IMTS 2014: Metal Cutting
Come explore the very foundation of the machine tool industry, a group that represented more than $500 billion in worldwide consumption in 2009. This pavilion is where you’ll find the latest innovations in metal cutting equipment, machining centers, turning centers, drilling, boring, milling, and more.
Posted: August 8, 2014
Sirius-UM provides powerful feed performance using the Z-axis 6-block LM guide. The servo motor is coupled directly to the drive; and while the tensile preload ball screws provide smooth operation, the roller linear guide allows for rapid feed and rigid performance. Before final finish passes, Sirius machines can, with Hwacheon HFDC (Hwacheon frame displacement control system) software, dynamically compensate for any changes that may have occurred in machine kinematics due to temperature, vibration or changes in the tool itself.
Hwacheon mold-making machine tools feature standard integrated software developed in conjunction with Fanuc CNC for thermal displacement control and compensation. Software measures thermal conditions in the machine during the cycle and uses the information collected to dynamically verify and control accuracy. In this way, each machine can control the kinematics of the machines for contour machining, optimizing machine performance for roughing, semifinish, and finish machining without employing a number of different programs. The Sirius machines include software that other machines do not or offer only as options.
Tool Load Detection software provides real time measurement of tool load ensuring consistent and safe machining. Constantly monitoring tool damage and deterioration for prevention of complete tool failure causing work piece damage, this software ensures accuracy and performance. Such a system will measures tool load very frequently, such as every 8 msecs.
The high efficiency contour control system offers an easy to use programming interface system which provides a precise, custom contour control for the selected work piece while supporting longer machine life and reduced process time. Such software will offer different options for cutting speed and accuracy, and for surface finish and geometry. A customizable display provides real time monitoring and easy access. This software may be used with existing NC systems and is compatible with G-Code programming.
The Optima cutting feed optimization routine utilizes an adaptive control method to regulate the feedrate in real time to sustain a consistent cutting load while machining. As a result, cutting tools are less prone to damage and machining time is reduced. The system controls the feed velocity to maintain consistent cutting load. Features include a graphic display of tool load and feedrate, convenient operation using G-code programming, and a number of data sets for specific tool and process control. Additionally, highly sensitive thermal sensors mounted at various locations in the machine castings where thermal displacement is possible can permit software monitoring and correction of detected thermal displacement.
Hwacheon spindle displacement control is also possible with software. As a spindle rotates at high speed, centrifugal forces and heat expand the spindle taper causing error in the Z-axis, where accuracy is vital to precision mating of die components. In addition to a high precision cooled spindle, software can be used to constantly monitor temperature at a number of points within the spindle assembly predicting thermal displacement. The system can then makes necessary adjustments and effectively minimize thermal displacement, preventing Z-axis error due to taper expansion as the spindle rotates at high speed.
Hwacheon is a full-line builder of machining centers and CNC lathes, as well as a key supplier to the automotive industry. Parent company Hwacheon Machinery was founded in Korea in 1952. The fully vertically-integrated builder is unusual among machine builders in that it casts its own bases and columns, hand scrapes box ways, and provides a full suite of software for each of its machines. www.hwacheon.com
PRECISION MULTITASK TURNING SYSTEMS
In Booth S-8136, INDEX Corporation (Noblesville, IN) will demonstrate the new G220 Turn-Mill Center that includes a motorized 5-axis milling spindle and a tool turret with Y-axis, providing maximum machining flexibility for turning and milling complex parts in a single setup. With a distance of 1280 mm between the main and counter spindle and a maximum turning length of 1000 mm, the G220 provides a generous work area. Operators have easy access to the main and counter spindles, the turret and the motorized milling spindle, as well as the operating panel.
The fluid-cooled five-axis motorized milling spindle (power 11 kW, torque 30 Nm, speed up to 18,000 rpm) has hydrostatic bearings in the Y/B-axes. The stable circular guide further ensures excellent rigidity and damping. The Y-axis features a +/-80 mm stroke, the B-axis driven directly by a torque motor has a swivel range of -35 deg to +215 deg. With a large travel distance in the X-direction, machining at up to 30 mm below the turning center height is possible. The motorized milling spindle operates using a one or optionally two-row tool chain magazine which features space for 70 tools or 140 tools (HSK-A40). The double-row tool magazine enables setup during machining time.
