Shopping Tools * Advertisement 2012 / 2013 BMW 3-series - Gallery

There's no sedan quite like the BMW 3-series. Yes, it needs to shed some pounds and its styling is certainly debatable. But it drives with such precision and offers such delicate feedback that we still regard it as the benchmark in its segment. For 2012, BMW faces the difficult task of replacing the current car with a completely new, sixth-generation model.  Captured by our spy photographers in Munich, Germany, this four-door is internally called the F30. There's a lot to come: The next-generation 3 will again be offered in number of body styles, including a wagon, coupe, and cabriolet, which—contrary to what we've hoped for—will keep the heavy and complex retractable hardtop. BMW will also offer a five-door hatchback dubbed the "Gran Turismo" which apes the concept of the 5-series GT but will be more carlike and less imposing on the road.  BMW's excellent diesel-engine lineup will largely carry over in Europe, but there are imminent changes for its current range of rewarding but thirsty gasoline engines. Variable valve timing, single- and twin-turbocharging, direct fuel injection, and stop/start systems are in the works for a new generation of modular, four-cylinder engines producing 140 to 230 hp. A 2.0-liter version with close to 300 hp is possible, but we are optimistic BMW will keep at least one of its 3.0-liter inline-sixes in the portfolio. That six is still the stuff of legend, and we'd be sorry to see it go in favor of a force-fed four.  The M3 will remain the ultimate 3, but it is not yet clear whether it will keep its naturally aspirated V-8. A turbocharged inline-six is a distinct possibility. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission will remain an option for the M3, while the six-speed manual will be standard, as it is on most other 3-series models except the most powerful diesels. But unlike the M3, those other versions will be available with an optional ZF eight-speed automatic in place of the current six-speed unit. Interestingly, BMW is mulling the launch of a high-efficiency, three-cylinder version of the 3-series, which will share its engine architecture with the next-generation Mini and will likely be hybridized, too.
The 3-series will be equipped with a full bag of electro-nanny systems, such as lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and speed-limit recognition. BMW's night-vision system is technically possible but unlikely to be offered in the 3. However, you will be able to tinker with the engine and chassis setup by means of a "driving dynamics" button.  The styling of the next 3 will be a rather conservative evolution of the current model, with a protruding kidney grill similar to that of the 7-series and the 5-series GT. The interior will look decidedly richer and will lose the center hump that houses the current model's optional navigation system.  Look for the next 3-series at the 2012 Geneva auto show. It should arrive at U.S. dealers later in 2012 for the 2013 model year.

TopSolid’Mold 2011

Envy, France - May 5, 2011 Missler Software has announced the launch of TopSolid’Mold 2011. TopSolid’Mold is an integrated CAD/CAM solution for the design of molds and the machining of tools for mold makers and cutting tool makers. To be efficient a CAD mold making solution should propose increased automation for repetitive mold design operations. In order to manage all projects the CAD software should ideally be completely integrated with a CAD/CAM solution that can manage all shaped forms, general mechanical engineering and machining operations in a parametric and associative way. Thanks to these qualities TopSolid’Mold has become a worldwide reference in the design  and manufacture of molds. TopSolid’Mold manages the design of the mold, the machining of the mold base, milling mold cavities, electrode production and mold assembly.  Missler Software has taken manufacturing constraints and imperatives into account when developing TopSolid’Mold and the 2011 new functions and improvements of the version have clearly an eye on manufacturing. TopSolid’Mold 2011 offers improved functions such as a more intuitive ergonomy, improved cavity block management, plastic injection simulation and a complete solution for the design and manufacturing of electrodes.  Simplified ergonomy  TopSolid’Mold has numerous management tools aimed to simplify a moldmaker’s life. The ergonomy of these functions has been worked on and simplified by offering intuitive shortcuts to these functions. Mold visualization is now, for example, available via a quick mold visualization icon which allows the user to quickly see his study without having to juggle between several windows. The link to the shortcuts is direct which offers instantaneous management and increased productivity. Neutral mode management for mold elements is now also possible.   Cavity block creation  The design of cavity block elements demands precision and perfect control. New surface tools dedicated to tool makers are now directly available in TopSolid’Design which offer flexibility and control in your design work from the design of parting surfaces to insert design and repairing imported data in TopSolid’Design. Not only do these new tools offer a more simplified and efficient management, the new “angled” parting surface function is the ideal extension of existing TopSolid’Mold tools.  Design… and simulation  A mold maker needs to validate his design before the manufacturing stage. The direct link from TopSolid to the Cadmoul software from Simcon offers TopSolid’Mold users an optimised tool for the design of plastic parts and can be used as a first step in determining the feasibility, quality and cost of designing their parts and injection molds. The TopSolid’Mold operator can now analyse the part(s) to be injected as well as the various feeding elements: the runners, gates and the injection sections are automatically transferred to and recognized by Cadmould which manages the simulation of the injection process. Cadmould gives the results of your simulation analysis and validates or offers alternatives options to the design and technological choices you opted for in TopSolid’Mold.  TopSolid’Electrode  TopSolid’Electrode is an essential tool for mold makers who need to design and build electrodes. The 2011 version offers various strategies to detect and find the zones that need to be eroded. Depending on the electrode design strategy you choose (pocket detection with or without fillets, ribs) The software highlights zones that are difficult to machine and may be subject to the creation of an electrode. You can quickly and easily create your electrodes thanks to the association with surface modeling. TopSolid’Electrode manages standard or customizable electrode stock libraries. The storage of all your electrodes in independent files is essential for the efficient preparation of your electrodes for manufacturing and overall better machining management (automatic gap recognition).

