They just don't build machine tools like they used to, according to Andy Vige, president of Machine Specialty and Mfg. (Youngsville, LA).

Vige couldn't find a new machine tool that could take the punishment that one of his 20-- year-old Warner & Swasey lathes could. He'd been buying used W&S machines for years, then driving them hard to make pipe pressure fittings and flanges for the oil industry. The iron in them was still good, but the original controls were not. Aging hardware-based CNCs on the lathes had become obsolete, and because they were proprietary, closed systems, the controls were starting to cost the company plenty.

"When a motion board goes on one of these, it takes weeks to repair or replace them," Vige says.

"Frequently, the original control company can't help us at all. When a machine goes down, and you fail to produce 300-400 pieces of flange that you would normally sell during the day, you feel it." To top it off, Machine Specialty and its competitors were in the middle of a two-year price war, and the company couldn't afford to lose ground.

The solution Vige found was so successful that, 18 months later, he has transformed almost every CNC machine he owns and improved production by 30%. And he did it without buying a single new machine.

That solution was OpenCNC software from MDSI (Ann Arbor, MI), an open-architecture CNC package that uses no proprietary hardware or motion control cards. Because it runs on off-the-shelf PCs and Microsoft Windows operating systems, users are not locked into proprietary arrangements for hardware, control repair, or control upgrades.

Vige credits the package with helping him:

* Reinvigorate his old machine tools

* Gain access to machine data that helps him manage his company

* Avoid having to buy new machines

* Gain control over production

* Stay competitive.

* OpenCNC gave me a jump on everybody I compete against," he says.

Machine Specialty has been in business more than 20 years. With about 75 employees, the company makes pipe Ranges and fittings for a variety of oil and gas applications, from deep-water drilling in the Gulf of Mexico to the North Sea, where they perform critical applications such as containing high-corrosion fluids or withstanding pressure of up to 20,000 psi (138 MPa). The business is competitive and global.

As company president and coowner, Vige constantly looks for manufacturing solutions to help him optimize profits and resource utilization. Machine downtime costs money-$8500 per day per machine, Vige estimates. He figured his Warner & Swasey lathes were down about 20% of the time with control problems. When he realized he was spending $2,000-- $3,000 per machine per month to keep the old controls going, plus what it was costing him every time a machine stopped, enough was enough.

Besides upgrading his old machines, Vige was looking for answers to several manufacturing problems. He wanted to decrease cycle times. He wanted a control that in-house maintenance personnel could service. He wanted to use existing servos and drives. And most of all, he wanted access to data.

"I needed a better tracking system for what was going on with each machine," he says. "How long is the machine running each day? How long does it take to do a batch of parts? How many parts can be done in one day per machine? I can't get this information from traditional controls."

When Vige heard about OpenCNC, he knew it was what he wanted. "It was software that let me use any drives that I wanted or any PC," he said. "I didn't have to buy a whole package. I could buy the best drives or the best PC I wanted. The MDSI control doesn't care which one you use. It's software, so we can put it into any package we choose."

The first machine retrofitted with the software was a W&S 2 SC lathe. Eldon Richardson, an MDSI integrator out of Meridian, MS, performed the retrofit, which involved pulling all the wiring from the old cabinet, removing the old control, installing OpenCNC on a new PC, rewiring the panel, and programming the machine. The old servos and drives were in good shape, so he left those in place.

Machine Specialty machinist Mike Thibodeaux worked with Richardson to learn about the software. Since that first machine, they have refined the retrofit process so that Thibodeaux and other Machine Specialty employees strip out the old control and remove all the wiring. At his shop, Richardson builds a bolt-on case for the monitor and PC, loads the OpenCNC onto the PC, and programs it. He then takes the completed package back to Machine Specialty, where he re-wires the machine and puts the new control in place.

Richardson says the process goes quickly if existing servos and drives are kept, which is what Machine Specialty chose to do on most of its machines. "The first machine took about two weeks," he says. "Now, it's much faster. We have actually taken four machines down at the same time, retrofitted them with OpenCNC, and had all four of them up and cutting parts in just eight days."

