SUDBURY, MA. U.S.A. (August 18, 2011) – Today, Methods Machine Tools, Inc., a leading supplier of innovative precision machine tools, has introduced the Nakamura-Tome WT-150 II 8-Axis, Multitasking Turning Center. The WT-150 II, which features numerous upgrades from the base WT-150 design, has opposed twin-spindle, 2-turret construction, offering high-speed and high rigidity in a compact machine. The new WT-150 II will make its U.S. debut at imX in Las Vegas, September 12-14, 2011.

“With the introduction of the WT-150 II, we are able to offer simplified operations and greater efficiency and speed on a powerful multitasking Nakamura machine”, said Mr. Richard Parenteau, Director of Application Development at Methods Machine Tools, Inc.

For ease-of-operation, the WT-150 II features a 19″ high-resolution, touch screen LCD panel. A FANUC 31i-B CNC control and a PC-based control (NT-IPS) provides a high-speed programmable machine controller for faster processing and several features for increased efficiency and maintainability. New standard functions include a spindle speed override switch, a program number search, C-axis synchronization and helical interpolation (for Y-axis models).

In addition, the distance between the spindles has been increased to 31.5″ (800mm) while still providing the same compact machine footprint of 67.8 ft² x 6.2 ft (6.3m² x 1.9m). Also, with a maximum tool swing of 23″ (570mm) on the upper and lower turrets, users can drill through a 2″ (51mm) bar diameter from one side on the Nakamura WT-150 II.
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The spindle motor features increased torque for greater speed, and the S3 rate is now available for high torque. Faster feed is provided via a rapid traverse of 787 ipm on the X-axis, and cutting feeds of 314 ipm on the X, Z, and B axes.

With simultaneous 4+4 axis control, the WT-150 II offers 8-axis machining capability. The system includes 12 station upper and lower turrets with a half-index capability, to hold a total of 48 tools for multiple processes. A left and right spindle with speeds up to 5,000 RPM at 20 / 15 HP, and a 6 inch (150 mm) chuck and 2 inch (51 mm) bar capacity are provided. The WT-150 II is capable of 7.5 HP milling capacity on the C-axis.

The WT-150 II features the latest Nakamura cover design with a large window, LED work light for maximum visibility and a lightweight door with maintenance equipment conveniently available in an arrangement at the front of the machine. CAMplete TruePath Turn / Mill software is standard on Nakamura-Tome Multitasking Turning Centers. CAMplete Turn / Mill software is an integrated suite of G-Code editing, optimization, analysis and verification tools, enabling a full range of turn/ mill functions.

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. has been a leading supplier of precision machine tools, automation and accessories for over 50 years, providing installation, parts, service, and training through a network of dealers throughout North America. Methods Machine Tools Inc. is the exclusive U.S. and Mexico importer of Nakamura-Tome machines.

For more information, please contact Methods at 65 Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA 01776, TEL: (978) 443-5388, FAX: (978) 440-9405, Email: sales@methodsmachine.com or visit their website at www.methodsmachine.com.

EXAIR’s Vortex Tubes have always provided a low cost, reliable, maintenance free solution to a variety of industrial spot cooling problems. Now, independent laboratory tests certify that EXAIR’s Vortex Tubes have also met the rigorous safety, health, and environmental standards of the European Union in order to attain the CE mark.

By taking advantage of the characteristics of rapidly rotating air, EXAIR’s Vortex Tubes can convert an ordinary 80-100 PSIG compressed air supply into a stream of air whose temperature can be adjusted to be as cold as -50°F (-46°C). EXAIR’s Vortex Tubes have no moving parts and are constructed of durable, corrosion resistant stainless steel. Prices start at $149.

