Domestic and overseas orders for Japanese machine tools in June were both down from a year earlier, marking the first such double drop since September 2002, an industry group said Wednesday.
Overseas orders experienced its first fall in five months, down 2.7 pct to 71.6 billion yen, while domestic orders dropped 2.1 pct to 56.8 billion yen, down for the fifth consecutive month, the Japan Machine Tool Builders' Association said in a revised report.
Overall machine tool orders received by Japanese manufacturers in June dropped 2.5 pct to 128.4 billion yen, it said.
The association, however, remained optimistic. "Basically, the uptrend so far has not changed," an official said.
The total machine tool orders topped 100 billion yen for the 50th month in a row, and overseas orders in June were the second-highest ever for the month, the official said.
In the month, domestic orders fell from makers of general machinery, electric appliances and precision equipment, but those from automakers grew for the third straight month, the association reported.
Among orders from abroad, those from Europe rose 11.6 pct, while those from North America and Asia were down 19.9 pct and 4.9 pct, respectively, it said.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Improving Machine Tool Accuracy without Design Changes
Most CNC machine tool manufacturers invest heavily in machine developments that improve accuracy but by using the latest calibration systems at its factory in Istanbul, Turkey, leading manufacturer Spinner has improved specified machine accuracies without the need to change designs. As Mr Nurhan, Technology Manager, explains, “The machine designs are no different but we have actually improved the accuracy, cut the support customers need by up to 90%, and have shown customers that we use the latest technology.”
Renishaw laser calibration - rotary axis compensation
Mr Nurhan explains one of the areas in which Spinner has seen most benefits from laser calibration, “We test and calibrate the rotary motion of every sub-spindle fitted to our turning centres because the encoder on the motor, although repeatable enough, does not position as well as we want. Some encoders are only accurate to 6 arc minutes but by using the Renishaw RX10 rotary calibrator unit, we can guarantee better than 1 arc second repeatability. This is done by testing the sub-spindle on the finished machine. Errors detected by the RX10 are corrected by adding compensation values generated by the RX10 software to registers in the controller. The sub-spindle is tested again to check the new positioning accuracy and provide a traceable calibration certificate, with options for formats according to various international standards.”
The RX10 is an accessory for Renishaw’s laser calibration systems, allowing the comparison of the programmed rotation of a drive or rotary table to the actual rotation as measured using a traceable laser source. This is done by mounting the RX10 on the rotary axis, then programming the rotary axis to rotate in defined steps. After each axis move, the RX10 unlocks, and rotates back to the previous position, re-locking on a highly repeatable Hirth coupling, accurate to 1 arc second. Angular optics are mounted on the RX10 and any angular error compared to the previous starting position is recorded. These error values are used for compensation
Renishaw laser calibration - rotary axis compensation
Mr Nurhan explains one of the areas in which Spinner has seen most benefits from laser calibration, “We test and calibrate the rotary motion of every sub-spindle fitted to our turning centres because the encoder on the motor, although repeatable enough, does not position as well as we want. Some encoders are only accurate to 6 arc minutes but by using the Renishaw RX10 rotary calibrator unit, we can guarantee better than 1 arc second repeatability. This is done by testing the sub-spindle on the finished machine. Errors detected by the RX10 are corrected by adding compensation values generated by the RX10 software to registers in the controller. The sub-spindle is tested again to check the new positioning accuracy and provide a traceable calibration certificate, with options for formats according to various international standards.”
The RX10 is an accessory for Renishaw’s laser calibration systems, allowing the comparison of the programmed rotation of a drive or rotary table to the actual rotation as measured using a traceable laser source. This is done by mounting the RX10 on the rotary axis, then programming the rotary axis to rotate in defined steps. After each axis move, the RX10 unlocks, and rotates back to the previous position, re-locking on a highly repeatable Hirth coupling, accurate to 1 arc second. Angular optics are mounted on the RX10 and any angular error compared to the previous starting position is recorded. These error values are used for compensation
Online Tool Show - The worlds premier online machine tool and manufacturers resource.
The mission of www.OnlineToolShow.com is to provide original equipment manufacturers(OEM), importers, distributors and suppliers with a very affordable 24/7 online industrial trade show booth to exhibit their latest technology and special product offering(s) to a worldwide audience of potential buyers.
