Automatic die storage/retrieval/ changeover systems by Atlas Technologies, Inc. are designed for new or existing stamping press operations, including Atlas standardized transfer press cells. By providing fast, automated access to dozens of dies, the complete die handling systems allow stampers to respond quickly while achieving high stamping uptime, even when short-run stamping production is the norm.

At one appliance manufacturing facility, for instance, two large transfer presses alternate frequently between various washing machine tops and lids. The die storage/retrieval/changeover system allows the tool setters to pre-stage upcoming dies, then change them over in minutes. All active dies are kept close to the presses, and are accessed by an elevating die cart that delivers dies to temporary storage racks prior to changeover. A separate die changeover cart pulls the pre-staged dies from the temporary rack and inserts them into one of two transfer presses served by the system.

The Atlas system creates an uninterrupted path for dies to flow to and from the presses on demand. Die change and die storage processes are separated, so they can occur simultaneously, eliminating the time wasted waiting for dies. The gained press uptime can actually eliminate the need to add presses to meet increased production demands. Plant expansion may be unnecessary. In addition, multi-tier racks utilize unused vertical space to store dies. Reduced manual handling of dies also helps to reduce die damage.

The two transfer presses in this cell are equipped with Atlas FLEX 5000® programmable in-press transfer systems, featuring quick changeover finger tooling rails that compliment the high-uptime capability of the cell. Atlas standardized transfer press cells can include complete blank and coil-feeding automation, die handling, and integrated, centralized controls.

Atlas Technologies, Inc.

The Atlas die cart is long enough to extract the entire transfer press die set from the press during die change. The cart is integrated with temporary storage racks and the storage / retrieval system for fast changeover to current product demands. The cart serves two transfer presses (foreground and background) equipped with FLEX 5000® in-press transfers.

The CIMCOOL CIMTECH® family of products are applicable for both heavy and light-duty grinding and machining operations while providing superior results in ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The CIMTECH® fluids are formulated to reject tramp oil while providing a transparent substance. CIMCOOL has advanced the CIMTECH® line with the addition of the CIMTECH® "Z" metalworking fluids. The "Z" fluids have been designed to provide many considerable benefits, including extended sump life, up to 40% improved tool life, a 20% increase in productivity, excellent rancidity control and greatly reduced concentrate usage.

Milacron Inc.

The PEMSERTER® Series 2000® automatic fastener-installation press system incorporates upgraded operating features and expansion capabilities to promote streamlined job productivity and quality. The press offers the technology to install all types of self-clinching fasteners rapidly, reliably and permanently in thin-metal sheets. The job search and recall mode allows operators to reference 300 stored jobs and return to previous jobs quickly and easily. The upgraded PLC with increased memory readily accommodates custom programs and a redesigned cast aluminum bowl with epoxy coating handles larger parts and performs quietly.

PennEngineering

The M-Series resistance welder is a versatile platform for manufacturers looking to enhance productivity on small-to-medium-sized welded parts. Available as a complete system or a base for custom integration, the M-Series comes in 16, 32 and 48 standard widths with a 16 inch upper and lower platen depth. The M-Series can incorporate multiple guns for custom resistance, spot or projection welding. Designed to provide versatile automation, Marathon's pedestal welder can be used to weld various materials, including steel and stainless. A small footprint gives the unit ease of mobility, via forklift pockets, and accessibility for tooling changeover.

Marathon Welding Automation

The new Balzat Hydraulic Slotting Machines DN 100 are designed for the production of new groove shapes that could not be realized until now in steering bushes and in worms. Besides longer radial grooves, it is now possible to produce trapezoidal and hybrid groove shapes by simply changing a cam.

Barer Engineering Intl.

The XP Series and the PSG Series of CNC press brakes incorporate Gasparini's patented Automatic Crowning System ASCGI and the patented "REFLEX" frame deflection compensation system. Both new models are designed to accept the optional patented Gasparini GPS4 Angle Control System. The new models offer exceptionally high speeds in both ram movement and back gauge movement. The "Reflex System" allows complete control over deflections encountered by the frame structure of the press brake when bending.

