Mitsubishi Electric Automation’s C80 series CNC enables increased productivity and lower cycle times for the company’s Melsec iQ-R automation platform. The rack-based C80 features a CNC-dedicated CPU to maximize the control’s performance. The system’s CNC func

Okuma Floppy Connect, a floppy drive replacement from Shop Floor Automations (SFA), replaces the floppy drive core in an Okuma machine. The floppy emulator can fit up to 100 disks on one USB flash drive, enabling users to store hundreds of files on a single USB stick.

The S6 servo drive from KEB America is suitable for servo applications requiring real-time communication, SIL3 safety functionality or integrated brake control. The drive is designed to work with induction, PM servo, linear or torque motors and manages the velocity, position, torque a

WireFreeCNC’s Excellerant API universal decoder provides the ability to connect every CNC machine tool controller, the company says, enabling a firm to monitor and manage each machine’s data in real time and send that data to the company’s MES and/or ERP systems. The de

RoboDK has released a new, free web version of its robot programming software, also called RoboDK. The company sees this web version appealing to integrators performing sales demonstrations, new users of robotic automation, and educational users. “Getting started with new software can s

Safety issues directly affect the productivity of any CNC environment. Optimum productivity can only be achieved when G-code programs are safe to run in three ways. First, programs must ensure that operators work in a secure environment. Second, programs must ensure that machine tools,

Photo Credit: Getty Images This is the first article in a 10-part series about the Key Concepts of Computer Numerical Control. For an introduction to the approach of this series read this article. What are the benefits of computer numerical control? The first benefit offered by all forms of CNC

Photo Credit: ModuleWorks ModuleWorks’ Next Generation Shopfloor Programming (NGSP) software is designed to enable machine tool builders and CNC manufacturers to incorporate automated touchscreen programming into their proprietary on-control solutions. The software

The success of a CNC program is a direct result of the preparation done prior to its creation. While an ill-prepared programmer may be able to create workable programs, such programs will often be prone to error, inefficient, unfriendly to the user or difficult to verify. Any time saved by skipp

Custom macros can improve safety and quality when used correctly within CAM systems. Photo: Getty There are some applications in which computer aided manufacturing (CAM) systems and the use of custom macros truly conflict. With part families, for example, the application should be handled&

Parameters specify settings for every CNC feature and function, and there are hundreds, even thousands, for any CNC. When discussing parameters, I always reiterate the importance of backing them up. As the person using the CNC, you are responsible for doing so. Today’s CNCs make it easy

I define a CNC machine tool’s accuracy as how precisely its axes can follow intended paths to commanded endpoints while under load. I define its repeatability as how precisely it can duplicate commanded motions (again, under load) during multiple cycles throughout the day. These are defin

The South Bend Lathe Co. offers the Turn-X 16-speed lathe as part of its Toolroom series, featuring the Fagor ProKit two-axis digital readout (DRO). The lathe’s 5.0/2.5-hp D1-5 spindle uses high-precision spindle bearings and is powered by a two-speed, 220-V, three-phase motor. The bed is cons

South Bend Lathe’s SB1049F Heavy 13 toolroom lathe offers 13.38" swing over the bed and 30" of distance between centers. The D1-5 spindle is powered by a 3-hp, 220-V, single-phase motor.  The machine is built on a South Bend 3 V-way bed constructed of precision-hardened and grou

Grizzly’s Model G0768 variable-speed lathe offers two ranges: a low range from 50 to 1,000 rpm and a high range from 100 to 2,000 rpm. The lathe features a 0.787" spindle bore and MT#3 taper. It is powered by a 600-W (3/4-hp), 110-V single-phase 10A motor. The distance between centers mea

Ganesh Machinery’s ASL boxway slant-bed CNC lathes are designed for efficient metal removal and heavy cutting loads. Four ASL models are offered: the ASL-8, ASL-10, ASL 15 and ALS-20. The ASL-8 features an 8", three-jaw hydraulic chuck with a 2.5" through-bore, while the ASL-10 offe

The Grizzly Industrial G0745 Micro Metal lathe is designed for turning small workpieces. With 4 1/4" swing over bed and 6" distance between centers, the lathe is well-suited for jewelry, model-making and hobby applications. The compact machine is built on a precision-ground cast iron bed

Available from Clausing, Colchester’s entry-level Tornado El range of two- and three-axis CNC turning centers is designed to be used after minimal training, offering increased accuracy and reliability. The turning centers feature the same modular platform as the company’s Tornado T range

Ergoseal couldn’t keep up. Three years ago, the maker of mechanical seals in Carol Stream, Ill., won a contract to engineer and produce a seal that was more complex than its typical products. Of the three machined components in this seal’s assembly, two of them required three setups apie

The Hardinge GS 51 lathe features a compact design and collet-ready main spindle that are said to provide increased durability and workpiece accuracy. The A2-6 20C, 15-hp (11-kW) spindle provides speeds ranging to 5,000 rpm. The machine offers a 2" (51 mm) bar capacity and accommodates workpiec