Floyd ‘on form’ with new Schwanog system

Now available from Floyd Automatic Tooling is the flexible new MSIK modular tooling system from Schwanog for external and axial grooving operations. Unlike rival systems, Floyd Automatic says the new MSIK system enables the delivery of coolant straight to the cutting edge, thus enhancing tool life, surface finishes and swarf evacuation.

With the Schwanog MSIK modular system, the dual-coolant channels supply fluid internally to the cutting edge from two directions via the tool base body and cartridge. This capability eliminates the need for external coolant lines that can disrupt operations and often fail to deliver fluid to the cutting edge when undertaking intricate machining within a compact work envelope.

MSIK exchangeable tool holdersare completely modular to demonstrate high levels of flexibility for the end user. The tool base body is adaptable with different standardised cartridges for grooving. Securing the cartridges to the tool body is an interface that bolts cartridges to the side of the base body, ensuring a stable and secure connection.

Cartridges from Schwanog’s WEP and PWP cartridge systems are interchangeable with the MSIK system. For both the WEP and PWP cartridge systems, the range of indexable inserts is extremely diverse with dimensions, geometries and grades to cater for all applications. Furthermore, as specialists in small part turning, grooving and parting, it is possible to grind inserts to forms in accordance with customer drawings.

The tool base body is available in a range of sizes and types to suit all turning centre tool-holding set-ups. The system comes in polygonal Capto in sizes: C3, C4, C5 and C6 with or without serration; HSK-T63; and in the TS system configuration to TS40, TS50 and TS60.
For further information www.floyd-automatic.co.uk

Versatility when milling tough materials

To address the challenges of difficult and unstable machining conditions caused by long tool overhangs, Seco says that its JS754 stub series end mills feature short protrusion lengths that maximise tooling value while increasing tool life by 20-40%.

The four-flute end mill is for mill-turn and multi-tasking machines, and incorporates the industry-proven JS754 cutting geometry and proprietary HXT coating for high-performance machining. This design makes the Seco JS754 suitable for difficult applications involving ISO M (stainless steel) and S (heat-resistant superalloys and titanium) materials. The shorter length of the JS754 Stub adds strength and vibration control for increased tool stability when machining with main or sub-spindles, as well as with milling heads and driven tools.

Many CNC mill-turn and multi-tasking machines have a limited machining envelope that can prohibit the use of longer end mills. The short protrusion lengths of the JS754 stub series require less room in the sub or second spindles of these machines. Notably, the end mills provide freedom of movement to maneuver around workpieces with increased tool stability in tight workspaces, which allows shops to maximise the benefits that mill-turn and multi-tasking machines offer, including shorter set-up times and better part quality.

The JS754 stub series is available in both chamfer and corner radius configurations, in diameters from 3 to 16 mm, and comes in cylindrical and Weldon shanks.

“Within all manufacturing segments, especially general machining and aerospace, the high-mix/low-volume (HMLV) production environment continues to drive the need for automation and efficiency, achieved most commonly through mill-turn and multi-tasking machines,” says Rob Mulders, product manager – solid milling, atSeco Tools. ”The JS754 stub series contributes significant flexiblility for the single set-up part manufacturing that these multi-purpose machines provide.”
For further information www.secotools.com

CAM for laser machines reduces machining times

GF Machining Solutions has released version 1.12.5 of its CAM software for laser texturing, engraving and micro-machining. This latest release includes two new major features: 3DCurves and FlexiBlast, incorporated within LaserDesign technology.

3DCurves allows users to increase their design capabilities while eliminating potential undesirable optical effects on laser engraved parts. It provides an innovative approach when creating fine line patterns and textures. Users no longer need to go through the traditional hatching process based on a grayscale bitmap and, thanks to 3Dcurves, can now engrave directly with a single continuous laser path following each individual polyline.

This new technology allows customers to create unprecedented designs applied in 2D with GF Machining Solutions’ Laser P range of machines. It also offers the possibility to create curves virtually on complex 3D parts and mould tools and inserts with the Laser S range. The technology uses polylines as opposed to images, which suffer limitations due to their bitmap resolution, to orientate the laser vectors in the local co-ordinate system.

FlexiBlast builds on GF Machining Solutions’ signature blasting capabilities by combining them with a grayscale image, controlling its intensity. For each individual pixel, it is possible to apply 216 shades of grey, each corresponding to a specific blasting intensity. This feature offers the potential to render high-definition photo-realistic images on any material. Moreover, it gives users the ability to increase the depth perception with very shallow textures, which reduces production time without any hardware modification. Fading textures and morphing are possible without altering surface geometry.

The technology provides advantages such as high definition with photo-realistic rendering, the creation of very fine textures with a significant rendering of depth and shallower textures for easier plastic de-moulding and faster machining times.
For further information www.gfms.com

Inspiring the next industrial era

Manufacturing World Japan, an international manufacturing event set to take place on 21-23 June, is launching its exhibitor directory and conference programme. The exhibitor directory is a thorough listing of manufacturers showing products, equipment and ground-breaking technologies. Visitors can browse a wide variety of exhibitors, form useful connections and learn about fresh business opportunities.

Complementing the exhibitor directory, the conference programme features a line-up of 30 speakers, including industry experts and thought leaders. There will be 21 sessions, including a keynote speech and 20 special lectures. Teiji Hirata, corporate vice president, vehicle production and development, Nissan Motor Co, will lead this year’s keynote speech by shedding light on Nissan’s cutting-edge manufacturing practices and its vision for next-generation vehicle production.
For further information www.bit.ly/3IKDyad

$1.8bn AM deal

Stratasys and Desktop Metal are stet to combine in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $1.8bn. The transaction unites the polymer strengths of Stratasys with the complementary industrial mass production leadership of Desktop Metal’s brands. Stratasys and Desktop Metal will generate around $1.1bn in 2025 revenue, with significant upside potential in a total addressable market of more than $100bn by 2032. Following transaction closure, existing Stratasys shareholders will own approximately 59% of the combined company, while legacy Desktop Metal stockholders will own approximately 41%.
For further information www.nextgenerationAM.com