Westway Machinery Ltd.

The Joraco Direct Air Press features a straight pneumatic cylinder for applications requiring full force over the entire stroke. Suitable for a wide range of manual and semi-automatic assembly operations, this press is offered with a standard 6" stroke, providing from 500 to 5,000 lbs. constant force, in both C- and H-frame configurations manufactured from steel plate. Designed to let users specify a press that meets their needs, the Joraco Direct Air Press is offered with three RAM styles: internal- or external threaded 1" RAM and one with a hole for shank mount.

AIM Joraco .

Chainflex CF170 is a continuous-flex cable for machine tools. It is resistant to oils, cooling and cutting fluids found on machine tools and is designed specifically as a continuously flexing cable for use in cable carriers. CF170 is available from stock from 20 AWG to 8 AWG and up to 30 conductors with no minimum purchase quantity. It is PVC-free, halogen-free and conforms to DESINA standards.

Igus, Inc.

Renishaw's new generation OMP60 machine tool probe combines advanced optical transmission with a simplified installation, setup and programming, allowing easy retrofit to machine tools. A 360-degree infrared optical transmission system with a range of up to 6 meters allows probe operation in any spindle orientation. A revised state-of-the-art modulated optical transmission method offers a high level of resistance to light interference. Compact design, application versatility and simplified installation/setup bring in-process probing to a wide range of machining centers and mill-turn machines, enabling "done in one" for just-in-time and lean manufacturing operations.

Renishaw Inc.

Batch vibratory finishing machines in a choice of seven tub-capacity sizes are now available for space-saving surface treatment applications. The ALMCO machines meet a broad range of other batch-finishing needs including burnishing, polishing, grinding, rust-inhibiting, descaling, flash removal and degreasing. Ranging in capacity from 2 1/2 to 11 cubic feet, batch units accommodate either large single parts or batch lots. A variable-speed feature permits gentle handling of delicate parts or aggressive action for removal of heavy burrs, using steel, plastic, ceramic or other finishing media.

Alexander Tools Ltd.

The air-powered 100,000 RPM Pencil Grinder is ideal for high speed cutting and deburring on a variety of materials. It features an ergonomic pencil-type shaft for operator comfort and control. The housing also has a comfortable "non-slip" grip. This rear exhaust tool also features tactile cues on the shaft end to alert the operator to the rotating area. The high speed, turbine-driven air tool has no wearable gears, vanes, or blades, assuring a longer tool life. Ceramic bearings provide optimum performance and reliability. The tool speed is adjustable with a simple twist of an on/off switch.

Dynabrade, Inc.

Featuring polished insert faces and cutting edges, Sumitomo's new AC610M and AC630M grades turn stainless steel and steel with accuracy. Each grade combines advanced substrates and wear resistant A12O3 and TiCN coatings for longer tool life and increased productivity. A suitable choice for the general cutting of stainless steel, the AC630M offers exceptional peeling and notch wear resistance. Featuring plastic deformation control and wear resistance, the AC610M is ideal for applications requiring high-speed and high-efficiency cutting.

Sumitomo Electric Carbide, Inc.

Hougen has introduced a coolant bottle package, available as an accessory for its Model HMD904 portable magnetic drill. Ideal for use in applications involving repetitive hole drilling, the new system assures that adequate levels of coolant are continuously delivered to where it's needed most - the tool's cutting edge. The coolant package is offered complete with the 16 oz. coolant bottle, mounting bracket hose, a coolant inducer and spindle, fittings and full installation instructions.

Hougen Manufacturing, Inc.

Kennametal's new A4 groove & turn inserts for high-productivity grooving, face grooving and cutoff across a variety of materials, are now available in narrow groove widths of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mm, bringing the complete range of A4 sizes from 1.5 to 10-mm. Together with a complete range of A4 toolholders and boring bars, multiple operations are possible from a single toolholder. The A4 inserts feature a double-ended design available in full radius and rectangular types as well as precision-ground and molded-utility styles. The A4 insert features a distinct guide rail on the top and a 120-degree v-prism on the bottom that seat it more securely in the toolholder.