Design Without Barriers

Design Without Barriers  Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 5.0 offers numerous enhancements that enable users to overcome the key barriers to design productivity.  * Make design changes faster and easier! Real-time, dynamic editing and disruption-free design will help users overcome the traditional barriers to flexible and easy design modification. o Enhanced direct surface editing is also up to 70% faster! * Accelerate time to productivity by up to 10X. User Experience enhancements such as graphical browsing, intuitive UI enhancements, streamlined tasks and faster performance improve design efficiency and reduce time-to-market. o Create simplified sub-assemblies (envelope definitions) 78% faster o Create sheetmetal parts 30% faster, place forms 82% faster o New trajectory rib feature helps create parts up to 80% faster! o Analysis of weldment models is up to 10X faster o Create facing toolpaths 5X faster.

DODGE December 24, 2010

Dodge has unveiled the 2011 Dodge Charger at the 2010  LA Auto Show. The 2011 Dodge Charger return with more significant upgrades, including freshened styling, higher-quality interior materials, an all-new and more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine, a retuned suspension, electric-assist power steering, more standard features and a new electronic interface.The most noticeable change regards the Charger’s new exterior styling. The 2011 Dodge Charger is a large sedan that’s offered in two basic trim levels: 2011 Dodge Charger SE and 2011 Dodge Charger R/T. Entry-level SE models are rear-wheel-drive only, while the R/T can be had with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.  For the first time, the Charger will offer adaptive-cruise control (ACC) with forward-collision warning (FCW), blind-spot monitoring (BSM) with rear cross path (RCP) detection and ParkView rear back-up camera as options. Standard safety features for the Charger include electronic stability/traction control, antilock brakes, side-impact airbags for front seat passengers, a driver-side knee airbag, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

Gear Cutting Technology

Coromill 170

Sandvik Coromant supplies the Coromill 170 gear cutters for large gears. The benefits of the Coromill 170 gear cutting tools include:

• Accurate and precise cutting, ensuring reliable and long lasting performance
• Reduce cutting time in gear machining, providing limited and consistent finishing allowance
• Ideal for gears internally and externally
• Generates gear wheels in accordance with DIN 867 and allowance with DIN 3972-4
• Leaves clean root cuts with no deviations

The Coromill 170 gear milling cutters are suitable for cutting slewing rings and planetary gears.

lic Precision Metal Processing - moving gantry boring & milling machining center

Boring Head main drive square ram horizontal structure, boring milling machine is the core component of its design has the following characteristics:

• spindle 38CrMoTi nitriding treatment, so it has enough to maintain the accuracy of the hardness and good.
• To avoid the temperature rise caused by the spindle rotation speed affect the accuracy of the spindle is cooled to reduce heat injection to prevent heat deformation of the spindle.
• DC motor and the secondary spindle speed to achieve a combination of continuously variable transmission.
• square ram to take the vertical structure of a large cross-section to increase the longitudinal stiffness of square ram to improve the overall stiffness of square ram is beneficial for heavy cutting machine.
Transmission
Transmission of DC motor drive, the mechanical speed and DC speed, get 3 ~ 660r/min (Optional 1000 rpm) speed range-free section in order to meet a variety of machining needs.
Feed drive in four parts: before the column cross feed (X coordinate), headstock vertical feed (Y coordinates), the axial feed boring axis (Z coordinate) and axial feed ram (W coordinate.)
Click the feed AC servo motor are used, and thus feed for the stepless speed drive, the maximum feed rate is the fast-moving speed.

