From automated work cells to soft-metal grinding wheels, these newly released products are facilitating the fabrication of metal parts for the aerospace industry.
From automated work cells to soft-metal grinding wheels, these newly released products are facilitating the fabrication of metal parts for the aerospace industry.
Work Cell Designed for the Additive Repair of Turbine Parts
Produced by Optomec Inc. (optomec.com) and Acme Mfg. (acmemfg.com), the fully automated work cell for the additive repair of turbine parts features a repair capacity of 85,000 titanium compressor blades per year. It is optimized for repairing aviation compressor blades made of titanium. The turnkey solution Includes seamless integration of prep, additive repair, and finishing functions. The entry-level work cell consists of three stations that enable blade tip grinding, 3D additive laser cladding, and postclad finishing. It also includes an automated pallet load/unload station, a pallet flipping station, and a robotic material handling system. Each machine in the work cell is capable of automatically adjusting tool paths to accommodate blade-to-blade variations resulting from normal wear and distortion during service.
The fully automated work cell for the additive repair of turbine parts by Optomec and Acme Mfg.
CNC Machine Produces Cutting Tools
Offered by ANCA (anca.com), the MX7 ULTRA CNC machine manufactures large volumes of endmills and other cutting tools. Offering a nanometer axis, the machine can maintain a line form accuracy of +/– 0.002 mm for any profile that includes ballnose and corner radius endmills, which are widely used in the aerospace and power generation industries. It showcases software, hardware, and design features that enhance surface finish, accuracy, and controlled runout, providing batch consistency from the first ground tool to the thousandth. It also features a nanometer control system, a servo-control algorithm for smooth motion, system and mechanical upgrades for enhanced stiffness and rigidity, in-process measuring, balancing and runout compensation for consistent accuracy, and motor temperature control to compensate for thermal expansion on the grinding spindle.
The fully automated work cell for the additive repair of turbine parts by Optomec and Acme Mfg.
Grinding Wheels Suited for Soft Metals
Made by Norton | Saint-Gobain Abrasives (nortonabrasives.com), the Norton for Aluminum thin wheels perform right angle cutting and grinding of aluminum and other nonferrous soft metals. Their extra-friable and self-sharpening aluminum oxide grain results in aggressive, fast cutting that resists loading and minimizes heat on the workpiece. The wheels feature a 5/8–11 in. hub for quick, tool-free wheel changes; a contaminate-free bond that does not require waxes or lubricants, thus helping to keep the metal surfaces clean for defect-free, corrosion-free welding; and a double-coarse-layer construction that adds versatility to back-grinding and notching applications. The wheels are designed for the following industries: aluminum and metal fabrication, shipbuilding, automotive and transportation, aerospace, and construction. They come in 1/4-in. grinding type 27, 1/8-in. cutting/notching/grinding type 27, 0.045-in. right angle cut-off types 01/ 41 and 27/ 42, and straight cut-off type 01/ 41.
The Norton for Aluminum thin wheels by Norton | Saint-Gobain.
Knurling and Marking Tools Accommodate a Variety of Surfaces
Created by Hommel + Keller Precision Tools GmbH (hommel-keller.de), the QUICK® knurling and marking tools make it possible to imprint workpieces on a variety of surfaces and part geometries in seconds. Through single marking segments, the marking text can be individually customized. The tools are available in two diameters for interchangeable lettering and custom logos. They are designed for applications requiring absolute precision and first-rate surface quality. They can be used across multiple industries, including medical, aerospace, automotive, and fitness. For both form knurling and cut knurling, the tools fulfill the most stringent quality standards and accomplish difficult tasks. The knurling tools are available for use on a range of workpiece diameters, including small tools for Swiss type lathes from Ø 1.5 mm.
The QUICK® knurling and marking tools by Hommel + Keller Precision Tools GmbH.
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