Featured products from Concept Laser, Flow International, Hyundai WIA and Okuma.
There are only five days left until IMTS 2016 kicks off in Chicago.
Here are just a few of the machine tool products you can expect to see on the show floor.
Concept Laser 3D Metal Printer
The M2 cusing is intended to be the workhorse of the Concept Laser system fleet and has been designed with flexibility in mind.
The M2 cusing has the capabilities necessary for a range of applications, from serial production of parts to reactive materials research and development. The available laser options (200 or 400W, single or dual) allow users to tailor the system to their specific needs. Build volume is 10in x 10in x 11in (X, Y, Z).
A closed-loop material handling system is designed to ensure that the operator’s contact with unmelted reactive powders and soot is reduced to a minimum. Along with Concept Laser’s patented filter-change mechanism with water-flood passivation, these features put operator safety first.
The optional integrated QM modules provide the user with the ability to check that the build has proceeded as expected, which is especially important in the serial production of critical components.
For more information, check out the Concept Laser booth in the North Building, B Hall – Additive Manufacturing – N-87 or visit the Concept Laser website.
Flow International Model-Based Waterjet Software
Flow International Corporation has announced the next generation of its waterjet software, FlowXpert 2016. FlowXpert is a CAD/CAM waterjet software platform for 3D pathing and cutting that is designed to allow users to work more effectively in 3D with less complexity.
“The 2016 release provides users greater flexibility in design and pathing which will significantly increase the benefits for basic and complex waterjet parts,” said Chip Burnham, vice president of marketing for Flow.
The software integration was engineered in partnership with ANSYS SpaceClaim. Incorporating waterjet best practices—such as application tips, material cut speed knowledge, improved pathing algorithms and expanded lead in/out customization—the program anticipates what steps are needed to provide a premier cut.
According to the company users can expect faster, smarter, interactive modeling integrated into a familiar interface. “FlowXpert 2016 is based directly on feedback from our customers,” said Burnham. “The end result of extensive field testing is a smarter system that allows work to be completed in fewer steps with a more intuitive design process.”
The integration with the CAM Flow Sequencer module lets users design a part and path it in the same program.
Modifying the geometry of a part is possible without losing the path, and the integration with Flow Sequencer will automatically update the path to accommodate the changes. FlowXpert 2016 will also detect model and path errors and suggests fixes.
New capabilities in FlowXpert 2016 include:
- Ability to create full 3D models and assemblies
- Optimized pathing, including new pathing algorithms for smarter auto-pathing
- 1-Click pathing for 2D files
- Ability to program directly from the native model without converting file types
- Fast, versatile sheet metal processing from SpaceClaim
- Waterjet specific geometry analysis with customized clean up tools
FlowXpert 2016 will be available beginning in the third quarter of 2016.
For more information, check out the Flow booth in the North Building, B-Hall – Fabricating/Laser N-6217 or visit the Flow website.
Hyundai WIA 5-Axis Vertical Machining Center
The Vertical Machining Center XF6300, designed by Hyundai WIA Machine America Corp., is made to meet the intense performance requirements of the mold industry.
The XF6300 is designed with a unified column-bed structure for improved stability, rigidity and vibration absorption. Vibration and thermal displacement during travel can be minimized by the symmetric structure of the Z-axis, where the travel axis is aligned with the weight center of the spindle.
The X-axis of XF6300 has box-type saddle design with 4-way structure in a cross beam for improved strength and minimized thermal displacement.
The spindle is designed with a built-in structure to help reduce vibration and heat while maintaining fast acceleration for high-precision machining. Spindle temperature is controlled by the use of a spindle oil chiller, which is meant to ensure constant temperature and minimize thermal deformation.
The tool change mechanism has been improved by applying ring-type ATC. A 1-step magazine of 34 tools is provided as standard while a 2-step magazine of 68 tools and a 3-step magazine of 102 tools can be selected as options.
Other notable features include:
- Built-in DDM table
- 19″ LCD monitor
- SIEMENS 840D Controller
For more information, check out the Hyundai WIA booth in the South Building – Metal Cutting – S-8948 or visit the Hyundai WIA website.
Okuma Horizontal Lathe
Okuma’s new GENOS L3000-M one-saddle lathe is stronger and faster than the previous generation and suitable for cutting a wide range of exotic materials. The integral spindle motor provides increased machining capacity as highly rigid guideways handle powerful cutting capabilities. At IMTS 2016, the GENOS L3000-M will be cutting a steel pinion drive for the automotive industry with Iscar tooling, a member of Partner’s in THINC.
The GENOS L3000-M has high speed milling and Y-axis options on specific models, allowing users to select the best specifications for a particular workpiece length and shape. Shop floor productivity can be increased with the mounted NC tailstock, which is designed to allow for easy setup of various workpieces. TAS-C (Thermo Active Stabilizer) construction is standard and automatically compensates for thermal effects to maintain tight tolerances.
The GENOS L3000-M is designed to simplify cleaning, filtration and maintenance tasks. Its features include:
- A separate cooling tank for quick servicing
- Easy spindle access to reduce operator work burden and maintenance tasks
- Reduced chip accumulation during long, continuous runs decreases machine downtime for cleaning
For more information, check out the Okuma booth in the South Building – Metal Cutting – S-8500 or visit the Okuma website.
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