THIS WEEK IN MACHINERY: Coating, Waterjet Cutting, Additive Manufacturing & More

Duralar Coating Machine

(Image courtesy of Duralar.)
Duralar Technologies, a developer of advanced, ultra-hard metal coatings and coating machines recently introduced the Duralar CS-50 deposition system. The CS-50 is able to coat both the inside and outside surfaces of metal parts using a proprietary process called DualArmor.

"The CS-50 system features a tubular processing chamber that opens like a clamshell, allowing metal parts to be placed inside for coating," said Duralar CTO Tom Casserly. "DualArmor coating employs a unique Hollow Cathode PECVD process to bathe the parts in an extremely intense plasma—roughly 1,000 times greater than a standard CVD plasma—and this enables parts to be coated at an unprecedented high rate. Also, the chamber eliminates the line-of-sight limitations that spray-type coatings have. Since all deposition occurs within the dense plasma, all part surfaces—interior, exterior and complex 3D shapes—are coated with high uniformity, eliminating the need for post-processing rework."

Casserly explained that Duralar's PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) process creates a pendulum-like motion of high-energy electrons traveling back and forth between the sides of the chamber (the cathode), with the two ends of the chamber serving as the anodes. Inside the chamber, high-energy ionized gases are used to clean, create an adhesive bond and deposit ultra-hard coating on the parts.

The CS-50's deposition speed enables the use of thicker hard coatings than were technically possible or commercially feasible before. Previously, conventional DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coatings had a practical total thickness limit of around 5µm, but new Duralar DLC coatings can be 50µm or more.

Conventional DLC coatings were deposited one or two atoms at a time, so it could take more than 8 hours to complete a process containing 1µm of DLC. According to Duralar, the company’s DualArmor technology can deposit high-quality DLC many times faster—typically 15-20µm per hour, and it is capable of considerably higher rates.

(Image courtesy of Duralar.)
The company noted that the new DualArmor coatings can provide 5 to 10 times the hardness of carbon steel and more than 10,000 times greater wear resistance than 304 stainless steel. The coatings feature high levels of corrosion and erosion resistance, with a friction coefficient of <0.08.

Because of their carbon content, the coatings provide a natural lubricity, which in certain applications can eliminate the need for oils or other lubricants. All Duralar coatings are chemically inert, benign and eco-friendly. By adjusting their recipes, they can be tailored to address specific application requirements.

The new Duralar CS-50 system is specifically designed for high throughput in volume-coating environments, with volumes determined by size of parts and coating thickness. The CS-50 chamber is 60 in long with a 10-in diameter, and coatings can be more than 50µm in thickness. Special chamber shields prevent coating of the system's chamber walls, and used shields can be changed out after each run, to be subsequently reworked and reused.

Coating processes on the CS-50 are automated through recipes and can allow transfer from Duralar's R&D center to customer sites around the world.

Duralar ultra-hard coatings are used to enhance performance and extend the longevity of parts and equipment in a variety of applications—in industries such as automotive, oil & gas, firearms, aerospace, chemicals, mining, textiles, medical, consumer products and more.

For more information, visit the Duralar Technologies website.


Optomec Additive Manufacturing Systems

(Image courtesy of Optomec.)
Optomec, a supplier of production-grade additive manufacturing systems for 3D-printed metals and 3D-printed electronics, recently featured its new LENS Machine Tool series for 3D printed metals at the Additive Manufacturing User Group Meeting (AMUG) in Chicago.

The Machine Tool Series combines Optomec's LENS Print Engine technology with conventional CNC vertical milling platforms, with the goal of making metal AM technology affordable to a broader market.

(Image courtesy of Optomec.)
Three models of the LENS Machine Tool Series are available, including a Hybrid Controlled Atmosphere system for processing titanium and aluminum. The remaining two LENS Machine Tool Series models include a Hybrid Open Atmosphere and an Additive-only Open Atmosphere systems for processing non-reactive metals.

All three standard configurations are designed to reduce manufacturing process times and costs, while enabling improved end product performance and rapid design changes. Entry level pricing for the LENS Machine Tool Series starts at under USD $250,000.

For more information, visit the Optomec website.


OMAX Waterjets

(Image courtesy of OMAX.)
OMAX Corporation recently announced the launch of its new GlobalMAX abrasive waterjet line of machines. This line of machine is available exclusively through OMAX distributors located outside of the United States. The GlobalMAX line takes advantage of two and a half decades of waterjet industry research and development to offer an integrated system of pump, table, software and advanced motion control system that is designed to be easy to use.

"The GlobalMAX product line was created to extend our waterjet engineering and manufacturing technology to more customers," said Stephen Bruner, vice president of marketing at OMAX Corporation. "The product line features our proven direct drive pump technology, easy-to-use software, and innovative drive technology. We build waterjet systems that help our customers make money in the short and long term and this product line is no exception. With GlobalMAX, OMAX aims to redefine value-oriented waterjets."

The GlobalMAX product line will be produced in Kent, Wash. to ensure quality and component compatibility.

The GlobalMAX will be available in a 3.0 x 1.5 meter (9.8 x 4.9 feet) cutting bed size. There are also two direct drive pump sizes available: 20HP and 30HP. Like all OMAX abrasive waterjets, the GlobalMAX can cut almost any material and a wide variety of material thicknesses without any heat-affected zone (HAZ).

The machine performs X/Y axis cutting with three degrees of freedom and a linear positioning accuracy of 0.25mm. It is compatible with a number of accessories, including a terrain follower, a pneumatic drill and a bulk garnet feed hopper.

For more information, visit the OMAX website.


Toyoda Turning Centers

(Image courtesy of Toyoda.)
JTEKT Toyoda Americas will be showcasing live demonstrations of the Stealth VQ1060 VMC and NEX-105 turning center machines at EASTEC 2017 in West Springfield Mass. May 16-18.

Designed as an economical solution for a diverse range of workpieces, the VQ1060 features linear guideways and a high-performance spindle.

Adding support to vibration dampening capabilities, the Stealth’s robust cast-iron head stock and 10,000 RPM belt drive spindle are paired with a CAT 40 taper and 10/15 HP motor, offering high-revolution accuracy and thermal stability. Spindle output torque for the VQ1060 reaches 35.4/52.3 ft-lb while rigid feed rates work 1,417 ipm on the X and Y axes, and 1,181 ipm for the Z axis.

During EASTEC 2017, Toyoda will be running demonstrations of the VQ’s high-speed dynamic milling capabilities on an aircraft flap track part. Toyoda’s VQ1060 includes a chip conveyor, full enclosure, Fanuc 0iMD, spindle oil chiller, air gun, coolant gun, work lamps and stock light. 

(Image courtesy of Toyoda.)
Takisawa Taiwan announced Toyoda Americas as their master distributor for turning centers throughout Mexico and select USA markets in 2016.

Developed after gathering customer data showing a need for a more compact solution capable of mass producing small parts, Takisawa Taiwan’s NEX-105 linear turning center is brand new to the line, having hit the shop floor January 2017. Smallest of the NEX series, the NEX-105 offers spindle speed up to 6,000 RPM and fast indexing capabilities on its linear roller bearing guideway.

The Stealth NEX-105 will be running live demonstrations throughout the show, featuring specifications with a max swing of 15.7” (398 mm), max turning diameter of 6.7” (170 mm), and a spindle drive motor of 10 HP/7.5 HP (7.5 kW/5.5 kW) with a 6” chuck.

See the VQ1060 and NEX-105 in action and meet the Toyoda team at EASTEC 2017 booth #1022 or visit the company website.


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