Featuring 24-bit color and 1-button menu, Glance v2.0 enables sales staff to provide prospects with enhanced communication experience by combining phone call with ability to present sales pitch or demo an application from any PC, Mac, or Linux computer. Prospects enter demos instantly from their own website, without having to download web conferencing software. Presentations can include any application, PowerPoint illustration, graphic art design, or 3D rendering.
********************
- Latest Release Adds Full Color and Even Faster Speeds to its Dependable
One-Button Sales Demo Tool
Arlington, Mass. - September 20, 2005 - Glance Networks, creators of the
"one-button simple" GlanceT screen sharing service, today announced version
2.0, which adds full 24-bit color, faster screen update speeds and easy customer website integration. Used primarily as a sales tool for hosting
instant web demos and presentations, Glance provides a quick and dependable
web demo service. It includes "Guests Connect for FreeT" flat-rate pricing
and the ability to connect instantly to nearly any PC, Mac or Linux computer
without downloading software.
"Simplicity and ease of use have been two challenges inhibiting mass
adoption of web conferencing," observes Mike Gotta, principal analyst,
Burton Group. "There's an underserved audience within this market that
simply wants to deliver a richer communication experience by combining a
phone call with the sharing of a screen. The ability to present a sales
pitch or demo an application should be a natural part of the conversation."
Sales professionals know they need to make every call count. A single
botched demo or presentation can cost them a sale. Whether showing a
software application, pitching a presentation, filling out a form or walking
through a website, sales people need a demo service that is as reliable as
their phone. Their ideal service would be:
oDependable - Their 9:00 a.m. demos need to start at 9:00 a.m., not 9:15
a.m. The service needs to connect the first time, every time.
oFast - Their prospects should enter demos instantly from their own website,
without wasting time downloading complicated web conferencing software.
oSimple - Their guests should be able to focus on the demo, without
distractions from unnecessary web conferencing buttons and menus.
"When we needed a simple, reliable sales tool to walk clients through a
demonstration of our software applications, we turned to Glance," commented
Steven Green, president at PollStream Inc., a direct response software
solution that makes it easy to engage customers in a two-way conversation.
"We tried other conferencing services with frustrating results, experiencing
technical problems with downloads and such. All we wanted was reliability
and ease of use at a reasonable price. Glance 2.0 fits the bill for quick
web demos and sales presentations."
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Reduce coolant costs with air tool chiller
ChillyBits, a new air chiller from Abanaki Corporation, is suitable for use in a range of industrial, fabrication, assembly and packaging processes. Designed to reduce the safety concerns associated with mist cooling, the air chiller can increase machining speeds by as much as 36 percent while extending tooling life by percent.
Compressed air is used for industrial spot cooling. According to the company, this eliminates mist coolants and heat-related parts growth. The product can also be used in milling, drilling, machining, grinding and sharpening operations. The portable model contains no moving parts and has an adjustable tip for precision airflow.
Compressed air is used for industrial spot cooling. According to the company, this eliminates mist coolants and heat-related parts growth. The product can also be used in milling, drilling, machining, grinding and sharpening operations. The portable model contains no moving parts and has an adjustable tip for precision airflow.
Virtual Machine Language
Virtual Machine Language (VML) is a mission-independent, reusable software system for programming for spacecraft operations. Features of VML include a rich set of data types, named functions, parameters, IF and WHILE control structures, polymorphism, and on-the-fly creation of spacecraft commands from calculated values. Spacecraft functions can be abstracted into named blocks that reside in files aboard the spacecraft. These named blocks accept parameters and execute in a repeatable fashion. The sizes of uplink products are minimized by the ability to call blocks that implement most of the command steps. This block approach also enables some autonomous operations aboard the spacecraft, such as aerobraking, telemetry conditional monitoring, and anomaly response, without developing autonomous flight software. Operators on the ground write blocks and command sequences in a concise, high-level, human-readable programming language (also called "VML"). A compiler translates the human-readable blocks and command sequences into binary files (the operations products). The flight portion of VML interprets the uplinked binary files. The ground subsystem of VML also includes an interactive sequence-execution tool hosted on workstations, which runs sequences at several thousand times real-time speed, affords debugging, and generates reports. This tool enables iterative development of blocks and sequences within times of the order of seconds.
