Making parts faster is the mantra of manufacturers and workshops around the world. The IMTS exhibitors in the Metal Removal Pavilion also knew the instructions far more than speed.
The south building of Chicago’s vast McCormick Place employs about 200 metalworking equipment suppliers, specializing in everything from additive measurement to Zoller measurement cells. Demonstrations throughout the pavilion will focus on “one-off” installations using multifunctional machines.
Fewer settings means more work with each setting, and this is where multitasking machines come in handy. These versatile machines combine cutting with turning, milling, drilling, tapping, deep boring, gear milling, turning, broaching, grinding and surface finishing. Meanwhile, so-called hybrid multi-tasking machines can add the capabilities of laser welding, friction stir welding, additive welding, and hot wire welding. When moving parts between workstations, no time is wasted, freeing up operators to perform other tasks.
“IMTS 2022 embodies the concept of multitasking as there is no better way to learn about the myriad of new technologies than by visiting McCormick Place,” said Peter Ilman, Director of Experience for the Association of Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), which manages IMTS.
As major manufacturers develop parts that require internal structures, the adoption of hybrid systems will accelerate, predicts Jim Kosmala, vice president of engineering and technology for Okuma America Corp. in Charlotte, North Carolina. “This is bound to happen as mechanical engineers learn about the strength, weight, and performance benefits of additive design.”
Okuma’s products include the MU-8000V Laser Ex super multi-purpose CNC machine, which combines five-axis subtraction capabilities with laser metal deposition technology for additive manufacturing, workpiece hardening and coating, including multitasking.
Not only big companies. Smaller stores can also benefit from the integration of subtractive and additive technologies, said Greg Papke, vice president of sales and marketing for Advantec North America at Mazak in Florence, Kentucky. Productivity, reduction of setup time, reduction of programming time and elimination of redundant operations. ”
Mazak will showcase its new Swiss-style Syncrex machine at booth 338300 in the Metal Removal Pavilion. Syncrex machines have four bar diameters from 20mm to 38mm and are available in seven, eight and nine axis configurations. A nine-axle model with a full B-axis profile is also available. According to President Mazak Corp. Dan Yankee, the machines are equipped with the Mazatrol Smooth CNC control system for quick and easy job setup. The Swiss Setup Assist and Dynamic Chip Control functions also help reduce setup times and part production.
One of the conditions for efficiency is that the machines really work – this is the only way a company can make money. “Manufacturers must ensure production and maintain spindle rotation regardless of the business challenge,” said Günter Schnitzer, president of Hermle USA Inc. in Franklin, Wisconsin. The company’s IMTS demo at booth 339119 will focus on a CNC with built-in automation or an automation-ready system. machines allow fewer people to produce more parts. This includes combined systems that can handle fixtures and raw materials, Schnitzer said.
Hermle will showcase CNC machining centers, including the C 250, which offers five-axis production as well as a wide range of workpiece rotation, full range of travel development and a large collision radius between table sections. C 250 with the largest working area in the installation area is designed for everyday use.
Hermle will demonstrate the C 250 with the new TNC7 control unit from the Heidenhain Corporation of Schaumburg, Illinois. The device is described as intuitive, task-oriented and customizable. It supports users from initial design to final processing, from single jobs to mass production, from simple grooving to complex contours. Control platforms allow machine builders to tailor the user interface to their machines.
Meeting product release dates is critical to any project. But when you work with NASA, launches matter even more—literally.
Just ask Mitsui Seiki America of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, which helped build the key components of the James Webb Space Telescope. “Our machines are cutting beryllium segments for JWST,” said Chief Operating Officer Bill Malanch. The Mitsui stand (338700) will highlight the company’s contribution to the mission.
Mitsui Seiki will also showcase its vertical machining centers, including the PJ812 for machining critical medical, optical, electrical vehicles, molds and aerospace parts. For smaller workpieces, the company will showcase the PJ 303X, a five-axis machining center capable of machining workpieces weighing 20kg, weighing up to 230mm and 280mm in diameter. The IMTS models will be equipped with Renishaw spindle probes and Dynavision vision systems.