As part of its OpenFactory CNC initiative, the company, in conjunction with its recent acquisition of CimWorks, Inc., has designed CimWorks MCS, a flexible, easy-to-use and cost-effective bundled software solution. CimWorks MCS provides a comprehensive package of CNC operator station functions, including document organization, part program management, machine monitoring and networking capabilities to increase productivity for end users and OEMs, large and small.

CimWorks MCS adds useful features to the CNC in the form of cost-effective, built-in productivity tools and networking capabilities, the company says. Additionally, MCS allows users to connect the shop floor to their business information systems for seamless data sharing and communication.

The software provides production scheduling, electronic documentation, part program management and production and productivity reporting, as well as maintenance scheduling and monitoring, CNC operator/maintenance interface and Shop Floor Programming (SFP) via the following software components:

VisualDocs electronically manages and distributes manufacturing documents by connecting an off-line system directly to the shop floor and providing a pathway for organizing and sending information to and from the office directly to the shop floor. VisualDocs supports a wide variety of documents, such as work instructions, tool lists, part programs, drawings and manuals, and organizes documents by subject, machine, job and part.

VisualDNC is a flexible system of DNC software that enables manufacturers with CNC equipment to download part programs from local area networks. VisualDNC features a Windows part program editor for multiple program viewing, color-coded program comparisons, global find and replace, global offsets, calculator, and sequence and re-sequence program.

VisualMEM helps manufacturers gather machine performance information by recording machine events and placing the information in a database for real-time or periodic analysis of the data, such as uptime/downtime, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair scheduling. VisualMEM not only tracks machine productivity and performs production reporting, but also provides a productivity and fault history database.

Visual MOI integrates the machine tool operation with the production scheduling and electronic documentation. It is the core operator interface for machining information such as position, tool, offset and part program data. This component provides separate functions for operation, maintenance and administrative users. The inclusion of a Windows-based ladder editing package allows maintenance users to monitor the CNC-to-machine tool interface for diagnostics and troubleshooting and to edit and debug Ladder programs.

SFP allows users to easily create or modify CAM data to produce G-code programs for lathe and milling applications. SEP was specifically designed for ease of use on the factory floor.

MCS also seamlessly connects with the new Cim Works Suite version 1.4 to integrate production planning, administration and reporting.

Designed for press machine manufacturers, 16i/18i-MB dedicated CNC control offers flexible motion paths and allows precise simultaneous operation of multiple GE Fanuc servo motors from Alpha iS series rated up to 230 kW. Fully programmable nano control, able to replace PLC and/or PC-based control, has customizable operator interface with open architecture PC-based front-end. Use of this network-capable product enables motion to be matched to work.

Dedicated CNC Control Specifically to Meet The Needs of Press Machine Manufacturers

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - December 7, 2005 - GE Fanuc Automation, Inc., a unit of GE Industrial, is announcing the availability of a new CNC control specifically designed for press machine manufacturers. This nano control allows the precise simultaneous operation of multiple GE Fanuc large servo motors from the Alpha iS series up to 230 KW rated power and can replace a PLC and/or PC-based control currently used with a high-speed high-precision CNC.

"This is the first dedicated CNC control to be specifically targeted to the needs of the servo press manufacturer," said Paul Webster, GE Fanuc Servo Product Manager. "Servo control offers the productivity of a mechanical press with the formability of hydraulics as well as the added benefits of a simpler system, with higher precision and power saving capabilities that is environmentally friendly."

The benefits of the 16i/18i-MB CNC control include FANUC reliability, standardization, easy implementation and customization for the machine builder, accuracy and flexibility while providing impressive savings in energy consumption, and improved work conditions by lowering noise and the use of oil. Productivity is increased while the cost of operation is decreased providing a rapid return on investment.

