Tormach LLC, innovators of personal CNC technology, announced today the release of its new CNC Machine Control software.Based on a platform of widely popular CNC controller Mach 3 from ArtSoft, the M3 release contains new modifications that allow direct integration with a variety of CAM applications.

With its mid-size, affordable, and highly accessible PCNC 1100 mill equipment, Tormach has finally brought the benefits of precise computerized cutting to individual craftsmen and small to medium-sized businesses. Besides well-designed hardware, easy-to-use PC-based software controls have been a critical element in the personal CNC trend.

"Our mission has always been to make the transition to CNC milling easy and affordable," says Tormach CEO Greg Jackson. "Our M3 release takes a big step toward lowering the barrier to CNC. Every machine we ship now includes CAD, CAM, and the new Machine Control program. This is unheard of for a $6800 CNC mill, but we felt that full integration was part of our goal."

Tormach customers receive access to 3D CAD with Alibre Design Xpress, a user-affable mechanical modeler. CAM software, which converts CAD drawings and models into machine-read toolpaths, is included with the PCNC 1100 mill in the form of a starter edition of SheetCAM. CNC Machine Control converts CAM-produced g-code instructions as machine movements. The M3 modifications allow the program to work directly with SheetCAD, as well as TurboCADCAM and SprutCAM.

Other features of the new controller include a 'feed & speed' calculator, pre-programmed M-codes for tapping head, improved tool path displays, a maintenance hour log, and extended conversational programs, in addition to new user definable G28 operation.

The M3 release has been coordinated with the release of Tormach's Jog/Shuttle Controller, a low cost accessory for manual motion control. The Jog/Shuttle controller is considered "plug and play" through a standard USB connection.

"Legacy electronic hand wheels, commonly known as MPGs, or Manual Pulse Generators, are clumsy in comparison to a Jog/Shuttle interface," says Jackson. "Instead of a simple wheel-controlling position, the Jog/Shuttle method has two concentric wheels controlling both position and velocity dynamically."

The M3 release requires Windows XP or Vista and is available as a free upgrade for all past Tormach mill users. It can also be downloaded for trial use in an offline mode when a PCNC 1100 mill is not available.
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With runout guarantee of 0.0003 in. TIR or better, Accu-Length(TM) CNC Collet Chucks include 3J A2-5 and 3J 110 mm small body models designed for sub-spindles, and S-26 A2-5 model that provides 2 5/8 in. gripping capacity for smaller machines. Available accessories include hardened and ground solid collets, emergency collets that can be bored to size, ejectors for sub-spindle part removal, collet stops, and bar seal assembly that protects internal chuck components from coolant and debris.

Royal Products is now offering an expanded line of Accu-Length(TM) CNC Collet Chucks and accessories. New chuck models include 3J A2-5 and 3J 110mm small body chucks designed specifically for sub-spindles, and an S-26 A2-5 model that provides a large 2-5/8" gripping capacity for smaller machines.

New accessories available for Royal's line of Accu-Length(TM) Collet Chucks include; hardened and ground solid collets for high accuracy second-operation work, emergency collets that can be bored to size by the user, ejectors for sub-spindle part removal, collet stops, and a bar seal assembly that protects the internal chuck components from coolant and debris.

All Royal Accu-Length(TM) Collet Chucks offer dead-length operation. With this arrangement, the collet is fixed within the chuck bore and a tapered sleeve pushes forward over the collet to compress it, resulting in precise Z-axis positioning of the workpiece.
Royal Accu-Length(TM) Collet Chucks are suitable for both mam and sub-spindle applications and have a runout guarantee of 0.0003" TIR or better. The low-profile nose geometry has been optimized for tool clearance while maintaining high strength and rigidity. Royal CNC collet chucks are priced up to 30% less than other leading brands, and each chuck includes a custom-machined drawtube connector for hassle-free installation.

With 8-station drum turret on each slide, Kitako HS4200i CNC Lathe offers x-axis gantry loading feed rates of 6,700 ipm. Unit features 4,500 rpm maximum spindle speed (5,000 rpm optional), rapid traverse rates, carrier indexing time of 1.5 sec, and 0.3 sec turret indexing per station. It offers variety of part processing methods and features 4-spindle technology to provide seamless cycling of work from loading zone to machining zone and back.