This program was written by Christopher Grasso, Dennis Page, and Taifun O'Reilly with support from Ralph Fteichert, Patricia Lock, Imin Lin, Keith Naviaux, and John Sisino of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free online at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.
This program was written by Christopher Grasso, Dennis Page, and Taifun O'Reilly with support from Ralph Fteichert, Patricia Lock, Imin Lin, Keith Naviaux, and John Sisino of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free online at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Creating models and tool paths for CNC machining
With BobArt Pro-X from BobCAD-CAM, users can convert pictures or CAD drawings into 2D toolpath or embossed models for machining within Version 20 2D and 3D CAD/CAM software. The release is intended to assist manufacturers, including mold makers, in creating the appropriate model and tool path for CNC machining, from imported or designed images and CAD geometry.
Users can automatically convert a color, grayscale or black and white picture into a full relief model, says the company. The appropriate toolpath strategy can then be created on the fly. Added mirroring options are useful for creating negative relief models. In addition to this capability, users can form raster to vector operations to create 2D profile tool paths for carving or profile milling directly from pictures.
Once the toolpath is machined in the CAM sphere of the software, the cutting process can be simulated and verified prior to sending the program to the machine
Users can automatically convert a color, grayscale or black and white picture into a full relief model, says the company. The appropriate toolpath strategy can then be created on the fly. Added mirroring options are useful for creating negative relief models. In addition to this capability, users can form raster to vector operations to create 2D profile tool paths for carving or profile milling directly from pictures.
Once the toolpath is machined in the CAM sphere of the software, the cutting process can be simulated and verified prior to sending the program to the machine
Multi-use air powered abrasive belt machine
Dynabrade's Dynafile II air powered abrasive belt machine features a grinding head that pivots 360 degrees, making this tool especially useful for getting into hard-to-reach areas.
The machine features a 20,000-rpm direct-drive air motor that powers abrasive belts 1/4" to 3/4" x 18" long. The motor handle has a 7-degree pitch to help prevent wrist and arm fatigue. The tool features quick and easy abrasive belt change, interchangeable contact arms and trouble-free belt tracking, according to the company. The tool also has a thermal insulated housing, which prevents cold air transmission to the operator's hand while at the same time reducing tool vibration. Additionally, the air motor easily converts to a die grinder by adding a 1/4" collet or to an air drill by adding a chuck.
A versatility kit is also available. It includes the tool, an assortment of contact arms, abrasive belts and a 1/4" collet, all in a carrying case
The machine features a 20,000-rpm direct-drive air motor that powers abrasive belts 1/4" to 3/4" x 18" long. The motor handle has a 7-degree pitch to help prevent wrist and arm fatigue. The tool features quick and easy abrasive belt change, interchangeable contact arms and trouble-free belt tracking, according to the company. The tool also has a thermal insulated housing, which prevents cold air transmission to the operator's hand while at the same time reducing tool vibration. Additionally, the air motor easily converts to a die grinder by adding a 1/4" collet or to an air drill by adding a chuck.
A versatility kit is also available. It includes the tool, an assortment of contact arms, abrasive belts and a 1/4" collet, all in a carrying case
Sunday, December 24, 2006
How to machine "pure abrasion": powder metal is one of the most abrasive materials that a shop will encounter. The key to successfully machining this
Machining powder metal is like machining pure abrasion. So opines Charles Gerlach, president of Gerlach Machine. Located in St. Henry, Ohio, a small town landlocked by corn fields and quaint farm houses, Mr. Gerlach's shop has specialized in machining powder metal parts since the 1980s.
The soil in those nearby cornfields is loosely similar to powder metal, in that it is a mixture of nutrients and organic material that come together to provide the base for what farmers hope will be a bumper crop. Along those lines, powder metal parts are a mixture of tiny metal and alloying elements (think talcum powder tiny) that, after being compacted together and heated, form a near-net-shape component.
Unfortunately (for the powder metal molders, anyway), secondary machining operations are typically required to bring the part to its final form. At this stage, the powder metal part may have an apparent hardness rating that isn't very daunting in terms of machineability (30 Rc, for example). However, those individual powders retain their individual hardnesses--which could be 50 Rc or higher--yen after the part is molded. A tool cutting into such material will be slicing through very small, very hard particles--in essence, it's pure abrasion. The number of powder metal components finding their way into the latest automobile designs continues to rise. In fact, such components are now used in more high-profile engine and transmission applications. Though powder metal parts have become the darling of the auto industry, they can still be a demon for the shops that must machine the finishing touches.
