Emco Group, based in Austria, said it is widening the ‘design-to-cost philosophy’ into ‘designed to costs and market’, with its ongoing additions to its successful E25/45/65 milling machine series. The new Emcomill E 600 - a modular and compact design - is being offered at an ‘unrivalled price-performance ratio’.

The Emcomill E 600 is the result of a successful joint operation between Emco and its Italian subsidiary, Famup.

The CNC universal miller is offered for general machining as well as tool and prototype construction.

The Emco Group, in a report to manufacturingtalk.com, said it has created a new machine generation for the standard 3-axis machined parts production.

The Ecomill E 600 is available for EUR 49,990.- euros.

Managing director of the Emco group, Gerhard Glanz, said: ‘Presently, only cheap products from Taiwan and similar countries can be found on the market at these prices’.
Further reading

Wire-EDM cuts with high parallelism
Latest wire-EDM with Anti-Electrolysis generator is now digitally managed enabling it to control the vertical position of sparking to achieve highest parallelism on the workpiece

EDM helps boost prototypes manufacture
German prototype component manufacturer invested in die-sinking and wire EDM to enable it to work to high precision and meet tight delivery dates

Electron beams rapidly form metals parts
Developer of electron beam melting systems for the rapid manufacturing of metal parts is offering a larger, faster machine to build parts of 200 x 200 x 350mm or 300mm diameter by 200mm high

Basic specifications include maximum axis travels of 600mm (X), 500mm(Y) and 500mm (Z).

Rapid traverse speed is 24m/min and number of tools (standard) is 20.

In Emco’s ‘design-to-cost’ approach, all components that contribute to performance, precision and long duration of a machine are optimised, focussing at the same time on main functions for the user.

* Mechanical engineering without compromises - the Emcomill E 600 is designed as a very compact universal 3-axis machine for general machining.

The machine base, the support and all three slides are of massive cast design and form the basis for the robust machine structure.

The excellent damping properties of the cast material result in high surface qualities with ample cutting values, said Emco.

The roller guides with their parts that provide high support and stiffness values make the slides traverse precisely and without jerking.

The tool turret is designed as a very quick two-arm turret as a standard.

Tool changing times of 1.6s facilitate more than quick change to other tools and thus ensure production that saves time and costs.

* Modular structure - the highly proven modular concept allows machine customisation.

The main modules are as follows.

Spindle variants are available as, following.

* Basic version - 10,000 rev/min with direct drive (Siemens CNC) or 8,000 rev/min with direct drive (Fanuc CNC).

* 12,000 rev/min with direct drive as a variant for internal coolant supply.

* 15,000 rpm as motor spindle version.

* Tool magazine.

In the basic version the tool magazine (drum magazine) contains 20 tools.

Upon request the drum magazine can be expanded to 30 tools.

* Control options - the customer may choose between a Siemens 810D and the Fanuc 0i.

* chip removal - the standard design consists of a chip tray with simple lateral chip removal.

For automatic chip removal a chip conveyor can be integrated as a module into the machine structure.

* coolant supply - the coolant supply is carried out via lateral nozzles at the spindle nose.

As an option, an internal high-pressure coolant supply through the spindle and tool may be chosen.

* Round table/4th axis - for 4-axis applications a robust round table with a diameter of 200mm, resolution up to 0.001 deg and NC interpolation is available.

* Options - Emco offers to the customer a standard selection of accessories for the new Emcomill E 600, as follows.

Measuring sensor for tool or workpiece measurement.

Hand wheel.

Band filter.

Cleaning nozzle.

Alarm lamp.

Blow-out device.

Chip flushing.

Automatic door system.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/hkt/hkt133.html 

Haas Automation said at EMO 2007 that more and more industries are discovering the advantages of CNC machining, but many are unable to fit a ‘normal’ CNC machine into their facility. The OM series ‘Office Mills’ CNC milling machines solve the problem said Haas Automation. These ultra-compact machines are small enough to fit through a 914mm doorway, and can easily be moved with a pallet jack or equipment dolly.

With their small size and light weight, the OM machines fit into most freight elevators, and with the optional caster kit, they can be rolled from one location to another.

