Adding a high-speed electric-spindle system to an existing CNC vertical machining center can improve the machine's productivity by providing quick, infinitely variable speed selection and higher rpm capabilities. Integrating the auxiliary spindle permanently onto the machine allows a company to meet the constantly changing demands of machining fine details and still retain the main spindle's capabilities for larger cutters.

In a typical application, one company recently purchased a five-axis Fadal VMC 4020 vertical machining center and modified it so it could also be used for machining fluidic circuit prototypes. Modifications include a Precise SC 102-O high speed electric spindle system (Precise Corp., Racine, Wisconsin), a special mounting plate that allows the spindle to remain in place while the main spindle is in use, some tool changer and programming adaptations, and cable carriers to keep all fluid and electrical lines neat and manageable.

The high rpm capability makes it possible to use carbide end mills from as small as 0.009" diameter up to about 1/4-inch. To make the high spindle rpm needed for small diameter cutters readily available, the auxiliary Precise spindle is mounted permanently on the side of the machine's column. Offset approximately ten inches, the spindle's fixed location enables it to be programmed into operations with little or no special accommodation. The machine's main spindle remains intact to provide the higher power and lower speed range needed to use larger diameter cutters.

With the auxiliary spindle, tools are set up in their own quickchange toolholders. This makes it possible to preset all of the tools and quickly change from tool to tool as needed, roughing with a larger diameter end mill for part of the program and finishing with smaller diameter end mills.

The machine can be programmed so switching from the main spindle to the high speed spindle can be done quickly, without interruption. When the operator specifies a speed above the main spindle's 10,000 rpm limit, the custom postprocessor recognizes the condition and applies the fixture offset, negates the main spindle, turns on the auxiliary spindle, turns it off when the cycle is through and returns to the main spindle.

The Precise spindle is equipped for automatic tool changing but the toolholder release can also be operated manually. A conveniently located pushbutton that releases the toolholder is tied to a zero-speed sensor so the tool will not be released until the operator is ready. Pre-set tooling allows the cutters to be changed quickly.

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.

One portable CNC data code loader, designed for all types of CNCs, performs the functions previously covered by a PC or a laptop computer to store and edit CNC code externally.
Still using a PC on a trolly on CNC shop? Thinking for an rugged alternative for Laptop on CNC Shop? Fighting for connectivity with RS-232 of different CNCs?

Want to store and Edit CNC code, externally?

Looking a portable battery operated unit?

Need LAN connectivity as well as RS-232?

Worried of virus, when use laptop on CNC shop?

The Answer is one DIGI-HHT 22 portable CNC data code loader.

The DIGI-HHT 22 is a special unit designed for all types of CNC systems.

It is very light weight, handy and uses Ni-Cd battery which lasts for about 8 to 9h, when fully charged.

The most of the communication protocols are in built.

The user can set communication parameters on site, if new CNC arrives on shop floor.

The keyboard and LCD allow editing, using same commands as that of NOTE PAD.

There are nine folders given for file management.

User memory is 2MB, wherein user can store and carry 800 part programs.

The PC interface and software comes free with the unit.

A compact CNC ‘mini-mill’, with a large machining envelope introduced by XYZ at a series of Open Houses, won 18 firm orders, while around another thirty orders have been promised.

The new Mini-Mill introduced by XYZ has attracted considerable attention at the company’s series of Open Houses, held around the country during April and May. Managing Director of the company, Nigel Atherton, said ‘We took 18 firm orders, and have been promised around another thirty, so it has been a great venture. We are finding that companies are happy to invest if they can identify a machine which will ensure improvements in productivity and that they are keen to buy the latest technology rather than make small savings and purchase second-hand.

‘Although the open houses were arranged to launch the XYZ Mini-Mill, we found that sales were across the range of machines which we sell’.

The Mini-Mill complements the other machines in the XYZ range, such as the popular and proven ProtoTRAK mills and ProTURN lathes and the XYZ machining and turning centres.

Despite its tiny footprint of just six foot square, the new XYZ Mini-Mill has a big working envelope and the largest Z axis of any of the small machining centres.

Travel in X is 560mm, 400mm in Y and 500mm in Z, a capability which enables all typical engineering jobs to be undertaken easily.

Rapid traverse is 25m/min.

Spindle speed is 8000rpm (12000 optional) and spindle taper BT40.

Significant feature of the machine, other than its tiny size, is its accuracy.

Heavily ribbed to ensure a rigid carcass, the machine weighs a significant 3100kg.

