Jet Edge 5-Axis Waterjet
This waterjet system cuts precise sophisticated 3D parts such as impellers and bevels up to 50°. It is used by manufacturers to perform some of the most demanding waterjet applications, from waterjet job shops specializing in aerospace and defense work to large machine shops, metal fabricators and metal service centers.
Service center applications include cutting bevels for weld preparation, waterjet cutting parts to near net shape, cutting exotic materials and heat-affected-zone (HAZ)-free and slag-free cutting.
Designed with harsh environments in mind, the EDGE X-5 separates the motion system from the catcher tank, eliminating vibration. The EDGE X-5 utilizes an industrial PC controller. It is ball-screw driven for and features direct-couple AC brushless digital servo motors and single or double carriages. Critical bearing components are protected with heavy metal covers with brush seals and positive air pressure.
The Jet Edge EDGE X-5 waterjet machine is available in many sizes, from 5’x5’ (1500 mm x1500 mm) to 24’x13.’ (7300 mm x 3900 mm). An optional second cutting head can be added to double productivity.
For more information, visit the Jet Edge website.
Lincoln Electric CNC Plasma-Cutting System
System design, components and construction are single-source engineered for small metal fab shops, sheet metal contractors, hobbyists and artists, custom vehicle fabricators, prototyping, education and the racing industry. These systems are fully assembled and ready to run in 30 minutes from uncrating.
The Torchmate 4400, a 4x4 CNC plasma-cutting table, is designed for users seeking a small table that offers built-in, production-grade components and fits into any small-to-medium-sized fabrication shop. The Torchmate 4800, a 4x8 CNC plasma cutting table, offers a larger cutting area that allows users to avoid additional shearing fees from steel suppliers.
Both tables include all necessary operational components, including:
- Integrated touch-screen HMI with 27-part-shape library and optional clip art gallery with over 6,000 files
- Industrial-grade user console with adjustable mounting arm
- Proprietary motion-control system
A standard 80-amp power supply delivers 65 percent faster cut speeds and consumable cost savings of up to 45 percent compared to previous generations. The 4400 and the 4800 also produce cycle times that are 2.5 times faster than Torchmate’s previous system.
Lincoln Electric also offers a comprehensive, ready-to-run education package for these systems with everything needed to start a CNC education program, including unlimited educational CAD licenses and access to a private online educator community.
Torchmate 4400|4800 CNC plasma-cutting systems are backed by a two-year, complete Lincoln Electric warranty and have been tested to industry standards, including IP23, ISO, Laser Interferometer, EMC and MTBF. Laser interferometry testing resulted in a 0.0015” average repeatability.
For more information, visit the Lincoln Electric website.
Makino Horizontal Machining Centers
The a51nx has a 560-mm (22”) X-axis and extended Y- and Z-axes of 640 mm (25.2”) for an industry-leading total axis volume of 8.1 cubic feet.
The standard a61nx has a 730-mm (28.7”) X-axis, 650-mm (25.6”) Y-axis and extended Z-axis of 800 mm (31.5”). An optional tall column on the a61nx expands the Y-axis to 730 mm (28.7”), allowing customers to process larger parts that may have previously required 50 taper machines. Thanks to the expanded Z-axis stroke, maximum tool length on the a51nx and a61nx models is increased to 430 mm (16.9”) and 510 mm (20.1”), respectively.
The updated a51nx and a61nx models feature a standard 14,000-rpm (30-kW) spindle that has been upgraded to deliver 303 Nm of duty-rated torque. This design enables the machines to accelerate and decelerate from full rpm in 17 percent less time. When compared to previous models, the additional torque reduces rigid tapping time by 20 to 25 percent per hole. Large-diameter angular contact bearings ensure high levels of rigidity for a variety of applications and processes.
An optional 24,000-rpm (80/60-kW) spindle is available on the a61nx model for high metal-removal rates in aluminum part applications. A new 20,000-rpm (30/18-kW) spindle with direct-inject air-oil lubrication is also available, delivering improved reliability and greater power.
Several enhancements have been made to reduce non-cut time on the updated a51nx and a61nx machines. A vision-type broken-tool sensor (Vision B.T.S.) comes standard, supporting unattended operation by validating the condition of cutting tools after each tool change.
