Automation will be abundant at the Tooling & Workholding pavilion at IMTS. Exhibitors will demonstrate robots paired with five-axis machines, automated tool measurement and other efficiency features, in addition to chucks, vises, toolholders, cutting tools and pallet systems.

Five-Axis Capabilities

“Automation and digitalization are central to manufacturing innovation right now,” says Derek Schroeder, sales and proposal manager at Grob Systems Inc. “Manufacturers are looking to improve efficiency, reduce costs and enhance part quality. Also, finding and retaining skilled labor is an ongoing challenge across the board.”

Grob will also demonstrate its GRC-R12 Robot Cell paired with a G150 5-Axis Universal Machining Center, which helps boost efficiency and reduce labor costs. Grob’s G550T 5-Axis Mill/Turn Universal Machining Center will be shown by Allied Machining.

Automation on a Budget

At Booth 432018, Zoller Inc. will mark the North American debut of its coraMeasure LG, an automated tool measurement system that was developed entirely in-house. Aimed at saving time, preventing errors and reducing human workload, the coraMeasure LG delivers tools developed in a pallet to a linear robot that loads the tools into a presetting and measuring machine.

“It’s going to allow customers and shops of all sizes really to get their hands on basically a standalone automation process for presetting their tools, and that’s at a very attractive price point,” says Rita Conroy-Martin, Zoller’s director of marketing and customer experience.

Small and midsize shops want to integrate automation in their processes but have either decided that it’s too expensive or haven’t found the right way to do so, Conroy-Martin says, adding that the new coraMeasure LG solves that. “It’s really a great solution for shops of all sizes that are having challenges with labor, which is still a very big challenge in the market that we see.”

Zoller’s booth also will feature powerShrink, which heat-shrinks tools in less than a minute, and toolBalancer tool balancing system, which balances toolholders, tool assemblies and grinding wheels within 0.4 gram millimeters. And, in a first for the company, Zoller will present the torquematic presetting and measuring machine with a torquing station, allowing tools with collet chucks to be set automatically to length clamped to a preset torque and measured.

Smaller Diameters

Allied Machine & Engineering Corp. will be at Booth 431436, where the holemaking and finishing cutting tools maker will show its Wohlhaupter 3ETech+ digital readout module, T-A Pro Y series and GENSYS XT Pro M geometry. The 3ETech+ is ideal for machinists looking to make diameter adjustments right at the machine, offering visibility of one micron diameter adjustments for precision boring, the company says. The enhanced digital readout module can be used on various Wohlhaupter boring tools, and is well suited for high-production environments.

Allied says its new T-A Pro Y series allows machinists to increase throughput for cutting tool applications, including small diameter jobs. The Y series includes exchangeable tips and the ability to target specific materials and applications with an ISO-specific geometry selection on a single holder body. This allows shops to increase penetration rates, maximize tool life and take advantage of a more favorable cost per hole, the company says.

Allied’s GEN3SYS XT Pro’s new M geometry insert is designed for all 300 series, 400 series and super duplex stainless steels, in addition to other hard-to-machine materials in the ISO M group, according to the supplier. The M geometry is designed for improved chip formation while drilling high-penetration rates.

Workholding and Machining

Te-Co will show its full line of workholding products at Booth 431556, including its Toolex vise workholding system, Raptor workholding products and Piranha self-centering vises, zero-point location and aluminum coolant lines. That’s in addition to Te-Co standard jig and fixture components and CMM fixturing.

Datron Dynamics will present its latest CNC machining technology. The company says its presence at IMTS (Booth 431452) underscores a commitment to “driving innovation and fostering collaboration within the manufacturing community.”


  

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