The Road Ahead Multi-application machines eliminate multiple setups, part transfers and part handling. As a result, they eliminate the human errors and out-of-tolerance error accumulation associated with multiple setups. They also reduce multiple inspections as raw material that enters the machine comes out as finished parts. Therefore, the use of multi-application equipment can support lean manufacturing initiatives as the reductions that define lean occur when setting up a machine once for several operations. Multitasking machines probably make up the most dynamic segment of the machine-tool industry. Still a small portion of overall machine sales and multitasking technology is growing in importance as more users realise the benefits of single-setup machining of complex parts. ENQUIRY NO. 1301
In The Pipeline In the future, multi-applications machining may not just cut or shape workpieces but may also measure their working depths before operations. A pending patent for multi-function CNC cutting/milling machine includes not only a cutting tool for cutting a workpiece, but also two lasers for depth measurement. A feeder selectively feeds a gas or fluid through a longitudinal passage of the cutting tool to the workpiece to carry away cutting chips from the workpiece. A first laser beam and a second laser beam respectively project through the passage of the cutting tool onto the workpiece. A detection control device receives the reflective light wave of the second laser beam reflected by the workpiece, for measuring the working depth of the cutting tool. ENQUIRY NO. 1302
Okuma: Vertical Machining Centre The MU-400VA is a ve r t i c a l m a c h i n i n g centre developed by Okuma with major components based o n t h e c o m p a n y ’s MB-V series. A rotary table is mounted on a trunnion table, for the additional two axes that make this VMC a five-axis machining centre. The rotary table is 400 mm in diameter, can take workpieces of up to 600 mm diameter, 400 mm high, and which weigh 300 kg. The VMC also comes equipped with the ‘Thermo-Friendly Concept’. It includes thermally symmetric designing, with box-building (building block), thermally balanced structures that control thermal deformation. ‘Machining Navi’ is included in the VMC to improve machining efficiency. It is an optimum cutting condition search function that supports the aggressive use of higher spindle speeds in stable zones. ENQUIRY NO. 1303 2011_01_07_EasyChain_Layout 1 17.01.11 09:55 Seite 1
EasyChain very easy to fill
igus Singapore Pte Ltd asia-sales@igus.com.sg
15 Shaw Road #03-02 Singapore 367953
ENQUIRY NO. 207
Software Programs Software has also advanced with multitasking. Pro/ Engineer Prismatic and Multi-Surface Milling is an example, which automates many programming tasks through integration with 2D and 3D CAD/CAM operations. It features two-axis prismatic part toolpath generation, multi-surface three-axis milling toolpath generation and automatic drilling. Its high speed machining features helical spline approaches and exits and slope-based finishing while its hole making features a variety of cycle types with custom cycles definition and simulation. It is also scalable to include four-axis wire EDM and multi-axis milling (five-axis) and turning.
Feb/Mar 2011 | industrial automation asia 31