Schaumburg, IL - (February 23, 2007) Kitako has added another new generation, four-spindle CNC lathe to its line - the HS4200i with ultra high-speed automated gantry loader. Available from SB Machine Tools, the Kitako HS4200i CNC Lathe boasts x-axis gantry loading feed rates of 6,700 ipm. Combined, the HS4200i's four-spindle operation and gantry loading capability accomplish smooth, unattended operation with no idle time for part loading/unloading. Extremely fast rapid traverse rates, along with carrier indexing time of 1.5 seconds, 0.3 second turret indexing per station provide a quantum jump in productivity.

Kitako's unique four-spindle technology provides a seamless cycling of work from the loading zone to the machining zone and back again. Operating much like a pallet changer on a machining center, parts are transitioned in and out of the machining zone in as little as .8 seconds each. The HS4200i's four spindles are mounted in a horizontal, square pattern in a large carrier drum. The drum's positioning accuracy is ensured by a large diameter, precision-toothed, curvic coupling. Spindles are generally partnered as pairs so as the carrier is indexed 180 degrees; two spindles rotate to the machining area as two spindles move out for loading and unloading. The two spindles in the machining zone along with the respective slides and turrets work simultaneously as well as independently.

Completely automating bandsawing processes, MBD[R] Model 4340 offers infinitely adjustable material clamp and max capacity of 60 x 20 x 14. Servo controlled feed table guides bandsaw blade along cutting path and through material. Machine eliminates need for templates and marking, automatically sawing block and panel materials. Automated process optimizes raw material yield, productivity, part quality, and accuracy.

Warsaw, IN - Warsaw Machinery, Inc. offers the new MBD[R] Model 4340 CNC Automatic Bandsawing System for cutting parts quickly and accurately. This bandsaw system offers complete automation of the bandsawing process, automatically sawing block and panel materials.

The Model 4340 bandsawing system replaces several manual bandsaws and eliminates the need for templates and marking, virtually eliminating set-up. The automated process provides greater raw material yield, increased productivity, improved part quality and accuracy along with reduction of finished parts inventory. A servo controlled feed table guides the bandsaw blade along a cutting path and through the material. This system offers an infinitely adjustable material clamp to 14" thick and a maximum capacity of 60" long by 20" wide by 14" thick.

Warsaw Machinery, Inc. offers bandsawing, clamping, cutting, routing and material handling machines and also provides equipment, parts and services for Tyler[R] woodworking equipment, MBD[R] bandsaws and Handy[R] clamps. Custom industrial machines are also available.

Now available form SolutionWare Corporation, PowerCAM is a direct Mazatrol and/or G-code output form within the SolidWorks interface. This product allows SolidWorks users to create parts and output CNC code, often within a few minutes.

The program combines the power of a Mazatrol off-line programming system (a CAD/CAM system) and engineering software into one system. The MazaCAM Editor is an off-line Mazatrol programming system. GeoPath is a CAD/CAM system that can output G code; it integrates with the MazaCAM to output the Mazatrol. PowerCAM links SolidWorks, MazaCAM and GeoPath into a programming system, taking advantage of the feature information present in the SolidWorks model.

Users can take a native SolidWorks file, assign tooling and output Mazatrol directly. They can also view tool motion; calculate run times; generate tool sheets; output codes for virtually any CNC; and more.

ByVision Control incorporates 15 in. touch-screen that facilitates user-navigation of screen selections for setup and operation. Operating with Windows XP[R], it guides operator through programming and manufacturing process; program data transmissions are transferred between ByVision control interface and CNC utilizing network communications. For complete process integration, Bysoft v6.6 offers synchronization of press brake, laser, and waterjet processes.

(Hauppauge, NY) Bystronic’s revolutionary programming interface, ByVision Control, sets a new standard for easy-to-use CNC operating platforms. With a full 15-inch touch screen, users are able to quickly maneuver through screen selections for easy setup and operation. The operator is seamlessly guided through the programming and manufacturing process. The ByVision user interface operates within a modern Windows XP[R] for the highest level of speed and network compatibility. Program data transmissions are transferred between the ByVision control interface and the CNC at high speed utilizing network communications.

For complete process integration, Bysoft 6.6 software offers users advanced synchronization of press brake, laser and waterjet processes. Bybend, an integrated Bysoft software module, provides automatic bend deductions, bend reliefs, bending sequences and back gauge placements for press brake users. With a 3D-simulation feature, visualization of the bending sequences as well as automatic collision detection is performed before the part is sent to the operator for processing, reducing set-up time and the need for test bending.

Bystronic Inc. has provided its customers with quality laser cutting, waterjet cutting and press brake systems, training and customer support for over 25 years. The company’s North American headquarters, with manufacturing, service, parts inventory, customer training, sales and administration, is located in Hauppauge, NY. Facilities are located in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Mexico.