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Affordable CNCs and DROs will be demonstrated at MACH 2008 performing milling, machining centre and turning applications and show that price does not compromise performance

Anilam will be demonstrating the easy-to-use yet powerful functionality of its extensive range of CNC systems for milling, machining centre and turning applications (Series 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000) alongside its equally impressive Wizard 411 and Wizard 1000 digital read-outs (DRO). And it will show how price does not compromise performance.

The 2-/3-axis milling Anilam Series 3000M will sit side-by-side with the 3-/4-/5-axis 5000M Series and the multi-axis 6000 Series, as well as the 2-/3-axis 4200T turning system.

The aim, said Anilam, is to highlight their unbeatable cost-to-performance ratios.

Visitors to the stand will be able to learn that Anilam CNCs feature a minimum of 8 Mbytes of RAM (up to 64 Mbytes) and networking capability that boasts auto-sensing at 100Mbit/s for data transmission.

The result is that users can gain improvements of up to 50% in program verification, and performance improvements of 15% in the processing of 8,000-block programs featuring 0.003in step-over increments.

* probing functionality – probing functionality for all industry-standard probes is standard on the 6000 Series (optional on the 3000 and 5000 Series) and, as is usual with all Anilam control functions, probe cycles are easy to use through a graphical/conversational screen.

After a cycle is selected, the appropriate variables are input via simple question and answer routines.

Tool measurement cycles include the following.

* Tool probe calibration.

* Tool length and diameter offset preset.

* Manual tool length and diameter measurement (for special tools).

* Tool breakage, length and diameter wear detection.

Workpiece measurement cycles cover the following functions.

* Edge find – single surface measure/edge.

* Corner out/in – outside/inside part corner find.

* In/out boss – inside/outside hole or boss find.

* In/out web – inside/outside web or slot find.

* Probe move – protected positioning.

* Skew comp – skew error compensation or angle find.

The multi-axis 6000 Series CNC is increasingly gaining approval by original equipment manufacturers and importers of vertical machining centres.

The control combines Anilam’s conversational Machinist’s Language programming routines with G Code programming to create a CNC that has an unrivalled level of functionality and user-friendliness within a single system.

It is supplied as a complete OEM package with a range of nine axis motors rated from 3Nm to 20.5Nm and ten spindle motors covering the power range 4.5kW to 22kW.

These suit the high traverse speeds of up to 30m/min and the up to 10,000 rev/min spindle speeds common on such machines.

The CNC has a powerful 586 DX4 133 PC processor and 16Mbytes of RAM, plus a 12in TFT screen.

It has enhanced mould and die capability (scaling, mirror image, modal corner rounding/chamfering, for example), said Anilam to manufacturingtalk.com, as well as a host of canned cycles including mould rotation and draft angle.

It also features a cam programming mode for interactive programming using icons (moves shown as they are being programmed), menu-driven tooling, tool compensation and interference checking, as well as built-in post-processor.

Simulation graphic functions embrace rapid, feed and compensated moves (colour differentiated) isometric views, auto part fit, window zoom and static tool display, for instance.

Canned cycles include the following.

* Irregular pockets – a simple routine of prompts produces clearances of irregular shapes.

* Geometry – the geometry calculator, for determining points, lines and circles, automatically forms the program foundation.

* Bolt hole pattern and drill cycles are created by simple question and answer routines.

The 6000 Series CNC also features Anilam’s Integral Programmable Intelligence, so there is no need for a separate PLC unit and, compared to older CNC systems accompanied by a separate bank of drives, these are now housed in one compact module.

* Turning – for lathes, the 4200T turning control’s functionality includes create, delete/undelete, list, copy, rename and print, and the system also features constant surface speed as standard, to help guarantee consistent surface finish and extended tool life.

Also, the control can run in several operational modes – including teach mode achieved via single or dual handwheel operation with dual axis interpolation.

