SolidCAM 2021 SP2 now available

SolidCAM 2021 SP2 is now available to all SolidCAM customers on subscription. The most powerful release yet, SolidCAM 2021 introduces the new Tool Table – ToolKit (especially important for mill-turn and Swiss-type customers), new Sim5X operations (including edge breaking and edge trimming), as well as many enhancements to SolidCAM’s various CAM modules.

In the new ToolKit, it is now possible to import 3D tool data seamlessly, including tool holders, directly from tool manufacturers’ cloud-based tool databases. ToolKit makes the tool assembly process as easy as possible for the user. Based on how tools are assembled in real life, the new ToolKit offers the possibility to assemble tools, their holders and additional components, exactly how tools are assembled in the machine shop.

The SolidCAM Sim5X operation of edge breaking automatically detects all edges to be deburred and creates a collision-free toolpath. SolidCAM edge trimming can be used, especially in the composites industry, to remove excess material from parts during manufacturing. An additional function available to all Sim5X customers under subscription is Sim5X auto 3+2 roughing, which automatically roughs parts from all possible sides, without any manual intervention by the operator.

SolidCAM 2021 includes the new SolidCAM Simulator, which provides graphical simulations of all SolidCAM operations. The simulator offers multi-channel simulations and combines all the modes of previous SolidCAM simulations into one integrated and easy-to-use interface.

CIMCO Edit Professional is directly integrated in SolidCAM 2021 to provide users with one of the industry’s most advanced G-Code editors. The seamless export of SolidCAM information, including tool table data, stock, target and fixtures, makes CIMCO Edit very useful for SolidCAM customers.

For further information
www.solidcam.com

Leader says take a ‘steady’ rest at EMO

Exclusively represented in the UK and Ireland by Leader Chuck International, Fabbrica Italiana Autocentranti Lombardia (FIAL) is an Italian ancillary equipment specialist with its core business focused on clamping equipment for lathes, both traditional and CNC. At this year’s EMO, FIAL (Stand F18, Hall 3) will launch a number of new steady rest ranges, including the Self-Centring series, the Coolant series with feed for the steady rest’s rollers, the Mini series for multi-axis lathes and turn-mill centres, and a range of high-accuracy steady rests for grinding applications.

For further information
www.leaderchuck.com

Cobot technology takes centre stage

Mills CNC Automation, a division created by Mills CNC to provide a clear focus for the company’s automation business, will showcase its latest collaborative robot technology at the Robotics & Automation Show (CBS Arena Coventry, 2-3 November). The three Doosan cobots on stand 710 (the A0509 entry-level model, six-axis M1013, and H2017 with 1700 mm reach radius and 20 kg payload) will be performing tasks that demonstrate their versatility, user-friendliness, inherent safety and broad application potential.

Says Peter McCullough, product manager (Doosan Robotics): “Doosan cobots are designed to perform a range of tasks, from machine tending, testing, inspection, polishing, deburring and assembly, through to packaging, palletising and repetitive ‘pick and place’ operations. The three cobots we’re taking to Robotics & Automation will demonstrate the productivity and operational efficiencies that can be achieved through investing in collaborative robot technology.”

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk

Nukon appoints Ingenium Integration

Ingenium Integration Ltd, the sister company of UK-based tube-bending machinery specialist Unison Ltd, has been appointed as the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor for Nukon’s 2D fibre laser, 3D fibre laser and fibre laser tube-cutting machines.

“For quite some time we’ve been looking at extending our product range to include high-quality laser-cutting technologies, particularly as we believe they would be of significant interest to owners of tube-bending machines from Unison Ltd,” says Ingenium Integration sales manager, Steve Haddrell. “Short of building our own laser-cutting machines in-house, our challenge was to find an established product range that mirrored the uncompromising levels of accuracy, reliability, build quality and support that are synonymous with the Unison name. Having researched the marketplace extensively, we believe we’ve found such a product range from Nukon.”

For further information
www.ingeniumintegration.com

Process control aids auto parts specialist

An increase in production orders for new breeds of high-volume and high-value automotive components prompted OMG s.r.l Officine Meccaniche to consider alternative approaches to part inspection. Investments in off-machine gauging and on-machine probing enabled the company to increase manufacturing throughput, avoid rejects and reduce scrap.

Established in 1949, OMG’s manufacturing capabilities span a complete range of automotive component requirements, including engine blocks, cylinder heads and suspension assemblies. Quality, of course, is an essential cornerstone of the company’s business. For many years Renishaw has played an important role as a technology partner to OMG, as Guido Mautino, the company’s COO explains: “Our partnership with Renishaw began in the mid-1990s when we started machining our first engine heads. We needed to take precision measurements directly on the machining centres, so we turned to Renishaw for advice.

“Today we have 23 machining centres fitted with a range of Renishaw machine tool probes,” he continues. “Over the years, this has put us in a position to engage with a variety of global product markets where high-precision measurement during production is a pre-requisite. All our CMMs are fitted with Renishaw PH10 motorised indexing heads.”

In the manufacture of a new engine block, OMG chose to use Renishaw’s OMP60 optical transmission probe for the first time. A compact 3D touch-trigger probe, the OMP60 is used for both initial workpiece set-up and post-machining inspection on a wide range of four- and five-axis machining centres. The probe incorporates a proven kinematic design and interference-free secure modulated transmission to access previously difficult-to-reach workpiece areas. In this case, the OMP60 is used to verify valve seats, transmission gears and other key engine features.

For further information
www.renishaw.com