Some of the strengths of a CNC-controlled servo press machine include:

o Control - using advanced digital drives, a full-programmable CNC makes a high degree of control possible

o Free Motion - motion can be matched to the work. Specific features for the control of a rotary link system, main gear and slide position, rotary and reverse control, speed, dwell and torque is all included

o Reliability - legendary FANUC reliability with more than eight years MTBF for the entire system and easy maintenance with detailed diagnostics and common/readily-available components

o Rapid prove-out with flexible motion paths - stroke height can be set to the minimum required and optimum speed and motion easily programmed

o Accuracy - nanometer interpolation CNC control using high-resolution feedback devices make micron level accuracy possible resulting in better parts and less scrap

o Energy savings - power line regeneration of the servo system during deceleration saves up to 50% over a hydraulic or standard electric system

o Low noise - servo control limits the noise produced and extends the die life

In addition, a fully-customizable operator interface with an open architecture PC-based front-end can be developed. The customized screens and interface back to the CNC control allow for simple setup and operation. It is also network-capable with a built-in Ethernet connection and easily obtainable data making it possible to track Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

GE Fanuc now offers four control types and servo motors from .05 to 230 KW to the servo press market, from simple ballscrew driven presses to the most complex link-type slide with die cushion control.

o 16i/18i-MB for servo press - high-end control for full functionality

o PowerMate iH Industrial CNC- simple CNC for cost-effective ball screw presses or die cushion control

o HSSB DSA - fully customizable motion controller for use with custom-designed PC-based software control

o Pulse Type DSA - motion controller for connection to PLC or PC-based pulse controllers

"Servo press machine manufacturers in Asia and Europe are already implementing these kinds of controls on a broad scale," continued Webster. "The market is demanding improved accuracy, flexibility and productivity in a machine that requires a lower cost of operation. GE Fanuc has met these requirements with this high-performance solution."

About GE Fanuc Automation

GE Fanuc Automation, a joint venture between GE and FANUC LTD of Japan, delivers automation hardware and software designed to help users reduce costs, increase efficiency and enhance profitability. With solutions and services catering to virtually every industrial segment, GE Fanuc Automation provides a diverse array of capabilities and products, including controllers, embedded systems, advanced software, motion control, CNCs, operator interfaces, industrial computers, and lasers. Headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, GE Fanuc Automation is a part of GE Industrial and combines the diverse global strengths of the GE family with the local presence customers need to design, develop and maintain their automation investments.

Infinity(TM) features turret with 2 spindle pod mounting positions. Pods, which can be optimized for use of different size grinding wheels, may be optionally fitted with left- or right-hand wheels adapted to specific applications. Featuring fully hydrostatic bearings and 230[degrees] working range, turret offers infinitely variable positioning. Machine accommodates 1,200 mm max work part length, with 150 mm max work part swing, and features linear motor positioning of X and Z axes.

Infinitely variable turret features exclusive hydrostatic bearing design

Chicago, IL, September 6, 2006 - Cinetic Landis Grinding Corp. has introduced its new Infinity(TM) flexible CNC cylindrical grinder with infinitely variable swiveling wheelhead at IMTS 2006 in booth B-7045.

The new Landis Infinity grinder is suitable for single machine/single setup grinding of complete camshafts and small crankshafts, as well as general grinding of concentric diameters, eccentrics, profiles, tapers and chamfers. The new Infinity grinder can help manufacturers achieve the accuracy required for many of today's precision components while overcoming the tooling limitations encountered in hard turning.

The Landis Infinity CNC grinder features a turret with two spindle pod mounting positions. The pods, which can be optimized for the use of different size grinding wheels, may be optionally fitted with left- or right-hand wheels adapted to specific applications. The grinder's turret has infinitely variable positioning with a 230 degree working range. The incorporation of fully hydrostatic bearings in the turret enables a low profile, rigid swiveling wheelhead design that is inherently stiff, accurate and reliable due to the elimination of mechanical couplings.

Other features of the new Landis Infinity grinder include hydrostatic wheelhead bearings and linear motor positioning of both the X- and Z-axes. A swing-down rotary dresser is provided for increased machine capacity. The Infinity can accommodate a 1200 mm maximum work part length with a 150 mm maximum work part swing.

