed as a cube-shaped blank. www.numroto.com

New Ranges of CNC Milling and Router Machines Available Through ECVV Trade Portal

SHENZHEN, China – March 25, 2014: More machinery products have been introduced by ECVV which is a direct challenge to its next immediate competitor Alibaba. ECVV has added two new machinery product categories CNC Milling Machine and CNC Router Machine in their product catalogue list.
ECVV is one of the thriving B2B marketing platforms operating from the mainland China. Within a short span of time ever since its inception, the company has poised its presents in the online marketing sector as a strong contender.Apart from the wide product catalogues the company has added CNC Milling machine and CNC Router Machine for their customers who are looking for Chinese milling and router machines.There are about 334 milling machines are displayed in the web site.Also there are 2,681 router machines and their suppliers list is also provided in the web site.
It was one of the happiestmoments of the company as per CEO Mr. Steven Chen put in this way that “our new products list with the introduction of CNC Milling Machine and CNC Router Machines as set to streamline our strong presence in the B2B market segment.” He further notified that, “our strong product portfolio is a direct challenge to the veteran’s in the B2B market, as our customers can really feel the shopping experience to a new horizon of satisfaction. We provide 100 percent product guarantee and service guarantee on behalf of our principals”.As the company is insisting to distinguish themselves in the areas of support service and assuring product quality and guarantee, this is a welcome move by ECVV which is not seen any of its competitors.This approach is certainly will help to get an edge for ECVV than any of its contemporary competitors.
Is ECVV is really strong in machinery sales?
Surprising experience is waiting for customers who scroll through the company machinery product catalogue of CNC Router Machine! There are more than 1,681 router machines of various makes are displaced with each and every description of the machines provided in detail.Similarly, there are 334 CNC Milling Machines with product details are displayed in the catalogue to help the customers to choose the best suitable machine.Each of these products are provided with product code, brand name, make, year of manufacture and product specifications, company warranty, and guaranteeto give the customers the required confidence to place their orders. For any machinery product the certification of warrantee and guarantee are very important along with its after sales services.Since these services are offered through ECVV on behalf of their principal’s, the company is really placed as a most recommended customer choice on B2B marketing segments.
Trend of machinery sales in online market
The world economy is not yet recovered from the harmful gutters of recession. Rigid finance planning and lack of Capex for the basic investment is continued to be a concern for many countries and their industrial operations.In lieu of this, the investors looking for options to economically better priced CNC machineries with reliability and uninterrupted production capacity.China being one of the biggest producer and exporter of machineries of varied ranges, ECVV has a vital role to show case what China can offer to the world.
China is contributing 29.4% of the global demand of machinery tools out of the 45.1% world market value of various machinery equipments. The world recession had in fact negatively hit the industrial machinery sales of China from 19.3% to 5.5% in recent years.This is particularly attributed due to the slow demand from importers, especially from the Western countries.The CNC machineries are the fastest growing segments of the Chinese machinery industries.The CNC machinery production is anticipated a recovery growth of 7.6% by 2015. The strong marketing endeavor by ECVV is all set to promote the CNC products to global buyers!
Media Contact
Company Name: ECVV Technology Development Ltd.
Contact Person: ECVV Online Marketplace for Wholesale
Email: Send Email
Phone: +86 731 89824048
Address:Rm. 407, Software Bldg., No. 662, Lugu Road
City: Changsha
State: Hunan Province
Country: China
Website: http://www.ecvv.com

Advanced CNC increases milling/turning machine capabilities.

To improve accuracy, surface finish, safety, and communication capabilities for basic milling and turning machines, Sinumerik 808D Advanced offers up to 5 axes/spindle motion control on single machine channel. Drive bus communication occurs between CNC and drive for maximum position control, and data transfer is supported over standard Ethernet protocol. Auto Servo Tuning (AST) lends to optimal surface quality and repeatable part accuracy in mold and die applications.

http://news.thomasnet.com/fullstory/Advanced-CNC-increases-milling-turning-machine-capabilities-20022565

CNC machine suppliers underscore accuracy, safety

The latest releases adopt ball screws and linear slide guiding rails, and have emergency shut-off switches.

