Published 11/29/2024

Precision Machining Technology Review: November 2024

Production Machining’s November 2024 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Vericut, Hurco, the L.S. Starrett Co., LNS North America, Fryer Machine Systems and MachineMetrics.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

VI is an AI-driven solution designed to serve as a knowledge hub for all of Vericut’s software offerings, including Vericut, Composites, Vericut Optimizer and a variety of other modules and features. This resource is accessible and can provide in-depth information on any aspect of Vericut’s software, from basic inquiries like, “What is force?” to more detailed questions about specific functionalities, like “What is X-Caliper?”

Hurco Slant-Bed Lathe Features Live Tooling Capabilities

Source: Hurco Co. Inc.

Hurco Co. Inc.’s TM8MYi lathe is said to fill the gap between Hurco’s general purpose TM series and high-performance TMX series of turning centers.

This true slant-bed lathe features live tooling capabilities and a Y-axis that makes it possible to machine a pocket with straight walls and flat bottoms, as well as perform off-center machining operations. It features a BMT55 turret, which is said to be more robust than the more commonly used BMT45, enabling maximum rigidity. The TM8MYi also has a bi-directional, servo-driven live tool that delivers speeds up to 5,000 rpm for dynamic milling, drilling and tapping.

L.S. Starrett Vision System Increases Measurement Speed

Source: The L.S. Starrett Co.

The L.S. Starrett Co. has expanded its AVR Vision Metrology Line with the introduction of the AVR400 CNC Vision System, the company’s largest benchtop platform to date, which features stage travel that is said to be twice the speed of previous Starrett AVR models. The stage travel is 15.8" × 11.8" × 7.9" (400 mm × 300 mm × 200 mm) in the XYZ axes with a speed of up to 120 mm/sec.

The Starrett AVR400 offers full CNC capabilities including XYZ positioning and comprehensive zoom and telecentric lens options. Users can also choose to use motorized manual positioning via a pendant with a joystick and track ball. Equipped with the M3 software package from MetLogix, a traditional mouse as well as a touchscreen monitor make user interaction easy and intuitive.

LNS Bar Feeder Enables Rapid Changeovers

Source: LNS North America

LNS North America’s Quick Load Servo (QLS) 65 automatic bar feeder is designed to load bar diameters from 6-67 mm and bar lengths from 150-1,600 mm.

Changeovers are said to be quick and easy. Users can enter the diameter into the advanced human-machine interface (HMI) and QLS 65 automatically adjusts loading height, selection fingers, applied torques and speeds. The QLS 65 servo drive enables accurate positioning at high speeds without losing contact between the pusher and bar stock.

Fryer Turning Machine Features Large Swing in a Small Footprint

Source: Fryer Machine Systems Inc.

Fryer Machine Systems’ VT Series turning centers are compact, large-swing vertical turret lathes available in 40", 60" or 80" swing sizes. The VT Series feature milling and turning in a traveling column design that reduces the machine’s footprint. The specialized horizontal turret is also designed with enough clearance for both long and short tools alike. The VT Series can be configured with turning, milling, boring and grinding in a single machine.

The FANUC- or Siemens-based CNC is designed for shopfloor programming for single-piece runs and G-code programming is available for high production. Regenerative drives are also standard and reportedly engineered to save up to 40% electricity.

MachineMetrics Monitoring Software Supports Production Schedules

Source: MachineMetrics

MachineMetrics’ Production Schedule Intelligence provides manufacturers with real-time machine data to support scheduling accuracy, work-in-process optimization and on-time delivery.

MachineMetrics Production Schedule Intelligence is designed to seamlessly integrating real-time data and predictive analytics into manufacturing operations. By connecting directly to both ERP systems and machines on the factory floor, MachineMetrics uses comprehensive data synchronization and real-time monitoring of production to help keep schedules current and to reflect actual shopfloor conditions.