The compact machine features a CNC-controlled programmable gantry-type removal unit for finished workpieces. It can unload remnants from the main spindle as well as finished parts from the counter spindle.
The G220 presents a particular highlight when it comes to user friendliness and process reliability with the latest generation of the INDEX C200 SL controller. Based on the Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl (solution line), it features an 18.5 in touchscreen. The operating panel can do more than just operate the machine. It features a second input which INDEX uses for its own Virtual Machine (VM) program simulation (option). By pressing a button, the operator can switch to “VM on Board” and make use of simulation, irrespective of current machine operations.
Also making its North American debut is the new TRAUB TNL42 automatic lathe developed for high production precision turning. This new 42 mm TNK42 fixed headstock automatic lathe adds to the series of CNC fixed/sliding headstock automatic lathes, the TNL18 and TNL32. The time-saving new machine is for production of turned parts up to 250 mm in length and of geometrically complex workpieces in large and medium volumes.
The upper tool turret has 10 stations with slide travels of 140 mm in X-axis and 300 mm in the Z-axis. All stations in the upper turret can be equipped with live tool holders. Turret indexing is accomplished with an NC rotary axis with a direct measuring system, avoiding the need for any mechanical lock, thereby allowing fast positioning of the turrets at any angle. In this way multiple tools can be assigned to each station so that the upper tool carrier can be equipped with up to 20 tools.
The standard built-in Y-axis for the two turrets is formed by the interpolated movement of the CNC turret indexing H-axis and simultaneously the C-axis of the work spindle as well as the X-axis of the tool carrier. Through this combined motion along with the powerful tool drives (with max. 5 kW / 8 Nm / 12,000 rpm), the TNK42 provides a large Y-travel for all turrets, e.g., to mill surfaces and grooves on workpieces or to drill axis-parallel off-center holes.
TRAUB has also reduced idle time with its innovative optional “Dual Drive” system for the upper turret, where two separate drive trains are used to ramp up the speed for the next tool while still cutting with the current tool. This means the new tool is indexed to the machining position at full speed, reducing secondary processing times, and extending the service life of the live tool holders.
Apart from its function as a lower tool turret with 9 stations and identical functionality as the upper tool turret, the lower cross-slide serves as a swivel counter-spindle for rear-end machining of workpieces. The swivel movement of the counter spindle is achieved through the CNC turret indexing axis (H-axis), thereby providing a counter spindle with a C-axis that can be moved in three axes (X/H/Z), allowing unrestricted counter spindle machining at 7,000 rpm (max. 12 kW and 22,5 Nm) and 42 mm spindle clearance. The CNC control TRAUB TX8i-s tailored to the TRAUB TNK42 is designed based on the successful TRAUB TX8i series and combines performance with high reliability. www.index-usa.com
HORIZONTAL MACHINING CENTER OFFERS EXTRAORDINARY CUTTING CAPABILITIES
In Booth S-9148, Kitamura Machinery of USA, Inc. (Wheeling, IL), a premier manufacturer of precision horizontal, vertical and 5-axis machining centers, is proud to announce the introduction of its Mycenter-HX500G Horizontal Machining Center for medium to large size parts that require flexibility in cutting capabilities. An exciting new member of the “G-Series” Machining Center Line-Up, the Mycenter-HX500G out-classes the competition in size, stroke and functionality.
Manufactured in Japan with hand scraping production techniques, the Mycenter-HX500G offers up a host of Kitamura stand-out features, such as solid box way construction with blazing 2,362 ipm rapid feedrates, twin ballscrews and motors in the X- and Y-axes, and linear scale feedback on all axes for optimum stability and ultra-high accuracies of ±0.000079 in full stroke, ±0.000039 in repeatability. The machine is unique in that it is available in two spindle configurations, giving the choice of #40 or #50 taper, making it the ideal cutting vehicle for both lighter duty aluminum applications and those that require a heavier, more robust spindle for higher level accuracy, exotic part processing.
