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

Haas Automation Forms Partnership to Support CNC Machining Training

Computer numeric control (CNC) machine tool builder Haas Automation has partnered with Lincoln College of Technology (LCT) to train students for CNC machining careers using Haas equipment at LCT's campus in Grand Prairie, TX.

The partnership marks the first time LCT will launch a CNC training program. The CNC Machining and Manufacturing Technology program will train students in fundamentals such as milling and lathing, and advanced concepts including five-axis machining technology and simulated workplace exercises, according to Lincoln Educational Services Corp. (LES), specialist in technical training for students.

The goal of LES is to find new partnerships and programs across the country in order to bridge the skills gap between the workforce and expectations of employers.

"Haas is a leading global provider of CNC machines and tools for more than 30 years," said Paul McGuirk, Grand Prairie executive director. "This agreement between Haas and Lincoln will give us the opportunity to train our students on industry-leading equipment that Haas will provide through a customized purchase agreement — including entrustment of two major units, the Haas VF-2SS and the Haas ST-10. The opportunity for hands-on experience using the machines will be invaluable to our students and graduates."

Additional Hass equipment students will be provided with include four TM-1P Toolroom Mills and four TL-1 Toolroom Lathes, a VF-2SS featuring a Trunnion and 5-axis mill, and an ST-10 featuring a live tooling lathe.

"When you step into a modern CNC facility — the kind of facility that Haas outfits — you'll be surprised to find it's a clean, comfortable, safe working environment," said Shaun McAlmont, CEO of LES. "These aren't the perceived 'factory' jobs of a generation or two ago. Industry leaders like Haas are driving a revolution in the manufacturing industry, and Lincoln is pleased to be able train our students on their equipment."

http://www.controldesign.com/industrynews/2013/haas-automation-forms-partnership-for-cnc-machining-training/

Protection for moving cables in CNC machinery applications

igus has developed the plastic energy tube RX to successfully resist chips when put through some of the most demanding of operations.
If protection is required for moving cables during the operation of CNC machines, lathes, mills and sawing machines, the energy chains need to be inwardly tight to simultaneously guide the cables and minimise abrasion. 
igus has developed its first foldable plastic energy tube R68 for this very purpose with the new energy tube offering comprehensive protection against chips of any size.
The chips simply fall off on contact with the smooth and convex outer surface and are deposited in the stop system of the energy tube. 
The RX tube offers excellent protection thanks to its smooth contours while the tight production tolerances eliminate any possibility of chips getting between the stoppers. 

http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Treotham/Protection-for-moving-cables-in-CNC-machinery-applications-n2508715

Morris Midwest Announces CNC Machine Tools for Wisconsin Manufacturing and Technology Show

