Lincolnshire, Illinois, February 1, 2011 – GF AgieCharmilles will be demonstrating Wire EDM and 5-axis milling technologies in its booth, #1258, at AeroDef Manufacturing 2011. The company will also be conducting a session focusing on how advances in EDM technology provide cost benefits to aerospace manufacturers. AeroDef Manufacturing 2011 will take place on April 5 – 7 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California.

HSM 400U LP 5-axis high-speed milling center

The GF AgieCharmilles CUT 200 Wire EDM provides faster spark-to-spark wire threading, increases energy efficiency and boosts productivity when cutting parts of variable heights. The machine also offers higher flexibility through its ability to reliably hold tolerances measure in microns in both light and heavy parts.

The CUT 200 integrates GF AgieCharmilles’ Power Expert smart module, which continuously calculates part thickness, checking injection pressure and adjusting machine power accordingly. This prevents wire breakage when changing the part thickness being machined. The machine also offers an optional Renishaw touch probe that allows users to inspect finished parts while still on the worktable in the machine, eliminating the need for part inspection with a CMM.

The CUT 200 accommodates wire diameters ranging from 0.07 mm – 0.33 mm and can handle part tapers of up to 45°, regardless of part thickness. The machine’s digital CC generator enables surface finishes as fine as Ra 0.1 µm and an optional power module can boost cutting speed to 37.2 in2/hr with an adapted wire. Additionally, the Econowatt 2 smart module provides energy savings by allowing operators to define conditions in which the machine will automatically shut down or awaken to complete thermostabilization prior to production.

In terms of milling solutions, GF AgieCharmilles will be demonstrating the HSM 400U LP, a 5-axis, high-speed milling center that provides high precision and surface finish quality. The machine is extremely dynamic and fast, and achieves speeds up to 250 RPM on the rotational axis and up to 150 RPM on the swivel axis, with a B-axis swivel range of 220 degrees. The HSM 400U LP also uses a liquid cooled, linear direct drive motor technology to allow for short setting times and high dynamic rigidity of the attitude control. Additionally, the linear direct drive combines with central oil lubrication to reduce friction-induced wear and ensure excellent, long-term precision.

With powerful vector spindles available at 30,000, 42,000 or 54,000 RPM, the HSM 400U LP also provides excellent surface finish and part detail, while significantly reducing machining time for semi-finishing and finishing operations. The machine’s high dynamics and 1.7 g acceleration help facilitate the reduction of non-productive time and help to maximize spindle utilization.

The HSM 400U LP possesses the capability for 24/7 unattended machining using the optional pallet changer with 20/48 pallets. This fully integrated pallet magazine further enhances the machine’s automation potential. The pallet changer can be loaded while the machine is cutting, leading to minimum idle time for the machining center.

Ken Baeszler, product manager at GF AgieCharmilles, will be presenting ‘Re-evaluating the EDM Process to Reduce Cost in Aerospace Components’ at 3:15 pm on Tuesday, April 5. The session will revolve around recent advancements in EDM centers and how breakthroughs in generator design have allowed the technology to achieve significant cost reductions for aerospace manufacturers.

About GF AgieCharmilles
GF AgieCharmilles is the North American leading supplier of laser ablation center, wire EDM, CNC and manual diesinking systems and high speed/performance and 5-axis CNC milling machines. For more information on the company’s products and services, contact Gisbert Ledvon, GF AgieCharmilles, 560 Bond St., Lincolnshire, IL 60069-4224, Tel: 1-800-CTC-1EDM. Gisbert.Ledvon@us.gfac.com, Fax: 847-913-5340, or visit http://www.gfac.com/us.

Larson Electronics’ Magnalight has introduced a powerful strobing LED beacon that produces an exceptionally brilliant and attention getting light signal in a small and durable package. The Magnalight Generation III 10 Watt LED Strobing Beacon is a small yet very powerful LED beacon light that uses a 10 watt led to produce an exceptionally bright strobing flash that is brighter and more powerful than typical LED beacon lights.

Although one of Magnalight’s most powerful 12 volt LED beacon lights, the high intensity LED strobe light] is also very small and versatile. The entire unit measures 2.5 inches wide by 2 inches tall and only .5 inch thick. This beacon is equipped with a 10 watt LED, putting it ahead of commonly available LED beacons that contain low power 1-3 watt LEDs. The 10 watt LED is paired with a specially designed clear optical lens to generate a brilliant 360 degrees of flashing light that is visible several thousand feet farther than most other LED strobes. The cast aluminum flush mounting base offers excellent mounting versatility and ease of installation. Unlike typical beacons, this produces colored illumination without colored lenses or optics that can fade or discolor over time. This LED beacon is solid state and uses no filaments or glass in its construction, resulting in an extremely durable light that can withstand far more abuse than regular filament based beacons. The unit is waterproof and offers a wide variety of strobing flash patterns that can be set by the operator. Available in red, amber, blue or white, this LED beacon is ideal for use in the utility, construction, security, law enforcement and emergency services industries. Weatherproof and extremely versatile, this LED beacon is ideal for all commercial and where high visibility is critical.