All booths are the same size, creating a level playing field for all exhibitors. Cost is kept low because we do not believe it makes sense to recreate your website on ours. Once interested, a buyer can simply link directly from your online tool show booth to your website instantly for additional information or to place an order.
For the buyer, www.OnlineToolshow.com is a user friendly door to a 24/7 accessible marketplace where you can find tooling suppliers of needed new technology that will sharpen your competitive edge or find favorably priced equipment, products, and services for which you presently have a need.
We are providing a GLOBAL 24/7 industrial tool show to exhibit your product(s) and services so that potential buyers may find your company booth quickly, easily, any most importantly at their convenience, anytime day or night.
We have made it as easy as possible to find exactly what you are looking for. There are multiple searches and indexes to help you quickly navigate to a specific manufacturer, original equipment manufacturer(OEM), product or services booth.
Exhibiting with the Online Tool ShowSince you, as original equipment manufacturers(OEM), importers, distributors and suppliers are painfully aware of your cost(s) to exhibit at a trade show, you will find the cost for your OnLineToolShow booth to be so inexpensive that your decision to exhibit will be a
"No Brainer"
It is easy and inexpensive to have a booth at the OnLine Tool Show.
All booths are the same size, creating a level playing field for all exhibitors. Cost is kept low because we do not believe it makes sense to recreate your website on ours. Once interested, a buyer can simply link directly from your online tool show booth to your website instantly for additional information or to place an order.
For the buyer, www.OnlineToolshow.com is a user friendly door to a 24/7 accessible marketplace where you can find tooling suppliers of needed new technology that will sharpen your competitive edge or find favorably priced equipment, products, and services for which you presently have a need.
We are providing a GLOBAL 24/7 industrial tool show to exhibit your product(s) and services so that potential buyers may find your company booth quickly, easily, any most importantly at their convenience, anytime day or night.
We have made it as easy as possible to find exactly what you are looking for. There are multiple searches and indexes to help you quickly navigate to a specific manufacturer, original equipment manufacturer(OEM), product or services booth.
Exhibiting with the Online Tool ShowSince you, as original equipment manufacturers(OEM), importers, distributors and suppliers are painfully aware of your cost(s) to exhibit at a trade show, you will find the cost for your OnLineToolShow booth to be so inexpensive that your decision to exhibit will be a
"No Brainer"
It is easy and inexpensive to have a booth at the OnLine Tool Show.
2008 Machine Shop Benchmark Survey Analysis
American Machinist conducted its third annual survey of machine shops to gather information our readers need to accurately gauge their competitive positions in the industry, and to help them make plans to systematically improve their operations and become more efficient.
We have identified the critical indicators and best practices that lead to improved productivity and profitability and, with the responses to questions about those indicators and best practices, we are able to identify a set of shops whose performance puts them in the lead of all the shops surveyed.
That group of shops is our benchmark set, and represents the top 20 percent of shops that responded to the survey.
The results for the Benchmark shops are composites, so they do not represent a single shop’s performance, but the combined performance from all the best shops. We believe these performance results and the practices that lead to them provide targets that all shops can strive to reach, and they provide performance measurements that all shops can use to compare themselves and to check their current competitive positions. You also can use these benchmarks to monitor your progress in reaching higher degrees of efficiency.
To analyze the survey data, we summarized the data for all shops and compared that data to the information for the benchmark shops.
For example, on an overall basis, 76.7 percent of the shops that responded to our survey said they are independent, and 23.3 percent are part of a larger company. For the benchmark shops this year, 70.5 percent are independent, and 29.7 percent are part of a larger company.
We have identified the critical indicators and best practices that lead to improved productivity and profitability and, with the responses to questions about those indicators and best practices, we are able to identify a set of shops whose performance puts them in the lead of all the shops surveyed.
That group of shops is our benchmark set, and represents the top 20 percent of shops that responded to the survey.
The results for the Benchmark shops are composites, so they do not represent a single shop’s performance, but the combined performance from all the best shops. We believe these performance results and the practices that lead to them provide targets that all shops can strive to reach, and they provide performance measurements that all shops can use to compare themselves and to check their current competitive positions. You also can use these benchmarks to monitor your progress in reaching higher degrees of efficiency.
To analyze the survey data, we summarized the data for all shops and compared that data to the information for the benchmark shops.
For example, on an overall basis, 76.7 percent of the shops that responded to our survey said they are independent, and 23.3 percent are part of a larger company. For the benchmark shops this year, 70.5 percent are independent, and 29.7 percent are part of a larger company.
