TH Machine Tools, South African Agent for Hurco, has some of the latest Hurco turning centres, featuring the newest controls in its showroom. While TH was appointed official agent in 2019, the company has already been working with Hurco going back to 2015. Over the years TH personnel have received extensive training at Hurco in the UK and thus are perfectly equipped to support and assist customers in South Africa with any problem they might encounter. TH is looking forward to presenting the latest Hurco technology to existing and new customers alike.
Hurco has helped TH Machine Tools to continue working with existing clients across the country and establish new connections. This continued connection has helped multiple clients to purchase more machines and to add new equipment to continually grow their capabilities.
TH Machine Tools has an extensive range of machines available from Hurco, not just focusing on large manufacturing plants. Smaller machine shops may be interested to know that herculean centres like the TMX12Mi have many smaller brothers to choose from, like the TM6i, which has a turning length of 340mm.
This range of options allows clients to easily find a machine that not only fits their budget but can perfectly fit within their available space. Add to this the unique and intuitive WinMax interface that allows for quick and easy operation.
For more information, please contact TH Machine Tools – Tel: 012 259 1375.
TaeguTec’s HUSH-BORE is a head-exchangeable, vibration-free boring bar line for deep internal turning with a damping system in the shank that can achieve deep internal machining by more than 5XBD(bar diameter). This remarkable damping performance allows the workpiece to have very good surface roughness, which prolongs tool life and promotes stable machining. It also means increased feed and cutting speeds, making it a more productive option.
While the depth of machining in internal turning varies based on the type of shank material used, carbide boring bars are suitable up to 5XBD and steel boring bars up to 3XBD.Yet, even with carbide boring bars, deep internal turning is still a very challenging task.
Since its launch, the anti-vibration HUSH-BORE line for deep internal machining has received very positive comments from numerous customers. In response, TaeguTec has added 12xD and 14xD shanks to its line-up of already available 7xD and 10xD shanks, providing even deeper internal turning solutions to the HUSH-BORE’s damping technology.
Shanks for the HUSH-BORE line are available as standard items in 7 different diameters (Ø16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50, and 60 mm) and in 4 lengths (7XBD, 10XBD, 12XBD and 14XBD). The various exchangeable heads can be securely fastened with serrated couplings located in the boring bars.
While TaeguTec has introduced its top-tier WIN-SFEED technology to the HUSH-BORE boring bar family of highly efficient cutting tools, the launch of a new Ø80 mm shank and a dedicated head has expanded TaeguTec’s reach in the deep internal machining market.
Available in two types, a modular head with standard inserts for machining various materials and an adapter that can machine while fastened to a standard square holder, allowing for relatively large-diameter internal machining.
Additionally, TaeguTec provides specialized sleeves that improve the set-up time of the HUSH-BORE boring bars, making it quick and simple. These specific sleeves with a one-sided slit maintain a robust clamping force and high precision because of their wide contact area when combined with the new HUSH-BORE shank.
To further diversify the HUSH-BORE family’s range, TaeguTec offers modular threading heads for both 16 IR/L… and 22 IR/L… inserts. The new modular heads are compatible with both HUSH-BORE shanks and C-ADAPTERs with HUSH-BORE head connections.
For internal grooving of deep holes, TaeguTec’s HUSH-BORE uses the highly effective and productive T-CLAMP line of inserts, thereby achieving ranges between 2-6 mm. They can be mounted on the existing HUSH-BORE shanks as well as head-changeable C-ADAPTERs.
Although internal grooving negatively impacts surface finish due to vibrations caused by long overhangs, using HUSH-BORE grooving products achieve good surface roughness, even in deep internal grooving of 5xD or higher and offers improved tool life and excellent machining performance.
For more information please contact TaeguTec – Tel: 011 362-1500.
When you come across chatter, how do you get rid of it?
Chattering in machining is the unwanted harmonic vibration of a workpiece and a cutting tool caused by several reasons. Chatter ruins machining precision and reduces productivity. Even though your machine has high rigidity, it happens. Here are a few things that you can do to mitigate chatter:
Fix work holding
Shorten up your tool holder
Shorten the stick out of your tool
Change the programming
Modify the cutting speed and feed rate
Add fixturing and support for the part
However, it is hard to find out the specific reason for the vibration. Even if you could eliminate chatter, another problem would occur. For example, when you change the cutting speed, it often affects your cycle time.