The machines run on single-phase power (240V AC).

The OM-1 features a work envelope of 205 x 205 x 205mm (X, Y, Z).
Further reading

Turning centres have longer machine beds
To satisfy a growing demand to provide CNC turning centres with longer beds, two long bed versions of existing machines were introduced at EMO 2007

CNC lathe with sub-spindle and VMC for car maker
Buggy manufacturer Rage invested in a Haas TL-25 CNC lathe with sub-spindle and a Haas VF-2 CNC vertical machining centre, partly because of after-sales service

The OM-2 has a work envelope of 305 x 255 x 305mm, providing more capacity in the same footprint.

Both machines feature a 510 x 255mm T-slot table, and are equipped with a 50,000 rev/min brushless micro-motor spindle that accepts tools up to 6mm shank size.

For higher-production work and added flexibility, the OM-1A and OM-2A are available, which feature a Haas-designed and -built ISO 20-taper spindle (30,000 rev/min) and 20-pocket automatic tool changer.

Maximum cutting feeds for all OM models are 12.7m/min, with rapids up to 19.2m/min for reduced cycle times.

The user-friendly Haas control makes set up and operation simple.

Standard equipment includes a floppy disk drive, 1MB of program memory, a coolant system, automatic lubrication and high-speed machining software with full look-ahead.

A number of high-productivity options are also available.

For full 4- and/or 5-axis operation, Haas has designed a pair of ultra-compact rotary tables that fit easily into the work envelope of the Office Mills.

The HRT 110 is a single-axis rotary table, and the TR 110 is a dual-axis trunnion table.

Both units index at up to 300 deg/s, and provide 88Nm of spindle torque for simultaneous 4- or 5-axis machining.

They each feature a 110mm platter that accepts a variety of workholding and fixturing options.

For ‘office’ shops needing turning capabilities, Haas offers the equally compact OL-1 Office Lathe.

It features a 3.7kW (peak) spindle that spins to 6,000 rev/min.

The 5C threaded spindle accepts a number of optional chucks, and is equipped with a pneumatic collet closer.

The machine’s high-speed cross slide has travels of 305 x 200mm (X, Z), and accepts a variety of gang-style tooling.

http://www.manufacturingtalk.com/news/has/has144.html 

At MACH 2008, Elumatec will be showing its prolific range of profile cutting machines, saws, and copy routers. ‘Companies that cut and route aluminium and steel for a variety of needs, have to be assured that the machinery that they use is reliable, efficient and cost effective,’ said Phil Heavey, managing directorr of Elumatec.

We can offer intelligent, automated machinery for a massive range of applications where the fashioning of metal is required’.

Demonstrating Elumatec’s cutting edge technology in aluminium and steel fabrication will be the advanced SBZ151 5-axis profile machine centre.

It is capable of drilling, routing, tapping, cutting and notching.

The SAS142 represents the company’s extensive range of automatic saws suitable for cutting high-volumes of aluminium profiles for window manufacturing and industrial applications.

The SLK118 copy router will also be on display.

‘Our products have massive potential to enhance and improve the production processes involved in all areas of the industrial market, involving metal working and fabrication, and this has been proved by our diverse and ever-growing customer base,’ said Heavey.

‘As the foremost show in the industry, MACH 2008 provides the perfect forum for us to display our comprehensive product range and to demonstrate the unbeatable versatility, reliability and speed of some of our most popular machines.

Expert advice will also be on hand throughout the show and we relish this exciting opportunity to educate the engineering and manufacturing technologies sector in the advanced capabilities of our machinery’.

* Elumatec at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 5, Stand 5574.

How CNC Machines Work

CNC machines are used in a variety of industry, manufacturing processes and woodworking shops. CNC routers are used for drilling holes. Some machines have the capability of holding several tools. This allows them to perform more than one operation at a time. They save time and improve accuracy.

CNC stands for Computer Numerated Control. This technology was first seen in the 1970s. The machines need to be programmed and set up properly before operation. Once the initial set up is completed, they are fairly easy to operate and keep running.

