IMTS 2016 hits the Windy City

Heidenhain will showcase its brand new QUADRA-CHEK 3000 digital readout, Heidenhain encoders (including RCN 6000 angle encoder and LC 100 linear scale), and TNC control/capabilities. ETEL’s TMB+ torque motors, as well as the well-known ACU-RITE MILLPWRG2 CNC control with enhanced features will also be shown. QUADRA-CHEK 3000 – HEIDENHAIN’s sleek new QUADRA-CHEK 3000 evaluation electronics box measures 2-D geometrical features quickly and easily, using technology that, up to this point, has only been available on PC systems. ETEL’s TMB+ Torque Motors – This newest line of ETEL’s next generation direct drive torque motors improves upon the TMB series with even greater material quality, new size additions (62 sizes up from 50), higher force density and more winding options. These motors can achieve peak torque values up to 44,000 Nm.

Siemens is just one of many companies showcasing new technology. At IMTS 2016 Siemens will present a new concept for work process efficiency surrounding the Sinumerik 840D sl CNC control in the form of Smart Operation. Job shops will benefit particularly from the use of Smart Operation, as it allows all kinds of work at the machine tool to be performed with greater flexibility and speed and helps boost productivity. The new concept encompasses aspects such as job preparation, IT networking, improved usability with touch operation and the use of mobile devices to perform monitoring and control functions. In short, Smart Operation significantly simplifies the integration of machines into the production process. Smart Operation does not require support by IT specialists and can be implemented independently by machine operators — meaning that companies can implement the individual functions using minimal financial and organizational resources.

Delcam, an Autodesk company since 2014, will be at IMTS 2016 to show its recent developments in automation for 5Axis machining, intelligent manufacturing systems and inspection. New CAM software algorithms in PowerMILL have made programming 5-axis mills easier, including digitally verifying the code for safety once programmed. PowerMILL can undertake complete verification of a project for machine-tool issues such as collisions, rather than having to undertake verification of each individual toolpath in turn. Comprehensive verification is performed, including ensuring that the machine tool is capable of running the proposed strategy, as well as checking for both machine-tool and tooling collisions, during cutting moves and for all leads and links, including machine-tool movements as tool changes are executed.

The Kurt DoveLock dovetail 5-Axis vise line is expanded with a new reverse model and smaller foot print model. DoveLock provides up to 4,000 lb of precision clamping force. The DoveLock dovetail holding feature requires only 1/8-in. of material height to hold the part. All DoveLock 5 axis vises are manufactured from 4140 steel. Kurt’s IMTS 2016 exhibit also will include an expanded small machine table workholding lineup ranging in size from a 5.00-in. length up to a 15.500-in. length vise.