Square slides are hardened and ground to ensure precision cutting by giving rigidity, longevity and vibration absorption.

Standard control is the Siemens 802D Shopmill control.

This boasts easy to use conversational programming, so can be used readily by operators with no previous CNC experience.

Structured to aid the operator, the control is intuitive (ie uses a plain English menu to prompt the operator to select the action he wishes to perform, the tool he needs to use and the optimum speed and feed rates).

The Siemens 810D, the Fanuc OMi and the Heidenhain iTNC530 are offered as optional controls.

The ProtoTRAK and ProTURN systems give substantially increased profits on one-one offs and smaller batches.

Designed for ease of use even operators with no previous CNC experience can learn to use it in just a few hours.

It is available in two and three axis versions.

Canned cycles include profiling without need for any calculator or tables, circular, rectangular, triangular and irregular pockets, and bolt holes patterns.

Thread milling, rotate, repeat, and mirror functions can all be completed at the control.

The ProTURN lathe operates in a similar way to a conventional lathe, making transition easy and giving the operator the choice between manual and CNC operation according to the job.

Easy to programme using normal engineering terminology, the system will automatically turn tapers and radii, set limits on diameters and lengths; area clearance drilling and boring routines and threading - even customised threads - are easy and quick to complete.

The XYZ range of machining and turning centres is competitively priced and designed for profitable volume production to complement the ProtoTRAK and ProTURN systems.

High build quality, robust and heavily ribbed carcasses, oversize servo motors and steel slides ensure the machines are capable of versatile, efficient machining which, for limited capital investment, will provide profitable production to the user.

Weighing 1,130 lb, PCNC 1100 CNC is equipped with 1.5 hp, 4,500 rpm, variable-speed spindle suited for short-run and prototyping applications as well as secondary operations. Compact design combines cast-iron construction with CNC technology, bed mill style frame, dovetail ways, and ground ballscrews. Capable of cutting iron, steel, titanium, and chromium alloys, 3-axis milling machine has 33.5 x 9.5 in. table and 17 in. vertical clearance.

Revolutionary machining tool establishes a new class of ‘Personal CNC’ equipment

Waunakee, WI, September 25, 2006 - Tormach LLC, innovators of CNC technology, announced today the introduction of its PCNC 1100 CNC, the most affordable 3-axis milling machine on the market.

With a base price of only $6800, the PCNC 1100 CNC mill represents an entirely new class of machinery, more compact and inexpensive than traditional mills, with the same strength, power, and accuracy to cut high-performance alloys. Tormach coins the term, “Personal CNC,” to describe the product, drawing parallels in cost, size, and ease of use of the personal computer compared to its bulky, room-sized predecessors.

Three years in development, the design of the agile PCNC 1100 combines reliable cast-iron construction with the best of CNC technology to create a simple and robust platform with ample options for user-installed upgrades. The mill weighs 1130 pounds and is equipped with a 1.5 horsepower spindle — well suited for short run and prototyping applications as well as secondary operations.

“Tormach’s PCNC release is really the advent of a revolution in CNC - which will make the technology far more accessible and far simpler to use,” says Tormach CEO Greg Jackson. “Where 3D printers have allowed companies to make prototype replicas in house, this new generation of CNC will enable companies to affordably produce both working prototypes and initial production parts. Unlike 3D printers, where the material is limited to plastic, materials used in Personal CNC technology are basically anything that can be cut with a tool.”

With a modern bed mill style frame and iron construction, the machine is fully capable of cutting iron, steel, titanium, and even chromium alloys such as 300 or 400 series stainless. Details of the mill include a 4500 rpm variable-speed spindle, dovetail ways and ground ballscrews, with a 15-point lubrication system and full-bellows covers. The standard 33.5″ x 9.5″ table and 17″ vertical clearance provides a work envelope suitable to the majority of small or medium parts. Available upgrades include fourth axis, 20,000-rpm spindle, integrated stand, and a quick-change tooling system.

All machines are designed by Tormach engineers and built with USA-manufactured electronics, and are sold and supported directly by Tormach LLC.

About Tormach

The people at Tormach are dedicated to delivering tools, accessories, and components of unprecedented value in the world of CNC and motion control. Whether customers are involved in R&D, education, short run production, or simply entrepreneurs with new ideas, Tormach products allow them to make what they need easier, quicker, and more affordably. Tormach is headquartered in Waunakee, Wisconsin.