By creating a silhouette of the cutting tools, Vision B.T.S. is also able to detect the length, size and approximate weight of the tool. This information can then be applied to automatically set the tool-change speed to the appropriate setting (fast, medium or slow). The Vision B.T.S. system has fewer moving parts and requires no physical contact with the cutting tool, allowing for less risk of chipping delicate tool materials, such as polycrystalline diamond (PCD).
The Professional 6 (Pro6) control helps move operators through machine setup with accessible information and enhanced safety. Cycle-time saving and dynamic-control capabilities have been added to the control's GI functions to help lower costs per part.
Two forms of advanced motion-control GI are included with the Pro6 control:
GI Drilling is a G-code drilling cycle that enables the spindle and tool to arc from hole to hole instead of following a square path. This reduces non-cut time by as much as 15 percent on common hole-pattern drilling.
GI Milling is designed to improve performance in 2-D milling. GI Milling lets the user define a corner-rounding tolerance on each milling path.
On complex 2-D paths, testing has reduced cut time up to 35 percent. While not every tool can make use of these functions, advanced motion control GI is proven to reduce overall cycle time by 3 to 8 percent in typical production components.
The machines exteriors have changed in an effort to make maintaining the machine easier for the operator. An L-shaped door, when open, allows more light to enter the machine and prevents fluid from dripping onto the operator during inspection and maintenance. The wide opening on the pallet-loading station doors lends access for loading of fixtures and large workpieces.
Chip and coolant management has been improved with the addition of a standard hydro-cyclonic filtration system. This system cleans coolant down to a 20 µm level, extending the maintenance life of the coolant.
For more information, visit the Makino website.
Mazak Horizontal Machining Center
At IMTS, the HCN-4000 – within a PALLETECH System featuring SMOOTH PMC software – will be machining a variety of real world components, including a pump housing part. The machine will not only mill, bore and hone the housing, but will use orbital machining techniques as well.
Mazak’s PALLETECH configures into one, two or three levels for automated and continuous production cells. PALLETECH cells also accommodate different types of Mazak machine tools, which allows shops to mix and match machine types, such as horizontal machining centers together with vertical machining centers.
Mazak’s new SMOOTH PMC cell control software manages and maximizes PALLETECH System operations. The software allows users to look ahead with production simulations to forecast needed tools, machine loads and output levels for up to a week’s worth of scheduled cell workflow. SMOOTH PMC also allows for PALLETECH cell connectivity, analytics and performance data outputs in graphical formats via a smart phone.
The HCN-4000’s SmoothG CNC with Smooth Orbiturn function makes both the honing process and the orbital machining possible. Enhanced with Mazak’s SMOOTH TECHNOLOGY, orbital machining techniques enable horizontal machining centers to turn round and eccentric features on large, odd-shaped parts such as valves and manifolds while the components remain stationary.
The machine at IMTS will feature a 40-taper, 12,000-rpm spindle and 1G acceleration in all axes. Mazak also offers the HCN-4000 with a 14,000-rpm, 18,000-rpm or 30,000-rpm spindle.
Mazak worked with Sunnen Products Co. to develop the special hone tooling needed for the horizontal machining center integration. In the application, controlled high-pressure fluid transfers through the machine’s spindle into the toolholder and to the Sunnen honing tool to position and adjust its abrasive pads/stones. The system then provides closed-loop feedback as to hole ID size for in-process adjustments.
For more information, visit the Mazak website.
Okuma 4-Axis Lathe
The LU3000 EX-M is built as an integrated production system and features a compact design, heavy duty, cast iron base, in addition to optimized CNC control, motors and drive systems that are specifically designed to work together for maximum machine performance.
With a main spindle and dual servo turrets capable of simultaneous, synchronized control, the LU3000 EX-M can utilize two tools in the cut for improved production. Additionally, Okuma offers a series of functions specifically designed to enhance simultaneous 4-axis turning – including a single programming file for both turrets, and the ability to program both turrets as if they were the upper turret operating on the left spindle.
The LU3000 EX-M, designed and built around Okuma’s Thermal Friendly Concept, is capable of producing parts across multiple shifts despite changing environmental temperatures. With its box-slant bed design the LU3000 EX-M experiences minimal thermal growth over time.
For more information, visit the Okuma website.
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