Eliminating chatter through vibration analysis

By monitoring the vibration of tooling and machinery set ups, manufacturers can avoid unexpected machining trouble and improve accuracy and output quality. To achieve this outcome, vibration analysis has four key principles – time domain, frequency domain, joint domain and modal analysis – each of which provides specific information on the working conditions and features of the vibrating part.

Time domain, for instance, measures the amplitude of a vibration signal. Alone, this can make it difficult to identify where the amplitudes happen and, subsequently, isolate and calibrate machines appropriately. This is where frequency domain comes in, looking at each of these signals – or waves – at set points to understand how its amplitude changes at distinct frequencies. As many vibration-related challenges occur at specific frequencies, its cause can be better identified based on variations in amplitude at certain frequencies, making these two principles of vibration analysis essential – both of which are paired through the third principle, joint domain.

Finally, modal analysis takes into account the natural frequencies of vibration based on the structural materials of the set up, the machine and the workpiece.

Now, with MSC MillMax – the milling parameter selection tool from MSC – it is possible to measure vibration frequencies and optimise setups in a matter of minutes. By equipping operators with accurate insight, machine shops can reduce set up and cycle times, enhance efficiency and elevate output quality.

MSC MillMax measures the frequency of each tool and, in almost real-time, displays the results on a digital dashboard which calculates the precise, stable speed, feed rate and width and depth of cut to maximise performance. Alongside this, the system determines the best speeds for the machine shop’s required levels of surface finish and accuracy.

For further information
www.mscdirect.co.uk/MSCMillMax

Make UK among speakers at Subcon

Make UK CEO Stephen Phipson CBE will present a state of the industry address at the forthcoming Subcon exhibition (Birmingham NEC, 14-16 September), one of many highlights at this year’s conference programme. The conference also includes sessions on sustainability, electric vehicles, additive manufacturing, industrialising innovation, managing the cost of supply chain disruption and the skills gap, delivered by some of the UK’s leading manufacturing companies and its most innovative disruptors.

Made in Britain CEO John Pearce, another speaker at the conference, says: “I think there’s a lot of optimism around at the moment, despite all the difficult times we’re going through. Made in Britain is part of that relentless optimism about the future of British manufacturing and making things closer to where they’re actually needed rather than from the other side of the planet.” The 2021 Subcon conference is a three-day, two-theatre, 20-session programme showcasing innovation and best practice from the worlds of engineering, manufacturing and supply chain management. It is free to attend for all Subcon visitors.

For further information
www.subconshow.co.uk/sessions-2021

Third Type 26 frigate

In a special ceremony at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Glasgow, His Royal Highness Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, set a plasma cutting machine to work on the first plate of steel for the third Type 26 frigate, HMS Belfast. The event marks an important step in the programme to deliver the UK’s latest anti-submarine warfare capability to the Royal Navy, with all three of the first batch of ‘City Class’ frigates now under construction. The UK-sourced steel plate will form part of a unit that will contain the machinery/equipment space for the frigate’s gearbox and stabilisers.

For further information
www.baesystems.com

200-ton forming press made for MFI

Beckwood Press Company, a manufacturer of custom hydraulic and servo-electric presses, automation systems and the Triform line of precision forming equipment, was recently awarded a contract by Metal Forming Industries to manufacture a 200-ton hydraulic forming press. Scheduled for delivery later this year, the press will make copper components for the utility industry.

The custom four-post press will offer 200 tons of force with a Delta high-speed motion controller to achieve positional accuracy within ±0.005” (±0.13 mm) or better. A 20-ton ejection cylinder will strip the finished part from the tool and present it for easy removal. To overcome the deflection caused by point loading of the tool, the press structure will feature additional rigidity. With a fast approach speed of 373 inch/min (9.5 m/min) and a retract speed of 299 inch/min (7.6 m/min), the press will decrease Metal Forming Industries’ current cycle times by 50%.

Also included is Beckwood’s proprietary Pre-Preventive Maintenance system (PPM) which uses closed-loop monitoring to analyse system performance and notify operators and maintenance crews when service is necessary. It is possible to monitor pump efficiency, safety system status, filter cleanliness, valve performance, oil condition and more from the press HMI to prevent unplanned downtime.

“Metal Forming Industries approached us wanting to increase speed, accuracy, and precision in their forming operation,” says Beckwood sales engineer Caleb Dixon. “Through consultation and creative engineering we were able to design a press that will meet their operational needs for years to come.”

For further information
www.beckwoodpress.com

FABTECH set for Chicago return

After in-person events came to a halt due to the pandemic, FABTECH will be the first large-scale manufacturing trade show to return to McCormick Place in Chicago on 13-16 September. The event brings all aspects of the metal fabricating, forming, welding and finishing industries together to showcase technology, innovation and solutions.

“FABTECH is one of the largest events held at McCormick Place, bringing $73m worth of delegation spending to Chicago,” says Ed Youdell, president and CEO of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. “Our last event in Chicago employed just short of 4000 labourers with over 110,000 hours of work. This contributed $5.3m of labour to the overall Chicago workforce. We are looking forward to bringing these jobs back. In addition, FABTECH will provide an important boost to the hospitality industry, utilising over 40 hotels as well as many entertainment and restaurant outlets during the 19 days.”

FABTECH facilitates connections between exhibitors and attendees in order to conduct business, share knowledge and shine the spotlight on advanced manufacturing equipment and technology. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore three halls filled with cutting-edge technology, new product debuts and first-hand product demonstrations from over 1000 exhibitors.

FABTECH has co-ordinated with state and local public health guidelines to develop a plan for its return, which should see around 30,000 visitors in attendance.

McCormick Place is fully prepared and ready to welcome events back. As North America’s largest convention centre, the entire McCormick Place Campus holds the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s GBAC STAR accreditation, the gold standard for clean and safe facilities.

Attendee registration for FABTECH 2021 is open now.

For further information
www.fabtechexpo.com