Landis Evolution CNC Grinder enables precision plunge and traverse peel grinding of multiple part features in same cycle. High-speed spindle permits grinding wheel speeds to 250 m/sec with part rotation to 7,500 rpm. Grinder incorporates granite base, workhead spindle-mounted rotary diamond dresser, and 5 mm wide CBN wheel to contour complex part shapes. Programmable unit offers less than 1 min part-to-part changeover time.

High-speed "peel" grinding process provides lathe-like programming and performance

Chicago, IL, September 6, 2006 - Cinetic Landis Grinding Corp. (Waynesboro, PA) has introduced its Evolution high-speed CNC grinder at IMTS-2006 in booth B-7045 at McCormick Place. This exceptionally fast, rigid grinder enables precision plunge and traverse peel grinding of multiple part features in the same cycle. The Landis Evolution was developed to meet the demand for high throughput to reduce piece costs, along with flexibility to accommodate multiple part features and many part families. The machine incorporates a high-speed spindle to permit grinding wheel speeds up to 250m/sec with the part rotating at up to 7,500 rpm.

Outfitted with a narrow, 5 mm wide CBN wheel, the Evolution grinder can contour complex part shapes much like a lathe but with grinding accuracy and surface quality. Grinding at such fast speeds produces smaller chips that help improve surface quality on critical parts like transmission shafts. Various part features including faces and grooves can be accomplished in the same machine, which eliminates additional processes and avoids parasitic time for part handling. And the machine can be programmed to handle a large family of parts with part-to-part changeover in less than one minute.

No part drivers are required with the new Evolution grinder. The machine features a granite base and incorporates a workhead spindle-mounted rotary diamond dresser. A choice of Siemens or Fanuc CNC control is offered.

Developed by Ulmer Werkzeug Schleiftechnik for machining tungsten carbide and HSS tool blank tips, the CNC SF 40 Reinecker is now available from Efficient Mfg. Technologies. The grinding machine offers accuracy, high speed metal removal and long grinding wheel life when used for simple or complex shaping of radii or steps in virtually any combination, according to the manufacturer.

When used with grinding wheels with diameters as large as 14" (350 mm), the system can achieve surface speeds as high as 28,000 sfm. A universal chucking system facilitates the application of various types of fixtures. In addition, manually-operated loading enables tool blanks to be machined to a diameter of 32 mm, with a length of 320 mm, while a measuring system provides workpiece positioning and coolant control.

An optional loading system enables automatic operations and can be used for blank diameters ranging from 6 mm to 25 mm, with lengths ranging from 70 mm to 250 mm.

With working envelope of 40 x 27.5 x 9.5 in., EcoRaptor(TM) includes 600 W, 60,000 rpm spindle with 1/4 in. collet, 10-tool Automatic Tool Management System(TM), micro-mist coolant system, protective enclosure with door safety interlock, and chip disposal tray. Controller is equipped with 850 MHz Pentium[R] PC, 15 in. CRT monitor, 250 MB RAM, 40 GB part/program storage, and Microsoft Windows[R] software. It offers Ethernet networking and remote monitoring and control.

MILFORD, NH, March 14, 2005 - The EcoRaptor(TM) is the latest CNC router to be added to Datron's Raptor Class of machining centers. A step up in size from their miniRaptor(TM), the EcoRaptor's 40" x 27.5" x 9.5" working envelope is ideal for nested (batch) machining or low quantity production runs of panels, extrusions, electromechanical parts and aerospace profiles.

At a list price of $64,800, the EcoRaptor includes standard features like a 600W, 60,000 RPM spindle (with 1/4" collet), 10-tool Automatic Tool Management System(TM) (20-tool optional), micro-mist coolant system, full protective enclosure with door safety interlock, chip disposal tray, Microsoft Windows[R] and Microsoft Windows[R]-based control software, 850 MHz Pentium[R] PC, 15" CRT monitor, Cherry Keyboard, hand-held controller, 250 MB RAM, 40 GB part/program storage, Ethernet networking capability, remote monitoring capability, CD-ROM drive, USB port and 3.5" drive.

