EQUIPMENT NEWS
CNC machine suited for producing microtitreplate moulds
A CNC machining centre is capable of milling hardened steel and achieving an 0.1-µm Ra surface roughness. The Evo machine from Kern Micro- und Feinwerktechnik (Murnau-Westried, Germany) can be fitted with a range of accessories and options, including a powerful vector-controlled spindle, a digital CNC precision dividing head, and an automated tool and workpiece changer.
The equipment has been used for the production of machine moulds for the production of microtitreplates, which are suitable for holding pipetted bacterial suspensions in central-filling reservoirs. Offering high acceleration rates and feed rates, the machine features automatic workpiece loading for batch production. A polymer-concrete monoblock frame dampens vibration and conducts less heat than frames made of steel or cast iron.
The company has more than 40 years of experience developing precision machining equipment.
Machining equipment combines accuracy with repeatability
Designed to accommodate the needs of medical device manufacturers, a machining system reportedly provides accuracy, surface integrity, part cleanliness, and repeatability. The Robofil 240 electrical-discharge machining system from Charmilles (Geneva, Switzerland) offers smart wire threading, integrated collision protection, and linear glass scales to provide accuracy. Featuring titanium and stainless-steel cutting technology, the unit offers a maximum cutting taper of 30°.
The machine also can be customized to meet specific needs. An optional axis can be added to the unit to provide a “turn while burn” b-axis for cutting parts such as surgical tools. The unit can be equipped with an automation kit that allows for extensive unattended operation. An optional generator is available to boost the speed and efficiency of cutting operations. A system for increasing accuracy while cutting variable taper angles is also available.
Laser system offers high repetition rate
A mid-sized excimer laser system provides a high repetition rate. Based on the COMPexPro platform, the laser system from Coherent (Dieburg, Germany) delivers a tube lifetime of 10 billion pulses for ArF and KrF operation.
Featuring pulse energies between 10 and 20 mJ and pulse-to-pulse stability, the laser’s long pulse duration maximizes the lifetime of beam delivery optics and reduces the total cost of ownership. The 1-kHz repetition rate enables increased process speeds for a number of micromachining, drilling, and inspection applications. The unit has an actively stabilized output in the 10–20-W power range.
Machining centre operates without metal contact
Operating without metal contact, a machining centre achieves rigidity, accuracy, and repeatability. The Zµ3500 from Nippei Toyama Europe GmbH (Rating-en, Germany) eliminates major sources of friction and related thermal distortion that are generated by metal-to-metal contact.
Functioning without linear guideways, roller bearings, or ball screws, the unit reportedly overcomes the inertia of conventional technology. The use of temperature-controlled hydrostatic oil in the hybrid spindle bearing, static pressure guides, and the linear motor cooling system virtually eliminate thermal distortion saturation time. The near absence of friction and vibration not only increases precision, but also extends tool life and reduces noise levels. In addition, the unit does not require the warm-up time associated with traditional machining centres.
The machine’s spindle is reportedly the first to incorporate hydrostatic and hydrodynamic technologies, virtually eliminating wear and run out. At 25 hp, it can reach speeds of 30,000 rpm. Positioning is accomplished with cooled scaled linear motors that offer 0.6-g acceleration.
Rotary broaching tool holder features adjustment-free design
Rotary broaching is said to provide fast and accurate production of hexes, squares, serrations, and other polygonal forms. Available from Slater Tools Inc. (Clinton Township, MI, USA), a rotary broaching tool holder can be used on CNC, Swiss-type, or manual drilling, turning, and milling machines.
The unit features an adjustment-free design that dispenses with the need to centre the device. Although it can be used with a range of machining equipment, the tool was designed for Swiss-type machines, which are often used to process orthopaedic bone screws and other medical products. The tool holder is reportedly the smallest in the industry, which eliminates interference and clearance problems, and provides easy access for maintenance. The tool holder uses standard 1.25-in. rotary broaches.