Fort Washington, PA – PartMaker Inc., a division of Delcam Plc, will unveil its latest version of PartMaker Software for programming CNC Mills, Lathes, WireEDM, Turn-Mill Centers and Swiss-type lathes at EMO 2011 in Hannover, Germany September 19 – 24, 2011.  Major highlights of PartMaker Version 2012 include a new module for the simulation of vertical and horizontal machining centers, improved simulation for the latest breed of multi-axis Turn-Mill and Swiss-lathe machine architectures, more powerful surface machining strategies, improved visualization in programming as well as a host of additional productivity enhancements.

PartMaker will be exhibited in the booth of its parent company, Delcam Plc, at EMO 2011.  PartMaker will be demonstrated along side Delcam’s other leading edge manufacturing software products including the PowerMILL, PowerSHAPE, FeatureCAM, ArtCAM and PowerInspect range. Delcam’s booth at EMO will have the most comprehensive range of CAM products at the show on display.

“PartMaker Version 2012 further demonstrates the accelerated pace of development PartMaker has undergone since its acquisition by Delcam five years ago,” says PartMaker Inc. division President Hanan Fishman.  “Since joining Delcam, the functionality, capability and power of the PartMaker CAM software suite has grown massively and rapidly by taking advantage of Delcam’s extensive development resources. Delcam’s world wide team of over 225 developers is the CAM software industry’s largest development team. Multi-axis milling functionality that has taken Delcam many, many man years to develop is being added to PartMaker at a rapid pace and reduced cost, which provides a major benefit to the product’s end users.”

“Today, the machining algorithms in PartMaker are among the most sophisticated in the industry, offering PartMaker users a great deal of power along PartMaker’s hallmark ease of use, a combination simply not found in other CAM systems,” says Fishman.

New Milling Simulation Module – Kinematic Machine Simulation (KMS)

PartMaker Version 2012 will feature a new simulation module for the PartMaker Mill application, Kinematic Machine Simulation (KMS). The new KMS module will provide a whole new level of realism and collision detection for the machining simulation of parts being manufactured on vertical and horizontal machining centers.  This new module will simulate the full architecture of milling machines including work holding, rotary tables and tombstone fixtures.

Simulation of Next Generation Machine Tools

Machine tool architectures have evolved greatly in the past 18 months, perhaps faster than it did in the previous five years.  New multi-tasking machine tools that have come to the market and are yet coming to market are being equipped with new more powerful, more sophisticated capability. PartMaker Version 2012 supports this functionality, including the simulation of a new breed of Swiss lathe which supports 5-axis milling from a gang-slide type architecture. These new architectures will provide end users with significantly more machining capability and less cost as they can avoid the need purchase costly and difficult to set-up angled attachments.  Such machines will also support more sophisticated 5-axis machining than was available to Swiss users in the past.

Improved Visualization

PartMaker Version 2012 will feature improved 3D tool path visualization through the entire programming process even when a solid model is not available.  This improved visualization will allow users to benefit from the use the 3D graphics at every step of the programming process even if only working from a 2D drawing.

More Powerful Surfacing Strategies

PartMaker Version 2012 will feature a variety of new surfacing strategies including improved, more powerful roughing and finishing strategies. These new strategies will be based on the same machining algorithms as those found in PowerMILL, Delcam’s flagship CAM system for the manufacture of complex shapes.  The new strategies are presented to the PartMaker user in a manner consistent with PartMaker’s industry leading ease of use.

More on PartMaker

PartMaker is a Knowledge Based Machining system, allowing it to provide a substantial gain in programming efficiency by remembering the tools, material and process information necessary to machine individual part features.  It thus relieves the user from reentering the same features information for subsequent parts.  It also improves productivity by placing the emphasis on tool management functions.

PartMaker pioneered the field of CAM software for Turn-Mills and Swiss-type lathes with its patented Visual Programming Approach for programming multi-axis lathes with live tooling. It assures quicker learning and easier use. It makes an extensive use of pictures to help the user describe tools, part features and machining data.  Synchronization of tools working on multiple spindles is achieved by a few mouse clicks.