TOP TRENDS

• Stepper motors lead: Most suppliers employ such mechanisms because they are less costly and widely available. The presence of 50 to 100 magnetic poles also makes stepper motors easier to control. Topping 2,000rpm, however, these are not suitable for high-speed production. Servo types, meanwhile, are capable of 80 to 90 percent accuracy at rapid rates but require a position encoder. These are often sourced from Japan and used in upscale machines.
• Increased precision: For drive screws, companies are adopting ball types as the components are suited for fast-paced operation and withstand heavy load. Makers are also incorporating linear slide guiding rails from Japan's THK and Taiwan’s AMT, which have high speed, accuracy and movement sensitivity, and low resistance.
• Safety features: Most CNC machines are equipped with an emergency shut-off switch in case of a malfunction. Some units may have more than one. Several also feature pressure mats that halt operation automatically when a person comes too close to the machine. Dust- and sound-resistant enclosures to block flying debris are common as well.
• http://www.globalsources.com/gsol/I/CNC-machine/a/9000000129383.htm

VERICUT is at the heart of the CNC manufacturing process

At MACH 2014 the latest version of VERICUT, V7.3, will be featured on CGTech’s stand 4021, Hall 4. VERICUT CNC machine simulation, verification and optimisation software simulates all types of CNC machining, including drilling and trimming of composite parts, water jet, riveting, robots, mill/turn and parallel kinematic/hexapods. It operates independently, but can also be integrated with leading CAM systems. 

A common feature of all recent releases of the software has been the focus on full integration with the CAD/CAM and machine tool industry. As a result VERICUT is now at the heart of the  CNC manufacturing process for many of the world’s leading engineering businesses in all industry sectors, including aerospace and defence, oil and gas, power generation, petrochemical and fluid processing, motorsport, automotive and transport, medical device and implant, as well as general precision and heavy engineering.

Machine simulation with VERICUT detects collisions and near-misses between all machine tool components such as axis slides, heads, turrets, rotary tables, spindles, tool changers, fixtures, workpieces, cutting tools, and other user-defined objects. Setting up ‘near-miss zones’ around the components to check for close calls, and detect over-travel errors. Machine movements can even be simulated while stepping or playing backwards in VERlCUT‘s Review Mode.

With VERICUT Reviewer shopfloor personnel, suppliers, customers, and other production engineers can view animations of the CNC machining process. It is a stand-alone viewer that does not use a license that can play forward and backward while removing and replacing material. New for MACH, the Reviewer files will also be able to operate on an iPad.

Integration with CAM CNC Programming

As an independent system, VERICUT can run standalone and simulate the CNC process driven by post-processed NC code. However, in practice, most manufacturing companies use a CAM system to create CNC part programs. VERICUT can be integrated with all leading CAM systems including Dassault Systemes CATIA, Siemens PLM NX, Delcam PowerMill and FeatureCAM, Vero EdgeCAM, DP Technologies Esprit, CNC Software MasterCAM and Open Mind HyperMill.

The verification provided by VERICUT enables users to view and analyse the geometry of the cut part. Models can be cross-sectioned multiple times at any orientation, to check areas that would be impossible to see in a solid model (such as the intersection of drilled holes).

Integration with cutting tool suppliers and Tool Management Systems

As with all software programs the accuracy of the data input will directly affect the output. So, an accurate model of the cutting tool and holder is required for the effective and accurate simulation of the machining process. Leading cutting tool manufacturers, such as Sandvik, Kennametal and Iscar, now make 3D solid model data available to users and VERICUT has tools to read in this model data for use in the simulation process. VERICUT also interfaces with tool management systems such as TDM Systems and WinTool for access to databases holding cutting tool information. Pre-setting suppliers including Zoller and Speroni can also interface to the software, so tool offsets and exact dimensions can be applied to the simulation process.

Simulation of all types and machine tool brands

CGTech has worked with end users and machine tool manufacturers and distributors to create accurate and effective Virtual Machine Tool configurations. These range from simple 3-axis milling machines to multi-axis machining centres; simple 2-axis lathes to complex mill-turn centres with sub-spindles and robot loading; water jet and laser cutting, and machining/polishing robots.

VERICUT simulates every machine tool brand, including DMG Mori-Seiki, MAZAK, Makino, Matsuura, Hermle, Chiron, Starrag, DS Technologies, WFL, Nakamura-Tome and more.

Other Products

With the growth of the various additive manufacturing processes CGTech has developed programming and simulation of the CNC processes used in this technology area, including automated composites fibre placement and tape laying.

The automated drilling and fastening machines used for the production of aero-structure components are also supported by VERICUT Drilling & Fastening (VDAF). It allows the user to visualise and simulate CNC drilling and fastening machines using the same NC program code that will be run on the machine. Simulation is independent of programming, and VDAF can simulate NC programs from any programming system for any CNC-automated drilling and fastening machine.

With the modular format of VERICUT the software provides flexibility, so companies purchase only the capabilities they need. It is easy to add modules as required as CGTech provides a license that gives immediate access. VERICUT runs on Windows platforms and is delivered as both a 32-bit and 64-bit application. G-codes and CAM centre-line (CL) formats are supported.

