Better non-destructive inspection of large parts

Nikon Metrology’s industrial microfocus X-ray CT inspection solutions are now enhanced with a new offset CT reconstruction algorithm to deliver high scan speed and image resolution.

When using X-ray CT (computed tomography) for the non-destructive quality control of larger components like aluminium castings or battery modules for electrical vehicles, the challenge is to shorten inspection cycle times without compromising resolution. One prerequisite for meeting this goal is high X-ray intensity, or flux.

In Nikon Metrology’s range of X-ray CT systems, a rotating target can already triple the flux for a given focal spot size and the flux can be further increased by motorised FID (focal spot to imager distance), which brings the detector closer to the source at the push of a button.

With the release of a new offset CT reconstruction algorithm in the latest version of the manufacturer’s Inspect-X software, not only is it possible to scan larger components, but it can also be performed at higher geometric magnification. The Offset.CT module is available on all Nikon Metrology X-ray CT systems from 180 through to 450 kV.

With this combination of the latest Rotating.Target 2.0, adjustable FID and Offset.CT, which Nikon says cannot be found in any competitive industrial CT system, cycle times are reduced and better resolution is achieved, even when processing large and complex components.

Bigger parts with complex geometry, such as castings and additively manufactured components, benefit in particular from industrial X-ray CT solutions from Nikon Metrology. The inspection of battery modules for electric vehicles, in which individual battery cells requiring high-resolution imaging are encapsulated in a larger protective unit, is a an especially good fit for this inspection technique.

For further information
www.nikonmetrology.com

Project milestone

Construction at the flagship National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) facility at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire has reached a major milestone with the installation of 1500 tonnes of structural steel now complete and the building on schedule to open in autumn 2022. The milestone was marked by a bolt-tightening ceremony that saw Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde (operator of NMIS), tighten the final bolt in the frame.

For further information
www.nmis.scot

Sub-spindle lathe from XYZ

Adding the XYZ SS 65 twin/sub-spindle turning centre to XYZ Machine Tools’ range breaks new ground as it is the company’s first foray into multi-spindle turning centres. The introduction is due to demand from customers looking for increased productivity and reduced spindle downtime.

Notably, the XYZ SS 65 houses a 16.5 kW, 4000 rpm main spindle with 65 mm bar capacity and 200 mm diameter chuck as standard. Complementing this is a 150 mm chuck on the 11 kW, 5000 rpm sub-spindle, which has a 52 mm bore. The German-built Sauter 12-position turret has live tooling at every station, with 100 mm (±50 mm) Y-axis travel.

Contouring is facilitated by the C axes on both spindles, which feature a brake to allow substantial milling cuts. The maximum turned diameter is 380 mm, while Z-axis travel is 520 mm, providing a significant working envelope.

Control is via the Siemens 828D ShopTurn 15-inch touchscreen panel, which customers can enhance with the optional Siemens offline programming and CAD reader software if required. All this is built around a 30° slant-bed design with linear ways for faster positioning speeds. The bed is of solid cast construction, meaning the XYZ SS 65 weighs in at 5000 kg, a robust base from which to maximise performance.

“The ability to machine components in one-hit, thereby reducing part handling and idle time, will enable machine shops to maximise productivity and spindle up-time, while making use of available labour,” says XYZ’s managing director Nigel Atherton. “And, at around £120,000, this high-specification machine is on offer at a tempting price point for either existing sub-spindle users looking to upgrade, or those wanting to take their first steps into this technology area.”

For further information
www.xyzmachinetools.com

New machine shop means business

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has recently supplied EDM precision subcontract specialist – Erodatools Ltd – with three new Doosan machine tools: two compact multi-tasking Lynx lathes (a Lynx 2100LSYB and a Lynx 2600Y) and a DNM 6700 vertical machining centre.

“The new machine shop complements the EDM side of the business,” says machine shop manager Jon Harper. “It’s run on the same business principles and company values that have served Erodatools well for almost 50 years – namely a commitment to continuous improvement, ‘best-in-class’ quality and unrivalled customer care.

“We wanted to expand our customer base to include non-EDM users, and offer them the same high-quality CNC milling and turning services,” he continues. “Doosans are high-performance machines. They are accurate and reliable and, in my experience, do not miss a beat.”

The first Doosan acquired by Erodatools was a Lynx 2100LSYB. This 8-inch chuck, FANUC-controlled compact lathe is equipped with a 15 kW/4500 rpm main spindle, a 5-inch chuck 6000 rpm sub-spindle, a 24-position/12-station turret, 6000 rpm driven-tool capability and a ±52.5 mm Y-axis stroke.

“The Lynx 2100LSYB is a multi-tasking lathe that, with its live tooling and sub-spindle, can machine small parts to completion in a single set up,” says Harper. “It operates as a de facto self-contained turning cell.”

Since then, Erodatools has installed a Lynx 2600Y which, incidentally, was one of the first in the UK. The Lynx 2600Y, again with the latest FANUC control, is a 12-inch chuck lathe with a 18.5 kW/3500 rpm spindle, a 24-station turret, 5000 rpm mill/drill capability and a ±52.5 mm Y-axis stroke.

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk

GM CNC introduces latest turning centre

As part of its growing portfolio of machine tools, GM CNC has introduced the Victor Vturn-A20Y turning centre. Now available from GM CNC, the upgraded Victor Vturn-A20Y features increased structural rigidity on the headstock, box slideways, turret and carriages, as well as the latest Victor technology – such as Direct Drive Spindle (DDS) – built-in as standard.

From a capacity perspective, the Victor Vturn-A20Y offers a swing-over-bed of 700 mm with a 550 mm swing-over-carriage. This compact footprint machine offers a turning capacity of 630 mm between centres, with a maximum turning diameter of 390 mm and a bar capacity of 52 mm (66 or 75 mm options).

The rigid machine base has an equally robust Victor servo driven VDI or BMT tooling turret option with 12 tool positions that can accommodate tool shanks up to 20 mm, while the 11/18.5 kW continuous spindle motor offers a maximum spindle speed of 5000 rpm.

At present, GM CNC has stock models available with the AICC-2 for FANUC 0i-T (10.4-inch) CNC, an upgraded Kitagawa chuck, Grundfos SPK4-8 or MTH4-40/4 high-pressure coolant system, Renishaw manual tool pre-setter, bar-feed interface, swing-type parts catcher, four additional ‘M’ codes and an oil skimmer.

For customers wishing to tailor the Victor Vturn-A20Y turning centre to their specific production needs, the machine can be supplied with either manual or automatic Renishaw tool pre-setter, parts catcher, auto door opening, bar-feed interface, air-blast system, high-pressure coolant, oil skimmer, larger spindle bore (66 or 75 mm), gantry loading robot, independent tailstock, bolt-mounted turret, gear-hobbing interface and, of course, a sub-spindle.

For further information
www.gm-cnc.com