* Milling – the Anilam 3300 MK 3-axis milling CNC on show also features the Machinist’s Language coupled with a wide range of standard cycles such as peck drilling, bolt-hole patterns, pocket milling and face milling; advanced cycles including ellipse, spiral, helical, tapping, irregular pocket milling and profile milling, as well as special cycles that include counter boring.

* Borering machines – the stand at MACH 2008 will also highlight how the Anilam Commando CNC has for almost 30 years been synonymous with transforming the performance of manual borers, and in its latest guise harnesses the ease-of-use capabilities of Machinist’s Language in a Series 3000 CNC system.

In its new format driven by 8.1 Gbyte Intel hard drive, Commando complements its ability to automate machine positioning with the offer of on-screen editing and help graphics as well as DXF and G-code conversion to further save operator time and increase machine productivity.

* DROs – of the two Wizard DROs being shown, the 1-/2-/3-axis Anilam 411 (which complements the 4-axis Wizard 1000) is an ‘entry-level’ DRO.

It has powerful functionality, substantial technical service back-up and three-year warranty reassurances that belie its low-cost price tag making it incomparable with any other product available in the global low-cost DRO marketplace, said Anilam.

In addition to standard functionality embracing tool offsets, sub datums, linear patterns (row, frame, array), PCD calculations (full and partial) and vectoring, the ultra-reliable all diecast-constructed Wizard 411 sets itself apart from other systems courtesy of LCD screen (the only DRO available using this technology) plus sealed membrane keypad and powerful canned functions for incline, arc, rectangular frame and rectangular pocket routines.

Complemented by ENC 125 precision glass scales that boast a resolution of five microns and an accuracy rating of 10 micron/m, the Wizard 411’s ease of set-up and use is also signified by the fact that the system will be shopped with a two-page quick reference set-up guide rather than a handbook.

* Anilam at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21- 25, Hall 5, Stand 5011.

A company, which has taken over the UK agency for the Japanese Nisshinbo CNC punching machines, press brakes and shears, recommends Radan’s CAD/CAM systems for their programming

Machine tool trading company RPA has been involved in the sheet metalworking market for some 17 years, specialising in the supply of CNC punch presses. The company recommends Radan’s powerful sheet metal CAD/CAM software. RPA’s chief engineer. John Nobles, said: ‘Well established worldwide, Radan’s success lies in its wealth of industry experience.

It was established when NC machines had computers the size of an office and only 52k of memory.

Yet the company is so on top of today’s ‘game’ that, in the heart of China, it was already proven on Yawei machines months before Nisshinbo-Japan had given the punch presses its seal of approval for export to Europe and the US’.

RPA’s team of machine tool engineers supports the whole range of CNC sheet metalworking machines, as follows.

* press brakes (brake presses).

* Guillotines.

* Laser cutting and profiling systems.

* De-coilers.

* Plasma-arc cutting machines.

* punching machines and CNC turret punch presses.

RPA’s main business activity revolves around a continuous machine rebuild programme buying used machines, subjecting them to a full ‘blueprint’ refurbishment and then recommissioning them as warranted rebuilds.

Six years ago Nisshinbo withdrew from the European machine tool market and appointed RPA as its sole agent for punching machines, press brakes and shears for the UK, Ireland and the Middle East.

This involves holding all of the machine records and an extensive stock of consigned spares.

Meanwhile, Nisshinbo set up an engineering base within Yawei Machine Tools of China to oversee the redesign and manufacture of a new range of punching machines.

RPA’s general sales manager, Sonny Brown, said: ‘We were also appointed as Yawei-Nisshinbo agent for the UK, providing sales and support and continuing to recommend Radan to all of our customers.

The re-introduction of the Nisshinbo machines to the UK market has resulted in the two companies working much closer together’.

RPA’s initial launch of Nisshinbo equipment will concentrate on the HPI and HPH range of punching machines.