Nathan Turner, president of Fastems LLC in West Chester, Ohio, is looking forward to the return of the live event, where attendees can ask questions, touch machines, and even make parts. “People can see the benefits of automation and learn more about how it can help them streamline their manufacturing operations.”
Visitors can find Fastems at booth 339186 where the company will be displaying the FPT Flexible Pallet Rack. The machine is described as a compact solution for automating automatic pallet changers and 5-axis machining centers equipped with 300-630 mm pallets. The machine interface library allows for plug-and-play installation of more than 90 machine brands. FPT is driven by Fastems version 8 production management software, which offers a single view user interface, drag and drop production orders for queue-based and order-based production scheduling, and optional ERP integration.
Absolute Machine Tools Inc. and Productive Robotics of Lorain, Ohio will showcase their line of collaborative robots at Absolute Booth (338519). To give visitors a better idea of how easy it is to use and integrate these robots into the production process, a special area will be created where visitors can get to know the cobots in person.
“Manufacturing robotic systems, such as the OB7 series of collaborative robots, support Absolute Machine Tools’ commitment to providing manufacturers of all sizes with affordable, easy-to-use automation solutions and upskilling the workforce they currently employ,” said Absolute Machine Tools Marketing. . Directed by Courtney Ortner.
Absolute Machine will also partner with Mitsubishi Electric Automation (MEA) in Vernon Hills, Illinois to introduce the LoadMate Plus robotic machine maintenance cell. Co-designed and built by partners to fill the gap between cobots and industrial robotics cells, the LoadMate Plus cell can support payloads from 20kg to 1388mm. The automated control unit of the robotic machine will be demonstrated together with the Absolute Machine Tools Seiki KT-420L CNC milling and drilling center.
GF Machining Solutions LLC of Lincolnshire, Illinois will be demonstrating its EDM technology at booth 338329. Featured products include the CUT X 500, which offers step accuracy down to 1.0 µm, and the CUT P 350 Pro EDM generation for precision parts.
Completing the GF Machining demo line is an automated cell with a Mill 400 U ultra-high speed milling machine and a Form P 350 EDM cell. Everyone can be equipped with a FANUC robot. The machines showcase Uniqua’s HMI, which includes over 600 pre-programmed cutting processes. The booth will also showcase the System 3R WorkPartner 1+ modular pallet, which attaches to a LASER P 400 U laser texturing machine from GF Machining.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) adaptive control technology, the new SV12P and SG12 EDM machines from Mitsubishi EDM/MC Machinery in Elgin, Illinois reduce energy consumption and take the guesswork out of estimating machining time. Patented artificial intelligence technology makes intelligent use of condition monitoring data. For example, these new machines can diagnose problems in programming in real time and directly change certain parameters to produce stable and accurate output.
Because the technology analyzes current sensor data to determine optimal conditions, it reduces overall electrode wear and costs. According to Mitsubishi EDM/MC, by monitoring these parameters, machines can operate more efficiently and machining times can be more accurately predicted. At IMTS, the SV12P will be equipped with the Erowa Robot Compact 80 milling and driving automation system. Visitors can visit the company at booth 338129.
For complex medical devices, gun drills can make “impossible holes possible” according to Unisig GmbH of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Proof of this is the Unisig UNE6-2i with two independent high speed spindles and built-in built-in automation. The high accuracy of the machine allows you to drill holes with a diameter of 0.03-0.25 inch (0.8-6 mm) in workpieces weighing up to 11 pounds (5 kg) with a depth to diameter ratio from 20:1 to more than 100:1. Said UNE6-2i with a total drilling speed of 28,000 rpm and a cooling system based on a flow of 3000 psi. inch (207 bar) combines superior process control with an intuitive, intelligent control interface. Visitors can find the company at booth 339159. .
Post time: Aug-25-2022
