THIS WEEK IN MACHINERY: Milling, Grinding, Hydroforming and More

Agathon 4-Axis Grinding Center

The Dom Plus 4-axis grinding center. (Image courtesy of Agathon AG.)

Agathon AG’s latest offering is the Dom Plus 4-axis grinding center. It is equipped with automated loading capacity for high production grinding of indexable inserts on the periphery with two K-Lands through integrated re-clamping.

With a capacity of up to 12 trays, the new 180° swiveling loading gripper allows flexible handling processes and grinding for a second chamfer. Other Dom Plus features include direct drives for the X, Y and C axes, agile handling and internal dressing as well as offline programming and graphic simulation.

In addition, the Dom Plus features a simplified, ergonomic design and unique, domain specific programming languages for indexable inserts. The external design also incorporates rooftop mounting for peripherals.

For more information, visit the Agathon website.

Beckwood Hydroforming Press

The Triform 20-10-10BD hydraulic press. (Image courtesy of Beckwood.)

Beckwood Press Company, manufacturer of hydraulic press solutions has advanced its Triform sheet hydroforming product line with the introduction of several new Deep Draw models.

The 20-10-10BD, 25-10-12BD and 32-10-12BD models include several key advantages over other models in the Deep Draw line.

Updates to the pressure containment system have resulted in significantly improved cycle times. The ‘block design’ containment strategy has been in use by Triform for years on the smaller 12” and 16” Deep Draw presses, as well as the full line of Fluid Cell presses.

The Triform 32-10-12BD hydraulic press. (Image courtesy of Beckwood.)

New BD Deep Draw presses comes equipped with Triform’s standard tool change system. A cartridge-style chamber is conveyed through the rear opening of the press, presenting the blank holder and punch to the operator. An optional t-table allows the operator to stage a secondary cartridge (including the blank holder and punch) for faster tool changes. The system also allows the press to convert from a Deep Draw configuration to a Fluid Cell configuration, for shallow forming without the need for a moveable punch tool.

The new BD designs are also configurable, giving the customer options for either a horizontal layout (with the hydraulic power unit positioned to the side of the forming chamber), or a vertical one, which features a crown-mounted HPU. The vertical configuration is significantly smaller than previous Triform models with the equivalent forming area.

The Triform 25-10-12BD hydraulic press. (Image courtesy of Beckwood.)

In addition, the BD Triform models carry over many of the same features as the existing Triform Deep Draw models. These include pressure and position control with built-in recipe handling capability. Also included as standard is Triform’s proprietary ‘In-Sight’ feature, which allows the operator to pause and open the chamber at any point in the cycle for a visual inspection of the forming process.

For more information, visit the Beckwood website.

Haas CNC

The Next Generation Control. (Image courtesy of Haas Automation.)

Haas Automation’s Next Generation Control (NGC) is the company’s latest CNC. The NGC has an improved user interface, featuring a more consistent and intuitive navigation experience, improved connectivity and a new visual programming system.

Standard features on the NGC include:

1-GB Program Memory
Power Failure Detection Module
Ethernet Connection
Hass-Connect Mobile Monitoring

Haas-Connect enables the NGC to send users email and SMS text notifications about its machine’s operating status and can be set up via the MyHaas Portal.

The NGC can also be upgraded with 32-GB or 64-GB memory, Wi-Fi connectivity, Visual Programming System (VPS) and Dynamic Work Offset (DWO) and Tool Center Point Compensation (TCPC).

The VPS lets users create G-code programs for basic part features using a form-like interface that automatically outputs working G-code. It also includes a custom template generator to allow users to create templates for part features or frequently used programs.

The DWO and TCPC software features are designed to simplify multi-axis machining on 4- and 5-axis rotary tables by eliminating the need to locating the workholding in exactly the same place. Using these features, the Haas control can recognize the part position and create the correct tool path regardless of workholding position.

For more information, visit the Haas website.

Zimmermann Portal Milling Machine

The ZF100 portal milling machine. (Image courtesy of Zimmermann.)

Zimmerman’s new FZ100 Portal Milling Machine uses the company’s patented M3ABC 3-axis milling head to achieve 6-axis capability. ZF100 Is designed for milling aluminum, composites and model-making materials as well as high-speed cutting of steel and cast iron.

According to the company, the additional B-axis significantly reduces the machining time for typical operations, such as milling pockets with sloping sides. The 3-axis head is also able to avoid the pole position of traditional 2-axis A-/C-heads at A = 0°.

The FZ100 can support a table load up to 20,000kg/m³in a work volume of 3,800 – 8,800mm x 3,000 – 4,000mm x 220 mm. The spindle on the M3ABC milling head has a maximum speed of 22,000rpm with constant performance from 6,000rpm and up.

For more information, visit the Zimmermann website.

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