In CNC routers, they can be programmed to drill holes in an automatic fashion. This is faster and more accurate over several pieces than in manual drilling. The results are more uniform. This method is very beneficial for larger jobs that require a lot of drilling. Manual drilling can become tiring and when the operator becomes tired, the results can become inconsistent.

Types of CNC Machines

A CNC lathe is a good piece of equipment for cutting wood. These come in models ranging from fifteen to forty horsepower. The amount of power you need depends on the amount of wood you will use with the lathe. The best models operate in several different modes, from completely manual to all CNC. This allows you to tailor the machine’s operation for each project.

A Bridgeport mill is the best in milling technology. Mills are used in many industries, both large and small shops. They are efficient and reliable. Bridgeport mills are built to last a lifetime. However, they are very expensive. The price is out of the range that most people can afford.

The CNC mill is a specialty piece of equipment. It uses computer programming and robotics for accurate operation. The results are more accurate than any person could ever achieve. For this reason, Bridgeport mills are often used in the airline industry. Once the specs are entered, the CNC decides which tools need to be used and automatically changes the tools as needed.

Engraving equipment is made to engrave a variety of materials including glass, stone, metal, wood, composites and many others. The machines mark and engrave with more accuracy than could ever be achieved by hand. Everything from large signs to small lettering can be done, depending on your needs.

Buying Used units

CNC equipment is very expensive and out of the price range of most people. Buying used CNC electronics is an affordable option for some people. You can save nearly 50% or more on some equipment. Be careful when buying used, you want to be sure the equipment is in good condition.

A better option is to look for refurbished equipment. These machines have been inspected at the factory. Any broken or damaged components are replaced. In many cases, the machine is painted and new decals are applied. It’s like getting a new machine for a significantly reduced price. Often, you will get a one year warranty with reconditioned equipment. This gives you time to be sure it is working properly and if not, you can get it fixed for free.

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Charles Mahoney publishes many articles for the website www.inside-woodworking.com . He writes on topics from CNC technologies and other areas in this field.

1. About CNC

- Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Milling is the most common form of CNC
- CNC mills can perform the functions of drilling and often turning
- CNC Milling machines are classified according to the number of axes that they possess
- Axes are labeled as x and y for horizontal movement, and z for vertical movement
- The evolution of CNC milling machines drastically changed the manufacturing industry
- Curves are as easy to cut as straight lines, complex 3-D structures are relatively easy to produce, and the number of machining steps that required human action is way down.

2. The Fabrication Process

With the use of CNC milling machine the fabrication process of the materials have been trimmed down to just a couple of steps. CNC Milling machines now days are driven directly from computer softwares crated by CAD software packages. With the use CNC Milling machines the assembly of parts can go from brief designs without any intermediate paper drawing works being required. In one sense, with the use of CNC milling machines industrials tasks are done must easier and much faster and the production cost of the company is also lessening out. CNC machines may be said to represent special industrial robot systems, as they are programmable to perform any kind of machining operation, within certain physical limits, like other robotic systems.

3. Buying Tips

Before buying a CNC milling machine it is a must that you should have knowledge about the CNC milling machines basic parts. A CNC milling machine is basically composed of a Safety shield that is usually a clear plastic cover that cover and protects the cutting area. The Tool bit, this part of the CNC milling machines is the one that do the cutting. Spindle Shaft, is the part that holds the tool bit. Spindle Motor, is the part of the CNC milling machine that drives the cutter. The Vertical Column, the part that holds the spindle and all of its part. The Cross Side, a moveable support where the work piece is being cut. The axis motors, which moves the cross side into different axis and the Controller box.

When purchasing your milling machine make sure to check that you have all of this part intact on your CNC milling machine, for if one of this parts is not there it will not surely work or will produce an undesirable end product. Also see to it to check out for safety features, never buy a CNC milling machine without an emergency stop button, this button automatically stops machining when it is pressed. Human, hardware or software errors could mean big losses if the CNC cannot be stopped quickly enough to correct the problem. Also check out the control panel part, it is advisable to buy one with a big control guide sticker so you can clearly see it.