Morris Midwest will return to the Wisconsin Manufacturing Technology Show, the Midwest’s largest manufacturing event, at the Wisconsin State Park Exposition Center in Milwaukee on October 8-10, 2013. The regional machine tool distributor, a division of Morris Group, Inc., will exhibit machine tools from Okuma, Tsugami, Hardinge, and Bridgeport with live cutting demonstrations in its 2400 square-foot show space, Booth 713.
According to John Murphy, president of Morris Midwest, their display of technology will run the gamut from horizontal lathes to vertical machining centers to multifunction machines for the precision machining of both large and small parts. “Our customers include small job shops, large OEMs, and tier one suppliers from virtually every segment of the industry. We are bringing in a top-notch selection of equipment suited for diverse customer needs.”
On display will be several multifunction lathes from Okuma. The affordably-priced Okuma Genos L400 is an entry-level multifunction machine according to Okuma, but is a solid performer in almost any setting, reports Murphy. It is joined by the Okuma LB3000 EX 2-axis horizontal lathe that offers an array of 66 options that can give it the characteristics of a multifunction lathe. The show model, the LB3000 EX BBMYW, shows off added milling (M), sub-spindle (W) and Y-axis capabilities. At the upper end of Okuma’s multifunction machines is the Okuma Multus Series, represented by the Multus B300-II BB/SB.
Also on display from Okuma will be the Genos M560-V vertical machining center which has drawn crowds at other industry events with its high metal removal cutting demonstrations. The Okuma 2SP-V60 twin-spindle, 4-axis vertical lathe is a highly flexible, high precision, heavy-duty selection for manufacturers of large diameter workpieces, such as brake drums and rotors, hubs, and gears.
Tsugami’s B0326-II and SS20M-5AX should be of special interest to small parts manufacturers, adds Murphy. “The new Tsugami SS20M-5AX multifunction lathe is a show stopper. Designed for precision machining of parts 20mm and smaller in size, it underscores Tsugami’s position as the global leader in machines for small parts. It has 5-axis simultaneous control, vertical machining capabilities, and continuous B-axis movement.”
Rounding out Morris Midwest’s technology display will be two horizontal lathes from the Hardinge GS Series—the GS-51 and GS-250—and the small-footprint, 20 horsepower, Bridgeport GX 300 vertical machining center which delivers up to 99 foot-pounds of torque.
“Our application engineering, parts, service, and productivity team members will be staffing our booth alongside our sales engineers,” says Murphy. “We invite show visitors to stop by our booth to see the technology we’ve assembled and meet our staff.”
For more information regarding Morris Midwest, please visit http://www.morrismidwest.com or contact Morris Midwest via phone at 414-586-0450 (WI and MI UP) or 630-351-1091 (IL).
***
Morris Midwest, a division of Morris Group, Inc., has offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Roselle, Illinois and employs more than 60 people. It supplies CNC machine tools, tooling and accessories, and related engineering and support services to manufacturers from the automotive, medical, small engine, agriculture, recreational products, energy and other industries in Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is the exclusive regional distributor in those areas, representing Okuma, Tsugami, Hardinge, Bridgeport, Kellenberger, and Jones & Shipman. Morris Midwest distributes Union’s lines of horizontal boring mills and machining centers in Wisconsin.
Morris Group, Inc., http://www.morrisgroupinc.com, whose history dates to 1941, is one of the largest machine tool distribution networks in North America. Based in Windsor, Connecticut, the family-owned and operated company employs more than 500 people across fourteen business units in the eastern half of the United States.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/9/prweb11071677.htm

CNC Machine Tool Manufacturer Okuma America Corporation and York Technical College Continue Partnership

Okuma America Corporation, world-leader in CNC machine tool manufacturing, and York Technical College have partnered for another year to support the Okuma Technology Institute. Okuma will continue to provide high quality training in service, repair, operation, programming, application and maintenance of Okuma machines.
Since 2002, the partnership between Okuma and York Technical College has provided training to more than a thousand people comprised of Okuma America customers, distributors, and employees and students. These stakeholders have an opportunity to train in a world-class facility, located just an hour away from Okuma America headquarters, that enables accessible hands-on training on Okuma specific machine tools. The initial 2013 schedule has been published and is open for registration. To register for training, please visit http://www.okuma.com/okuma-technology-institute.
For more information, contact Okuma’s Training Department Head, Evelyn Velasquez at (704) 504-6274 or evelasquez(at)okuma(dot)com.
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 York Technical College:
York Technical College a member of the South Carolina Technical and Comprehensive Education System, is a public, two-year institution of higher education that offers a variety of associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The College seeks to contribute to the economic growth and development of York, Lancaster, and Chester counties and of the State by maximizing student success. York Technical College has an open admissions policy for qualified students and annually enrolls 8,000-10,000 credit students. Through excellence in teaching and learning, the College provides program offerings, in a variety of delivery methods, in the areas of engineering technology, industrial technology, information technology, business, health sciences, and public service and transfer to senior colleges and universities. In addition, the College offers a comprehensive selection of corporate and continuing education courses designed to promote occupational advancement, personal interest, and business and industry growth. For more information, visit http://www.yorktech.com.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/8/prweb10994113.htm