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hyperMILL 2024 CAD/CAM software suite

OPEN MIND Technologies has introduced its latest hyperMILL 2024 CAD/CAM software suite, which includes a range of powerful enhancements to its core toolpath capabilities, as well as new functionality for increased NC programming efficiency in applications ranging from 2.5D machining to 5-axis milling. New and enhanced capabilities include: Optimized Deep Hole Drilling, a new algorithm for 3- and 5-axis Rest Machining, an enhanced path layout for the 3D Plane Machining cycle, better error detection, and much more.
Learn more.

One-part epoxy changes from red to clear under UV

Master Bond UV15RCL is a low-viscosity, cationic-type UV-curing system with a special color-changing feature. The red material changes to clear once exposed to UV light, indicating that there is UV light access across the adhesive material. Although this change in color from red to clear does not indicate a full cure, it does confirm that the UV light has reached the polymer. This epoxy is an excellent electrical insulator. UV15RCL adheres well to metals, glass, ceramics, and many plastics, including acrylics and polycarbonates.
Learn more.

SPIROL Press-N-Lok™ Pin for plastic housings

The Press-N-Lok™ Pin was designed to permanently retain two plastic components to each other. As the pin is inserted, the plastic backfills into the area around the two opposing barbs, resulting in maximum retention. Assembly time is quicker, and it requires lower assembly equipment costs compared to screws and adhesives -- just Press-N-Lok™!
Learn more about the new Press-N-Lok™ Pin.

Why hybrid bearings are becoming the new industry standard

A combination of steel outer and inner rings with ceramic balls or rollers is giving hybrid bearings unique properties, making them suitable for use in a wide range of modern applications. SKF hybrid bearings make use of silicon nitride (twice as hard as bearing steel) rolling elements and are available as ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings, and in custom designs. From electric erosion prevention to friction reduction and extended maintenance intervals, learn all about next-gen hybrid bearings.
Read the SKF technical article.

3M and Ansys train engineers on simulating adhesives

Ansys and 3M have created an advanced simulation training program enabling engineers to enhance the design and sustainability of their products when using tapes and adhesives as part of the design. Simulation enables engineers to validate engineering decisions when analyzing advanced polymeric materials -- especially when bonding components made of different materials. Understand the behavior of adhesives under real-world conditions for accurate modeling and design.
Read this informative Ansys blog.

New FATH T-slotted rail components in black from AutomationDirect

Automation-Direct has added a wide assortment of black-colored FATH T-slotted hardware components to match their SureFrame black anodized T-slotted rails, including: cube connectors (2D and 3D) and angle connectors, joining plates of many types, brackets, and pivot joints. Also included are foot consoles, linear bearings in silver and black, cam lever brakes, and L-handle brakes. FATH T-slotted hardware components are easy to install, allow for numerous T-slotted structure configurations, and have a 1-year warranty against defects.
Learn more.

Weird stuff: Moon dust simulant for 3D printing

Crafted from a lunar regolith simulant, Basalt Moon Dust Filamet™ (not a typo) available from The Virtual Foundry closely mirrors the makeup of lunar regolith found in mare regions of the Moon. It enables users with standard fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers to print with unparalleled realism. Try out your ideas before you go for that big space contract, or help your kid get an A on that special science project.
Learn more.

Break the mold with custom injection molding by Rogan

With 90 years of industry experience, Rogan Corporation possesses the expertise to deliver custom injection molding solutions that set businesses apart. As a low-cost, high-volume solution, injection molding is the most widely used plastics manufacturing process. Rogan processes include single-shot, two-shot, overmolding, and assembly. Elevate your parts with secondary operations: drilling and tapping, hot stamping, special finishes, punch press, gluing, painting, and more.
Learn more.