Vertical machining center

The term “machining center” describes almost any CNC milling and drilling machine that includes an automatic toolchanger and a table that clamps the workpiece in place. On a machining center (as contrasted with a turning machine), the tool rotates, but the work does not. The most basic variety of this type of machine is also the most basic CNC machine tool—a vertical machining center. While vertical machining centers can be high-end machines because of their precision and/or their size, a small and simple vertical machining center is a relatively low-cost CNC machine tool that often represents a new machine shop’s first machine tool purchase. The orientation of the spindle is the most fundamental defining characteristic of a machining center. Vertical machining centers and horizontal machining centers have (obviously) vertically and horizontally oriented spindles. Vertical machines generally favor precision while horizontal machines generally favor production—but these generalizations are loose, and plenty of machines break out of them. Other choices in machining center orientation include the universal machining center, which can change between vertical and horizontal spindle arrangement. More common than this is the five-axis machining center, which adds rotary motion to the machine’s linear motion. The machine pivots the tool and/or the part not only to mill and drill at various angles, but also to mill swept surfaces. Machining centers linked by an automated pallet system can form an automated machining cell. Such a cell can machine a queue of different parts without operator attention by shuttling the parts in and out of the various machines as appropriate. Related machines in this category include the boring mill, which generally describes a large machine for heavy and/or precise milling and hole making. Another related machine is the manual milling machine. Such a machine may have some basic programmability, but it generally lacks an automatic toolchanger, meaning the tool change is a manual step.

CoroPak 10.2 Released October 1, 2010 Securing the future with smart choices With so many products available it is often hard to make the right choice. And without the right application technique even the best tools can fall short of their full potential. When we develop our tools we start with your problems. We focus on addressing process improvements, researching your development and maximizing your return. All to make your choice simpler. New milling grade GC1040 Extreme tough machining of austenitic stainless and duplex materials requires a grade you can rely on. To perform securely, with consistently sharp cutting edges, low forces and slow wear. When the odds are against you grade GC1040 is tough enough to stay sharp. The first-choice recommendation for shoulder milling with small diameters in fine to medium rough machining, this grade is ultimately secure in unstable conditions and safe for unmanned production, time after time. Read more about GC1040 New ISO S geometries Turning geometries for HRSA and titanium With easy-to-choose guidelines for every machining requirement, these six new geometries ensure optimization in roughing to finish turning of heat resistant super alloys and titanium. Whether you have continuous or interrupted cuts, they improve productivity, provide first rate process security and fulfill surface quality demands. The six new insert geometries are designed to handle depths of cuts from 0.2 to 10 mm (0.008 - 0.393 inch) with great chip control and low tool pressure. Four geometries are introduced for moderate to small depths of cuts in light roughing to finishing applications. Two stronger geometries are introduced for larger depths of cut in roughing or light roughing. Discover our new ISO S geometries Sialon grade CC6060 Now available in a range to support the turning and milling of heat resistant super alloys with inserts for semi-finish to finish machining. Optimized for productivity benefits when it comes to larger diameter components and longer lengths of cut this grade has excellent notch wear resistance, providing the confidence to machine at higher depths of cut than other ceramic grades and is able to cope with higher feed rates and longer continuous cuts. Read more about CC6060 Improving machining security with CoroThread® 266 C–geometry For low carbon and low alloy steels this new insert geometry maximizes chip control to enable more continuous unsupervised machining, without interruption. For internal threading efficient chip evacuation is vital for continuous machining, the new inserts have a chip former near the tip, which helps to steer and control the chip to give maximum high machining security. New C-geometry inserts are available in grades in GC1125 for external threading and GC1135 for internal threading. Nonstop machining with the new C-geometry CoroMill® 170 Precision cutter for gear milling CoroMill 170 is a high performance cutter for large gears in module range 12 - 22. In combination with our latest grades the cutter will simply cut time in your gear machining, leaving minimal and even stock for subsequent operations. Use it for precision and reliability in roughing of external and internal gears. Increase your performances in gear cutting CoroMill® 325 Thread whirling tools New CoroMill 325 thread whirling inserts and holders can produce a wide range of high precision screws and implants from rough stock at high speeds and fit a large number of sliding head machine types. Thread whirling is a fast and accurate way to thread long, slender components in difficult materials. Using this technique, a number of advantages can be gained over traditional single-point threading including increased productivity, faster set up times, no extra costs for finishing treatment, superior chip control and increased tool life over conventional tools. Introducing CoroMill 325

