Cutting tools used in CNC machining applications must possess certain attributes in order to work properly. For instance, every cutting tool used in a vertical machining center (VMC) has a minimum and maximum length that is limited by the Z-axis stroke (among other things). As shown in the figure, t

At Heidenhain’s booth, the Acu-Rite Millpwr G2 control will be highlighted, marketed as an easy-to-operate CNC for vertical knee mills. A configuration for bed mills with AC motors is now available. At the booth, this system will be digitally connected to a larger monitoring sys

In 1987, Century Tool and Gage Co. (Fenton, Michigan) bought its first Heyligenstaedt vertical mill equipped with the first Fidia CNC system that was available in North America. Mickey Guckian, manufacturing manager of programming for Century Tool, was there. “I remember when we purchased the

Fagor Automation has developed the 8065 CNC with features necessary for high speed and surface finish quality while maintaining accuracy. The CNC is seen as a complement to aerospace machine shops and those requiring extreme accuracy.  Each 8065 is offered with a 10", 15", 19&qu

The Hurco Max5 control now includes a 3D Import feature with 3D DXF technology enabling the user to load the file they receive from their customer directly into the Hurco control. “3D Import eliminates extra steps and is a huge time saver,” says Mike Cope, product technical s

Heidenhain has released upgrades to the CNC Pilot 640 lathe control. Most notably, a Turn Plus feature is now standard on new purchases, enabling the creation of a lathe program with the push of a button with up to 90-percent time savings, according to the com

Osai USA’s OPENwiTP wireless teach pendant is designed for use with its OPENcontrol CNC manufacturing systems. The pendant is a wireless handheld console connected to the company’s CNC systems, useful for manual, automatic and custom operations. Featuring a 4.3&q

Tormach has introduced an upgrade to its PathPilot CNC software package at no cost to the user. In conjunction with the upgrade, the company is introducing the Try PathPilot program that enables new users to program, learn and train for free. Updates to Tormach’s PathPilot CNC software includ

Heidenhain’s online CNC learning program, Heidenhain Interactive Training (HIT) 3.0, is said to provide advanced and apprentice-level training for NC users utilizing Heidenhain TNC protocols. The three-axis machining learning program has been revised. With the guided programming function, th

The Community College of Denver’s (CCD's) Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) has become the first Heidenhain authorized training partner (ATP) focusing on the company’s CNC systems in North America. Students and industry stakeholders alike will be able to access and train on the lat

Heidenhain’s ND 7013 digital readout (DRO) model replaces the ND 780 and offers an improved user interface and touchscreen, among other improvements. It is said to provide machinists with reliable features to optimize the use of manually-operated machine tools with as many as four axes. An I/O

Siemens Industry Inc. offers a range of products, including the Sinumerik CNC hardware and software solution, covering basic milling and turning applications, multi-axis machining centers and automated work cells. In addition, its Mindsphere “software-as-a-se

The ProtoTrak RMX CNC from Southwestern Industries functions on ProtoTrak machines designed for toolroom applications. A touchscreen interface contributes to ease of use. The controller also delivers context-sensitive instructions as users require them. Bulleted text, diagrams an

Mitsubishi Electric Automation expands its MELSEC iQ-R automation platform with the introduction of the C80 series of CNCs. The rack-based controller features a CNC-dedicated CPU designed to improve its performance. CNC functions and drive units enable high-speed, accurate machi

Heidenhain GmbH recently announced the appointment of David Doyle as CEO of Heidenhain Corp., effective October 1, 2018. At that time, Mr. Doyle will assume full responsibility for the company’s customer-focused operations for the United States, Canada and Mexico. This change will complet

Mencom’s Modbus gateways are serial-to-Ethernet converters featuring one to 16 serial ports and mounting options such as DIN-rail, Field Mount and Rack Mount. The gateways convert Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP and require almost no configuring.

When Baitjunkys purchased a remanufactured machine to produce molds for fishing lures, it needed the old machine to run like new. Mechanically, it did just fine, but its 25-year-old control could not handle higher feed rates without compromising accuracy. A new control from Calmotion (Chatswort

Shop Floor Automations has released the LAN-USB Connect to add USB and Ethernet connectivity to any machine. It provides the ability to drag and drop files to and from the CNC machine using an Ethernet connection via FTP protocol. Logging on is not required, though anonymous

Heidenhain’s ND 5023 digital readout (DRO) is designed for use with manually-operated machine tools. The ND 5023 replaces the company’s entry-level ND 522/523 models and consolidates them into one three-axis product. It comes equipped with a TFT color display that imp

Vero Software’s Radan 2018 R2 sheet metal program includes updated functionality that enables users to have a greater degree of manual control when needed. It also provides automation tools for improving productivity. Grid Nesting enables users to create or