World's first current-carrying fastening technology

PEM^® eConnect™ current-carrying pins from Penn-Engineering provide superior electrical connections in applications that demand high performance from internal components, such as automotive electronics. This first-to-market tech provides repeatable, consistent electrical joints and superior installation unmatched by traditional fastening methods. Features include quick and secure automated installation, no hot spots or poor conductivity, and captivation options that include self-clinching and broaching styles.
Learn more about eConnect pins.

New interactive digital catalog from EXAIR

EXAIR's latest catalog offers readers an incredible source of innovative solutions for common industrial problems like conveying, cooling, cleaning, blowoff, drying, coating, and static buildup. This fully digital and interactive version of Catalog 35 is designed for easy browsing and added accessibility. Customers can view, download, print, and save either the full catalog or specific pages and sections. EXAIR products are designed to conserve compressed air and increase personnel safety in the process. Loaded with useful information.
Check out EXAIR's online catalog.

5 cost-saving design tips for CNC machining

Make sure your parts meet expectations the first time around. Xometry's director of application engineering, Greg Paulsen, presents five expert tips for cutting costs when designing custom CNC machined parts. This video covers corners and radii, designing for deep pockets, thread depths, thin walls, and more. Always excellent info from Paulsen at Xometry.
View the video.

What can you secure with a retaining ring? 20 examples

From the watch dial on your wrist to a wind turbine, no application is too small or too big for a Smalley retaining ring to secure. Light to heavy-duty loads? Carbon steel to exotic materials? No problem. See how retaining rings are used in slip clutches, bike locks, hip replacements, and even the Louvre Pyramid.
See the Smalley design applications.

Load fasteners with integrated RFID

A crane, rope, or chain may be required when something needs lifting -- plus anchoring points on the load. JW Winco offers a wide range of solutions to fasten the load securely, including: lifting eye bolts and rings (with or without rotation), eye rings with ball bearings, threaded lifting pins, shackles, lifting points for welding, and more. Some, such as the GN 581 Safety Swivel Lifting Eye Bolts, even have integrated RFID tags to clearly identify specific lifting points during wear and safety inspections and manage them digitally and without system interruption.
Learn more.

Couplings solve misalignments more precisely with targeted center designs

ALS Couplings from Miki Pulley feature a simplistic, three-piece construction and are available in three different types for more precisely handling parallel, angular, or axial misalignment applications. The key feature of this coupling design is its center element. Each of the three models has a center member that has a unique and durable material and shape. Also called a "spider," the center is designed to address and resolve the type of misalignment targeted. Ideal for unidirectional continuous movement or rapid bidirectional motion.
Learn more.

What is 3D-MID? Molded parts with integrated electronics from HARTING

3D-MID (three-dimensional mechatronic integrated devices) technology combines electronic and mechanical functionalities into a single, 3D component. It replaces the traditional printed circuit board and opens up many new opportunities. It takes injection-molded parts and uses laser-direct structuring to etch areas of conductor structures, which are filled with a copper plating process to create very precise electronic circuits. HARTING, the technology's developer, says it's "Like a PCB, but 3D." Tons of possibilities.
View the video.

170 tons: MAG completes mammoth portal mill built to produce large diesel engines and massive industrial components

One of MAG's newest product developments, the giant 6-axis U6 bridge-type portal mill, is completing its runoff in Hebron, KY, prior to shipping later this year. The massive machine, which weighs nearly 154 MT (170 tons), is outfitted with five interchangeable cutting heads, including two custom designs to allow five-sided machining on oversized diesel engine blocks and industrial components. Equipped to deliver up to 74.5 kW (100 hp) into the cut, the machine can complete all six sides of a 5,900-kg (13,000-lb), 16- or 20-cylinder diesel engine block in just three setups at a total time of about 30 hr. The turnkey solution from MAG includes the machine, special spindle heads, cutting tools, part programs, and workholding fixture.

The U6 is engineered for heavy-duty machining of large precision parts, such as this 16-cylinder diesel engine block weighing 5,900 kg (13,000 lb). The machine's robust construction makes it ideal for heavy cuts in steel, titanium, Inconel, or cast iron.

