THIS WEEK IN PRODUCTION TECH: Gearheads, Milling Tools, Mobile Drums and More

New FAULHABER 20/1R Planetary Gearhead from MICROMO

Following intensive development with a comprehensive series of tests, the power output was able to more than triple in comparison to previous models. The input speed reaches 12,000 rpm. The 20/1R can be combined with DC, brushless motors and stepper motors with a diameter of 17 to 22 mm.

The output shaft of the 20/1R has no axial play, thanks to the pre-tensioned ball bearing. The gearhead is available with one to five stages, and the span of the 16 possible reduction gear ratios ranges from 3.71:1 to 1526:1.

There is also a choice between the normal temperature range of -10 to +125 C and a low temperature variant with -45 to +100 C.

The typical temperature range for planetary gearheads made from metal is extended considerably. Numerous product variants, including an autoclavable version, make it easy to adapt to completely different applications. The connection of the new 20/1R planetary gearhead is compatible with its predecessor, the 20/1. When upgrading, the previous gearhead can be replaced with the new model without further changes.

For more information, visit www.micromo.com. 

Solid Carbide Tool for Dynamic Milling

Walter has introduced a new version of its Walter Prototyp Proto·max ST high performance, solid carbide milling tool. It is designed for optimum performance on steel with secondary applications in stainless steel.

The new mill has five cutting edges and is available with a Weldon shank configuration for secure clamping, with or without corner radius and without a reduced neck for greater stability using the maximum amount of carbide. It possesses a helix angle of 35° and is offered in the diameter range of 6-25 mm.

TAZ coating dramatically increases tool life and lowers coolant use, as dry machining is the recommended approach.

Importantly, the Proto·max ST Z-5 is well suited for dynamic milling, which maintains a constant tool-engagement angle. This allows large depths of cut to be taken, fully utilizing the entire cutting edge of the tool. This is normally combined with radial chip thinning, accomplished by taking a small radial depth of cut; around 10-15 percent of the tool diameter is actually engaged in the cut.

This combination allows for very high speeds, plus very high feed rates and deep depths of cut, typically leading to high material removal rates and lower cutting forces.

For more information, visit www.walter-tools.com.

TIP-TITE Mobile Drum from Flexicon

Ready to plug in and run, it is mounted on a mobile frame with quick-action floor jacks for stable operation.

A hydraulic cylinder raises the drum carriage which seals the drum rim against a discharge cone. A second hydraulic cylinder with a motion-dampening feature tips the carriage-hood assembly and drum, stopping at a predetermined dump angle of either 45, 60 or 90 degrees.

As the assembly approaches its fully-tipped position, the outlet of the discharge cone mates with a gasketed receiving-ring inlet. The inlet can be fitted to existing process equipment or to the lid of an optional hopper with an integral pneumatic, tubular cable or flexible screw conveyor, creating a dust-tight seal.

Once the discharge cone is seated against the gasket, a pneumatically-actuated slide gate valve opens, allowing material to enter the receiving vessel.

The unit accommodates drums from 30 to 55 gal (114 to 208 liters) weighing up to 750 lbs (340 kg) and measuring 36” to 48” (91 to 122 cm) in height.

An optional pneumatically-actuated vibrator on the discharge cone promotes complete evacuation of non-free-flowing materials.

The drum dumper is constructed of mild steel with durable industrial finishes, with material contact surfaces of stainless steel or in all-stainless steel finished to food, dairy, pharmaceutical or industrial standards.

For more information, visit www.flexicon.com. 

Shaft and Hollow-Shaft Encoders from Leine & Linde

Incremental encoders with the ability to provide guaranteed output signals over a single cable in an industrial environment are ideal for applications where redundant safety interfaces are not desired or may not be possible without complete overhaul of the equipment.

The 850 shaft and 862 hollow-shaft are Certified for SIL2/PLd, Category 3 applications. Output signal validity is assured by comparing raw sensor signals to digital output states and validating that against the actual values output to the control. If all values are not in agreement, or the power supply is not within specifications, a status signal indicates that the output is invalid.

For more information, visit www.leinelinde.com.

CleanBend Press Brake Tooling from Mate Precision Tooling

Utilizing rotating supports within the tooling, CleanBend press brake tooling utilizes rotating supports for more precise bending for sheet metal forming.

CleanBend is designed for a wide range of applications including:

• Bending short flanges
• Bending a flange to a diagonal sharp or across existing holes
• Bending delicate and highly polished materials--including painted, coated, plastic covered and more.

Mate CleanBend tooling is made from high-speed tool steel and backed by Mate's unconditional guarantee.

CleanBend is available for press brakes configured with European Precision, Wila Trumpf and American-style tooling systems in a full range of sizes, from 8 mm (0.315”) to 30 mm (1.181”).

Mate’s press brake tooling line also includes a full array of Bevel Tang, European Precision and Wila/Trumpf style punches, dies, standard specials, specials and accessories, available in segmented, full-length and half-length sizes.