Published 12/27/2024

Precision Machining Technology Review: December 2024

Production Machining’s December 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Hexagon, Kennametal, SmartCAM, Horn and SMW Autoblok.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has announced its ProPlanAI CAM programming tool, which is said to cut the time taken to program factory machine tools by 75%. Powered by Microsoft Azure services built into Hexagon’s cloud-based Nexus connectivity and collaboration platform for discrete manufacturers, the AI technology is said to enable machine shops to achieve operational excellence at scale.

Hexagon’s AI application applies Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Databricks to help manufacturing businesses of any size to apply their institutional knowledge more quickly, easily and thoroughly by applying AI to automate time-consuming process planning.

Horn Grooving Tool Provides Process Reliability

Source: Horn USA Inc.

Horn’s Mini 114 system enables a face grooving depth of up to 10 mm. The insert is suitable for turning and copy turning of axial grooves. According to the company, the user does not need a special toolholder, as the insert is compatible with the existing axial holder system.

As standard, Horn offers the EG55 carbide grade grooving tools in three different types from stock with cutting widths of 2 mm, 2.5 mm and 3 mm. The minimum diameter for grooving is 14 mm, while the maximum is 34-36 mm, depending on the type.

SmartCAM Software Update Increases User Efficiency

Source: SmartCAM

SmartCAM’s v2025 software release is designed to improve and enhance the development of tailored CNC programs. The user interface and display features are said to improve the programmer’s efficiency and accuracy in the CNC program development process.

The software features regenerative CTK containers. Certain panel features, when created with containers enabled, will create containers that can be regenerated; similar to the regenerative process containers. When using these features, users can modify and recall these containers. The features panel will open with the previous settings populated. Users can then modify the parameters and recreate the geometry.

Kennametal Turning Tools Enhance Small Part, Medical Machining

Micro Boring Solid tooling.
Source: Kennametal Inc.

Kennametal Inc. is expanding its turning portfolio with inserts and cutting tools that broaden its machining capabilities in the small parts and medical machining space. TopSwiss Micro Boring Solid (MBS) tooling and KCU25B turning inserts are designed to improve output, enhance component quality, reduce errors and help users achieve accurate and clean results.

MBS tooling allows for the machining of small applications with greater versatility and flexibility while providing sharp cutting edges, low cutting forces and superior chip evacuation. This is said to result in longer tool life and optimized surface finishes. The latest in the TopSwiss lineup includes high-performance internal turning in bores as small as 0.3 mm (0.012"), precision-ground insert shanks for high accuracy and stability and over 1,100 standard items provide the right toolholder and insert for each application.

SMW Autoblok Workholding System Streamlines Changeovers

Source: SMW Autoblok

SMW Autoblok Group’s TMS-2G quick-change system for CNC turning machines enables for rapid spindle changes that can reportedly be executed in under one minute, according to the company.

While operating any CNC turning center and utilizing various clamping devices, chucks, mandrels, collet chuck and so on, the TMS-2G system is compatible with all automatic and manual clamping systems. This enables the operator to change the chuck in minutes accurately and securely, making it versatile for diverse metalworking requirements.