A demonstration of the Mycenter-HX500G Horizontal Machining Center from Kitamura.
The #40, 20,000 rpm 4-step geared, dual contact spindle offers super high speeds for high end, fine finish cutting requirements. Equally impressive is the #50, 12,000 rpm 4-step geared, dual contact spindle, utilizing 432.2 ft-lb of cutting torque for heavy duty part machining. The energy efficient geared spindle design demonstrates savings of between 40 percent and 50 percent kWh for increased productivity and savings. HSK spindle designs are now an available option.
The advanced high speed processing of the Arumatik-Mi controller allows for smoother and faster machining of the most complex work pieces with the potential to add 5-axis simultaneous machining capabilities on both pallets. Recently awarded the 43rd prize for the Machine Industry Design, Kitamura’s G-Series Machining Centers are evidence of the company’s continual pursuit of excellence in industrial development and a statement of dedication in design and manufacture within the machine tool industry.
Founded in 1933, Kitamura Machinery is dedicated to building the most technically advanced horizontal, vertical and 5-axis machining centers in the world. Kitamura machining centers are known and respected for their no-compromises precision and extended floor life even under the most demanding conditions. www.kitamura-machinery.com
A NEW SERIES OF TSUDAKOMA ROTARY TABLES
In Booth S-9153, Koma Precision, Inc. (East Windsor, CT) introduces a new line of high accuracy, high rigidity, energy saving and zero maintenance rotary tables from Tsudakoma, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality, precision rotary tables. The RG Series rotary tables are built using the new ball drive system featuring advantages like zero backlash, improved cycle times, energy conservation and a lifetime adjustment-free transmission system. Three new models are available, with face-plate capacity of RG-160 being 6.3 in (160 mm), RG-250 with 8.27 in (210 mm) and RG-320 with 10.04 in (255 mm).
Also on display is Elbo Controlli, a worldwide leader in presetting solutions distributed through Koma Precision, which continues its advancement into the tool management market with a new generation of tool presetters. The newly designed E346 is tailored specifically to customer’s requirements of a powerful tool measuring system at a price point that no other solution can match. This unit has a radial travel capacity of an X-axis of 14.2 in (360 mm) and a Z-axis of 18.1 in (460 mm).
Elbo Controlli presetters are known for their ease of use, meaning every operator can utilize the unit in a flash. The presetter comes standard with the newly developed post processing software including 50 postprocessors that translate measured data into CNC code. This data can then be put on a USB stick and tooling data can be inserted into the machine’s CNC control.
Since 1982, Koma Precision has served machine tool builders and end users by supplying the world’s highest quality attachments and accessories through a nationwide distributor network. We are the exclusive importer, national distributor and service center for Tsudakoma, Alberti, Romai, Elbo Controlli, and Inbis. Our 25,000 sq ft headquarters located in East Windsor houses sales, application engineering, inventory, repair and rebuilding service support operations. www.komaprecision.com
PERFECT PRODUCTIVITY COMBINATIONS
Inside the Discover More With Mazak™ in Booth S-8300, manufacturers will find everything they need to increase the competitiveness and profitability of their metal working operations. From innovative machining technology to digital manufacturing solutions to applications expertise, Mazak Corporation (Florence, KY) will help attendees find the perfect productivity combination for their part production needs.
Inside its booth, Mazak will demonstrate 21 highly advanced machine tools cutting parts for industries that include aerospace, automotive, energy and medical. Among the machines that will be seen by the public for the first time include the Horizontal Center Universal 4000 and 5000, Integrex j-200S, Integrex e-1600-V10S, Quick Turn Universal 300 MY and Quick Turn Universal S-220 MY.
Perfect for job shops, the new high-value, highly productive Horizontal Center Universal 4000 machining center features a 15.75 in square pallet and can produce precision parts up to 25 in diameter and 35 in high. The machine also meets various production requirements through a variety of options, including12,000 rpm and 20,000 rpm spindle speeds; 40, 80 and 120 tool magazines; and either an NC-positioning or NC-rotary table.