A tool-making company in the US has proudly announced the investment in a third CNC lathe as a means of enhancing productivity in its facility.

Schenke Tool Company revealed that a new Haas SL-20 CNC turning centre has been brought in to increase its capacity to produce complex orders for clients around the world.

The SL-20 has the capacity to turn 10.3 inches in diameter and 20 inches in length, with an additional eight-inch chuck and a through bar capacity of two inches in diameter.

A high speed spindle - another major feature of many Haas CNC lathes - is also included and is able to produce precision parts at “very cost-effective prices”.

Schenke hopes the new system will expand on its 60-year history in the precision parts industry.

Other services provided by the company include CNC milling, abrasive water jet cutting and robotic welding, with quality control systems giving the buyer “complete customer satisfaction”.

http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/machine-tool-news/Schenke-announces-new-CNC-lathe-2009-6-22.asp

The UltraGrind CNC is designed for the precision production environment such as aerospace and higher volume manufacture including automotive, as well as high-precision sub-contract machining for biomedical, high-end process tool/die sets, F1 and motorsport engineering.

The UltraGrind CNC is designed for the precision production environment such as aerospace and higher volume manufacture including automotive, as well as high-precision sub-contract machining for biomedical, high-end process tool/die sets, F1 and motorsport

Viewed as a key strategic development, a special UltraGrind project team was created to design the machine. They carried out customer surveys not only with J&S customers but many users of other equipment to ensure this project met market requirements now and in the future. From the feedback this team were able to create the specification, build and test the machine to ensure that it achieved the highest levels of accuracy and flexibility always associated with Jones & Shipman machinery. Built on a one-piece bed design, the machine combines great rigidity, stability and stock removal rates whilst maintaining high precision. It incorporates many mechanical, electrical and software features, suggested from the customer research, that ensure it is easier to operate and change over in demanding production environments.

Mike Duignan, Managing Director of Jones & Shipman commented: “The launch of the new UltraGrind machine is an exciting development for the precision grinding industry. The machine brings new standards of accuracy for a one-piece bed grinder, keeping the company at the forefront of the precision tool technologies industries. We will be demonstrating a working prototype at the CIMT so visitors to the Show will be able to see all the machine’s distinct advantages. We have already received a number of orders for the UltraGrind, including one for two machines from a premium subcontractor to the aerospace industry.”

A brand new modular wheelhead design ensures customers have a wide choice of external and internal grinding spindle combinations, effectively allowing the customer to specify a custom machine, but without the cost and build time associated with it. The modular wheelhead design gives wheel sizes up to Ø500 x 100mm (Ø20″ x 4″) and wheel spindle power up to 15kW (20hp), with ultra rigid spindles providing substantially increased metal removal rates and increased productivity.

Angular wheelhead positional accuracy and repeatability are assured via a high precision 1° Hirth coupling. An optional true B axis programmable to 0.001° utilising feedback from a high accuracy encoder mounted directly to the rotational spindle axis, infinitely variable positional resolution can be achieved. The machine currently offers 650mm or 1000mm (25″ or 39″) between centres (with larger machine length capacities planned) and centre heights of 180mm, 200mm and 250mm (7″, 7¾” and 9¾”). The increased diameter capacity (of up to 500mm (19½”)) means there are options to cater for larger mass components up to 450Kg (990lb), and odd shaped components, which can result in high rotational inertia.

The UltraGrind machine uses a brand new Jones & Shipman’s proprietary Windows® based graphical programming software suite, which further builds on the success of the Easy software that removes the requirement for operators to input code, although ISO programming is fully supported and codes can be easily viewed and used if that is the customers preference. The user-friendly software is built around a Fanuc® 320i with touchscreen control system. This reduces the time needed for operator training, machining set-up and changeover times.

Simplicity does not limit flexibility, however. A full suite of dressing and grinding programs are available for the operator. Easy to follow Jones & Shipman set up pages allow the operator to digitise diamond and wheel positions by means of a simple user-friendly touch screen interface. Graphical images that represent programs and set-up are simply touched to program, providing quick and simple input. A wide range of additional options including gauging and autoloading are also available.

http://www.machinetoolsonline.com/article.mvc/More-Power-And-flexibility-

From-New-JS-CNC-0001?VNETCOOKIE=NO

Schenke Tool Co in Paradise, Pa adds a third CNC lathe to its facility, a new Haas SL-20 CNC Turning Center to increase CNC Turning capacity.

The Haas SL-20 has a turning capacity of 10.3″ in diameter x 20″ long, with an 8″ chuck and thru bar capacity of 2.0″ diameter. The Haas lathe also includes a high speed spindle which results in precision parts at very cost effective prices.

About Us: Schenke Tool Company has been a manufacturer of precision parts for almost 60 years. Our customers have relied on our extensive knowledge, precise machining and high quality control as we have led the way in part manufacturing and tooling.

In addition to our new CNC Lathe, we have recently added our second waterjet cutter, featuring a taper compensating cutting head, and a new AC/DC Inverter TIG welder in addition to our Robotic welder to add to our welding capabilities.