“We have a lot of demand for small form factor, high visibility, low amp draw LED beacons for all kinds of construction equipment, boats and manufacturing plant machinery, said Rob Bresnahan with Larson Electronic’ magnalight.com. “Inside manufacturing plants, operators are looking for small form factor LED beacons to indicate process completion. The key to this LED beacon is the low profile form factor. With a single 10 watt LED, this low profile LED beacon can be installed just about anywhere, without getting in the way of other equipment. For safety reasons, we see a lot of plants putting beacons on their forklifts to avoid collisions with other equipment and employees. It is not uncommon for the more standard beacons to get damaged in daily operation. These LED beacons are so small and compact, that it is unlikely they will get knocked off. Finally, this LED beacon is ideal for boating applications, where low amp draw and high visibility are ideal for safety. ”

Magnalight by Larson Electronics manufactures and sells a comprehensive line of colored LED lights, LED machine lights, explosion proof LED lights, LED strobes, infrared LED lights and LED equipment lights and continually expands its extensive LED light inventory. Visit Magnalight.com to view the entire line of Magnalight LED lights or call them at 1-800-369-6671 or 1-214-616-6180 for international inquiries to discuss purchasing and special ordering requirements.

Hoffman Estates, IL – BIG Kaiser has introduced the new, large diameter Kaiser 318 Series—a complete tooling system supporting a variety of aluminum and steel components optimized for twin cutter rough boring, precision finish boring and precision OD turning operations.

The new series features a standard boring range of Ø7.87″-13.39″ for ISO40/HSK-A63 tapers, and Ø7.87″-24.41″ for ISO50/HSK-A100 and larger tapers. Special components allow the system to extend up to Ø118″. The mounting flanges feature Kaiser’s new CKN modular connection with a 3-screw interface, developed for high torque transmission with light weight tools.

The system supports spindle speeds of up to 6,600 SFM thanks to safe and secure “pinned to fit” light weight aluminum mounting components. The high strength aluminum components are hard coated to protect against wear and corrosion, and all assemblies deliver high pressure coolant through the tools to cutting edges.

“The 318 series features aluminum extension slides that allow for diameter and length setting adjustments without a tool presetter,” says Jack Burley, BIG Kaiser vice president of sales and engineering. “The simplicity of this system virtually eliminates operator error during assembly and promotes safety during operation.”

BIG Kaiser Precision Tooling is a leader in high precision tooling systems and solutions. With brands including Kaiser, BIG Daishowa, Speroni, Unilock, Sphinx and more, BIG Kaiser’s line is focused on extreme accuracy and repeatability. BIG Kaiser’s mission is to support North American manufacturers with products that are designed and manufactured to a superior standard. Guaranteed.

For more information about the 318 Series, contact BIG Kaiser, Hoffman Estates, IL 847-228-7660, e-mail bigkaiser@bigkaiser.com or visit www.bigkaiser.com.

SUDBURY, MA. (January 27, 2011) – Methods Machine Tools, Inc., a leading supplier of innovative machine tools, automation, and machine tool accessories has selected Mr. Michael Minton for the position of National Applications Engineering Manager. He will be responsible for coordinating the National Applications and Automation services throughout North America.

“Having been a National Applications Manager specializing in 5-axis CNC machining and multitasking turning centers, in addition to managing manufacturing facilities, he has an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing process for a variety different applications and can assist customers in streamlining their processes.” commented Mr. Dave Lucius, VP of Sales at Methods Machine Tools, Inc.

Prior to joining Methods, Mr. Minton spent ten years as Engineering Manager at Advanced Manufacturing Solutions, LLC, a national contract engineering firm, specializing in five axis turnkey solutions. There he managed all application projects including turnkeys, time studies, pre-sale test cuts and training. Mr. Minton specialized in developing innovative manufacturing processes for a variety of industries including aerospace, medical, automotive, industrial and commercial. Mr. Minton previously served as a Senior Applications Engineer for Mitsui Seiki with responsibilities including project management, system integration and turnkey manufacturing solutions.

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. has been a leading supplier of precision machine tools, automation, and machine tool accessories for over 50 years.

Mason, Ohio – January 2011 – Makino is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Zhigang Wang to the Makino Mason Titanium Process Research and Development group. Wang brings a wealth of experience in the research of machining titanium and will serve to strengthen Makino’s role as a leader in the titanium machining industry.

“Dr. Wang will be a valuable asset in our ongoing pursuit for more efficient titanium machining processes and technologies,” says Mark Larson, Makino’s Titanium R&D Manager. “He will play an active role in researching new and existing processes, while providing detailed analytical reports that go far beyond simple data on speeds and feeds. With his experience and abilities, Dr. Wang will serve Makino well in extending our knowledge and capabilities around the machining of titanium.”

Wang has extensive experience as a researcher and published author. His works have been published in the CIRP Annals, the International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture and the International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology and include “A hybrid cutting force model for machining of titanium alloys”, “High Speed Milling of Titanium Alloys Using Binderless CBN Tools and “Study on Orthogonal Turning of Titanium Alloys with Different Coolant Supply Strategies”.

Wang earned his PhD from the National University of Singapore and also holds a Masters degree from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China and a Bachelor of Science degree from the Nanjing Forestry University in Nanjing, China.

About Makino
A world leader in advanced CNC machining centers, Makino provides a wide range of high-precision metal-cutting and EDM machinery, including horizontal machining centers, vertical machining centers, 5-axis machining centers, graphite machining centers, and wire and Ram EDMs. Our flexible automation solutions provide reduced labor costs and increased throughput in a variety of production volumes and designs. With Makino engineering services, we offer industry leading expertise for even the most challenging applications across all industries. For more information call 1.800.552.3288, or visit www.makino.com.