American Truck Buyer

 
is a growing online community for the sale and marketing of new and used trucks and trailers. Wish to buy a truck or trailer? Don't waste your time visiting the dealer's office. If you own a dealership or have a franchise of dealerhships in the United States or Canada, come advertise your trucks with us for FREE or upgrade your account to a Premium Dealer Account and benefit from even better advertising tools! American Truck Buyer also welcomes individual sellers (operators/owners) looking for a place to advertise and sell their trucks and trailers online. Sign-up for adealer account today and advertise your new or used trucks and trailers with great exposure. Benefit from our user-friendly system and thousands of daily visitors. Adding a truck or trailer for sale is easy and our aesthetically pleasing and functional site makes it even easier for potential buyers to find your truck or trailer and your business.

American Truck Buyer works hard to bring both dealers and visitors the best experience possible on our website. We offer 3 kinds of accounts for truck and trailer dealers and individual sellers/operators/owners to buy and sell trucks and trailers. Signing up for an account is a pain-free process that only takes minutes using our Registration Form. Individual accounts are free to join and dealers can also join for free or upgrade their free account and have many more selling tools and advantages over their competition. Our specialized system allows your products to be showcased on our site while at the same time be found on large networks for relevant searches for trucks and trailers.

TOOLHOLDERS

MCD is the new line of boring tools and tool holders, built following HSK-A63 standards with constructive tolerance recommended for the application on spindles of MULTI-TASK machinery.
The MCD is produced in modular versions, and is composed of tool holders with HSK coupling module and interchangeable bit holders.
The range is complete with tool holders which permit the mounting of tools for internal, external, cut and threading of the various standard programs on the market.

TOOLHOLDERS

MONOd’ is a new line of monobloc toolholders by D’Andrea, which has been designed in addition to the worldwide well known Modulhard’Andrea and Toprun toolholder systems. Entirely produced by D’Andrea, the complete MONOd’ range is guaranteed by design, manufacturing sales procedures according ISO 9001 standard. MONOd’ line represents the perfect solution for all machine tool equipment: it guarantees users the advantages of excellent quality and a remarkable level of precision, while maintaining a highly competitive price. MONOd’, available in HSK 63 and 100, DIN 69871 and MAS-BT spindle versions, size ISO 40 and 50, comprises ER collet chuck holders, WD Weldon toolholders, PF mill holders, CM morse taper toolholders and MS tapping toolholders. The entire program ISO 40 and 50 is built in the AD+B version. All of the mill-holders are equipped for coolants to be introduced.

Autodesk Simulation Mechanical 2012 x32 x64 ISZ (2011)

Autodesk Simulation Mechanical 2012 x32 x64 ISZ | 1.6 GB


Autodesk Simulation provides a large set of engineering analysis tools, which enables designers and engineers already in the initial stage of the design cycle mechanism, site, or the details get close to exact product specifications. And along with it - to improve design, increase reliability, reduce time and cost of production, as well as to facilitate interaction between the different actors involved in product design.


The following types of engineering analysis can be performed:


- static stress and fatigue strength;
- the dynamic loads in the linear region of deformation of materials;
- natural frequencies (modal analysis);
- range of reactions;
- fixed and random vibration;
- stability analysis;
- Shock;
- contact analysis;
- Stationary and time-varying heat transfer and heat transfer;
- steady and unsteady flow;
- Flow in porous media;
- Flow in open channels;
- Mass transfer;
- electrostatics.

Mazak

Announces Increased Production for 2011

Florence, Kentucky, March 31, 2011 – Mazak has announced increased production levels at its facility in Florence, Kentucky. Fueled by the economic recovery, the company has experienced a steady increase in demand over the past nine months particularly after the IMTS Show in Chicago. Mazak projects monthly output of its Florence plant to reach 130 machine tools per month by the close of Q2 2011 and growing throughout the remainder of 2011. In terms of dollar value, this will represent the largest output ever produced at the plant, due largely to market demand shifting the production mix to favor larger and more complex Multi-Tasking models of machines.