 

 

 

 

The U6's full complement of accessories includes a spindle head storage/retrieval system that allows automatic head changes to maximize the machine's productivity. The special-purpose heads enable completion of a multitude of complex features on five sides of the part in one setup.

 

 

 

 

This particular machine has a working range of 13 m x 2.6 m x 1 m x 1.25 m (X-Y-W-Z), with speeds up to 20 m/min (787 ipm) and linear-axis repeatability of 0.01 mm (0.0004 in.). The W+Z axes combined deliver a programmable vertical range of 2.25 m (7.3 ft) for deep reach into or around parts. The machine is configured with a two-table system to transfer workpieces in and out of the cutting zone, enabling it to cut one part while a second is being set up or unloaded off line. This allows parts to be machined in sets of two, using the five spindle heads and a full complement of operations including milling, facing, boring, drilling, tapping, and specialty serration milling. The five spindle heads are changed automatically for maximum efficiency and minimal cycle time.

"This machine is the newest and most advanced design in its class, utilizing linear way technology and all-electric drives for speed, accuracy, and energy efficiency," says Chip Storie, MAG executive vice president. "It is whisper quiet, and proved its dynamic stiffness during sustained-power qualification tests. It will produce the customer's parts in less time, at a lower cost, when all the high-efficiency features are applied, giving the customer a competitive advantage."

Engineered for lean machining of large parts
The U6 universal machining center is engineered for lean manufacturing of large complex-geometry parts. Its 5-axis machining and contouring capabilities minimize downtime, part reorientations, and set ups. The machine's robust construction makes it ideal for heavy cuts in large cast iron, steel, Inconel, or titanium parts encountered in aerospace, off-road, energy, marine, and mining equipment. The U6's energy-efficient all-electric design eliminates hydraulic noise and maintenance issues, particularly compared to older-style, hydrostatic guideways. Replaceable low-friction linear guideways improve axis responsiveness and help reduce energy consumption.

The U6 can be outfitted with a range of high-torque or high-speed spindles, up to 74.5 kW (100 hp) and 24,000 rpm, with choice of tapers, and vertical, horizontal, 5-axis, or custom head configurations to cover a wide spectrum of machining requirements. This photo shows the contouring gimbal head machining the ports on the diesel engine block.

 

 

 

 

Available in a bridge or traveling gantry design, the U6 can be configured with a crossrail (Y-axis) up to 9 m (29.5 ft), while the adjustable W-axis (vertical crossrail movement) provides up to 5 m (16.4 ft) additional travel to complement up to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) of Z-axis range. The maximum 7.5-m (24.6-ft) programmable vertical range of the machine (W+Z axes) gives it the capacity to machine, or maneuver over, tall or oddly shaped workpieces. The design allows the Y-axis rail to be positioned close to the part for machining with minimal Z-axis extension and maximum stiffness for tight accuracy. As options, the U6 is offered with a choice of 1-m, 1.5-m, 2-m, or 2.5-m Z-axis ram travel for best fit to processing needs.

The U6B bridge-type machine can be equipped with an optional X-axis pallet shuttle system for cellular processing with single or multiple machines. It is available with a broad range of table and pallet shuttle systems. The U6R rail-type traveling gantry design offers unlimited X-axis travel, and is expandable to fit the application.

The U6 can be outfitted with a range of high-torque or high-speed spindles, up to 74.5 kW (100 hp) and up to 24,000 rpm, choice of tapers, and vertical, horizontal, or 5-axis head configurations to cover the spectrum of machining requirements. Automatic head exchanges are programmable, fully automated, and accomplished in about 1 min. The C-axis option is built into the Z-axis ram and is offered 360-degree continuous rotation to keep the spindle in-cut without running out of C-axis travel or waiting for unwind. Custom head configurations are also available.

Source: MAG

Published September 2012

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