Precision Machining Technology Review: January 2024

Monaghan Compensation Chucks Convert Standard ER Holders

Photo Credit: Monaghan Tooling Group

Monaghan Tooling Group’s Diatool ER Hydraulic Compensation Chucks are designed to convert standard ER holders to a repeatable, steerable hydraulic chuck for more precise machining.

According to the company, less than 2-micron runout is attainable for ER 20, ER25, ER32 and ER40 collet chuck holders, providing the benefits of a hydraulic chuck without a high investment. Their adjustability of concentricity enables users to achieve proper tool alignment every time. Initial setup is said to be easy, and future tool changeout is accomplished by loosening a single screw.

Okuma America Control Features Digital Twin Technology

Photo Credit: Okuma America Corp.

Okuma America Corporation’s OSP-P500 control is designed to enhance user experience and optimize manufacturing operations. It features dual-core computer processors that provide increased levels of machine processing power by enabling multiple processes to operate simultaneously. This results in reduced cycle times per machined part and shortened production run times. The dual-core processors also provide redundant operations, ensuring uninterrupted machining operations.

The OSP-P500 is fully equipped with digital twin technology, enabling high-precision machining simulations to be created on a computer, while also providing real-time data feedback loops from the operational machine tool to the simulating computer. This feature enables operators to use real-time data to mirror exact machine tool functions and behaviors to optimize performance.

Tungaloy Fine-Boring System Increases Machine Utilization

Photo Credit: Tungaloy

Tungaloy has introduced its latest KKH cartridge modules for SwissBore digital fine boring tool system, designed to make all fine boring operations, whether using SwissBore tooling or not, digital ready.

SwissBore digital fine boring tool system covers a diameter range from 9.75 mm (0.384″) to as large as 2,000 mm (78.740″) with the use of the extension bridge. The system integrates the Quick-Change coupling solution that contains a range of boring heads, adapters, extensions and toolholders with connections based on HSK40/63/100, PSC-C6, MAS-BT30/40/50 and more. According to the company, this ensures maximum machine utilizations with minimum measuring, setup and tool changing time for most multitasking machines and turning centers.

Cortec Rust-Preventive Oils Provide Bio-Based Protection

Photo Credit: Cortec Corp.

Cortec Corporation’s EcoLine 3690 is a canola-oil-based rust preventive for long-term protection of metal components. It leaves behind a thin, oily film that clings to metal surfaces and protects in severe conditions, such as high humidity and marine environments. The product contains 72% USDA certified bio-based content, replacing a large portion of the nonrenewable content present in traditional oil-based rust preventives.

As a wet-film corrosion inhibitor, EcoLine 3690 is suitable for users who are looking to try a greener option that is friendlier to workers and the environment. EcoLine 3690 is considered zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) and has no hazard statements. It can be applied via spray, dip or brush. When the protection period is done, it is easy to remove with an alkaline cleaner.

Fixtureworks Clamps Enable Heavy-Duty Machining

Photo Credit: Fixtureworks

Fixtureworks has expanded its line of nutrunner clamps to include pull down clamps ideal for automated production lines, heavy-duty, spring-loaded supports and a new extension that serve both new pull-down clamps. The clamps are an alternative to hydraulic clamps and provide robotic clamping, automated clamping and unclamping on automated and robotic production lines. Tightening with nutrunner clamps holds workpieces with high clamping force in machining and assembly lines.

According to Fixtureworks, Nutrunner PTPD1 pull down clamps provide quick and secure fastening and are ideal for five-axis machines and workpiece machining. When a workpiece is loaded onto the clamp and positioned, the clamping screw compressed in the clamp body fits by spring pressure into the tapped hole in the workpiece. Turning the hex head located on the side of the clamp rotates the screw and pulls down the workpiece. The hex head can be turned manually or operated with an impact wrench. The PTPD1 clamps are available in diameters of 125 mm, with clamping force to 3372 ft/lb. and tightening torque to 33 lb.

T.J. Davies Retention Knobs Maximize Cutting Tool Life

Photo Credit: T.J. Davies Co. Inc.

T.J. Davies Co. Inc. makes custom retention knobs, pull bolts and other workholding components and accessories to fit older or obsolete machinery. All dimensions of the knobs can be customized, including length, diameter, thickness of collars, dimensions between collar and knob end, thread size and more. Additionally, customers can specify a coolant hole, taper style and whether O rings are required. Custom-made retention knobs are sized to fit the machine tool and spindle or toolholder to maximize the toolholders performance and cutting tool life, and extend the life of existing machine tool assets.

All T.J. Davies custom retention knobs are manufactured from American-made 8620 alloy steel, which has a high-tensile strength to withstand strong centrifugal force, high load force, high feed rate and difficult-to-machine material. All knobs are machined in-house with single-point threading to imperial (Class 2A UNC) or metric (Class G6) standards. After threading is completed, each component is heat treated to 58-62 HRC then treated with hot black oxide to military specifications for protection against corrosion. Each retention knob is magnetic particle tested and then pull tested to 2.5X the pulling force of the drawbar it is designed for.