Therefore, as machinists, chatter is our common enemy. We want to mitigate it as soon as possible and do not want to ruin our day. This is why Nakamura-Tome’s Chatter Canceller is a wonderful feature; it is a handy, effortless and a quick solution against chatter.
Why Chatter Canceller?
The Chatter Canceller suppresses chatter by accelerating and decelerating the speed of spindle rotation periodically. When chatter occurs during machining, you may usually adjust the spindle override to avoid vibration. However, you need to be there in front of the machine to operate the control panel. This function automates such operations.
The Chatter Canceller stands out with its easy programming. It can be executed by inserting two lines of M code between a machining command.
Of course, no matter how good the machine or the program is, if the work holding is not good, vibration will be generated physically. Therefore, the work holding is fundamentally important. In addition, chatter can be solved by changing the cutting condition of OD and ID turning or adjusting the length of the stick out of the tool, but if you use the Chatter Canceller, you can easily eliminate the vibration and reduce the impact on the cycle time and tools. So, we strongly recommend you use this function.
The Chatter Canceller is standard equipment on models except the TW-8, SC-200, SC-200L, SC-250, SC-450 and SC-450L. In addition, this function has been equipped with machines since May 2021.
For More information, contact WD Hearn – Tel: 021 534 5351.
With the W1011-P, Walter is bringing a copy turning system to the market which will maximise process reliability and cost-efficiency compared to conventional systems. This is primarily thanks to its much greater stability when copy turning with relief grooves of up to 50°. Unlike VCMT and DCMT inserts, the system’s new three-edged WL25 indexable inserts are precisely secured in the toolholder by a prism in the insert seat and on the insert itself.
This ensures that the insert cannot move in the toolholder. In addition to high process reliability and precision thanks to highly accurate indexing, both when turning the inserts to the next cutting edge and when replacing them, this provides over 50% greater accuracy when compared to ISO inserts. Moreover, the system increases tool life thanks to the option to machine in both directions of movement, meaning that the two cutting edges can be used.
The copy turning system also uses WL25 indexable inserts, which further increases its cost-efficiency. Three cutting edges, rather than two cutting edges on VCMT inserts, with wear-resistant cutting tool materials in addition to precision cooling improve tool life.
The same applies to the universal usability of the W1011-P system. Its four insert types (neutral, left-hand, right-hand and full-radius versions) for different profiling angles and applications fit into the same toolholder and mean that it can be used for all ISO materials (P, M, S and K). Potential areas of application include copy turning, e.g. for drive shafts, ball bearings and valves, etc. and dynamic turning, particularly for operations which use a different or alternating machining direction. This allows users to increase cost-efficiency by up to 75% in finishing up to medium machining operations.
For more information, please contact Spectra Carbide Tooling Technology – Tel: 021 555 4144.
SPHOORTI manufactures and globally supplies, a wide range of tool discs and tool holders for any make and any model CNC Lathe, CNC Turning Center or CNC Turn Mill Center with any type of Turret, such as BOT, VDI, BMT and VTP.
Over the years, SPHOORTI established a state of the art and world class infrastructure. For the production of Tool Discs and Tool Holders, the company sources machine tools from well-known manufacturers, including:
SPHOORTI supplies tool discs and tool holders to European countries including Germany, Italy, Poland, Austria, Spain, France, Netherlands, Czech Republic, UK, Sweden and to other countries like USA, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand etc.
In South Africa SPHOORTI is in Partnership with Spectra Carbide Tooling Technology (PTY) Ltd.
For more information, please contact Spectra Carbide Tooling Technology – Tel: 021 555 4144.
ISCAR introduces new TOP-GRIP TGMA inserts with T-land in the width range of 3-6 mm, suitable for machining cast iron. These new inserts are made from IC5010 SUMO TEC CVD grade.
The frontal and side T-land provide a very strong edge that extends tool life in cast iron applications when compared to the existing TGMF insert.
The combination of the optimized edge geometry and dedicated grade for cast iron, together with the economical advantages of the TOP-GRIP line, provides a winning solution when it comes to performance and price for cast iron grooving applications.