PartMaker Inc. is a subsidiary of Delcam Plc, the world’s leading developer and supplier of complete CAD/CAM software solutions.  Delcam Plc is publicly traded on the AIM exchange in London.  While PartMaker is sold direct in North America by PartMaker Inc. PartMaker is sold overseas through a network of sales partner offices operating in over 120 countries.

SUDBURY, MA. U.S.A. (July 14, 2011) – Methods Machine Tools, Inc., a leading supplier of innovative precision machine tools, has introduced the new Matsuura MAM72-100H five-axis horizontal machining center, the largest in the MAM72 series. The machine’s larger work envelope and ability to cut challenging materials makes it ideal for machining large-sized, complex parts that are common in the aerospace and energy industries.

Like all of Matsuura’s 5-axis machines, the MAM72-100H provides high quality, high speed simultaneous 5-axis machining. Designed utilizing FEM analysis for maximum rigidity, the MAM72-100H offers a uniquely stable machining platform when compared to machines in its capacity class range. Ideally designed for varied lot machining, the MAM72-100H can process a wide array of materials and offers users advanced, proven unmanned operations.

Designed in response to user requests for a MAM72 with a larger work envelope and even greater processing capacity, the MAM72-100H features x-y-z travels of 41.33” x 36.22” x 37.79”, an A-axis table that tilts between -120º and +30º, and full 360º c-axis rotation. The A-/ B-axis table, with a direct drive motor, turns at a maximum feed rate of 50 minutes-1 (A-axis; Tilting axis) or 75 minutes-1 (B-axis; rotating axis), ensuring high speed and high precision. The MAM72-100H has the capability to handle a maximum work size of 39.37” deep and 30.31” high, and a maximum weight of 1,719 lbs. Equipped with a high-torque 50 taper spindle, the MAM72-100H is suitable for cutting hard-to-machine alloys, such as titanium and inconel.

The MAM72-100H features the next-generation Matsuura’s Intelligent Meister System (MIMS), which monitors the overall production process. MIMS ensures reliable operation, high product quality, simple data management and low power consumption. In addition, the automatic tool changer is equipped with a drum-type tool magazine driven by a servomotor for quick tool indexing, low noise and low vibration. A variety of ATC / APC options are also available.

“The MAM72 series is known for its reliable, high-speed, unattended machining. Now with the MAM72-100H’s ability to machine larger parts, it’s the ideal solution for aircraft, energy and other industries with larger machining requirements,” said Mr. Dave Lucius, VP of Sales at Methods Machine Tools, Inc. “The MAM72-100H will be making its North American debut at imX in Las Vegas, Nevada, September 12-14, 2011.”

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. has been a leading supplier of precision machine tools, automation and accessories for over 50 years, providing extensive applications engineering support, installation, parts, service, and training through a network of large state-of-the-art technology centers and dealers throughout North America. Methods is the exclusive U.S. importer of Matsuura machines.

Designed for precision and efficiency, 5th Axis’s line of dovetail fixtures are compatible with all 3, 4, and 5 axis CNC machines. With a simple stock prep operation, 5th Axis Fixtures hold onto as little as .06 (1.52 mm) stock, far less than a traditional vise. For 5 axis machining, 5th Axis Fixtures’ simple and robust design allows the cutter to easily reach all five faces of the work piece, eliminating additional setups with little second operation cleanup. On 3 axis machines, 5th Axis fixtures’ modular design and small footprint enable multi-part gang fixturing, allowing users to get the most out of their machines at a fraction of the price of vise mounted systems. The 5th Axis Fixtures dovetail system also incorporates a precision locating system so that parts can be roughed on lower cost machines and relocated for finishing, speeding shop through-put. Precision locating pin repeats within .001 (.025mm). The entire line was built with flexibility and durability in mind; they can be mounted in nearly any configuration imaginable. They use standard, replaceable hardware and are built from 4130 hardened steel to exacting standards.

