The EDAF series features two models, the EDAF2 and EDAF3. The sizes of the EDAF2 is 53.2” x 95.5” x 98.4” and the EDAF3 is 59.1” x 102.4” x 100.8”. The EDAF2 has X-, Y-, and Z-axis travels of 13.8”, 9.8”, 9.8” and the EDAF3 has 17.7”, 13.8”, 13.8”. The EDAF2 provides worktable dimensions of 21.7” x 13.8” with a payload of 1,102 lb, while the EDAF3 offers table dimensions of 27.8” x 19.7” with a maximum payload of 1,764 lb.

Visit Jet Edge at www.jetedge.com for more details.

Other features include:
• Programmed rate of material removal to keep tool and work piece temperature consistent, and to dissipate heat with chips;
• Automatic feed rate adjustment and automatic depth of cut to maintain programmed material removal rate, eliminate excessive material conditions, and minimize tool wear, heat build-up and vibration;
• Intelligent side milling and slot milling – with programmer override – to provide the fastest possible cycle time, with feed rates and Z-depth adjusted in slot milling for constant material removal;
• Smoothing radius to maximize tool use, minimize cycle time, and extend programming flexibility;
• Contour ramping to maximize material removal in tight areas, with safe access, while minimizing cycle time; and
• Up to 100 percent step-over for cleanup without leaving any material standing.

For more information about GibbsCAM go to www.GibbsCAM.com.

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The YMC430 Micro Center, from Yasda Precision America Corp., Elk Grove Village, IL, is capable of processing molds for Light Emitting Diodes – LEDs. LEDs are the latest trend in backlighting technology for Liquid Crystal Displays – LCDs.

LEDs are a semiconductor-based lighting solution that overcomes the limitations of commonly employed Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamps – CCFL. Where CCFLs require a high voltage power supply and are often the highest power-consuming component in large format display, LED backlight units deliver higher brightness than CCFL and better power efficiency.

The YMC430 features rigid construction and spindle stiffness. Focusing on high speed and high accuracy motion control in micro machining, the micro center’s table – Y-axis – is assembled on the X-axis. The lighter table unit is controlled by linear motors and linear guide ways. A solid H-shaped column unit supports the Z-axis, and a cradle-type design headstock holds the spindle unit without thermal distortion. The YMC430 performs positioning accuracy by ISO230-2 0.356µm for X-axis, 0.508µm for Y-axis and 0.316µm for Z-axis.

X, Y, and Z travel are 400 × 300 × 250mm; table size is 450 × 350mm; table loading capacity is 100kg; spindle speed is 40,000 rpm; spindle nose is HSK-E32, ATC: 32 tools and the machine masses eight tons.

To learn more visit www.yasda.com.

• “Quick Toolpaths” for programming parts with a few clicks;
• Optimized facing including roughing and finishing;
• Complete threading with multiple starts, diameter calculation, and user customizable thread tables;
• Full 3- to 5-axis milling, including machines with B-axis tooling arms, in addition to turning;
• Grooving with multiple depth cuts and pecking;
• Simplified assignment of groove depth, width, wall angles, corner radius, chamfer, and corner dwells;
• Stock recognition for optimized turning toolpaths with minimal user interaction;
• Comprehensive lead-in/lead-out controls to minimize the need to modify the CAD model to control tool motion; and
• Steady rest option that supports long work pieces, minimizing deflection from tool pressure and material weight.

For more information about Mastercam X4 Lathe, visit www.mastercamlathe.com

CADMAN operates on Windows platforms and includes new punching and laser cutting modules within a new interface with enhanced graphic visualization techniques that include auto-nesting capabilities, import/export nesting; and multiple machining functions on a single part.

The Job Explorer feature of the software optimizes the project tree principle of storing processing data related to the piece part by allowing the organization of job data. Job explorer can be used for structured organization, searching, and moving of part related data within the technology database.

CADMAN-L 3D incorporates automatic, semi-automatic, or manual nesting and optimizes cutting and machine parameters to maximize sheet utilization for laser cutting systems.

It permits the user to configure lead-ins/lead-outs and allow for cutting path optimization, common line cutting, and high-speed communications and networking. Key features include automatic advanced application of processing technology, enhanced processing database integration between machine and offline software, and improved machining order.

CADMAN-P 3D module for turret punch presses provides automatic tool selection and turret configuration, including the identification of optimum tool stations and turret loading. Functions include support of wheel, scribing, and tapping tools; optimized machining order by tool; improved management of part evacuations, and better micro-joint programming.

For more information, contact Strippit, Inc. at www.lvdgroup.com.

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Pierson Workholding recently released the SmartVac II Vacuum Workholding System.  The system contains many second-generation enhancements over the previous design and is modular in nature.  A complete system includes a Vacuum Base, a Vacuum Control Unit (VCU) and a Connection Kit which includes all components necessary to have the system running within minutes of opening the box. One glance at the SmartVac II and you’ll quickly appreciate the quality engineering and manufacturing that goes into a product that has certainly caused the industry to sit up and take notice.

The Vacuum Base has a surface area of 14″ x 9.5″ and provides the ability to independently hold up to 9 parts due to the multiple inlet design.  Simply gasket off a section of the grid and remove the vacuum plug for that section.  The Base is held to a machine table using the toe clamps included in the Connection Kit. The Base is precision ground flat and parallel to an accuracy of ±0.oo1″.

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The system now uses a stand-alone Vacuum Control Unit (VCU) which is unique in the fact that it uses compressed air to generate a powerful vacuum that meets or exceeds vacuums created by electric pumps.  The design is also efficient by using only 0.8 CFM to create a vacuum power of 26″ of mercury without requiring any filters or coolant traps.  The system allows users to link and operate multiple vacuum chucks from one control.  The VCU has an integrated vacuum indicator to show when a full vacuum is reached.

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Interchangeable Top Plates can be used if a part shape cannot be easily held with the grid pattern of the Base.  The Top Plates also precision ground flat and parallel and are precisely located and attached to the Base using custom locating bolts.

The system can be easily purchased as the SmartVac II Starter Package which includes one Base, one VCU and a Connection Kit all at a discounted price of $995.  Everything is manufactured in the U.S. and is backed by Pierson Workholding’s lifetime application support which advises customers on any workholding questions. The system can be purchased by contacting Pierson Workholding.

The time saving element is almost obvious: If you currently use a small engine lathe to deburr / polish you will cut your start-stop cycle time in half. If you spend 10 seconds processing a part, your operator is spending 4 hours a day waiting for your machine to start and stop. The machines start and stop up to 31 times a minute, less than half the time needed for a small tool room lathe! Plus, because of its benchtop footprint, the Twister requires less movement by an operator which leads to faster part throughput.

The Twister shines when it comes to lower utility bills. Using single phase 110V, its energy consumption is less than 20% of the energy needed for a tool room lathe. A Twister uses about .8 KWH during an eight-hour workday. A tool room lathe uses about 4 KWH during the same time.

Finally, the twister is the perfect alternate solution for secondary operations that would typically be done on a toolroom lathe. The smaller model (LT-1BR) needs only 1 sq. ft. of workbench space, while an average toolroom lathe requires a minimum of 12 sq. ft.

It’s a no-brainer when it comes to operations such as polishing, deburring and light turning. Its use of 5C collets allow for instant shop integration. For ordering information, visit www.RoviProducts.com for more details.