This CNC hydraulic 300kN (30 tonf) punching machine design has an all bridge-framed structure and has axis ranges of 1250 x 1250mm to 1500 x 2500mm.

Competitively priced, they carry even higher specifications than the earlier Nisshinbos, said RPA.

The design includes the following features.

* Powered clamps and tool hoists.

* Brush tables.

* Lowered die mounts for easy changing.

* Multiplicity of auto-index stations.

* Twin-track turret layouts.

‘The machine rebuild programme continues, but we have found it necessary to introduce material handling as an option,’ said Nobles.

‘Our customers are now able to purchase affordable used machines with all the facilities offered with new equipment and the ability to work ‘lights out”.

Nobles added: ‘This has involved more extensive use of Radan software, as the customer requires a more holistic approach to the introduction of part programming onto the shop floor’.

* About RPA – since 1990 Berkshire-based machine tool trading company RPA Limited has specialised in the supply and support of both new and warranted rebuild CNC punch presses.

Please visit .

* About Radan – Radan is the most powerful sheet metal CAD/CAM software in the world, helping customers increase their material utilisation and reduce inventory and offers a significant return on investment.

Radan is a principal brand of the Planit Group recently ranked by CIMdata as the worl’’s fastest growing CAM vendor, with most industrial users.

* About Planit – Planit is a global supplier of design and manufacturing software for the engineering, woodworking and stone industries.

The company provides its customers with products and services that enable them to improve the productivity of their machine tools, shorten design and manufacturing time, optimise material usage and deliver high quality goods and services to their customers.

Planit’s solutions are best-in-class within their respective markets and are integral to the success of thousands of companies of every size around the globe. Request a free brochure from Radan Computational….

Mill/turn centre has a lower turret equipped with a 60mm Y-axis traverse that increases capability for new processing applications and cutting tools

With a lower turret equipped with a 60 mm Y-axis, Yamazaki Mazak UK said that the versatility of its Integrex e-420H-ST II mill/turn centre is considerably expanded. It delivers increased capability for new processing applications and cutting tools. The ability to mount turning tools, tailstock, steady rest attachment or special fixtures on the lower turret opens up numerous machining possibilities for delivering maximum productivity from a single machine tool.

The Integrex e-420H-ST II has upper turret axis travels of 845mm and 420mm (X and Y) complemented by a lower turret with axis travels of 232mm and 60mm (X and Y) and upper and lower Z-axis movements of 2088mm and 1893mm respectively.

Yamazaki Mazak told manufacturingtalk.com that the machine can meet almost any kind of production requirements.

These large and multiple axis movements are combined with powerful main and second spindles (4000 rev/min, 30kW), both equipped with C-axis, which is capable of the smallest of incremental movements.

For rotary tool applications the upper B-axis spindle is a 12,000 rev/min, rated at 22kW, while the lower rotary tool spindle is a 6000 rev/min, 5.5kW unit.

* Reducing manufacturing costs – this combination of machining capacity and power makes the Integrex e-420H-ST II a complete fusion of machining centre and turning centre to provide a machining platform capable of reducing manufacturing costs through improved productivity.

The Mazak e-machines fully embrace the Information Technology age and bring the idea of the ‘intelligent machine tool’ to reality.

The Mazatrol Matrix control has been developed with a number of intelligent functions that assist the operation of the machine and allow communication between the machine tool, control and the manufacturing/production system in operation within a factory.

These functions also provide both management and operator with a wide range of relevant production information and feedback.

For example, the e-tower, which is integral with the e-machine, provides the operator with, for example, set-up support and access to operating and maintenance manuals and work schedules.

Management, in turn, can download programs, scheduling data and component drawings, while receiving real-time information relating to machine and job status.

** Yamazaki Mazak UK at MACH 2008, NEC, Birmingham, UK, April 21-25, Hall 5, Stand 5360. Request a free brochure from Yamazaki Mazak UK….