Kennametal Inc.

The Grindex line of water miscible synthetic grinding fluids provide ideal rinsing and settling behaviour required in modern grinding operations. Grindex runs at low concentrations and is best suited for steel and iron. Two versions of Grindex are available: Grindex 10, which is the common version, and Grindex 10CO, which is highly inhibited for carbide grinding to prevent cobalt leaching. Both versions offer excellent corrosion protection, even when used at low concentrations. The fluids are transparent when mixed in water and well-suited for applications using all wheels with any level of grit.

Blaser Swisslube Inc.

Deconex® Cleaning Products for Metals are biodegradable, water-based, and were developed to be used in ultrasonic cleaning and spray wash equipment. Featuring over 30 different formulations, each type of cleaner is optimized to perform a specific process function such as pre-cleaning, degreasing, demulsifying, brightening, removing polymers, and final cleaning.

Technotrade International, Inc.

Rex-Cut® ALPHA-GREEN Stainless Steel Cut-Off Wheels are offered in Type 1 and Type 27 depressed-center styles in 4", 4 1/2", 5", 6", and 7" sizes. Producing a small exit burr, they feature a thin profile and proprietary reinforced resinoid bonding system of aluminum oxide abrasives. Suitable for cutting stainless steel pipe, rod, tubing, and sheet, the wheels are offered in two thin profile sizes: one .040" thick for 60 grit aluminum oxide abrasives and another .045"thick with 46 grit abrasives.

Rex-Cut Products, Inc.

The ARMOR CT line of coated carbide tipped band saw blades is precision engineered to excel at specific metal cutting applications. ARMOR CT is available in Black or Gold, each with a distinctive, application-specific coating to address all metal cutting needs. The blades also feature new, high-performance backing steel for extreme durability. The blades' heat and wear resistant carbide teeth are applied using the company's high-strength carbide weld process which helps to avoid cases where the teeth strip off and become lodged in the work piece.

Lenox

Schneider Electric's new Telemecanique Zelio Count counters, when integrated with detection functions, ensure an accurate complementary counting function for automation systems. These counters are ideally suited for automotive, machining, conveying, packaging, mining, petrochemical, sawmills, pulp/paper and water/wastewater applications. A variety of simple functions, displays and settings are available in three product families: hour counters, totalizers and threshold preselectors, and in two technologies: electronic and electromechanical.

Schneider Electric

The Lista modular Combination Cabinets serve as an ideal solution for storing, securing and moving items of varied size and shape. These cabinets feature full-width top drawer(s), which can store unusually long items safely and securely. The cabinets can be configured with a variety of drawer sizes, either full or shadow depth, and feature an optional shelf or roll-out tray for storage of bulky items. The cabinets are replete with application-specific options.

Lista International Corporation

Tuthill clevises are suitable for situations where a link needs to be easily disconnected. The clevises have optional, easily installed and removable clevis pins that are held in place with a locking spring clip. The clevises, spring clips and pins are all machined from low-carbon steel. The retaining clips, which come in multiple styles, are made from hardened spring steel. All parts are plated with zinc and treated with yellow dichromate, providing excellent resistance to corrosion. The items are available in a full range of sizes in inch measurements. Tuthill Controls Group

Tuthill Controls Group

The Fluke Ti Series thermal imagers are available in six camera models. The Ti20 and Ti30 feature straight forward controls and require very little training to operate. The Ti40, Ti45, Ti50 and Ti55 IR FlexCam® Series infrared cameras are engineered for advanced technicians and professional thermographers. These cameras come standard with new Fluke SmartView™ image management software, a complete suite of powerful analysis, management and reporting tools.

Fluke Electronics Canada

Canadian Industrial Equipment News October 2006

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