For more information, please contact ISCAR South Africa (PTY) LTD – Tel: 011 997-2700.
By Paul Savides, Managing Director, PBS Machine Tools
Bankers are lucky, through interest they can make money even while they sleep. Yet, manufacturing challenges are increasing on a daily basis, so what about your engineering operation?
There are three methods to improve your efficiency:
Production Automation: Wages and salary increases without improvements in efficiency and the decline in young people wanting to work in a difficult work environment that is our industry.
Therefore, production automation reduces labour costs, while increasing value gained through predictable quality and reduced operational errors.
Information Automation: Constant working hours allows for errors due to fatigue and the loss of data when job/shift handover from one employee to another.
Therefore, information automation will provide transparent information and production status datalization with on time delivery and monitoring of product line from anywhere.
Management Automation: Information misinterpretation across shift changes and too much time spent on data capturing and report writing.
Therefore, data collection by the system reduces human error and digitization management builds up product traceability.
Depending on the variety of products you are manufacturing, it is sometimes difficult finding the right, suitable automation solution.
Mass production of a single product workpiece can be achieved through pairing an individual machine with a robot.
Increased production and quality rates can be achieved by integrating more than two machines that share the process, fixtures and tools.
High-Mix Medium-Volume production can be economically achieved by using a multiple pallet pool or flexible manufacturing systems that enable high frequency exchange of the production line through high accuracy fixture transfer.
High-Mix Low-Volume production means enabling production lines requiring high variety of products to be restructured with high frequency, making it a highly flexible manufacturing system.
The problems when implementing the various levels of required automation are mostly discovered after implementation and can include:
Production rates that are lower than expected due to poor utilization rates including robotic idle time.
Automation process errors requiring constant stopping, modification and testing due to unattainable targets.
Complex data exchange and communication errors when connecting to other systems make integration difficult.
Problems with monitoring and management of automation lines that suddenly stop due to equipment or system failures.
Lack of quality management that ensures no defective parts are processed and eliminated from the system in time.
The above is where the Tongtai Group of Companies comes into play by using Analysis and Evaluation, Hardware and Software Integration and Datalization Management to assist users to predict and solve potential issues.
The simplest manufacturing can be achieved through using Multi-Tasking machines where you can integrate different processes into a single machine which reduces labour, thus saving money, saving floor space, while increasing production space utilization and reducing the number of operations required. Stability and accuracy is maximized and productivity improved.
What we have learnt working with our customers
In mass production environments change-overs occur least often, if at all. Whereas in jobbing environments change-overs are far more frequent and can cause loss of entire shifts.
One of the biggest losses of time during milling operations occurs during change-over. Changing over from one job to the next involves tooling, fixture, programs and operations. Having a 5-axis milling machine for example with multiple pallets can eliminate this loss of time completely.
APEC CNC, a member of the Tongtai group recently introduced their new high-speed, heavy-duty model HS-700 Horizontal 5 axis machining centre with multi pallet system at Timtos in Taiwan. This type of machinery can be used as a full 5 axis machine that is capable of machining 5 sides of a workpiece in one set up with an X-axis of 710mm, Y-Axis 910mm and Z-axis 810mm complete with 32, 60 or 120 tools ATC that provides flexibility and variety. In this case a good choice is to fill the ATC with pre-set tooling that can be used in a variety of different jobs and set up multiple pallets that can accomplish increased productivity and allow the machine to work unattended.
We are just a phone call away for a free consultation to discuss your application – and production needs.
For more information please contact PBS Machine Tools – Tel: 011 914-3360.
Colchester & Harrison manual lathes are renowned worldwide for quality and reliability. Built to withstand rugged, heavy duty use, these lathes give years of outstanding service with the absolute minimum of maintenance. At the same time, all Colchester & Harrison manual lathes are capable of very fine precision turning.
VS manual lathes produce outstanding results not least due to their infinitely variable spindle speed feature. The standard ACU-RITE CSS DRO allows exactly the right speed for every job so tools perform better, cycle times are optimised and quality improves.
The entire range gives you exceptional ease of use and a huge choice of optional and ancillary equipment guarantees top of the range performance even for the most complex and challenging jobs.
