Atometric shows off 5-axis micromachining center

As dry runs go, the new 5-axis micromachining center from Atometric Inc. generated some welcome excitement at shows like the recent Medical Design & Manufacturing event in Minneapolis, Minn., reported Atometric President Thomas N. Lindem in the CTE Plus video accompanying this article.

Part of the EIGERlab—a technology incubator in Rockford, Ill.—Atometric has been developing and manufacturing micromilling metal cutting machines since it incorporated in 2003. Its latest achievement, the 5-axis micromachining center, has captured a great deal of attention since making its debut at a variety of shows this fall, said Lindem.

It's always nice to confirm that there is a market for your product, added Lindem.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez (left) and Congressman Don Manzullo meet with officials from Atometric Inc. as they view an earlier generation of the company's micromachining center that the company researched and developed for the National Institutes of Standards and Technology at the U.S. Commerce Department.

For more of Lindem's comments regarding the company's new micromachining center, check out the accompanying video presented by CTE Plus. For more about the micromachines developed by Atometric, check out the company Web site, which lists the following benefits and features of its micromachining centers:

• The ability to manufacture parts where used—requiring only 110VAC and air.
• Integrated CAM software for rapid part programming without the need for factory skills.
• Rapid part and tool cartridge change, multiple tool changer, laser tool validation.
• Single machine operable in office, lab, or factory with desktop installation.
• Part production of prototypes, family development through volume production.
• Provision of integrated production systems or ease-of-use customer application.