Published 9/15/2023

Precision Machining Technology Review September 2023

Production Machining’s September 2023 technology showcase includes some of the latest technology from Lyndex-Nikken Inc., Kurt Workholding, Master Fluid Solutions, Rego-Fix Tool Corporation and Jorgensen Conveyor & Filtration Solutions.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Lyndex-Nikken offers polygonal shank toolholders for increased stability and versatility in machining. Polygonal shank toolholders have a standardized interface as per ISO 26623, enabling optimal stability and a rigid connection between the tool and machine — ideal for all processes both in turning and milling.

As precisely defined per ISO 26623, the polygon shank coupling (PSC) interface features a unique tapered polygon which serves as a main element in torque transmitting, centering and clamping. With double contact on both face and taper, as well as great cross-sectional strength, this interface is unrivaled in terms of high clamping force and bending stiffness.

Kurt Workholding Vises Provide All-Directional Alignment

Photo Credit: Kurt Workholding

Kurt Workholding has announced the DXH Hydraulic vise lineup — now featuring 4", 6" and 8" sizes — for affordable turnkey automation and consistent clamping and finished parts. Kurt DXH Hydraulic vises can be paired with a Kurt KHP air-over-oil pump in configurations ranging from single-action semi-automated setups — for operator part loading — to elaborate fully-automated setups with double action and multiple-vise capabilities controlled by a robot, MTC or PLC.

Kurt DXH vises have a new, premium one-piece body design now standard on all Kurt general-purpose vises. Designed using finite element analysis (FEA), the new body has 30% less horizontal (push-back) deflection than previous DX models. Vises are available in three sizes: DX4H, DX6H and DX8H and reverse models. DXH Hydraulic Vises have the same bed height and keyway to the stationary jaw face as their DX-Series counterparts, along with internal improvements over older DX models including a redesigned nut, new brush seal design and a new bearing pack.

Master Fluid Solutions Semisynthetic Coolant Improves Sump Life

Trim MicroSol 685XT in a 54-gallon drum.
Photo Credit: Master Fluid Solutions

Master Fluid Solutions’ semisynthetic microemulsion coolant offers the performance of a heavy-duty soluble oil with the cleanliness of a semisynthetic, according to the company. Trim MicroSol 685XT provides enhanced corrosion inhibition on all ferrous and nonferrous metals, performing well where traditional soluble oils may not cool sufficiently.

Trim MicroSol 685XT provides an alternative to using soluble oils on high-silica aluminum alloys and is compatible with a wide range of materials. With extreme hard-water stability, TRIM MicroSol 685XT maintains superior sump life without the use of tank side additives and is free of nitrites, phenols, sulfurized EP additives and triazine.

Rego-Fix Toolholding System Reduces Coolant Consumption

Photo Credit: Rego-Fix Tool Corporation

Rego-Fix has added minimum quality lubrication (MQL) machining to its PowRGrip (PG) toolholding system. Doing so reduces coolant consumption and shortens cycle times for improved production and tool life.

MQL machining is a clean, sustainable manufacturing technique that directs an aerosol of compressed air and a minimal amount of cutting oil (<50 ml/h) directly to the cutting area. In addition to significantly reducing coolant consumption, MQL machining has reportedly been shown to reduce cycle times by 25-85%, improve chip evacuation for better surface finishes and tolerances while also increasing tool life, according to the company.

The Rego-Fix standardized MQL PG collets are designed for tool shanks according to DIN 69090-3 and available for HSK-A 63 and HSK-E 40 toolholders. They are designed for machines using one-channel, internal through-spindle MQL systems and are beneficial for virtually any machining application.

Jorgensen Conveyor Features Enhanced Chip Filtration

Photo Credit: Jorgensen Conveyor & Filtration Solutions

Jorgensen Conveyor and Filtration Solutions has enhanced the filtering capability of the EcoFilter Conveyor with a new filter box configuration that enables filtration of fine chips to 80-μm nominal. According to the company, the EcoFilter 80 is the first economical non-drum style conveyor below 100-μm filtration.

The new conveyor provides shops with an additional option to Jorgensen’s EcoFilter 200, which provides fine chip filtration to 200 μm for all levels of turning and machining centers. The overall design and footprint of both conveyors are similar, with the significant difference being the increased filtration of the EcoFilter 80’s filter cell.

EcoFilter conveyors use a two-stage chip removal and filtration process that carries out large chips on a hinged or scraper belt. Fine chips flow with used coolant between the belt runs to a flow-through EcoFilter cell where they are separated from the coolant. Clean coolant is discharged to the coolant tank while filtered fines are brushed from the filter screen and flow to the bottom of the conveyor where they are picked up by the belt cleats and discharged.