“Over the past two years, Mazak continued to invest heavily in the ongoing productivity of our U.S. production facility, despite the poor economic conditions of 2009,” says Brian Papke, president of Mazak. “We have further refined and improved our Production on Demand system to become extremely responsive to real time customer needs. Additionally, a high level of vertical integration allows us tremendous control in reacting to market conditions. With the present value of the dollar, we will be exporting more machines in future months from our Florence plant, in addition to building for domestic manufacturers.”

Mazak produces over 100 models of machines tools at its Florence plant. During the economic downturn, the company invested $13 million in expanding the facility’s capabilities through additional floor space and technology upgrades. Similar investment will continue into 2011, with the installation of another VERSATECH V-140N 5-axis double-column machining center for large part production. Mazak will also be adding a Mazak Optonics cell with three laser fabrication centers in 2011 to improve productivity of sheet metal parts.

About Mazak Corporation - Mazak Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of productivity-improving machine tool solutions. Committed to being a partner to customers with innovative technology, its world-class facility in Florence, Kentucky recently initiated a $9 million manufacturing expansion. The facility’s “Production on Demand” manufacturing concept uses the latest in machine tool technologies as part of its lean strategy. Continuous training and development of the workforce has created a “lean” culture, which has created opportunities for continuing growth in America. For more information on Mazak's products and solutions, visit www.mazakusa.com. 

Caterpillar Unveils New Cat Vocational Trucks

We don’t speak or read much Chinese, but luckily for us, other news sites have already translated 163.com’s report that outlines the terms of Tengzhong’s purchase of HUMMER from GM, and mentions production of the new H4...!

With gasoline surging toward $4 per gallon and massive SUVs falling massively out of favor, it would seem that GM's Hummer division would be entering the autumn of its years. But according to J. D. Power and Associates, the brand captures and retains owners better than most, so it's worth nurturing. The trick is making hugeness less of a calling card - a process that started with the demise of the H1 - but preserving extreme off-road ability. As anyone who has done any serious off-roading can attest, size is your enemy on the trail, so a smaller but still off-road-ready Hummer, perhaps like the HX concept (below), makes perfect sense. The HX gives us a good look at the upcoming H4, and if that new entry has all the off-road gear of the show car, it'll be a strong addition to the lineup. The HX sports full-time four-wheel drive (naturally) with locking front and rear differentials, 35-inch tires, a 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6, and an electronically disconnectable front antiroll bar - not to mention that unmistakable blocky styling.

HONEY, I SHRUNK THE HUMMER: And not a moment too soon, given the state of the economy. At last, proof that Hummer doesn't operate in a vacuum. Sort of.

New ball-nose end mills for profiling small parts

Sandvik Coromant introduces a new range of small CoroMill Plura ball nose end mills for profiling in medium hard to hard steels. The end mills come in diameters from 0.1 - 12 mm and are perfectly suited for all small die and mould, electronic fibre optic connector and medical tooth implant manufacture, where high precision is important.  Produced in a fine grained solid carbide grade with multi-layered pvd coating, the tools have a geometry design which prevents the radius from deteriorating from uneven wear. The long neck of the tool allows for good accessibility especially in pocket milling.

CAT/Navistar

CAT/Navistar International CT660 ON HIGHWAY truck

Found this interesting, anyone got any info?


Caterpillar will unveil the first model in its line of Cat vocational trucks, the Cat CT660, at CONEXPO on March 22, 2011.


The Class 8 trucks will be sold and serviced exclusively through the Cat North American Dealer network, with production beginning after CONEXPO for customer delivery later in the year. The trucks are being developed with Navistar International.


Caterpillar says the trucks will focus on a large variety of job applications – from moving rock and hauling trash to logging and pouring concrete.


Before Caterpillar engineers started designing, the company asked vocational truck owners and drivers what they wanted and needed from their trucks. "Our design and manufacturing has been focused squarely on making the customer input we gathered a reality," said George Taylor, director and general manager of the Cat Global On-Highway Department.


Taylor added, "We coupled customer input with our knowledge learned from years of experience working closely with different industries to meet their heavy equipment needs to identify the ideal standard options for various industry applications."


Caterpillar will offer the heavy-duty Cat vocational day cab trucks with a full range of engine ratings and torque capability options. The company says the specs include a Cat CT11 engine with ratings from 330bhp to 390 bhp, a Cat CT13 with ratings from 410 hp to 475 hp and, coming in 2012, a Cat CT15 with ratings from 435 hp to 550 hp.