Also check out the screws and tools with long overhangs and adapters, be more observant about cracks and breaks on this CNC milling tools. Make sure that the plastic shield that you are purchasing with your CNC milling machine is made up of high impact polycarbonate plastic. An insert break loose from a 35 mm diameter CNC milling cutter at a spindle speed of 45,000 rpm will be thrown out at a speed of 90 meters per second - equivalent to a bullet that is being shot out of a pistol!

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

For more great cnc milling machine related articles and resources check out http://www.cnc-advisor.com 

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

For more great cnc rotary table related articles and resources check out http://www.onlyrotary.com

Ward Hi-Tech used MACH 2006 to confirm their position as one of the leading privately owned CNC machine tool distributors in the UK. With more than 60 models available from a portfolio of principal partners that include Doosan Mecatec of Korea, Dah Lih of Taiwan and CME of Spain the company showed a total of 10 CNC machines - including three new models.

Shown for the first time in Europe, the Dah Lih PT128 5-axis machining centre is of rigid portal type design combining big capacity with a high level of structural robustness.

CNC control is the Heidenhain TNC i530 Axis travels are X - 700mm, Y - 800mm, Z - 510mm, spindle speeds 15,000 rev/min, spindle taper BT40 and rapid traverse 30m/min in all axes.

The 40 ATC tool magazine is mounted separately from the machining area to prevent ingress of coolant and swarf and ensure the machine can be used to its full capacity.

The machine build incorporates a heavy duty trunion style 400mm diameter 5-axis table arrangement providing continuous 5-axis machining capability.

Unlike many 5 axis machining centres, at 14.000kg the PT128 is a true ‘heavyweight’ and is ideal for producing larger aerospace components that require true 5 axis capability.
Further reading

CME CNC millers suit mould and die machining
Universal bed-type and travelling column CNC milling centres and high speed, 5-axis bridge-type machining centres, manufactured by CME, Spain, are now being marketed by Ward Hi-Tech

Vertical machining centre has swivelling head
A 5-axis vertical machining centre features a thermally stabilised head with motor spindle that swivels about the B-axis, while the fifth CNC axis is provided by a horizontal rotary table

Five-axis vertical machining centre is affordable
Offering simultaneous 5-axis machining at an affordable price, a vertical machining centre gives maximum versatility, as the trunnion table can be quickly, and easily, removed for 3-axis work

* vertical machining centre - from the well known Dah Lih family of vertical machining centres the MCV-720 demonstrated its versatility machining a stainless steel aerospace component utilising an integrated 4th axis rotary table.

The MCV-720 is one of the best selling vertical machining centres in the UK and features axis travels of X - 720mm, Y - 460mm, Z - 510mm, spindle speeds of up to 8000 rev/min, 15HP main drive, 24 tool auto changer and standard specification is complete with high pressure through spindle coolant, bed wash, chip conveyor and table setting probe to provide a tremendous value for money package.

A feature of all Dah Lih machining centres is the on board ‘Manual Guide’ CAP system built into the Fanuc control.

This provides the user with a conversational programming system with colour graphics that can be used alongside or instead of the standard ‘G’ code format and is ideal for difficult programming operations.

* CME universal head, bed-type milling machine - from CME an example of this manufacturer’s large range of universal bed type CNC milling machines was on display throughout MACH.

The CME FS2 is equipped with Heidenhain TNC i530 CNC system and has axis travels of X - 2000mm, Y - 1000mm and Z - 1000mm.

Main drive is by 30HP motor and speed range 50-4000 rev/min provides a robust machining capability particularly in steel.

The heavy duty square ram is fitted with CME’s own design universal milling head with ISO50 taper allowing full power to be transmitted to the cutting tool in any horizontal or vertical position.

CME build bed type and travelling column style universal milling machines with X travels up to 20m and with specifications that can include high speed spindles up to 40,000 rev/min.

One of the most time-consuming and costly components of any machining job is the initial set-up, especially for complex parts that require machining on multiple sides. Such parts often require multiple set-ups and complex fixturing, which can drive up the cost per part and result in less accuracy.

The new VF-6TR trunnion machine from Haas Automation allows full five-axis machining of complex multi-sided parts in a single set-up, thus reducing set-up time and increasing accuracy.

This unique machine is ideal for such industries as model making, tool and die and aerospace where complex shapes, multi-sided machining and five-axis work are quickly becoming the norm.