Gerlach Machine didn't set out with the intention of specializing in powder metal machining. The shop's Midwestern location had a lot to do with it. A number of local powder metal molders approached the company 25 years ago to machine the features that couldn't be created in the molding process. Many of these early parts required only boring operations to bring IDs to tolerance or tapping operations, because threads can't be formed in the mold.
In many cases, the ODs of the powder metal part the shop machines are molded to net shape. This is why these materials are especially attractive for gear components, as the traditional hobbing process to form gear teeth is not necessary. The molded teeth can then be induction-hardened for wear resistance, while the core remains soft to reduce the chance of fracture during operation.
It is because of molding process limitations that other part features, such as threads, require secondary machining. While holes that are parallel to the axis of mold compression can be molded, cross holes (those perpendicular to the compression axis) and grooves around the periphery of the part can't be molded. There are also limits to how thin part walls can be molded. In addition, machining may be necessary to reach the tighter tolerances and better surface finishes that are required of the latest automotive components.
Tooling Considerations
Most powder metal parts require turning and tapping operations rather than milling, which is why Mr. Gerlach's shop has more CNC lathes than mills. Because powder metal parts are near net shape, heavy roughing cuts are typically not required. Appropriate tooling, therefore, is that which is geared toward semifinishing and finishing duties. For turning operations, Mr. Gerlach primarily uses cermet inserts from Valenite (Madison Heights, Michigan). These inserts have essentially no edge prep in order to provide an extremely sharp cutting edge and free cutting action, which Mr. Gerlach has found effective in turning powder metal parts.
In certain instances, powder metal parts will be hardened via heat treating or induction hardening prior to machining work. Parts that are induction-hardened may require a finish machining pass because the quality of the finished surface was altered. For these hardened parts, the shop is more likely to use cubic boron nitride (CBN) inserts that are typically used for most hard turning applications. Again, those CBN inserts have minimal edge prep, so that their cutting edge is as sharp as possible.
As for threading, the shop has settled on titanium nitride (TIN) coated taps, and it has machined threads without coolant for the past 20 years. It also tries to mill and turn dry, with some machines fitted with air blast units used more for chip control than to keep tool cutting edges cool. Machining without coolant means that chips remain dry and are less likely to adhere to the part after machining. But more importantly, dry machining reduces the possibility of rust forming on the parts after machining.
The soil in those nearby cornfields is loosely similar to powder metal, in that it is a mixture of nutrients and organic material that come together to provide the base for what farmers hope will be a bumper crop. Along those lines, powder metal parts are a mixture of tiny metal and alloying elements (think talcum powder tiny) that, after being compacted together and heated, form a near-net-shape component.
Unfortunately (for the powder metal molders, anyway), secondary machining operations are typically required to bring the part to its final form. At this stage, the powder metal part may have an apparent hardness rating that isn't very daunting in terms of machineability (30 Rc, for example). However, those individual powders retain their individual hardnesses--which could be 50 Rc or higher--yen after the part is molded. A tool cutting into such material will be slicing through very small, very hard particles--in essence, it's pure abrasion. The number of powder metal components finding their way into the latest automobile designs continues to rise. In fact, such components are now used in more high-profile engine and transmission applications. Though powder metal parts have become the darling of the auto industry, they can still be a demon for the shops that must machine the finishing touches.
Gerlach Machine didn't set out with the intention of specializing in powder metal machining. The shop's Midwestern location had a lot to do with it. A number of local powder metal molders approached the company 25 years ago to machine the features that couldn't be created in the molding process. Many of these early parts required only boring operations to bring IDs to tolerance or tapping operations, because threads can't be formed in the mold.
In many cases, the ODs of the powder metal part the shop machines are molded to net shape. This is why these materials are especially attractive for gear components, as the traditional hobbing process to form gear teeth is not necessary. The molded teeth can then be induction-hardened for wear resistance, while the core remains soft to reduce the chance of fracture during operation.
It is because of molding process limitations that other part features, such as threads, require secondary machining. While holes that are parallel to the axis of mold compression can be molded, cross holes (those perpendicular to the compression axis) and grooves around the periphery of the part can't be molded. There are also limits to how thin part walls can be molded. In addition, machining may be necessary to reach the tighter tolerances and better surface finishes that are required of the latest automotive components.