We have been successful by combining advanced techniques, quality control and extensive knowledge, so that we can continue to offer you complete customer satisfaction.

http://news.thomasnet.com/companystory/562241

Vision Engraving & Routing Systems has announced a new large-format CNC router line aiming to help people wanting to use CNC machining for areas of 4ft x 8ft and upwards.

The aluminium T-slot table and Vision Series 3 Controller helps create a dependable system, with advanced software and an Ethernet interface allowing the user to adapt it to a range of ideas, such as CNC milling, drilling, contouring and routing.

Vision PRO 8 software comes as standard with the routers as well, allowing companies to have a “high level of flexibility” when working with graphics and logos on the workpieces.

The organisation continued: “This extensive software package also has the ability to run virtually any type of router, engraver, laser engraver, colour printer or vinyl plotter on the market.”

Vision Engraving also revealed this month that it is to release the 2525 and 2550 precision routers, targeted directly at the sign-making business.

http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/machine-tool-news/New-large-format-CNC-router-line-announced-2009-6-.asp

A new high-performance wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) system has been launched by GF AgieCharmilles for micro-projects and super-precision applications.

The CUT 1000 takes a classic machine tool set-up which has been “redesigned from the bottom up”, giving the technology a heavily reinforced and rigid machine base with slide blocks run on roller guide rails positioned directly on the monobloc.

Mutual interference is also eliminated by separate guideways for the X and Y-axis, with high-quality measuring equipment allowing for particularly precise and accurate machining.

The company is hoping that the new system will deliver improved productivity, greater manufacturing flexibility and increased accuracy on previous releases for micro-CNC machining.

A touch screen remote control complements the system, allowing operators to input relevant data much faster, reducing time spent on job set-ups.

Alongside its EDM projects, AgieCharmilles also specialises in high-speed and high-performance milling in order to enhance the growth of businesses in the sector.

http://www.machinetooldirect.co.uk/machine-tool-news/New-EDM-CNC-machine-launched-by-AgieCharmilles-200.asp

Mainland China –  Dongguan Hengye Machinery Fty offers model HY-W-JH, a quilting machine that supports 360- and 180-degree multispan and independent patterns suitable for use in mattresses, bed covers and sheets, and other household decoration and ornaments. The model’s needle bar and press plate are connected by a camber-free double-swinging device that requires no lubrication or grease, which may soil the quilting materials. It supports CAD-designed patterns and CNC operation for accurate measurements.

The product quilts 2,485×80mm patterns at a speed of 60 to 230m/h. Its main shaft operates at 200 to 980rpm. It moves on the x-axis at distances within 450mm, with 3 to 8mm-long steps. The spacing between needles is 25.4mm, while space between needle rows are 50.8, 76.2 127 and 152.4mm. It uses 24/180, 23/160, 22/140 and 21/130in needles. It runs on 380V, 50Hz or 220V, 60Hz power supply and consumes 7kW of power.

The CE-certified machine measures 4,800×1,600×2,000mm and weighs 4,500kg.

The minimum order is one set, priced at $41,000. Delivery takes 30 days.

http://www.hardware.globalsources.com/gsol/I/Quilting-machine/a/9000000105264.htm

Precision engineering company Acro have announced the launch of a new service to provide 3D machining for fast prototype development.

Considering resonant frequency, Index-Werke has redesigned of CNC turning centres to reduce vibration and double the machine structure stiffness to maximise metal removal rates.

Index-Werke noted that the higher the resonant frequency (RF) of a machine tool’s structure, the greater is its inherent stiffness.

Consequently it becomes more difficult for machining forces to induce vibration.

So Index has redesigned its patented SpeedLine C-type CNC mill-turning centres to increase their RF above that of all other lathes on the market.

Geo Kingsbury Machine Tools, launched the machines in the UK at the recent MACH 2008 machine tool exhibition.

Using the RF measure, the Index C-type lathes are over twice as stiff, or rigid, than the existing Index G-series models of equivalent capacity.

The company said that there is more scope for finding the ’sweet spot’ for any combination of toolholder, cutter and workpiece material.

The design allows depth of cut to be increased for maximum metal removal rate.

* Improved surface finish - as well as increasing productivity, the increased rigidity and lower machine tool vibration also ensure good surface finish of the machined part, said Index, as well as prolonging tool life and reducing noise.

Index said that better damping leads to higher accuracy machining, even for strenuous applications involving intermittent hard turning and reaming.

The SpeedLine C-type 42mm and 65mm bar automatics, when launched in 2005, were the first in the world to replace conventional compound turret slides with two interconnected steel plates sliding directly over the machine bed.

The recent redesign of the range has seen these machines improved and two new models introduced with 30mm and 90mm bar capacities.

The defining characteristic of the lathes that provides such high RF and stiffness hinges on the actuation of the turrets.

Each is mounted on a front plate while an interconnected rear retaining plate is driven kinematically from behind the machine bed.

The critical advantage is that the distance between the turret centreline and the point at which it is driven is much shorter than for a compound slide.

Up to 14 tools can be used in each of the three turrets in the following manner.

* Turret 1 moves in X-,Y- and Z-axis above the spindle centreline and works at the main spindle.