Based on the popular VF-6 (1626 x 813 x 762mm - X, Y and Z) vertical machining centre platform, the VF-6TR features a dual-axis trunnion table (in place of the standard T-slot table) which provides full five-axis simultaneous motion or can be used to position a workpiece to almost any angle for machining.
Further reading

Changing production standardised on CNC machines
Changing production over from single customised to volume-customised bikes introduced CNC machin tools but using similar programs and standardising on tool libraries from machine to machine

VMC offers thermal stability for precision
A high-performance vertical machining centre provides the accuracy, rigidity and thermal stability required for high-precision work, using massive cast-iron construction

The trunnion features travels of +/-120 deg of tilt on the A axis and a full 360 deg of continuous rotation on the B axis.

It accommodates parts with a swing up to 785mm and has a 225kg part capacity.

The trunnion’s 310mm platter features six precision T-slots equally spaced at 60 deg for easy fixturing.

Available in both BT-40 and BT-50 taper configurations, the VF-6TR comes standard with a side-mount tool changer, automatic chip auger, programmable coolant nozzle, Quick Code programming system, floppy disk drive, 1MB of program memory and remote jog handle.

Such high-productivity options as high-speed spindles, linear scales, High-Speed Machining with full look-ahead and several probe systems are also available.

MACH 2006 witnessed several brand new machines from Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool manufacturer in the world.

Haas demonstrated machines and metal cutting technology for aerospace, automotive, medical, mould and die and general machining industries.

More than 25 CNC technology products were on show demonstrating vertical and horizontal machining and turning applications.

Featuring more than twenty ground-breaking machines, the Mori Seiki booth (A-8400) at this year’s International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) will be the center for innovation and automation. The company’s revolutionary machines and software will be displayed in the metal cutting pavilion at the show, which runs from September 6-13 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

As a result of Mori Seiki’s commitment to research and development, the company continually designs new and innovative machines and software to provide the highest levels of value and productivity.

The company will be unveiling several new groundbreaking machines at IMTS, including the NT5400 DCG/1800SZ mill-turn machine, NMH6300 DCG horizontal machining center, NX3000 DCG production machining center and the NMV5000 DCG 5-axis machining center.

Making its international debut at IMTS, the NMV5000 DCG is the first machine in the NM Series of machining centers.

While extensive details will not be released until closer to the show, the new NMV5000 DCG is a ‘must-see’ for those interested in 5-axis machining.

Because Mori Seiki offers a wide variety of machines well suited for high-volume, agile and integrated production, the company can provide machines that will achieve the highest levels of efficiency and lowest cost per part, handle any challenge and maximize customer profitability.
Further reading

Machining centres apply full power at all speeds
Full power of the main spindle is applied at all speeds in a machining center for jobbing shops that combines high performance machining with reliability at an extremely competitive price

HMCs, VMCs and turning centre have common platform
Machine tool series features HMCs, VMCs and a turning center designed on a common platform, forming the ultimate modules for an automotive production line

Lathes offer robust milling capability
Focusing on increasing rigidity and minimizing thermal displacement to improve precision and productivity, mill-turning centres provide the roboust milling capability of a machining centre

Another key feature of Mori Seiki machines is the ability to automate manufacturing processes.

During the show, Mori Seiki will be demonstrating automation with its NZ-S1500 DCG 2-turret shaft lathe, NL3000Y/750 CNC lathe and NH4000 DCG horizontal machining center featuring a CPP (Carrier Pallet Pool) system.

To increase productivity, the NZ-S1500 employs a symmetrical design in which the two turrets are aligned with the spindle, which is mounted on the vertical bed.

This layout also serves to reduce the influence of heat and improve accuracy during continuous machining, holding thermal displacement to under +/-10 micron.

For the purposes of automation, the machine features a high-speed loader with a rotary hand function to increase the efficiency of the machine.

Mori Seiki’s powerful NH4000 DCG gives the customer the best in dynamic characteristics and surface quality.

The NH4000 DCG to be displayed at IMTS will feature Mori Seiki’s CPP (Carrier Pallet Pool) easy-order production system.