The EcoRaptor's vibration-dampening concrete polymer machine table equipped with a built-in 10-tool, Automatic Tool Management System(TM) can be ordered with a 36" knock-out as a free option. The EcoRaptor's 60,000 RPM spindle produces low force and superior quality when tooling 0.250" and under. An integrated Ethanol-Mist Coolant System(TM) provides for superb surface finishes and eliminates secondary processes like de-burring or de-greasing to further improve cycle times. Datron's Microsoft[R] Windows[R]-based controller works with virtually any CAD/CAM software and offers Ethernet networking capability, as well as remote monitoring and control, allowing the machine to seamlessly integrate into any manufacturing environment.

The EcoRaptor can be set up to accommodate Datron's proprietary Quick-Pallets(TM) workholding technology which provides manufacturers with reduced job setup and job changeover times. This lightweight, manual pallet changer facilitates batch machining and "lights-out" production rather than single-part production. To insure X, Y, Z location repeatability, the pallets are registered using a beveled-boss in cavity system. When placing the pallet on the machine bed, it will be located in exactly the same spot every time. A standard feature vacuum pump holds the pallet in place during machining operations. Changing a pallet requires no tooling or clamping, reducing setup time from an average of 30 minutes to 30 seconds - making the EcoRaptor ideal for frequent or interrupted job changes.

Another time saving option is an integrated Z-Correction Probe(TM) that recognizes irregular work-piece topography and dynamically compensates for it by taking measurements along the surface of a blank and feeding that data into the machining controller. The controller automatically adjusts for uneven surfaces or work piece position.

For more information on Datron's EcoRaptor, contact Robert Murphy at Datron Dynamics, Inc. 454 Route 13, Milford, NH 03055; telephone 888-262-2833, www.DatronDynamics.com. E-Mail: info@datrondynamics.com.

About Datron: Datron Dynamics is the North American distributor for Datron Electronic, a German technology firm established in 1969 that has become a leader in the design and development of CNC machining and dispensing systems. Founded in 1996 by President, Walter Schnecker, Ph.D. and Vice President, William King, Datron Dynamics is differentiated in the marketplace by its focus on high-speed machining with micro tooling. Datron machines feature 60,000 RPM spindles that produce low force, feed rates of up to 1000"/minute and superior quality when tooling 0.250" and under. An Ethanol-Mist Coolant System(TM) provides superb surface finishes and eliminates secondary processes like de-burring and de-greasing while being environmentally friendly. Other features such as the Z-Correction Probe(TM), Automatic Tool Management System(TM) and their proprietary Quick-Pallets(TM) and Vacumate(TM) workholding systems enable batch machining and "lights-out" production. These distinctions have resulted in over 1,000 installations worldwide within industries requiring superior production of EDM electrodes, hot stamping and embossing dies, 3D mold making, rapid prototyping, 3D precision engraving, front panels and the production of automotive and aerospace parts.

Flexdeburr radially-compliant tools have floating air-turbine motor and spindle arrangement that provides deburring tip's radial compliance to perform consistently on irregular part patterns. Pneumatically controlled tools allow cutting bit to follow part profile, maintaining constant force on part surface. Pivot bearing provides radial movement. Tool requires clean, dry, non-lubricated air for spinning cutting file and applying radial force.

ATI Industrial Automation, a leading engineering-based world developer of robotic peripheral equipment, will be introducing Flexdeburr, a new line of radially-compliant deburring tools for robotic and CNC applications at IMTS 2004, Booth #6241, McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, September 8-15. The Flexdeburr models are patent-pending, radially-compliant deburring tools for robotic and automated deburring applications. The innovative deburring tools have a unique floating motor and spindle arrangement that provides the deburring tip's radial compliance to perform consistently on irregular part patterns.