* Turret 2 mounted below the spindles operates in X-, Y- and Z-axis at either end.

* The motion of upper turret 3 is restricted to the X-axis and works only with the counter spindle, which moves in the Z-axis.

Three tools can be in cut simultaneously for high productivity.

There are two sizes of machine frame, designated C100 and C200.

The former is the ‘host’ for the 30mm and 42mm bar capacity spindles and the latter (shown at MACH 2008) is for the 65mm and 90mm spindles.

Distance between the main and counter spindles is 510mm and 710mm respectively.

All models are fast, with 1G acceleration in X- and Z-axis up to 60m/min for the smaller machines and 50m/min for the larger models.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/kmt/kmt212.html

Denford routers are the preferred manufacturing centre for the F1 in schools technology challenge, a high school competition created by not-for-profit organisation Re-Engineering Australia Foundation involving more than 35,000 students across the nation. Students as young as 13 are designing futuristic racers in CATIA then machining them in Denford routers.

Made in England, the Denford routers are quiet, fast and classroom-friendly which makes them suitable for universities, TAFEs, schools and training centres. At the same time they are suitable for industry. Their high performance motors are capable of continuous machining in a range of materials for jobs like prototyping of finished products, moulds, low volume production runs leaving larger CNC machines for more complex parts or bigger production runs.

The range Denford compact CNC routers include:

COMPACT 1000/1000 PRO, a compact 3 axis CNC Router with totally enclosed interlocking guard, is suitable for cutting a range of resistant materials such as hard and soft wood, plastic, modeling foam, acrylic, PCB’s and prototyping materials. In addition, the Compact 1000 Pro can cut non-ferrous metals.

2600/2600 PRO, a large capacity 3 axis CNC Router with totally enclosed interlocking guard, suitable, is suitable for cutting a range of resistant materials such as hard and soft wood, plastic, modelling foam, acrylic, PCB’s and prototyping materials. In addition, the 2600 Pro can cut non-ferrous metals.

PCB manufacturer/engraver, an easy to use 3 axis CNC PCB and engraving machine with totally-enclosed guarding. The PCB engraver is supplied with operating software incorporating Gerber and DXF import facilities suitable for cutting and engraving a range of resistant materials, including copper board, plastic and acrylic.

Turn 270 CNC Lathe, a compact 2 axis CNC Lathe with totally enclosed high-visibility interlocking guard. Programmable spindle speeds and feedrates make the Turn 270 suitable for cutting a range of resistant materials such as wax, plastic, acrylic, free cutting alloys, aluminium and steel.

VMC 1300 CNC milling machine, a 3 axis CNC milling machine available either floor standing or for bench mounting, with totally enclosed high visibility interlocking guard. Programmable spindle speeds and feedrates make the VMC 1300 suitable for cutting a range of resistant materials such as wax, plastic, acrylic, free cutting alloys, aluminium and steel.
http://www.ferret.com.au/c/Concentric-Asia-Pacific/Denford-compact-CNC-routers-available-from-Concentric-Asia-Pacific-n837468

The Automatic Tool Changer reduces the time a project must remain on the machine by automatically changing cutting bits between cuts, thus eliminating the need for the CNC operator to change and calibrate tools by hand.

04.09.2009 – ShopBot Tools, a world leader in the design, manufacture and sale of affordable, high-performance CNC systems, has introduced an automatic tool changer as an option for their professional/industrial line of CNC systems.

ShopBot’s automatic tool changer (ATC) is powered by an HSD ES915 5hp spindle and is being sold as an option or an after-market addition to their PRSalpha CNC system. The ATC system includes the spindle, a pneumatically assisted Z axis, six or eight-position tool bank, fixed-position Z-zero plate, chuck holder, pneumatically operated dust skirt and ATC interface card. A four-foot-wide PRSalpha CNC can accommodate a six-position linear tool bank to hold cutters for the ATC, and a five-foot-wide or larger PRSalpha can accommodate an eight-position linear tool bank. Installation of an ATC on a PRSalpha will not alter the tool’s rapid transit speeds of 1,500 inches per minute and cutting speeds of up to 600 inches per minute. ShopBot’s new eCabinet/ShopBot link, which allows ShopBot’s to process eCabinet production files, will fully support the use of this new ATC.

“Many of our current and future customers have asked us for an affordable, easy to use automatic tool changer,” said ShopBot president Ted Hall. “We listened to their suggestions, and we’ve designed an accessory that is powerful and robust and maintains the ShopBot philosophy of combining the best features of quality, value and ease of use.”

The Automatic Tool Changer reduces the time a project must remain on the machine by automatically changing cutting bits between cuts, thus eliminating the need for the CNC operator to change and calibrate tools by hand. The ATC allows the PRSalpha to cut complete projects where different tooling is required to make different types of cuts – like cabinets and furniture – or where different bits are needed for roughing and finishing passes – like signs and complex 3D carvings. Additionally, a machine equipped with an ATC the can perform operations normally done on other pieces of equipment eliminating the need for additional machines in the shop.

http://www.pitchengine.com/shopbottoolsinc/shopbot-introduces-automatic-tool-changer-for-its-

cnc-router-systems/8383/