The Cat CX31 torque converter style automatic transmission, with three standard locations for Rear Power Take Off drive positions, will be an option for Cat vocational trucks. Caterpillar also offers a line of other OEM vocational transmission options, including Eaton manual and automated manual transmissions.


First photo is the CT610
Second photo is the CT630
Last photo is the new "vocational" CT660

 Attached Images

     

Hermle Offers C 50 U Machining Center

The C 50 U machining center from Hermle is designed to meet the increasing need for machines capable of simultaneous 5-axis machining of large, complex parts in high-strength alloys. The C 50 U is suitable for industries such as aerospace, automotive, moldmaking and valve making.

With axis travels of 1,000, 1,100 and 750 mm in the X, Y, Z axes, respectively, the standard version can accommodate work pieces of up to 2,000 kg with a maximum part diameter of 1,000 mm and a height up to 810 mm.

"Incorporating Hermle's patented modified gantry design, the C 50 U is both rugged and compact and requires no special foundation," said a company spokesperson. Spindle speed is 18,000 RPM standard (9,000/12,000 RPM optional). The tool changer is incorporated in the machine base and is available with 60 or 42 pockets. Chip-to-chip time is approximately 7 seconds.

The C 50 U Dynamic is available with a Heidenhain iTNC 530 control or a Siemens S840D SL unit.

Ease of loading is facilitated by a crane-loading feature and a door opening up to 1,250 mm. Work platforms along the entire machine front and at the magazine load station are ergonomically designed to minimize operator fatigue.

In addition to a standard tilting table, the C 50 U is available with an NC swiveling rotary table, featuring a clamping surface of up to ¯ 700 mm, or the optional NC swiveling rotary table with a clamping surface of ¯ 1,150 mm x 900 mm. Both tables utilize an integrated torque motor (C-axis) and a tandem drive motor (A-axis). The RPM of the A-axis is 20 RPMs and the C-axis rotates at 30 RPMs. The A-axis is designed to increase flexibility by offering a swivel range extending +30/-115 degrees, and the C-axis rotates a full 360 degrees.

An optional pallet changing system is available in multiple sizes and configurations for partial to fully automated operation. Pallet change systems feature generously dimensioned doors for easy and ergonomic access to the work area and set-up station, the company said.

Hermle Machine President Robert Komljenovic said, "Hermle's entire C series was designed to offer our traditional high precision with increased production capability up to and including full automation. The C 50 U Dynamic, available with a wide range of options and configurations, has made this possible for manufacturers of large parts in many industries."

The C 50 U is also available in a C 50 U MT dynamic configuration. With axis travels of 1,000 mm, 1,100 mm and 750 mm in the X, Y and Z axes and a maximum table load of 1,000 kg, the C 50 U MT features speeds of up to 20 RPM in the swiveling A-axis and 500 RPM in the rotary C-axis. Equipped with Hermle's slender spindle design for deep-pocket milling and turning, it also features a manually adjustable balancing system integrated into the table to prevent damage from inertial torque.

A new laser-based tool measuring and breakage monitoring system assures the integrity of both milling and turning tools, the company said.

Other features include the elimination of chip collection on the table, torsion prevention through tandem drives and high-torque motors in the rotary axis.

"The single greatest advantage of the MT feature is the ability to perform multiple operations in full 5-axis mode in a single clamping," said Komljenovic. "Larger parts are especially susceptible to errors in positioning when being moved from one machine to another. In complex high-value parts, this can result in significant financial loss. By combining the machining and the turning processes, we can offer our customers what is in reality an automated process station with the highest precision capability."

New CoroMill 325 ensures faster and more accurate thread whirling

The growing use of special thread forms for medical bone screws, implants and other micro components creates an increased need for techniques that produce threads fast and at high tolerances.

On October 1^st Sandvik Coromant introduces the new CoroMill 325 thread whirling inserts and holders.

Thread whirling is a fast and accurate way to thread long, slender components in difficult to machine materials. By combining the speed of thread whirling with the rigidity of a sliding head machine, complete threads are produced accurately and in a single pass, without the need for special supports. 

CoroMill 325  thread whirling inserts and holders  can produce a wide range of high precision screws and implants from rough stock at high speeds and fit a large number of sliding head machine types. All without the need for a dedicated thread whirling machine.