Conventional automated deburring tools can perform adequately along a straight edge or surface, with little or no compliance for cavities or protrusions, but fail when part tolerances or paths are not exact. The inherent design of the pneumatically controlled Flexdeburr allows the cutting bit to accurately follow the part profile, maintaining a constant force on the part surface. A constant force during deburring is the most successful method for automatic applications.

The Flexdeburr has an air-turbine motor and spindle arrangement mounted within a durable housing and uses a pivot bearing to provide radial movement. The tool mounts to a robot, CNC machine, or fixture and requires clean, dry, non-lubricated air for spinning the cutting file as well as applying radial force. The Flexdeburr is available in several models in a variety of size and RPM ranges.

Other ATI Industrial Automation products include Automatic Tool Changers, Multi-axis Force/Torque Sensing Systems, Robotic Deburring Tools, Robotic Crash Protection Devices and Compliance Devices. Our mission is to provide customers with high-quality robotic peripheral devices, tooling and sensors that enhance customer profitability by increasing the effectiveness, flexibility and safety of their automation applications.

Designed to improve milling, drilling, and tapping capabilities for CNC lathes in turning operations, live tools feature lifetime-lubricated bearings and optimized gears for smooth operation. Precise, rigid tools also offer internal coolant up to 70 bar and length adjustment. Series includes high-speed tooling as well as coolant feed thru, axial, radial, dual output radial, and universal tools. Straight and offset units as well as modular quick-change systems are also available.

Mundelein, IL - (August 30, 2006) Designed to enhance the performance of a CNC lathe, Lyndex-Nikken offers a wide variety of live tools. These highly precise and rigid tools effectively improve milling, drilling and tapping capabilities in turning operations.

Lyndex-Nikken stocks a range of standardized live tools for CNC turning centers from Okuma, Mazak, Mori Seiki, Nakamura, Sauter and all other major builders.

Lyndex-Nikken's live tool offering includes high-speed tooling, coolant feed thru tools, axial tools, radial tools, dual output radial tools and universal tools. Straight and offset units, modular quick-change systems and tapping quick-change holders are also available. Many models are lightweight and compact.

Lyndex-Nikken live tools include optimized gears for ultra smooth operation. Other advantages include lifetime lubrication of bearings, high torque transmission, internal coolant up to 70 bar and length adjustment.

The actual act of replacing dull cutting tools on turning centers is usually pretty simple. Most cutting tools use carbide inserts, which, aside from requiring an awkward position of the CNC operator, can be removed, indexed and replaced with relative ease. However, the physical act of indexing or replacing dull inserts may be just half the task. Depending on the tolerances you expect to hold, your CNC operators may have to consider offset adjustments made during the previous tool's life (caused by tool wear) and set the offset back to its original value. They may also need to perform some trial machining (also called gauge cutting) for the new/indexed insert if tolerances are extremely close.

One often overlooked reason operators need to trial machine when an insert is replaced is the consistency of the inserts. Frankly speaking, inserts used by most companies are not very consistent. Note that trial machining should not be necessary when inserts are simply indexed and reused, as long as operators correctly reset the wear offset. Because the insert is being reused, there will be no inconsistency. You can easily determine the consistency of carbide inserts because insert tolerance is part of insert specification. It is specified by the third letter in the insert's identification number. The following list shows standard tolerances (in inches). You can find this list inmost cutting tool manufacturer's technical information.

A--I.C. = [+ or -]0.0002, thickness = [+ or -]0.001

B--I.C. = [+ or -]0.0002, thickness = +/-0.005

C--I.C. [+ or -]0.0005, thickness = [+ or -]0.001

D--I.C. = [+ or -]0.0005, thickness = [+ or -]0.005

E--I..C. = [+ or -]0.001, thickness = [+ or -]0.001

G--I.C. [+ or -]0.001, thickness =[+ or -]0.005

M--I.C. = [+ or -]0.002, thickness = [+ or -]0.005

U--I.C. [+ or -]0.005, thickness = [+ or -]0.005

Consider, for example, a popular 80-degree diamond-shaped insert, the CNMG432. Many companies use this insert for finishing operations, even when holding very tight tolerances. However, this insert will not be very consistent from one insert to the next. Notice that tolerance for the included circle of this insert (specified with the third letter, M) is +/-0.002 inch. The included circle is a circle tangent to all sides of the insert. Because this insert has an 80-degree nose angle, the variation on the included circle of this insert (0.004 overall) will almost translate directly to the position of the tool tip position, and in turn, will directly affect workpiece size.

