THIS WEEK IN PROD TECH: High Feed Cutters, Mini Hoppers and More

New products from ASI, Seco Tools, Jet Edge, Primatics and Steute.

High Feed Cutter from Seco Tools

Seco Tools, LLC has expanded its solutions for difficult to machine materials with the introduction of the High Feed 6—the latest addition to the High Feed series of indexable-insert milling cutters. This new cutter features a design created specifically to boost material removal rates and handle high chip loads, resulting in substantial productivity increases and exceptional tool life.

The High Feed 6 milling cutter shows strong performance in all kinds of steels, especially mold and die steels, making it particularly valuable to that industry segment. In addition, the new tool can tackle a variety of difficult-to-machine materials from stainless steel to heat-resistant superalloys.

The tool performs equally well in all high feed applications, including face milling, slotting, contouring, plunging and helical interpolation.

The large-diameter cutter bodies are capable of 0.070″ (1.8 mm) axial depths of cut and feature double-sided inserts with six cutting edges for unsurpassed material removal and low operating costs.

High Feed 6 inserts mount at low lead angles to direct machining forces up into the machine tool spindle rather than radially against the side of the tool. As such, the tool experiences less vibration and provides long, predictable performance.

The flexible High Feed 6 is available in 13 metric cutters with outer diameters from 50 mm to 160 mm and nine imperial cutters ranging from 2 to 4 inches in diameter, as well as both normal and close-pitch versions. Inserts are available in three cutting geometries. A wide variety of advanced grade and coating options are available.

For more information, visit www.secotools.com.

Permalign V-Series Mini Hopper from Jet Edge

Waterjet systems manufacturer Jet Edge, Inc. has recently introduced its new Permalign V-Series Mini Hopper for abrasive waterjet cutting.

The variable aperture Permalign V-Series Mini Hopper increases abrasive waterjet cutting productivity and profitability by allowing waterjet operators to easily make adjustments to abrasive flow, minimizing abrasive consumption. 

The Permalign V-Series Mini Hopper’s water resistant design helps prevent annoying abrasive clogs that can cause stoppages and scrap out expensive material. Built for the harsh abrasivejet environment, the Permalign V-Series Mini Hopper does not require an enclosure, allowing for much cleaner operation. The mini hopper is infinitely adjustable between 0.10 pounds per minute to 2 pounds per minute and features improved venting of excess abrasive.

The Permalign V-Series Mini Hopper is available as a replacement part for all Jet Edge abrasive waterjet cutting systems.

For more information, visit www.jetedge.com.

High Accuracy Positioning Tables and Nano Precision Stages from Primatics

High Accuracy Positioning Tables/Nano Precision Stages, from Primatics, Inc., are used in applications where high accuracy and repeatability and/or smoothness are critical.

All sub-assembly components are machined to very tight tolerances in order to achieve the required accuracy and repeatability. Typical precision for these types of stages are measured in the sub-micron or nanometer range. Precision ground acme screws, precision ground ball screws or brushless linear motors are typically used as the driving mechanisms for these stages. 

Precision ground cross roller bearings, ultra-high accuracy square rail bearings, or air bearings are mainly used for the linear bearing system. Granite or a precision machined steel plate is commonly used for the table mounting surface.

A temperature controlled environment, machine shock absorbers and high resolution linear encoders are also usually required in order to obtain and maintain the system accuracy and repeatability over the life of the product.

Primatics custom engineered solutions are ideal for assembly inspection applications, vacuum environments, clean room environments and metrology applications for precision testing and measurement. 

Primatics PCL50 and PCL65 Linear Stages offer micron level repeatability and accuracy for 24/7 operation. They integrate a precision ballscrew drive with long lasting recirculating ball linear bearings into a compact package for any application. High reliability makes the PCL50 or PCL65 ideal for any production environment. Many models of the PCL50 and PCL65 are available from stock for your prototype project. These are not reduced performance models; they are the fully specified production ready models.

Primatics PCR32/43 Series Positioning Stages are the most compact of their linear stages. Ideal for demanding applications such as high precision alignment, attachment and inspection, the PCR stages offer unparalleled flexibility and allows the user to fit a precision stage into their most space restrictive applications. The PCR32/43 delivers exceptionally smooth travel by utilizing anti-cage creep precision cross roller bearings and a center driven brushless linear motor. Since neither the bearings or drivetrain utilize recirculating elements, these stages offer the best of all worlds; smooth, velocity ripple-free motion without cage creep.

Primatics PLG Stages are flexible, all-purpose compact linear positioning stages featuring strokes to 800 mm for payloads up to 100 Kg. Available with aluminum or cast iron base, these stages also offer a Class 10 cleanroom option.

Primatics PO Series Stages are two-axis, large travel center aperture positioning stages which feature single or dual linear motors per axis and high resolution linear encoders. These stages are ideally suited for inspection applications.

Primatics PXL Stages are low profile, small footprint linear motor stages with cross roller bearings offering < 2nm incremental motion possible.  Models are directly Stackable in XY configurations.

For more information, visit www.electromate.com.

Ex 97 Position Switches from Steute

The Ex 97 switching devices with plastic housings, are tested and certified according to ATEX and IECEx for use in Gas Ex zones 1 and 2, as well as dust Ex zones 21 and 22. They can also be used in temperatures down to -60° C (-76° F), which is a terribly demanding, most particularly for the construction and sealing of the housings.

In addition, the housing covers are completely vulcanised, guaranteeing that they remain sealed even upon impact. To seal the plungers, the steute developers have implemented a redundant sealing system comprising an external sealing cuff suitable for low temperatures and an internal Teflon sealing ring.

The sealing materials used have been classified by their own manufacturers for temperatures down to -95° C (-139° F) and the lubricants used for temperatures down to -75° C (-103° F). There is thus sufficient “safety clearance” before the -60°C (-76° F) certified for the Ex 97 switches is reached. This means that users, e.g. in the offshore oil and gas industry, can be certain that the new position switches will work reliably even in their truly extreme environments.

Due to their comprehensive range of actuators (plungers, roller levers, turning levers, push buttons) and compact dimensions, the Ex norm switches, available as snap action or slow action, are very versatile and can easily be integrated in an existing construction. Their protectively insulated plastic design also makes earthing and potential equalisation unnecessary.

For more information, visit www.steute.de.