This unmanned system is capable of increasing the efficiency of any parts-machining production floor, while minimizing setup times.

Operators are able to control the system directly with a built-in operating panel, which showcases the system’s intuitive setup and user-friendliness.

The CPP system not only eliminates first article inspection, but also increases productivity.

The NL3000Y/750 provides milling performance equal to a machining center by placing the milling motor within the turret, and is perfectly suited for high-volume production.

As a result, the machine showcased at IMTS will feature a robotic arm to demonstrate its automation capabilities.

The NL3000Y/750’s milling capabilities reduce spindle time by 2/3 and vibration noise when compared to conventional models.

Its specially placed coverings redirect head out of the machine, which maintains thermal stability to improve precision.

Mori Seiki produces extremely reliable machine tools and distributes worldwide.

The US headquarters is in Chicago with offices in Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New Jersey.

The rapid growth of composite aerospace structures has created a parallel demand for the complex, monolithic titanium components used to join them together. Aluminum, the traditional aerospace material, lacks corrosion resistance essential for this application, leading to an unprecedented demand for improved titanium machining capabilities.

Manufacturers of off-road and construction equipment, power generation systems and parts producing job shops are also machining more titanium.

Titanium’s outstanding combination of strength, light weight and corrosion resistance virtually ensures that this growth in demand will continue well into the future and with it, the need for more efficient production technologies.

Cincinnati Machine has responded to this trend by developing a suite of technologies and a network of affiliations that cover titanium processing literally from raw metal to chip disposal.

Focused on the goal of reducing the production cost of titanium components, ‘The Titanium Experts’ demonstrate their solutions in Booth A-8218 at IMTS 2006.

The demonstration uses the new Cincinnati Machine MEGA5 5-axis Horizontal machining center in a configuration optimized for titanium machining.
Further reading

VMC reduces valve part machining time by 40%
Valve manufacturer reports that its latest vertical machining centre has machined a valve with 4,813 x 3mm diameter holes 40% quicker compared to the previous machine used for the task

Vertical machining centres take heavy loads
Cincinnati Machine exhibits at EMO 2007 will include vertical machining centes equipped for 5-axis and five-sides machining of workpieces up to 10,000kg

CNC machining centres keep to specifications
The ability of one supplier’s range of CNC machine tools ability to maintain productivity, accuracy and surface finishes over a long period of time led a precision machine shop to buy more

The specific machine and process enhancements include: the application of patented ‘Damping’ technology to change the machine’s natural frequency and virtually eliminate chatter; a new coolant and coolant delivery system optimized for titanium machining; new tooling that delivers extended life cutting titanium; and an improved method of chip evacuation and removal.

The result is a nearly 100% improvement in throughput for the optimized machine compared to a conventional process for the same part.

‘The Titanium Experts’ have also applied their techniques to other Cincinnati Machine products that are highlighted at IMTS 2006.

These include Wide Range Profilers, the new U5-1500 Universal Machining Center, and the HyperMach router/profiler.

Attendees with questions relating to titanium part production are encouraged to visit A-8218 where ‘The Titanium Experts’ are available to answer questions, offer advice and demonstrate a variety of technologies.

The group includes experts in machine optimization, tooling, coolants and coolant delivery systems, titanium materials, chip handling and other disciplines.

* About Cincinnati Machine - Cincinnati Machine designs, builds and integrates advanced manufacturing solutions for the global aerospace, automotive, heavy equipment, energy and general machining markets.

The company’s broad machine tool line includes automated composites processing equipment, profilers, routers, large horizontal and vertical machining centers and cells, including 5-axis and multi-tasking equipment.

Cincinnati Machine, together with Giddings and Lewis and Cincinnati Automation and Test, makes up Cincinnati Technologies, a unit of MAG industrial automation Systems.

* About MAG Industrial Automation Systems - MAG Industrial Automation Systems (MAG-IAS), Sterling Heights, MI, is a group of leading machine tool and systems companies serving the durable-goods industry, worldwide, with a large portfolio of highly-recognized and well-respected brands.

With manufacturing operations on five continents, MAG-IAS ranks as a leader in the global metalworking capital equipment market.