Mold & Die Making

The new a51nx and a61nx horizontal machining centers from Makino (Mason, OH) offer larger work envelops and next-generation productivity, accuracy and reliability according to the supplier. Improved casting designs and spindle and axis guide enhancements lead to rigidity, speed and precision far beyond that of typical 40-taper machines.

The latest iteration of the MoldTrax mold maintenance tracking system is now available from principal distributor Progressive Components (Wauconda, IL). Version offers insightful upgrades and new functions that make tracking mold maintenance even easier.

The new F5-5XR vertical machining center from Makino (Mason, OH) combines the speed, precision and flexibility required for tight tolerance, five-axis, hard-milling applications. Based upon the F5, the F5-5XR represents an affordable five-axis solution for complex machining of tooling.

Demag is the first manufacturer to receive the Hoist Manufacturer Institute (HMI) certification for its DC line of electric chain hoists. HMI is a trade association affiliated with the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA).

Methods Machine Tools, Inc., (Sudbury, MA) has debuted a series of high-performance Feeler vertical machining centers incorporating extensive engineering input from Methods. "The rugged, reliable Feeler VMC line is now further enhanced with design and engineering by Methods," says Paul Hurtig, Feeler product manager, Methods Machine Tools, Inc. Feeler machines are manufactured by Taiwan's Fair Friend Group (FFG), one of the world's largest machine-tool builders with major manufacturing operations in Taiwan, China, Japan, and the U.S.

Complex tooling jobs need not consume undue machining time with the latest CNC machining center controller from Fanuc CNC America (Hoffman Estates, IL).

The 30i-B Series CNC Control supersedes the 30i-A Series and offers enhanced features and functions with advancements in operability and maintainability including a USB memory port, enhancements in dual safety check, and laser functionality.

Positional accuracy of ±5 µm is delivered with speeds up to 30 m/min through a combination of linear scales on all axes driven by larger motors and drives in the German-made Datron M10 Pro series.

Available in the U.S. through Datron Dynamics Inc. (Milford, NH), the M10 Pro has a direct-drive, liquid-chilled, 40,000-rpm spindle using HSK-25E tool holders with <1 µm run-out. High-speed CNC control is featured for three to six axes.

Chatter-free cutting, agility for high-speed/hard-milling, and accuracies for tight-tolerance blends and matches typical of complex, 3D contoured geometry associated with tool production are delivered in the latest vertical machining center offering from Makino (Mason, OH).

A compact high-speed machining center that features a 30,000-rpm spindle and 20 by 20 inches of work area within its 59-by-55-inch footprint is billed as an economical means of milling, drilling, and engraving aluminum, plastics, stainless steel, brass, and exotic composites. The German-made M75 machine marketed by Datron Dynamics Inc. (Milford, NH) has a solid granite machining table and it is recommended for the production of panels and housings, milling profiles, and 2D or 3D engraving.

Exacting accuracy in contoured parts and the ability to accomplish five-face machining, thereby eliminating setups, reducing lead times, improving quality, and cutting costs, are attributes of the S56-5XB vertical machining center from Makino (Mason, OH).

Equipped with a 40-by-20-inch worktable with associated travels of 36 by 20 by 18 inches, the unit’s table-mounted tilt/trunnion provides full five-axis capability while the remaining table surface can be used for three-axis work.