CENIT Machine Tool Project Update
More than 60 representatives from Spain’s machine tool companies, universities and technology centers met in early May for an annual review of a fouryear, $47 million program that is designed to improve technologies for the Spanish machine tool industry.
A brief report on the twoyear- old CENIT Machine Tool Project said the program has delivered quantitative and qualitative results in advancing technologies for manufacturing equipment and processes.
The advances targeted for the project include:
A 30 percent reduction of energy consumption for presses, a 72 percent reduction in the use of toluene in the production of machines, and the use of innovative materials in machine tool components.
Designs for machine tools that are aimed at making them more “intelligent,” capable of responding to the voice of the operator and operable from a PDA or the instruction and maintenance manual of which can be projected on to the operator’s spectacles.
The use of laser or ultrasonic devices as substitutes for or complements to conventional processes, and the development of technologies to avoid using large amounts of lubricants, such as dry machining.
And, improvements to precision and production, including reductions in thermal deformation, vibrations or movements of large masses.
A brief report on the twoyear- old CENIT Machine Tool Project said the program has delivered quantitative and qualitative results in advancing technologies for manufacturing equipment and processes.
The advances targeted for the project include:
A 30 percent reduction of energy consumption for presses, a 72 percent reduction in the use of toluene in the production of machines, and the use of innovative materials in machine tool components.
Designs for machine tools that are aimed at making them more “intelligent,” capable of responding to the voice of the operator and operable from a PDA or the instruction and maintenance manual of which can be projected on to the operator’s spectacles.
The use of laser or ultrasonic devices as substitutes for or complements to conventional processes, and the development of technologies to avoid using large amounts of lubricants, such as dry machining.
And, improvements to precision and production, including reductions in thermal deformation, vibrations or movements of large masses.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Latest 5-axis machining technology
During the recent UK MACH 2008 show, Hurco Europe recruited a professional dancer, actress and singer to learn and to demonstrate the programming of machine cutting paths.
These massive machines, each weighing around 20 tonnes, are designed to accommodate large and/or heavy components up to six tonnes in weight, such as dies, moulds and parts for the aerospace and energy sectors.
The fixed-rail, bridge design of the DXC22 offers X-/Y-/Z-axis travels of 2197/1750/249mm with 24m/min rapid feeds, a 2100 x 1600mm pallet and a 40-taper spindle with 18kW of peak power.
CNC turning centres are easy to program
CNC lathes will off 12 drivel tool stations - at up to 7kW and 5,000 rev/min - in its VDI turrets for milling operations and off-centre drilling on turned parts.
Vertical machining centre cuts tough alloys
Rugged vertical machining centre with an 18kW high-torque spindle and through-tool coolant delivery enables a UK subcontractor to efficiently cut SS and Duplex, as well as other tough alloys.
Machining centre turns and mills biker parts
BFO Motorcycles in the UK plans to build 100 motor cycle conversion kits and to mill the components, the company acquired a vertical machining centre with an easily programmable control.
It can be used for continuous pendulum machining of parts within two 762 x 660 x 610mm working envelopes, or production of single parts up to 2m long spanning both zones.
This combination of performance and flexibility is ideal for shops that have a mixed schedule of parts, said Hurco.
These massive machines, each weighing around 20 tonnes, are designed to accommodate large and/or heavy components up to six tonnes in weight, such as dies, moulds and parts for the aerospace and energy sectors.
The fixed-rail, bridge design of the DXC22 offers X-/Y-/Z-axis travels of 2197/1750/249mm with 24m/min rapid feeds, a 2100 x 1600mm pallet and a 40-taper spindle with 18kW of peak power.
CNC turning centres are easy to program
CNC lathes will off 12 drivel tool stations - at up to 7kW and 5,000 rev/min - in its VDI turrets for milling operations and off-centre drilling on turned parts.
Vertical machining centre cuts tough alloys
Rugged vertical machining centre with an 18kW high-torque spindle and through-tool coolant delivery enables a UK subcontractor to efficiently cut SS and Duplex, as well as other tough alloys.
Machining centre turns and mills biker parts
BFO Motorcycles in the UK plans to build 100 motor cycle conversion kits and to mill the components, the company acquired a vertical machining centre with an easily programmable control.