Tool Changers for CNC Machine Tools

Our extensive range of Tool Changers and Tool Storage Systems offers machine tool designers, builders and retro-fitters a simple, yet dependable and cost effective solution to accommodate multiple tooling requirements for a wide variety of CNC machine tools.

Tool Changers for CNC Machine Tools

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With over 25 years of experience and technical know-how, our extensive range of high speed mechanical cam driven tool exchangers and tool storage systems have evolved.

From the original range of fast cycling CTM and CTA series to the latest "Ultra High Speed" HTC units, our comprehensive product range offers a tool exchanger solution to accommodate most any tool management requirements.

Only a cam driven tool exchanger system can offer the unique and desirable features such as simple control requirements, optimized and pre-engineered acceleration and deceleration rates, longevity, low maintenance and consistently repetitive performance.

Whether your application is for an exchanger system that will utilize CAT, ISO or HSK tool holders, on a horizontal or vertical spindle Machining Center, in a Flexible Manufacturing Cell, Transfer Line, Turning or Grinding Machines, we have a proven track record of successful installations that we can share with you.

The hot new manufacturing trend: CNC machining

CNC machines are the star of the modern factory floor.

Computer numerical control machines, known as CNC for short, use computers to control machine tools that perform factory tasks such as grinding or milling. The machines reflect the increasingly high-tech nature of manufacturing, a step up from manually operated machines of the past.

On Erie Community College’s North Campus in Amherst, the college’s CNC program has hit a sweet spot in the local economy. Six students enrolled in 2003. This year, there were 100 graduates.

Students who complete the program have 100 percent job placement, said Nathan Witkowski, program chairman and professor of industrial technology.

Witkowski estimated that the 85 students who start the program this month will finish the one-year certificate program by the end of 2014, ready to enter the workforce. Some students will follow up with a second year of education to earn an associate degree, sometimes on a part-time basis after they get a job.

Graduates have jobs making pacemakers at Greatbatch, aerospace parts at Moog Inc. and even custom mouth guards for orthodontists.

“There’s just such a wide variety of places to work,” Witkowski said. “It’s an amazing list of things that are still made here that nobody even knows.”

ECC revamped its Industrial Technology Department and focused on machining about a decade ago, when ECC got $750,000 worth of money and equipment from the closing of the Metalworking Institute of Western New York.

Witkowski said enrollment in the ECC program has surged as local manufacturers expand, creating new opportunities for workers. And a “graying” manufacturing workforce has opened the door for younger people to replace retiring workers.

“There’s no one in the pipeline to fill their spots,” Witkowski said.

The promise of an immediate job paying $12 or $15 an hour to start and plentiful options for local work appealed to brothers Michael and Pat Badaszewski, both returning Marine veterans of the war in Afghanistan.

The brothers didn’t finish their one-year certificate until last month, but they both had jobs in August.

“It’s great,” Michael said. “It’s kind of a mental challenge.”

– Michelle Kearns and Matt Glynn, News staff reporters

http://www.buffalonews.com/business/prospectus/the-hot-new-manufacturing-trend-cnc-machining-20140126

High-end CNC machines can't be moved without manufacturers' permission

On Practical Machinst, there's a fascinating thread about the manufacturer's lockdown on a high-priced, high-end Mori Seiki NV5000 A/40 CNC mill. The person who started the thread owns the machine outright, but has discovered that if he moves it at all, a GPS and gyro sensor package in the machine automatically shuts it down and will not allow it to restart until they receive a manufacturer's unlock code.

Effectively, this means that machinists' shops can't rearrange their very expensive, very large tools to improve their workflow from job to job without getting permission from the manufacturer (which can take a month!), even if their own the gear.

According to posts in the thread, many manufacturers have introduced this lockdown feature because their goods have found their way into Iran, violating the embargo. So now these machines can't be moved at all without the manufacturer's knowledge and consent, a situation that the manufacturers have turned into a business-opportunity by using the technology to assist in repossessing machines from delinquent lease-payers -- and requiring permission for privilege of deciding where to place their key capital assets.

I'm interested in the security implications of this. Malware like Stuxnet attacked embedded systems on computerized machines, causing them to malfunction in subtle ways. A subtly weakened or defective part from a big mill like the NV5000 might find its way into a vehicle or a high-speed machine, with disastrous consequences.

And since the mills are designed to be opaque to their owners, and to actively prevent their owners from reverse-engineering them (lest they disable the gyro/GPS), an infection would be nearly impossible to detect. Criminals and saboteurs are a lot less worried about voiding the warranty on your $100K business-asset than you are, and that asymmetry, combined with the mandate for opacity in the operations, presents a serious risk to machine shops and their customers (and their customers' users -- that is, everyone).

http://boingboing.net/2014/01/06/high-end-cnc-machines-cant-b.html