If close tolerances must be held, something must be done when replacing inserts to allow for this inconsistency. Again, many companies will have their CNC operators trial machine with the new insert, which takes time and can be error-prone. If you use a tool touch-off probe, it can be used to determine the new insert's position (and reset the wear offset), eliminating the need to trial machine. But either way, additional time will be spent during dull tool replacement.

You should at least evaluate the possibility that using amore consistent insert may eliminate the need to trial machine or use the tool touch-off probe when inserts are replaced. (Operator skill is involved, so this may not be right for everyone.) Consider using a CNAG-432 insert. It has a tolerance for its included circle of [+ or -]0.0002 inch (0.0004 overall). For some applications, using this insert will eliminate the need for trial machining when inserts are replaced. (Operators must reset the wear offset if adjustments were made during the previous tool's life.) The added cost of the insert should be easy to justify considering the time, effort and potential for error you'll save.

With swing of 16.9 in. and distance between centers of 43.46 in., Model M17 offers rapid traverse rates of 394 ipm on X-axis and 295 on Z-axis. Belt-driven, cartridge-style, gearless headstock features 10 hp AC GE Fanuc P-type spindle motor with variable speed drive that permits full horsepower at spindle speeds as low as 375 rpm. GE Fanuc 21i-T control includes 10.4 in. color LCD and built-in cycles for profiling, grooving, threading, drilling, boring, and rigid lapping.

ERLANGER, KY - Romi Machine Tools, Ltd, an industry leader in turning machine technology, has built a reputation on providing customer-driven solutions to a broad array of precision turned-part challenges. The M Series of Combination lathes is yet another step in providing these solutions ever-more flexibly and is ideal for mixed volume, short run operations as well as dedicated high-volume applications.

With a swing of 16.9" and a distance between centers of 43.46", the M17 combines high performance turning and large machining capacity within a compact 107.09" x 49.76" space-saving footprint. Rapid traverse rates of 394 imp (Xaxis) and 295 (Zaxis) mean accelerated machine cycle times and reduced non-cut time which increases overall throughput. Also increasing cycle time is an optional automatic electric drum turret offering a fast 0.48 second station-to-station indexing time. The turret holds eight tools with pockets for square tool holders and bolt-on I.D. tool blocks.

The M17 has a rigid cast iron "H" bed design. All guideways are induction hardened and ground. They feature a Turcite-coated carriage and cross-slide that move smoothly on the solid cast iron bed and saddle guideways, thus ensuring superior rigidity, increased accuracy, improved cutting tool performance and long machine life.

The spindle. A new belt-driven cartridge-style gearless headstock featuring a high-torque 10 hp AC GE Fanuc "P"-type spindle motor with a variable speed drive permits full horsepower at spindle speeds as low as 375 RPM. Three spindle options allow you to match the spindle speed and size to specific production needs. A2 spindles feature rigid mounting, larger through-hole capacities and higher FPM, while Dl Camlock spindles offer quick chuck changing between three- and four-jaw chucks. The A2-5" has a through hole of 2.09" and a speed range of 4 to 4,000 RPM, while the A2-6" and Dl-6 have through holes of 2.56" and 2.09" respectively and a speed range of 3 to 3.000 RPM.

To assure the rigidity required for heavy-duty cutting, the spindle is supported by angular contact ball bearings at the nose and a double-row of cylindrical roller bearings at the rear. The spindle cartridge is lubricated for life, and the spindle design eliminates the need for oil recirculation or refrigeration systems to maintain spindle temperature, thus offering years of reliable performance with reduced operating and maintenance costs.

