MACHINES

Turning Machines

5-Axis Machining Centers Transform Medical Swiss Shop

Traditionally a Swiss machine shop, Swiss Precision Machining Inc. discovers a five-axis machining center that has led the company to substantial growth. (Includes video.)

Single & Multi-Spindles

Methods Multitasking Machine Reduces Cycle Times

Methods Machine Tools Inc. introduces Nakamura-Tome’s WY-100V two-turret, twin-spindle precision CNC multitasking lathe to the U.S. market.

Turn-Mills

When a CNC Turn-Mill Doesn’t Turn

A shop in Big Sky Country uses a B-axis multitasking machine to produce complex, prismatic medical parts that require no turning complete from barstock.
#basics

Transfer Machines

Edge Technologies Bar Feeder Maximizes RPM Potential

The second-generation Patriot 338 and 551 were designed for faster changeovers, ease of use and safe operation.

Grinding

Junker Grinding Machines Feature Modular Design

The Platform 3 series of modular grinding machines is designed to provide increased flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Transfer Machines

Edge Technologies Bar Feeder Provides Optimal Stock Support

The FMB Turbo RS 4-45 bar feeder provides reduced vibration, a boost to maximum rpm, better surface finishes and the ability to hold tighter tolerances.

Turning Machines

Absolute Machine Tools Turning Center Provides Improved Chip Removal

Johnford SL-300L-II slant-bed turning centers are constructed with a one-piece Meehanite cast iron base for strength and rigidity, as well as to dissipate heat away from the part.

Emag Grinding Solutions Provide Precise Gear-Profile Grinding

The G 160 and G 250 gear-profile grinding machines provide short chip-to-chip times, intelligent axis concepts as well as thermal and mechanical stability.

Moen’s Flowing Success with Rotary Transfer Technology

The popular faucet manufacturer has adopted new CNC rotary transfer equipment to produce valves for its new generation of Widespread faucets.

Does a Scanning Probe Make Sense on a Swiss-Type?

Swiss-types have limited tooling capacity, but there can be advantages to giving up some of that capacity to take advantage of a touch probe — in fact, a scanning probe — to enable in-process part measurements.

VIDEOS

Automation

High-Volume Machine Shop Automates Secondary Ops

An Ohio contract shop added a compact, self-loading CNC lathe to perform unattended secondary ops on a part for a key customer rather than running it on a manually loaded chucker.

Turning Machines

Video Tech Brief: Live-Tool, Y-Axis CNC Lathe with a Compact Footprint

This small footprint, big-bore lathe offers a generous work envelope. The addition of Y-axis and live tooling enables milling, drilling and tapping for increased machine capabilities.

Swiss-Types

Video Tech Brief: Anatomy of a Robust, High-Production Swiss-Type Lathe

This Swiss-type is equipped with a total of 52 tools, including a 40-tool magazine, 10 tools on the back tool post, and an optional 2 tools on the deep hole drill holder.

Machining Centers & Milling Machines

Keeping Watch on Small Parts

From watch parts to exotic medical applications, this shop takes on the world of micromachining.
#micromachining

Grinding

Should You Bring Tool Regrinding In-House?

In some situations, the potentially high investment in an in-house tool grinding process can be justified with a relatively fast ROI. (Includes video.)

Transfer Machines

CNC Rotary Transfer Machine Features Ballscrew Electromechanical Tooling Units

A CNC rotary transfer machine, a newly developed machine platform, is said to offer high rigidity, flexibility and accuracy for a range of high-volume, precision-machining applications.

Index Corporation Lathes Feature Upgraded Toolholders

The Index B400/B500 and Traub TNA400/TNA500 lathes are equipped with the VDI40 radial turret with 18 toolholders.

A German Machine Tool Builder’s “Second Push” Into the U.S. Market

Spinner recently has taken strides to boost its presence, service and support in the United States as well as Canada and Mexico for its multifunction CNC lathes and milling machines.  

Understanding Micro-Milling Machine Technology

Micro-milling can be a companion process to turning-based production machining. This article looks at some of the technologies that go into a micro-milling machine and why they are important to successful operation.