With the investment in modern machine tool manufacturing technology, plant and assembly techniques, coupled with the latest quality-driven methodology and business practices, Colchester & Harrison are able to provide the same traditional solution to customers as yesteryear. However, today, customers have the additional benefit of a machine tool building company driven by the ambition of a ‘world-class’ strategy.
Magnum / V660
104mm spindle bore with 155mm option
Heavy duty 22kW (30hp) spindle motor
1500 to 4000mm gap bed length options available
Heavy duty variable speed spindle drive in 3 ranges from 18 -1800 rpm
(1000rpm on 155mm bore option)
670mm swing over bed
Induction hardened and ground bed
Precision hardened and ground gears in headstock
Magnum LS / V800
104mm spindle bore with 155 and 230mm options
Heavy duty 22kW (30hp) spindle motor
1500 to 4000mm gap bed length options now available
Heavy duty variable speed spindle drive in 3 ranges from 18 -1800rpm
(1000rpm on 155mm bore and 600rpm on 230mm options)
820mm swing over bed
Induction hardened and ground bed
Precision hardened and ground gears in headstock
Student / M300
Fully geared headstock with 12 spindle speeds from 40-2500rpm
2.2kW (3hp) spindle motor
635mm and 1000mm bed length options
330mm swing over bed
D1-4 Camlock spindle nose
Induction hardened and ground bed
Fully universal gearbox with most metric and imperial threads catered for
Built to standards DIN 8606 and BS4656 Part 1
Optional DRO (no CSS)
Super high precision taper roller spindle bearings
The “number 1” choice for training establishments worldwide
For more information, contact 600 SA Machine Tools – Cell: 072 157 6003
Back in the seventies, ISCAR introduced SELF-GRIP, the brand name of the original blockbuster parting tool design concept. According to the design concept of the SELF-GRIP tool a pressed carbide insert was clamped into a tool blade using the blade’s elastic forces without the need for mechanical securing elements. At that time, other manufacturers also attempted to clamp inserts into a parting tool using the same principle. However, it was ISCAR that invented a reliable, truly workable concept that set the benchmark for parting applications.
The SELF-GRIP tool proved to be a game changer in parting. Shortly after its inauguration, similar designs by other producers appeared in the metal cutting market. ISCAR had already established its name as the authority in parting applications and quickly became the unrivalled leader in the industry. Today, there is no question why ISCAR’s ongoing inventions of new parting tools attract great interest and deserve such close attention.
In parting, the rigidity of insert clamping is a key factor. The desire to achieve sensible and economical use of workpiece material dictates the ultimate reduction in cutting width. An increase in the diameter of the workpiece leads to the increase of the tool’s overhang. The narrow width of the insert and the blade can degrade the tool’s dynamic behaviour and ultimately affects machining performance. Improving clamping rigidity and increasing the tool strength to assure effective cutting under unfavourable cutting conditions are key factors when designing a parting tool.
ISCAR’s SELF-GRIP tool concept was a breakthrough, which aspires its prolific R&D engineers to continue improving the concept today. The “classical” SELF-GRIP tool line has been upgraded and considerably expanded with new geometries and remarkable approaches to parting metal productively. The evolution of ISCAR’s parting tools exemplifies a logical progression of development by use of highly engineered solutions throughout several generations of R&D engineers.
Pinpointed high pressure coolant (HPC) provides competitive advantages for better parting performance by decreasing temperatures at the cutting zone and by assuring excellent chip breaking, which substantially improves surface finish and prolongs tool life. In machining difficult-to-cut heat-resistant super alloys and austenitic stainless steel, HPC reduces or even eliminates the built-up edge phenomenon. High pressure coolant is highly advantageous in parting operations.
The production of effective inner coolant channels in thin tool blades is a difficult engineering task. ISCAR has provided robust solutions to contend with this problem. One of these solutions is offered through DO-GRIP parting tools, developed several years after the successful launch of the SELF-GRIP tool line. A DO-GRIP tool carries an insert with two cutting edges situated at opposite ends. The edges are twisted relative to each other; thus, the non-working edge does not limit the cutting depth of the tool.
DO-GRIP parting blade with inner high pressure coolant channels.