A rigid tailstock with dual clamping affords rigidity for turning heavy parts or manual large diameter drilling. The tailstock has a large manually operated quill with cast-in tang stop and drill knock-out.

An automated lubrication system, a complete coolant system and splash guards with overlapping doors are standard.

The control. The GE Fanuc 21i-T features the latest technological advancements in a uniquely small space. The 10.4" color LCD and full keyboard conveniently swivel for ease of operation. A shock absorber keeps the control in position when keys are pressed. GE Fanuc CNCs and associated spindle and servo drives have an exceptional reputation for reliability. For example, according to GE Fanuc, sub-system failures per month are nearly unheard of - 0.00495 on the CNC, 0.00099 on the servo drive and 0.00376 on the spindle drive.

Operator-friendly software. Romi Machine Guidance software in the 21i-T is the ideal CNC for operators with varying levels of experience, as it simplifies the transition from manual programming to G code programming. As the operator's skill level rises and/or part geometry complexity increases, the operator can easily move through four levels of part programming generation. These are:

Manual Cutting. The operator uses the electronic handwheels, and the CNC's position registers to cut the part manually. This is the simplest mode, and the moves are limited to X and Z cuts.

Guidance Single Cutting. The operator uses the electronic handwheels, and the CNC's position registers to cut the part. The operator enters additional data and uses one handwheel to cut tapers and radii on the part. In this mode, the axis moves and other commands can be recorded as a part program. The "taught" program can be "played back" to produce additional parts.

Guidance Cycle Cutting. The 21i-T CNC has built-in machining cycles for profiling (rough and finish), grooving, threading, drilling, boring, and rigid lapping. These cycles generate a part program based on information the operator enters, as prompted, to describe the part. The CNC automatically generates the part program, which then can be converted to a standard G code format.

FAST CUT Model FC-SB10 utilizes two 2-axis turrets and one spindle with 2 collets driven in center by one servo motor, allowing different cutting operations to be performed simultaneously on both ends of cylindrical part. Tailstocks and spindle extensions permit machining of parts from 3-19 in. long. Capacities range from 3/16-2 5/8 in. dia and maximum turning length for each turret is 8 in. With 10 hp drive, standard spindle speed is 30-4,000 rpm.

East Hampton, CT November 15, 2004, INTERTECH WORLDWIDE CORPORATION has introduced "FAST CUT" Model FC-SB10 CNC Centerdrive machine featuring (2) 2 Axis Turrets, (1) Spindle with (2) Collets driven in the center by one servo motor. allowing different cutting operations to be performed simultaneously on both ends of a cylindrical part. With the centerdrive machine operation, parts can be machined complete in one chucking or clamping operation, achieving higher concentricity and meeting high production requirements and greater efficiency. Equipped with (2) eight position bidirectional servo turrets, the part gripping system utilizes Hainbuch Quick-Change Collets while the main spindle is servo driven through a timing belt with the motor located and protected under the spindle head. All servo motors and drives are FANUC with a FANUC 18-TC Control. Tailstocks, and spindle extensions permit the machining of parts from 3 inch long shafts up to 19 inches in length. Diameter capacities range from 3/16 inch to 2-5/8 inch. Standard maximum turning length for each turret is 8 inch. For parts longer than 19 inches or for long parts of small diameters, an additional programmable 2nd head can be supplied to support the part for machining. Standard spindle speed range is 30 to 4000 rpm. Top speed for the 2-5/8 inch capacity lathe is 3000 rpm. Standard horsepower drive is 10 hp constant with higher horsepower drives available as an option when heavy material removal is necessary. Full [sup.3]C[sup.2] Axis control of the spindle and live tools in the turrets are options. Machine comes with a chain type chip conveyor. The machine conforms to CE specifications. For unsymmetrical or special shaped ends, robot loading and unloading systems are available. For shorter runs the collets can be controlled by the use of a foot pedal and parts can be manually loaded and unloaded.