THIS WEEK IN PRODUCTION TECH: Insert Holders, End Mills and More

New products from ANVER Corp., BIG KAISER, Camozzi Pneumatics, Niagara Cutter and NORD DRIVESYSTEMS.

Press Automation Cups from ANVER Corporation

ANVER Corporation, a manufacturer of vacuum handling technology, has grown its line of press automation cups. The new slip-free series grips dry and oily metal sheets or other thin materials in a full range of automotive and metal processing applications.

Suitable for use with high-speed robotic pick-and-place sheet metal handling equipment, these suction cups provide fast attach and release functionality. ANVER’s Press Automation Cups are capable of dispersing any existing surface oil on stamped panels, making them an ideal choice for oily metal, plastic or composite material.

These suction cups have sealing properties on flat or curved work pieces, such as automotive hoods, roofs, or body panels, as well as on material with minimal surface area.

Offered in a variety of shapes and sizes, such as a round or oval flat style and a round 1.5 bellows style, which works exceptionally well in areas that require level compensation for low headroom. These suction cups will not warp or mark materials that are often prone to deformation.

These silicon-free Press Automation Cups are molded from ANVER Nomathane 50 and 60 with non-marking, anti-slip properties and are optimized for operating in high-temperature environments up to 356° F (180° C).

ANVER Nomathane is extremely wear-resistant, which significantly increases product longevity and long-term cost-savings.

Compatible with all popular robotic lifters/end-effectors, ANVER Press Automation Vacuum Cups are available in a wide range of diameters to fit workpieces of various shapes and sizes.

For more information, visit www.anver.com.

New Insert Holders from BIG KAISER

BIG KAISER has recently announced the release of new insert holders for face grooving. The new accessories are specifically designed to fit the BIG KAISER large diameter Series 318 and Series 319 SW twin-cutter boring heads for ultimate system flexibility.

The new face grooving system can be used as either a single or twin cutter grooving tool for diameter ranges from Ø2.087” to Ø118”. The design allows for a grooving depth up to .472”, with a minimum width of .079” and a maximum of .375”.

Face grooving with boring tools is generally more efficient than milling with circular interpolation, especially when manufacturing grooves of large diameters. Also, whenever a surface for a sealing application is required, there is no other acceptable or accurate option than to use a face grooving setup.

Using the boring tools as twin cutters, with a simultaneous adjustment in radius and length, allows the feed rate to be increased. Using the cutters in diameter offset operation enables a groove width of up to .472”. Both inside and outside diameters can be adjusted separately within the smallest tolerances.

Cutting edges can be adjusted easily to the same length, due to an eccentric bolt mechanism with clear direction indication.

For more information, visit www.us.bigkaiser.com.

New Positioning Feedback Cylinder from Camozzi Pneumatics

Camozzi Pneumatics designed the Series 6PF Positioning Feedback Cylinder to increase both precision and control in its pneumatic actuators.

The Series 6PF is equipped with a potentiometric transducer of a linear position integrated inside the rod, in compliance with ISO 15552 standards. This type of cylinder, when used with the LRXA4 proportional servo valve, makes it possible along the entire stroke to constantly control the position of the rod.

The pistons of the Series 6PF are equipped with specific seals for increased accuracy and a permanent magnet in order to use external end-stroke sensors.

The sturdy design, high performance and flexible installation make the Series 6PF ideal for use in applications including: tensioning cylinders, positioning cylinders and filling/cutting/measuring systems.

Technical specifications include:

• Bores from 50 mm to 125 mm

• Standard strokes from 50 mm to 500 mm (50 mm intervals)

• ISO 15552 compliant

• Protection class IP67

• Assembly with standard ISO accessories

Camozzi Pneumatics produces a complete range of manual, mechanical, air-piloted, solenoid and proportional valves in a full array of functions and ports sizes from 10-32UNF to 2”. These valves consist of both modular and in-line designs with direct and indirect operators capable of handling positive pressure as well as vacuum.

For more information, visit www.camozzi-usa.com.

New Solid-Carbide End Mills from Niagara Cutter

Niagara Cutter’s new SN 200R/400R/500R solid-carbide end mills with 2-, 4- and 5-flute options allow parts manufacturers in industries such as aerospace and medical to achieve greater productivity when performing face, slot and select plunge milling operations.

Niagara applied the latest design and grinding developments to the SN 200R/400R/500R end mills, which feature a defined radius (rp) that helps direct radial cutting pressure axially up into the tool holder and spindle. This increases metal removal rates in deep pocket and long reach applications and allows for more stable operation, less vibration and reduced wear on the machine tool.

SN 200R/400R/500R end mills also feature an AlTiN coating that allows these end mills to achieve longer, predictable tool life in milling applications involving high temperatures and abrasive work piece materials, such as titanium and pH stainless steels.

The coating also helps lower operating costs by eliminating the need for coolant in high-temperature situations.

Cutting diameters for the SN200R (2-flute) range are available from .063″ – .500″ in 3xD, 5xD and 7xD lengths. The SN400R (4 flutes) range spans .125″ – .500″ in 3xD, 5xD and 7xD lengths, while the SN500R (5 flutes) range covers .375″ – .500″ in 3xD lengths.

Optimal application of the SN 200R/400R/500R cutters is dependent on several factors, from the age of the machine tool being used to the part size being cut. For example, the cutters can run at maximum feed rates when applied alongside a highly rigid, modern machine tool. Proper programming is also important to ensure optimization of the cutter path. With the right CAM program, it is possible for the SN cutters to perform select plunge milling applications. Niagara can assist manufacturers in developing the most appropriate high-feed machining strategies for their operations.

For more information on the SN 200R/400R/500R sollid-carbide end mill, visit www.niagaracutter.com.

New Helical Inline Gearboxes from NORD DRIVESYSTEMS

NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has launched a new line of single-stage helical inline gearboxes with a NORDBLOC.1 light alloy case.

The gear unit series is particularly suited to pump, agitator, fan, and intra-logistics applications.

These new gears achieve a high torsional rigidity through a design that was tested, amongst others with abruptly increased pump pressures and shaft vibration. In high-speed applications, these helical inline gearboxes are a more powerful solution than two-stage units.

Precise manufacturing and high-quality materials also ensure the products are light-weight, smooth-running and efficient.

The nsd tupH surface treatment is optionally available to make the units highly resistant to corrosion, for instance for long-term use in aggressive ambient atmospheres. IEC and NEMA motor mounting options as well as various shaft, bearing and lubrication variants enable versatile bespoke configurations.

The NORDBLOC.1 products will initially be available in five sizes.

For more information, visit www5.nord.com.