It can be used for continuous pendulum machining of parts within two 762 x 660 x 610mm working envelopes, or production of single parts up to 2m long spanning both zones.
This combination of performance and flexibility is ideal for shops that have a mixed schedule of parts, said Hurco.
India is Host Country at EuroMold 2008
This year’s EuroMold - World Fair for Moldmaking and Tooling, Design and Application Development - will take place Dec. 3-6, 2008, Frankfurt Exhibition Centre. About 1,700 exhibitors from 45 nations and more than 60,000 trade visitors from about 80 nations are expected.
With the Host Country India EuroMold recognises the signs of Asia`s worldwide growing economical importance. In hall 9.0 Indian companies will present their products and services. TAGMA (Tool and Gauge Manufacturers` Association of India) will organise a corporate stand.
The India Moldmaking and Tooling Synergy Bourse offers a wide range of latest market information and insider knowledge. The “Forum India” will connect Western and Indian companies. Several companies already doing business in Asia for many years will share their knowledge and expertise to help attendees making important decisions related to new business, investment opportunities and challenges.
Besides that the Associations of Moldmaking and Tooling from China (CDMIA) and India (TAGMA) will serve detailed information about their home markets.
"From Design to Prototyping to Series Production"
The unique fair concept “From Design to Prototyping to Series Production” demonstrates the entire process chain. EuroMold brings together professionals from design, moldmaking and tooling, machine tools, as well as suppliers and manufacturers.
On 80.000 sqm exhibition space EuroMold will show the latest developments in all fields of moldmaking and tooling, design und application development. The world fair will present numerous special subjects and special exhibitions and will set benchmarks.
Key Sector Moldmaking and Tooling
Traditionally EuroMold’s key sector is Moldmaking and Tooling. To meet the growing demand for complete solutions in this industrial sector EuroMold provides small and medium sized companies an excellent platform for finding partners and cooperations.
Wide range of Themes
EuroMold shows state-of-the-art technique for all industrial sectors. For instance innovations within “Virtual Reality” and “Rapid Prototyping” already today indicate the future developments of modern Moldmaking and Tooling.
At EuroMold worldwide leading companies set benchmarks – i.e. DMG and Trumpf in the sector of Machine Tools, and BASF, Bayer and Evonik in the sector of Materials.
Alongside Moldmaking and Tooling most exhibitors are active within Machine Tools, Soft- and Hardware and Prototyping. Numerous exhibitors which take part at EuroMold for the first time are active within Engineering and Design.
With the Host Country India EuroMold recognises the signs of Asia`s worldwide growing economical importance. In hall 9.0 Indian companies will present their products and services. TAGMA (Tool and Gauge Manufacturers` Association of India) will organise a corporate stand.
The India Moldmaking and Tooling Synergy Bourse offers a wide range of latest market information and insider knowledge. The “Forum India” will connect Western and Indian companies. Several companies already doing business in Asia for many years will share their knowledge and expertise to help attendees making important decisions related to new business, investment opportunities and challenges.
Besides that the Associations of Moldmaking and Tooling from China (CDMIA) and India (TAGMA) will serve detailed information about their home markets.
"From Design to Prototyping to Series Production"
The unique fair concept “From Design to Prototyping to Series Production” demonstrates the entire process chain. EuroMold brings together professionals from design, moldmaking and tooling, machine tools, as well as suppliers and manufacturers.
On 80.000 sqm exhibition space EuroMold will show the latest developments in all fields of moldmaking and tooling, design und application development. The world fair will present numerous special subjects and special exhibitions and will set benchmarks.
Key Sector Moldmaking and Tooling
Traditionally EuroMold’s key sector is Moldmaking and Tooling. To meet the growing demand for complete solutions in this industrial sector EuroMold provides small and medium sized companies an excellent platform for finding partners and cooperations.
Wide range of Themes
EuroMold shows state-of-the-art technique for all industrial sectors. For instance innovations within “Virtual Reality” and “Rapid Prototyping” already today indicate the future developments of modern Moldmaking and Tooling.
At EuroMold worldwide leading companies set benchmarks – i.e. DMG and Trumpf in the sector of Machine Tools, and BASF, Bayer and Evonik in the sector of Materials.
Alongside Moldmaking and Tooling most exhibitors are active within Machine Tools, Soft- and Hardware and Prototyping. Numerous exhibitors which take part at EuroMold for the first time are active within Engineering and Design.
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