Southfield, MICHIGAN, February 6, 2008: Planit announced today that it will demonstrate the latest releases of Edgecam and Radan in booth 3076 at the WESTEC Advanced Productivity Exposition, taking place on March 31 – April 3, 2008, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California. This premier event presents manufacturing & metalworking technologies used in the production of world-class products. WESTEC is expected to attract manufacturing professionals ranging from company executives to production engineers.

Edgecam will demonstrate Version 12 of its market-leading CAM system for solids based manufacturing, which expands on its 5-axis machining capabilities and delivers improved CAD data management, faster toolpath generation and new options for hole cycle optimization. Edgecam Version 12 extends the range of 5-axis machine tool support to include head/table configurations for both simultaneous and positional work. This is supported by full machine simulation to aid visualization of the machining process and verify work setup. The complete machine can be displayed, including all table/head and tool movements, helping to ensure safe operation and process optimization.

Radan will demonstrate the newly released version of its industry leading CAD/CAM software for sheet metal applications. Radan 08 delivers improved processing times, enhanced 3D import capabilities and significant nesting improvements. Radan will also demonstrate advancements to RadbendCNC, its off-line press brake programming package.

Education and training are critical to production and cost efficiency. The WESTEC conference includes SME-sponsored technical programming addressing advanced manufacturing technologies and processes. WESTEC is co-sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), and the American Machine Tool Distributors’ Association (AMTDA).

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About Planit
Planit is the world’s largest supplier of design and manufacturing software for the engineering, woodworking and stone-cutting industries, with more than 85,000 industrial seats installed at thousands of customer sites around the globe. The company’s Alphacam, Cabinet Vision, Cabnetware, Edgecam, Jobshop and Radan solutions are best-in-class within their respective markets, providing customers with products and services to improve the productivity of their machine tools, shorten design and manufacturing time, optimize material usage, and deliver high quality goods and services to their customers. For additional information, visit www.planit.com.

About SME:
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is the world’s leading professional society supporting manufacturing education. Through its member programs, publications, expositions and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and helps keep manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. Headquartered in Michigan, SME influences more than half a million manufacturing practitioners and executives annually. The Society has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of hundreds of technical communities and chapters worldwide.

Contact: Jane Briscoe
Telephone: 651-982-0100 ext. 5515
Emai: Email Contact        

Planit Solutions Inc.
25 North Lake Street
Forest Lake, MN 55025

 New PanelMaster Pro Series CNC Router Designed Specifically for Nested-Based Manufacturing

New Hyde Park, NY -Techno is proud to introduce the PanelMaster Pro Series CNC Router. Designed specifically to meet the demands of nested-based manufacturing, the PanelMaster Pro is constructed of large heavy tubing that is welded and stress-relieved, the perfect foundation for our precision drive system. Comprised of precision ball screw drives on all three axes, THK rails and bearings, high-speed closed-loop servomotor and drives, the PanelMaster Pro’s precision drive system ensures minimal maintenance, machine longevity and superior machine performance.

A unique new feature of the PanelMaster Pro Series is the double beam assembly which includes four linear rails, twelve linear bearings, double ball nut, joined together with a welded reinforced cross beam assembly. This engineered assembly optimizes the machines performance resulting in overall superior cut quality. All models come equipped with a 10HP Automatic Tool Change Spindle with 7 position tool station, (6) zone vacuum table, and 10HP Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump. Additionally, this machine comes complete with a new computer system that has Techno’s Windows PC-based CNC Interface installed and configured before the machine is shipped. The new PanelMaster Pro series follows Techno’s traditional easy-to-use and operate philosophy so that customers can be up and running as quickly as possible, getting a return of their investment.

For additional information on PanelMaster Pro Series CNC Router, call 800-819-3366 to speak with an applications engineer or visit the web at www.technocnc.com

Contact: Roy Valentine

Techno Introduces PanelMaster Pro Series CNC Router