THIS WEEK IN MACHINERY: A 5-Axis Fiber Laser, Remote CNC Diagnostics and More

BLM GROUP Fiber Laser

The LT-FREE Fiber Laser. (Image courtesy of BLM GROUP.)

BLM GROUP has announced the introduction of the LT-FREE, a 5-axis swivel head fiber laser machine designed for cutting three dimensional formed or shaped parts such as bent tubes, hydroformed tubes, welded assemblies and stamped or flat sheets.

The machine can make cuts very close to each other, enabling parts to be nestled on a single bent tube and then separated by laser.

The LT-FREE series includes the High Flex universal version for bent and hydroformed tubes, flat and deep-drawn sheets or welded assemblies. The Piece Value version features a rotary turntable and automatic load/unload for high-productivity machining while the Entry Level version features a dual fixed table for a wide variety of part configurations.

LT-FREE comes with software which can be used to create part programming of virtually any complexity in a simple 3-D graphical environment.

With powers up to 5 kW, table dimensions of 59” x 39” and axis stroke to 116” on the X-axis, 37” on the Y-axis and 29” on the Z-axis, LT-FREE is suitable for machining mild steel, copper, aluminum, brass, stainless steel and galvanized steel.

Possible uses for the LT-FREE include:

Trimming and feature cutting right on the bend
Cuts for robotic welding during a later assembly stage
Trimming or cutting features in hydroformed parts
Cutting trim-formed sheet metal parts
Feature cutting in assembled frames or components

For more information, visit the BLM GROUP website.

Doosan Multi-Task Machining Center

The PUMA SMX multi-tasking machining center. (Image courtesy of Doosan Machine Tools.)

The PUMA SMX3100 is a multi-task milling/turning center from Doosan Machine Tools. It is designed for heavy and interrupted cutting, long-term high accuracy, and superior surface finishes.

The PUMA SMX Series is designed to offer high-speed tool changing and rapid traverse rates to minimize non-cutting time.

C-axis contouring, Y-axis off-center and B-axis any-angle milling/drilling allow for single set-up completion of complex workpieces.

Other notable features include a maximized Y-axis machining area as a result of the orthogonal design structure, Roller LM Guideways and a 0.0001° B-axis and C-axis accuracy control function. According to the company, these features make the PUMA SMX Series well-suited to aerospace, energy, shipbuilding and medical applications.

For more information, visit the Doosan Machine Tools website.

Fives Diagnostic Communication System

A Fives expert helps a customer using the new Diagnostic Communications System. (Image courtesy of Fives Group.)

Fives Machining Systems is introducing a new remote diagnostics capability that allows machine operators to connect with Fives Cincinnati and Fives Giddings & Lewis experts—via secure CNC screen sharing—to diagnose and overcome many stoppages within minutes.

"In 30 to 40 percent of cases, we can solve a customer's problem or point them to the solution, without the delay for on-site service," said Wade Blain, project engineer, Fives Giddings & Lewis. "It significantly increases customer uptime, and if a repair is needed, the diagnostic process allows us to ship the correct parts in advance so the service person can start work immediately on arrival."

The Diagnostic Communication System (DCS) is now standard on all new Cincinnati and Giddings & Lewis machine tools and composite systems. It is also available as a system upgrade for installed machines with a PC-based HMI on Fanuc, Siemens and Heidenhain controls.

The enabling software, TeamViewer, establishes an encrypted, password-protected connection to the customer's CNC over a virtual private network (VPN). A new and unique password is generated by TeamViewer for each session. Legacy CNCs can access diagnostic service using a connected laptop to run TeamViewer software.

"A major advantage is that we can have several of our factory technicians from different departments simultaneously logged into a customer's machine to ensure we have the right expertise to handle most any problem," said Blain.

"We can examine active alarms and operator messages, operator and alarm histories, control parameter settings, PLC programs and the state of devices such as solenoids, switches and encoders. Even without a fault message, we may be able to step the customer through to a solution. We can do audio and video sessions, too, if the customer has a webcam," Blain added.

For more information, visit the Fives website.

ShopBot Desktop CNC Router

The Desktop MAX CNC router. (Image courtesy of ShopBot.)

ShopBot Tools recently introduced the ShopBot Desktop MAX CNC router. The router can be used for cutting, carving, machining and milling in wood, MDF, plastics, foams and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum.

The new Desktop MAX tool has a 36" x 24" work area, twice that of the ShopBot Desktop, as well as a dual-motor gantry system.

It features a removable tool bed, which enables end-machining processes such as creating complex furniture joinery. The Desktop MAX has two options for beds: an aluminum deck or a plenum with universal hold-down system, which eliminates the need for screws, adhesives, or clamps for holding large sheet goods in place.

The Desktop MAX was designed for luthiers, sign makers, furniture makers and anyone interested in prototyping or low-volume production.

For more information, visit the ShopBot website.

Follow @ENGcom_machine on Twitter.