Utilize all your 5-Axes.
Work holding is a difficult obstacle to overcome in the world of multiaxis machining. With high spindle speeds, rapid movements, and a need to reach all five faces of the work piece, machines shops are looking for new ways to hold parts. 5th Axis Fixtures was launched to provide a line of simple and robust dovetail 3, 4 and 5 axis CNC machining fixtures that address all of those needs. 5th Axis Fixtures was created out of necessity by leading 5-axis CNC machine shop, 5th Axis Inc. After years of producing our own custom workholding fixtures we decided to make them available to the public. Designed by machinists for machinists, we manufacture high-quality and affordable 5 axis workholding fixtures that outperform traditional CNC workholding vises.

With a simple stock prep operation, 5th Axis Fixtures hold onto as little as .05” stock, far less than a traditional vise system. The dovetail clamp wedges the stock down ensuring a positive secure hold on much less stock than a vise. Use of dovetail work holding fixtures for 5-axis CNC machining allow for smoother running and more reliable jobs. The 5th Axis Fixtures dovetail system also incorporates a precision locating system so that parts can be roughed on lower cost machines and relocated for finishing, speeding shop through-put. The precision locating pin repeats within .001”, so parts can be taken in and out of the fixtures without a worry that parts may be relocated in the wrong position.

The problem that most machine shops run into while using a vise on their 4 and 5 axis machine, is that you have to hold onto a large amount of material and you can not reach all surfaces of the work piece. 5th Axis Fixtures allow the cutter to easily reach all five faces of the work piece. This speeds up production and allows the machine to run with little to no stoppage time. Operation times can be cut by as much as 40% with these dovetail fixtures and set up times are nearly eliminated.

The fixtures feature a modular design with endless mounting possibilities. We understand that each machine shop has unique needs in terms of mounting and utilization of fixtures. The D-series can be mounted on all 3, 4, and 5 axis CNC machines and robotic loading systems. Mount them however you like: on pallets, tooling plates, pedestals, tombstones, pyramids, side by side, or simply by themselves, the decision is yours to make. Five models are currently available in sizes: ½ x ½”, 1 x 1 ½”, 2 x 2”, 3 x 6”, and 3 x 10” to accommodate stock of all sizes. A misconception about dovetail fixtures is that they are only suitable for smaller parts. We have proven that they are capable of holding parts as small as .5” up to 24” and larger. We do not put a limit on the size of the part our fixtures can hold, you are more limited by the rigidity of the part you are machining than overall size. Unlike many other products on the market, our fixtures are built from hardened 4130 steel to exacting standards. The locating pin, dowel pins, and threaded insert are all removable and replaceable.

In addition to the modular design and replaceable components, part density was major factor in the creation of these dovetail fixtures. “We specialize in high production machining and manufacturing, and we needed a way to make as many parts in the shortest possible time. Our dovetail fixtures allow us to load our stock onto our fixtures, hit cycle start, and let our machine do the work for us” Says CEO Chris Taylor. 5th Axis dovetail fixtures allow machine shops to run lights out without a worry of throwing a part. The PY6420D1151S, exemplifies part density, it allows four parts to be fully machined simultaneously on one Erowa 148mm pallet. 5th Axis dovetail fixtures allow machine shops to fill up their pallet systems without breaking their banks. These dovetail fixtures have more capabilities than a traditional vise at half the price.

Shop owners are often hesitant to utilize the capabilities of a dovetail system because of the addition of the stock prep operation. Carbide end mills are expensive and must be replaced often when prepping dovetail stock. That is why we have created a custom dovetail cutter. The DC2253VBMT dovetail cutter is built from H13 tool steel with standard, replaceable v-type inserts. It features Ø 1” H6 for set screw, collet or shrink fit holders. The dovetail cutter completes the dovetail system, and allows for cost effectiveness and accuracy shop owners need in today’s machining environment.