The PENTACUT family of tools that mount star-shaped carbide inserts were originally designed for parting small-in-diameter workpieces, tubes and thin-wall parts. These cost-efficient inserts provide five indexable cutting edges and a highly economical utilization of tungsten carbide. The inserts are clamped in the insert pocket by a screw that passes through the insert’s central hole. The evolutionary stages of the 5 cornered insert proved to be difficult when utilizing PENTACUT inserts for large diameter workpieces. To successfully contend with this task, the insert needed to grow in size which made the task technically problematic and economically impractical.
The solution was found in the PENTA-IQ-GRIP – a family of parting tools that also mounts indexable inserts with five cutting edges. The family enables parting workpieces in diameters of up to 40 mm (1.5″). Due to an innovative dovetail securing principle, the tools utilize relatively small-sized inserts and provide highly rigid clamping which significantly increases tool life, improved part straightness and surface finish in parting applications. In addition, there are PENTA-IQ-GRIP tools with an HPC option.
PENTA-IQ-GRIP tool with dovetail clamping mechanism provides high pressure coolant supply in two directions.
The SELF-GRIP clamping concept utilized the elastic behaviour of a parting blade. This attribute paved the road for a new and improved parting system which took clamping stiffness to a new level. TANG-GRIP functions on the principle of supreme support for the insert to counteract cutting forces applied on the tool during the operation. The orientation of the slot that functions as an insert pocket was changed compared to the SELF-GRIP tool design, and therefore support is achieved by the long and rigid rear wall of the pocket. TANG-GRIP has a solid stopper, unlike the friction retaining force that characterizes most parting systems that feature a self-clamping insert. This mechanical design feature eliminates insert pull out during retraction. Significantly improved rigidity results in noticeably increased tool and pocket life. Together, with a robust insert design and a reinforced cutting edge, TANG-GRIP enables parting at exceptionally high feed rates, consequently increasing productivity to new extremes.
Notwithstanding, there appears to be another side of the ‘parting’ coin. Increasing the feed rate causes an increase of cutting force components. The situation worsens when the diameter of a bar and depth of penetration become larger. This results in blade deflection, which can become a significant factor in affecting the application. The method of utilizing Y-axis parting is a way to overcome the problem. The blade is loaded in a manner which is preferable. Y-axis parting is common on multitasking machines with a Y-axis drive assuring appropriate feed motion, yet these machine types are not popular.
Compared to traditional parting along the X-axis, Y-axis parting substantially improves the blade’s dynamic behaviour by use of a tangential cutting force. When parting in the direction of radial forces, blade rigidity is reduced. Once again ISCAR’s prolific R&D engineers invented a formidable winning solution by introducing LOGIQ-F-GRIP, a new tool family characterized by a square adapter with four inserts mounted on each of its cutting tips. The adapter combines both blade orientations (in X- and Y-directions) which provides a balanced-rigid design. The adapter has 4 insert pockets and substantially prolongs tool life. If one of the pockets is damaged, the adapter can be indexed in a simple manner. The adapter is available with or without an internal HPC option and mounted in a robust block with reinforced ribs that assure a highly durable parting tool assembly. The impressive rigidity of the system results in highly stable efficient parting at narrow widths of cut, even when used for parting large-in-diameter bars while guaranteeing savings in raw material. The system is suitable for all types of lathes, regardless of whether they have a Y-axis drive.
When searching for the right parting tool, all manufacturers stand at the parting of the ways. ISCAR’s milestones in creating revolutionary parting systems prove once again its commitment to advanced solutions to meet customer demands.
LOGIQ-F-GRIP tools open new horizons for parting operations.
For more information, please contact ISCAR South Africa (PTY) LTD – Tel: 011 997-2700.
If you need for a heavy-duty standard turning center, the newly designed PUMA DNT machines with their high performance spindles and large work areas, give you a best-in-class, high-productivity turning solution.
Improved user-friendly features include no chip accumulation in the internal machine space, an inverter type chip conveyor, a user-friendly operation panel and a steady rest installation that is easy to retrofit.
Highlights include a redesigned box guideway and impressive spindle power, while the PUMA DNT brings stability to its impressive cutting capabilities.
More diversity and outstanding productivity is promoted with 10ST, 12ST and 24ST turret options, high torque spindle option, various tailstock types and a servo auto door for automation option.
For further information, please contact PUMA MACHINE TOOLS – Tel: (011) 976 8600.
