Let’s Go to the Tech Brief Video

Since Production Machining magazine’s launch 21 years ago, the magazine has included a “Tech Brief” section that aims to succinctly describe some new technology, process or piece of equipment from which shops can benefit. For example, this month we explain a new nano-surface-finishing process called “triboconditioning” and the benefits of using an on-machine laser to measure parts on a grinding machine.

Here’s Production Machining’s video production crew at work at PMTS filming one of a handful of Video Tech Briefs we’ve recently produced.

While we’ll continue to include this section as it is a staple of the magazine, we also recognize how video can similarly be helpful in demonstrating these concepts. That’s why we’ve started a series of Video Tech Briefs which you can find at our YouTube channel at youtube.com/c/productionmachining.

In fact, last August’s Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS) offered a prime platform for us to identify new technology to highlight in such videos. Here are some examples:

Vacuum-Assist Collection of Small, Machined Parts. Automated removal and handling of parts after machining can be challenging, especially for very small parts that might get lost in the chip conveyor or traditional parts chute, and/or can’t impact each other causing their surfaces to be marred. For Swiss-type lathes such as its L20 XII B-axis machine with automatic tool changer, Marubeni Citizen-Cincom offers an optional vacuum ejection system to pull and collect small parts once machining is completed.

The Value of Shrink-Fit Collets for CNC Lathes. Shrink-fit toolholders have traditionally been used only on milling machines or turn-mills with a B-axis main spindle, offering advantages such as high tool clamping forces to enable more aggressive cuts. Now, the technology can be applied to live-tool lathes, realizing the same benefits in the form of shrink-fit ER collets from Haimer USA that work with the company’s shrink-fit machines.

Dual Thread Whirling on a Swiss-Type Lathe. In some cases, medical bone screws have two thread leads. Traditionally, these might be machined with two single-point threading operations or one thread whirling operation, followed by a subsequent single-point operation. Tsugami/Rem Sales offers an alternate option on its S206-II Swiss-type CNC lathes that can be fitted with two thread whirling attachments. That way, both thread leads can be created in one setup.

Automated 3D Part Measurement. Part measurement can become a bottleneck, especially for high-volume production shops. Devices such as noncontact optical systems from Oasis Inspection Systems automatically measure multiple profile dimensions on small parts simultaneously and in real time with all measurements done in less than a second. In fact, the addition of a motorized rotary stage on those devices turns a 2D inspection process into a 3D process.

Single-Chamber, Water-Based Parts Cleaning. Ecoclean’s EcoCwave offers machine shops and manufactures an automated means for cleaning the inside and outside of parts in one system. Plus, automated process monitoring with the company’s Connect cloud-based software can optimize the collection of parts cleaning data while displaying all system and process data on a computer or tablet.

We’ve created a playlist for these videos on our YouTube channel and will continue to add more. Take a few minutes to view them and consider subscribing to our channel.