Using this technique, a number of advantages can be gained over traditional single-point threading including increased productivity , faster set up times , no extra costs for finishing treatment, superior chip control and increased tool life over conventional tools.

• Read more about CoroMill 325
• Download the press release

Steve Fornelius' Indicator Attachment

“Here's what I made so that I could mount my dial indicator on the headstock arbor. Using this I'm able to get the variance of the milling attachment to less than .001 easily.
The unit is simple to make: Use a blank arbor, drill halfway through with cut down 1/2 inch drill (available at any hardware store. I drilled and tapped a 10-32 hole to take a SHCS. Since you're not turning on the lathe with this in place it isn't important how long the screw is.
For the holder itself, II used a piece of 1/2" 12L14 stock about 3 inches long. I used a 3/8" mill and the milling vice to cut down both sides so the finished size is about 1/4" thick. The reason for this is to allow the dial indicator plunger and dial to clear the holder.I drilled a 1/4" hole in the end.
To use this, mount the dial indicator with 1/4-20 bolt and nut, then slide the holder into the adapter.and tighten down the set screw. Screw the adapter onto the headstock arbor. Put the work piece into the milling vice and move the cross slide down so that the indicator goes around at least once. Crank the cross slide until one side of the work piece is indicating and gently tighten the rear milling adapter screw. Crank to the other side of the work piece and note the difference in readings.
Then I simple twist the milling attachment so that the indicator reads 1/2 the difference. I keep moving the cross slide back and forth, adjusting out the variance until there is no movement of the indicator needle. Then I tighten down both milling attachment screws evenly and recheck the variance. The first couple of times you will probably need to loosen the screws and adjust again, but it works better than any other way I've tried. I can get a repeatable 0.0005 cut on the milled pieces when cutting grooves.”

Peter Zicha's Taig Mill and Projects

“This is my Taig CNC mill as of today.”

”I am starting to do the manual electric drive & CNC drive retro fit on both units machining parts . I made some 3/4 inch base risers for both units . one mounted and the other waiting for its partner in the mail . “

Guy Zattau's Taig CNC Mill Limit Switches

“Here's some pics of the setup and the limit switch arrangement with no holes drilled in the mill. The white things are the trippers and the run close to the brackets that hold the micro switches.”

Here are the pics of the mill limit switch brackets before being installed. #'s 1, 2, 3 are the X axis that mounts on using the holes for the rubber way protector. It mounts using the two end holes with access holes thru the top for an allen wrench. The rubber is sandwiched in between. The slot is 3/8" by 1/2" and the relief for the post is 3/8". Material is 1 3/4" x 1 3/4" x 6 1/2". I used .080" but it's a little too thick and makes it hard to get the trip levers to actuate the micro switches.

“Z, made from 1" x 2" x 7 1/2" x .058". It is mounted using the holes tapped in the vertical axis post that mounts the power switch. Compression posts made of tubing sleeve the holes. Holes on the part next to the post are clearanced for the screw and the ones on the outside are just big enough for the tubes to pass and finish up flush.”

“the Y axis, made of 1" x 1" x 8" x .058" with two brackets. The brackets are 2" tall with a 1 5/8" foot, 1" x 1 1/2"
wide. The micro switches are approximately 1" x 3/4" x 1/2" and are mounted with 4-40 countersunk screw so the moving parts clear. The trip devices are made of a Teflon like material machined to ride on the moving component just off the surface of the brackets and tripping the actuator lever of the micro switch. It may be necessary to add a piece of shim stock to the lever to make them work, I used .030, glued to the lever with epoxy. “

Here are the pics of the microswitch trip pieces for the mill. The Z is a simple angle piece with a small ramp cut at the top so it can allow the Z axis to go to the limit. X was made as one piece, then cut in half. Drilled the holes first then milled away the sides to leave a ridge. The ridge centers the part and prevents the screws from marring the groove in the table. Cut the 4-40 allen screws to length so they don't bottom against the back of the nut retainer slot in the table. The Y is a piece of work and difficult to get off as it is necessary to remove the microswitch bracket first. The drawing that is enclosed with the copy's I sent you is probably more understandable that what I can write. It's a goofy design but the best I could come up with at the time. All the material I sent you is just meant to be an idea and not an exact blueprint. Everyone should make their own measurements. The main theme was to not drill any holes in the machine, just use the existing ones.