Product News

Demand for operational efficiencies such as greater visualization into a factory’s automation solutions portfolio has prompted Mitsubishi Electric Automation Inc. to introduce its latest human machine interface (HMI). The GT25 Wide HMI is an interface that monitors and controls machine components with a graphical touchscreen that connects to equipment such as PLCs, VFDs and servos.

In recent years the gear market has been experiencing a trend towards outsourcing. As a result of this shift, many suppliers are receiving orders for the soft machining—wet or dry hobbing--of gears. “With the LC 280 α, Liebherr has developed a new generation of gear hobbing machines for such short-term requests”, said Dr.-Ing. Hansjörg Geiser, manager development and design, gear cutting machines. “This gear cutting machine equipped with Liebherr quality offers maximum flexibility, maximum productivity, and is available to the customer at short notice.”

The Jenoptik Industrial Metrology division offers a fully automated measuring station, which can be operated directly by staff on the production line. The HOMMEL-ETAMIC wavemove combines high-precision roughness and contour measurement technology with innovative CNC technology and eight fully automatic CNC axes to measure both roughness and contours in a single measuring run, recording as many data points as necessary.

Seco Tools has expanded its Steadyline vibration-damping tooling system to include large-diameter turning/boring bars that provide a reliable, plug-and-play solution for increased productivity in large and deep bore operations. The new 2.36" (60 mm) and 3.15" (80 mm)-diameter sizes are ideal for use in oil and gas applications, as well as general machining of workpieces that require tool overhangs of up to 23.62" (600 mm) or 31.50" (800 mm), respectively.

HEIDENHAIN’s LIC 4100 V linear encoder for vacuum environments is a new addition to the LIC 4100 linear absolute kit style encoder system. With several technical considerations, these new encoders can operate down to 6*10-7 mbar, survive a 100o C bake out and have low outgassing.

Doosan Machine Tools presents the new PUMA V8300 vertical turning center with an automatic toolchanger (ATC). The PUMA V8300 is a new generation 15-inch class vertical turning center with a large work zone and enhanced rigidity and user convenience. It is available in right- or left-hand versions.

A saw and track system for accurately cutting pressure vessels up to 60” in diameter in preparation for hydrostatic testing and complete fabrication is being introduced by Esco Tool. The Esco APS-438 Air Powered Saw and WrapTrack trolley lets operators rapidly cold cut vessels from 6” to 60” in diameter with ±1/16” accuracy to permit better bevels for subsequent welding.

The design team at Automation Alternatives knew that in order for a system to be truly cost-effective, it had to combine highly efficient technology with user-friendly operation. According to the company, the RubyLaser FLC does just that and more.

OMAX Corp. announced the release of the new ProtoMAX abrasive waterjet, a compact, self-installed cutting system suited for prototyping and relatively low-volume cutting of almost any material under 2” thick. The ProtoMAX brings all the versatility benefits of large abrasive waterjet cutters in a sleek and economic package that’s suitable for small job shops, engineering classrooms, makerspaces and personal use. It’s also a handy addition for large shops and fabricators that need occasional waterjet capabilities to complement their other cutting systems.

Parker Steel Co. offers a large supply of metric-sized metals, ideal for applications where pre-sized metric parts are needed. Parker Steel’s cold-finished carbon steel, alloyed and high-strength stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and tool steel bars/shafting, tubing, sheets and plates, angles, channels and tees; and other specialty shapes can be shipped out the same day as ordered with few exceptions.

Verti-Lift Portable Scissor Lifts provide ergonomic lifting wherever needed within industrial or commercial facilities. They are suitable for moving heavy loads between work cells, moving work-in-process, adjusting operator ergonomic work heights and more.

Mahr Inc. offers the MarOpto MT 100, the first in a new series of Fizeau interferometer towers for measuring optics directly in production. Fizeau interferometers from Mahr are supported by the company's proprietary Intelliwave software to allow easy measurement of both radius and form deviations.

GTI Spindle Technology says spindle repair and rebuild is the heart of what the company does, and it prides itself on being able to handle any spindle that comes through the door. All spindles can be repaired, though the associated cost for some can eclipse that of a brand-new spindle. When this happens, GTI Spindle Technology turns to Peron Spindle for a replacement.

Designed for internal threading and grooving applications, the new Carmex Modular Line (ML) uses a single boring bar that can be fitted with multiple adapters, offering high accuracy, easy adjustment and full repeatability. Coated with abrasive-resistant nickel, the ML adapters can be used with all Carmex standard thread turning inserts sizes 16, 22 and 27 mm.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced the expansion of its high throughput and accuracy HTA Measurement solution offering for aeroengine and powertrain applications. The new HTA technology packages deliver reduced measurement cycles and rich data sets for manufacturers looking to integrate dimensional inspection more effectively into their production processes.

Carlson Software’s newest addition to its desktop software product line, Carlson iCAD 2017, has just been released. This specialized, yet low-cost IntelliCAD drafting package allows CAD technicians to augment the finishing touches in their organization’s deliverables.

Milltronics USA Inc. says its new SL-II series slant-bed CNC lathes are fast, accurate and affordable. The SL-II Series are available in three models: the SL6-II, the SL8-II and the SL10-II. Designed as machines that anyone in the shop can run, they feature Milltronic’s latest series 9000 CNC, which can be programmed either conversationally or with industry standard G and M codes.

Verisurf Software Inc. announced Verisurf 2018, the latest release of its popular measurement software for automated quality inspection, reporting, scanning, reverse engineering, tool building and assembly guidance. The new release includes many new features, all of which are centered around three key user benefits: Universal CMM compatibility, quick programming shortcuts and productivity features, and increased probing speed.

Precise Automation has introduced the PP100 industrial collaborative Cartesian robot. The PP100’s unique mechanical design offers a lower price than most collaborative robots and reduces the overall costs of tabletop applications, according to the company.

Kitagawa NorthTech Inc. introduces its new AS series of grinding steady rests. The AS series expands and completes the company's portfolio of steady rests specifically designed and engineered for grinding applications. The new AS steady rests feature narrow retractable arms for easy automated part loading, as well as many other capabilities for grinding applications.