168 Manufacturing’s Coolant System Delivers to Multiple CNC Machine Tools

168 Manufacturing’s automatic coolant delivery system for CNC machine tools works without human intervention.

168 Manufacturing’s FullShop automated coolant delivery system is designed to deliver properly mixed coolant to multiple CNC machines without human intervention. The company says the system monitors coolant usage at each machine tool’s sump and automatically replenishes the coolant before it runs low. Well-suited for 24/7 machining environments, it is said FullShop is an easy-to-install turnkey system consisting of a centralized pumping station, controller, distribution manifolds and a small sensor that drops into any machine tool sump to report level and temperature.

According to the company, the system has a compact footprint of 50 × 60" and modular design. A single FullShop system can serve as many as 120 CNC machines and deliver up to 5,760 gallons of coolant per day. It also enables lights-out manufacturing, allowing machine shop owners to run high-volume jobs unattended overnight.

The system’s features include machine-specific concentrations with closed-loop flowmeter assurance; internet-enabled features such as email alarm notification, data reporting, remote operations and teleservice; advanced HMI for added operation insights; and rugged design intended for years of service.

Exair Cabinet Coolers Resist Heat and Corrosion

Exair Corp.’s small 316 stainless steel cabinet coolers permit just enough cooling for the electronics without going so cold as to waste compressed air.

Exair Corp.’s dual 316 stainless steel cabinet cooler systems have electronic temperature control (ETC) to keep electrical enclosures cool with 20°F (-7°C) air while maintaining the NEMA 4X rating of the enclosure and preventing heat that could adversely affect the internal components. The company says the wear, corrosion and oxidation resistance of 316 stainless steel assures long life and maintenance-free operation within food, medical, pharmaceutical, chemical and other harsh environments. Cooling capacities up to 5,600 Btu/hr. are well-suited for larger enclosures and heat loads. The digital ETC is said to provide precise temperature control in the electrical enclosure, which is constantly being monitored by a quick-response thermocouple.

Other available models have cooling capacities up to 5,600 Btu/hr. for NEMA 12, 4 and 4X enclosures. Exair also offers hazardous location cabinet coolers which have a UL-classified listing. The line also includes nonhazardous purge models, high-temperature models, and continuous-operation and thermostat-controlled models. All cabinet cooler systems are UL listed and CE compliant.

DP Technology Releases Updated Esprit CAM Software

DP Technology, the parent company of the Esprit CAM system, introduces an array of software updates for 2020, including those for Swiss-type lathes.

DP Technology has released a comprehensive CAM product update called Esprit 2020. Among the most significant are updates to the software’s CAD interfaces and new or improved solutions for specific machine tools.

Esprit 2020 features a variety of updates for Swiss-type machining. This technique is defined by its small, often intricate parts. Medical devices (such as bone screws) are typically manufactured on Swiss-type machines. Esprit’s 2020 update introduces or enhances support for 200 different Swiss-type machine models, including Citizen D25, which features three channels — 3x Y-axis, 3x Z-axis, B-axis front and back; Star SV 38R, which features three channels and a B-axis; Tsugami SS38, a chucker/convertible sliding headstock lathe with B-axis; Tornos machines; seamless integration of laser cutting operations for Tsugami and Citizen; and Willemin-Macodel MT series machines.

The 2020 update also includes updated support for the latest CAD software, including SolidWorks 2020; SolidEdge 2020; PTC Creo 6; and NX 1847.

Improved CAD support allows users to better design and visualize parts before manufacturing begins. CAD modeling is an integral part of designing and optimizing any new part, and different software types specialize in different modeling techniques.

Additionally, Esprit 2020 expands turn-mill support to the several machines, including Index G200 and G220, featuring two and three turrets and a disk turret mounted on a B-axis; Miyano BNE 51 MSY, featuring three X-axes and three Z-axes; Traub TNX, featuring simultaneous independent machining with up to four tool carriers; and CMZ TTL, featuring two turrets and two spindles.

Enhanced profile threading and probing capabilities round out the software release.

Caron's CNC Senor Monitoring System Updated with Versatile Applications

Dtect-IT can also monitor frequency levels and set magnitude limits to detect anomalies within specific frequency bands. 

First released in 2016, Caron Engineering’s Dtect-IT detects vibration levels and irregularities anywhere on a CNC machine tool or fixture. The system has been updated, now capable of communicating with multiple sensors, including vibration, strain, high precision power and analog. It can connect sensors with a 0 to ±10 VDC analog signal, and 4 – 20 mA current signals. The software has multiple analysis options enabling the user to monitor and scrutinize sensor data in various ways.

Using limit analysis, the user can set limits to monitor any of the compatible sensors. Dtect-IT has a learn mode to automatically set limits based on sensor data. Limits can also be set manually using adjustable sliders. The system can also monitor frequency levels and set magnitude limits to detect anomalies within specific frequency bands. Alarms and notifications are generated when limits are exceeded.

By attaching a vibration sensor to the bar feeder, limits can be set to detect excessive vibration levels due to imperfections in the bar. Dtect-IT can signal the CNC to reduce spindle RPM until the vibration levels are suitable or stop the machine if extreme vibration levels are detected. Fault detection analysis can be used with any sensor to identify an excessive condition, such as machine impact, overheating, extreme vibration, and so on. ​​​The system recognizes when upper and lower limits are exceeded and records data on either side of the fault for analysis.

The software analyzes the velocity and acceleration signatures of a vibration sensor to monitor spindle bearing health. Results are displayed within 5 seconds, and reports are automatically generated and saved for future analysis. Using the built-in data viewer, users can trend bearing data over time to establish maintenance schedules.

Dtect-IT is suitable for monitoring up to four tools. It can run as a standalone application or connect to the CNC to command start and stop variables. It collects raw data from any sensor (up to 62,500 data points/s) and can communicate with shopfloor automation systems.

TDM System's Global Line 2019 Aims to Meet Shops' Software Needs

TDM Shopfloor Manager enables comprehensive workflow management, incorporating booking functions and interfaces for crib systems, presetting devices and machines as well as for high-level systems such as MES, FMS and ERP.

TDM System’s Global Line 2019 includes its core solution software, comprised of TDM Shopfloor Manager, TDM Production Document Management, Graphic Functions and TDM Webcatalog.

TDM Shopfloor Manager enables comprehensive workflow management, incorporating booking functions and interfaces for crib systems, presetting devices and machines as well as for high-level systems such as MES, FMS and ERP. Users can create multiple shopfloor configurations to depict workflows in various production areas. Individual status management is a feature that enables the user to define the tool status themselves within the workflow.

TDM Production Document Management is a new module that enables users to assign documents to the production resources, via a drag-and-drop function, either in the form of a link to the actual saved location or as a copy on the TDM Global Line server.

With Graphics Functions, the user can generate rotation contours from 2D graphics using the Tool Contour Generator, with the aid of an intuitive user navigation system. In combination with the TDM 3D-Rotation Generator, simulation-ready 3D models can be generated for realistic collision-checking in CAM systems.

After registering with TDM Systems, the TDM Webcatalog provides cloud-based tool catalogs that obtain up-to-date verified tool data from leading manufacturers, the company says.

TDM Global Line 2019 features a hybrid mode, which enables the software to work in conjunction with other programs. Global Line modules such as the Shopfloor Manager can be used in combination with the TDM 2019 version. Access to the TDM Webcatalog is also possible for the current version. Everyday work can also be facilitated via the Multiple Plant Management system, which assigns equipment with improved precision.