Tooling Considerations
Most powder metal parts require turning and tapping operations rather than milling, which is why Mr. Gerlach's shop has more CNC lathes than mills. Because powder metal parts are near net shape, heavy roughing cuts are typically not required. Appropriate tooling, therefore, is that which is geared toward semifinishing and finishing duties. For turning operations, Mr. Gerlach primarily uses cermet inserts from Valenite (Madison Heights, Michigan). These inserts have essentially no edge prep in order to provide an extremely sharp cutting edge and free cutting action, which Mr. Gerlach has found effective in turning powder metal parts.
In certain instances, powder metal parts will be hardened via heat treating or induction hardening prior to machining work. Parts that are induction-hardened may require a finish machining pass because the quality of the finished surface was altered. For these hardened parts, the shop is more likely to use cubic boron nitride (CBN) inserts that are typically used for most hard turning applications. Again, those CBN inserts have minimal edge prep, so that their cutting edge is as sharp as possible.
As for threading, the shop has settled on titanium nitride (TIN) coated taps, and it has machined threads without coolant for the past 20 years. It also tries to mill and turn dry, with some machines fitted with air blast units used more for chip control than to keep tool cutting edges cool. Machining without coolant means that chips remain dry and are less likely to adhere to the part after machining. But more importantly, dry machining reduces the possibility of rust forming on the parts after machining.
Job Sites, Machine Tool-Style - Brief Article
During the Internet Revolution, have you utilized the Web to help with your employmentneeds? Chances are, you have.
Sites such as Monster.com (www.monster.com), Hot Jobs (www.hotjobs.com) and others have redefined how many folks look for and interact with prospective employees or employers.
But something's missing from these new channels, particularly when they're utilized for the unique employment demands of a machining environment.
Go visit any of the "Job Exchanges" online and odds are you'll find them touting that they "currently house 'XXX,XXX' job postings" (or words to that effect). Translated, that means you'll have to wade through listings for numerous categories far from the manufacturing realm to find something close to your needs. Or not.
But there is hope. A few recent additions to the Web job site landscape focus on the machining industry exclusively, and they just might be worth a visit and a bookmark MetalIndustryJobs.com is actually three sites that serve vertical sectors of the machining world--Fabricating, Die/Mold and Screw Machining.
MachineToolJobs.com also offers machining-related job postings, but it offers its listings in subcategories, rather than as separate sites.
Each of these offers added specificity that metalworking job or employee seekers will find useful. And, over time, the tools, partnerships and applications these sites develop should improve their overall industry focus.
For job links and many others, visit www.mmsonline.com/links.
Job Shop Site Of The Month
Metalcraft Technologies, Inc. serves the aerospace industries by way of milling, fabricating, finishing, tool design and engineering support. Its Web site (www.metalcraft.net) delivers a depth of information about who the company is and how it does what it does. The navigation used within this site is creative and effective.
Sites such as Monster.com (www.monster.com), Hot Jobs (www.hotjobs.com) and others have redefined how many folks look for and interact with prospective employees or employers.
But something's missing from these new channels, particularly when they're utilized for the unique employment demands of a machining environment.
Go visit any of the "Job Exchanges" online and odds are you'll find them touting that they "currently house 'XXX,XXX' job postings" (or words to that effect). Translated, that means you'll have to wade through listings for numerous categories far from the manufacturing realm to find something close to your needs. Or not.
But there is hope. A few recent additions to the Web job site landscape focus on the machining industry exclusively, and they just might be worth a visit and a bookmark MetalIndustryJobs.com is actually three sites that serve vertical sectors of the machining world--Fabricating, Die/Mold and Screw Machining.
MachineToolJobs.com also offers machining-related job postings, but it offers its listings in subcategories, rather than as separate sites.
Each of these offers added specificity that metalworking job or employee seekers will find useful. And, over time, the tools, partnerships and applications these sites develop should improve their overall industry focus.
For job links and many others, visit www.mmsonline.com/links.
Job Shop Site Of The Month
Metalcraft Technologies, Inc. serves the aerospace industries by way of milling, fabricating, finishing, tool design and engineering support. Its Web site (www.metalcraft.net) delivers a depth of information about who the company is and how it does what it does. The navigation used within this site is creative and effective.
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