This article originally posted on Sept. 9, 2024, and was updated on Sept,. 18, 2024.
There was no shortage of advanced manufacturing solution demonstrations at IMTS 2024.
Taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago, Sept. 9–14, 2024, the International Manufacturing Technology Show was abuzz with manufacturers and suppliers from around the globe, as the industry gathered to showcase their latest technology advancements.
This sampling highlights live demonstrations from exhibitors in the machining, advanced manufacturing and automation space.
Find the complete lineup of exhibitors and product categories here.
1. Horizontal Multi- and Single-Spindle CNC Machining Centers
SW North America displayed a select grouping of its multi-spindle horizontal CNC machining centers and automation solutions. The BA 322i is intended as an independent plug-and-play manufacturing cell and is used for machining medical instruments such as forceps and bone plate benders. The supplier noted that the twin-spindle horizontal machining center produces twice the output while using less floor space and less energy. The BA W02-22, a multi-spindle machining center, produces high-quality parts, due to its linear drive technology and patented monoblock design.
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In a live machining demonstration, an industry agnostic workpiece is produced, using 5-axis machining with a fine finish. The BA 322i uses a 6-axis robot integrated within the machine to load the raw stock for OP10 and the 7-axis overhead gantry robot transfers the part to the BA W02-22 for OP20.
Booth #338250; www.sw-machines.com
2. Vertical Machining Center
Displayed with an integrated robotic bin picking cell, the fourth-generation version of DN Solutions’ global vertical machining center incorporates performance enhancements to increase machining productivity. For example, significantly faster X, Y and Z-axis rapid traverse rates of 42, 42 and 36 m/min. (1,654, 1,654 and 1,417 IPM), respectively, are an increase from 36, 36 and 30 m/min. (1,417, 1,417 and 1,181 IPM) from the previous-generation machine. The ACC/DEC rates have been increased to 0.7, 0.6 and 0.5 g in X, Y and Z. This is a substantial improvement from the previous generation’s 0.47, 0.41 and 0.43 g.
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The maximum cutting feed rate has been increased from 15 m/min. to 36 m/min. (590 IPM to 1,417 IPM) in the new DNM 4th Generation machines. Chip-to-chip times have also been improved, from 4.4 sec. to 4.1 sec. with the ATC shutter, and from 3.7 sec. to 3.4 sec. without the ATC shutter.
The lineup comes with many standard features including BIG-PLUS spindles, FANUC controls with upgraded EZ WORK software and grease lubrication for the axis roller guideways, noted DN Solutions, which caters to automotive, aerospace, medical services, energy, IT and construction.
Booth #338900; dn-solutions.com
3. Precision-Engineered Single Tube Barfeeder
Lexair, associated with high-pressure compressors and stainless-steel valves for the United States Navy, also manufactures hydraulic and pneumatic valves used in demanding fluid power applications. The Lexair booth featured four core products: the Mini-Rhinobar bar feeder, Gen 3 Collet Closers, the Unload Pro unloader and a Breuning IRCO PROFImat magazine barfeeder.
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The Hydrodynamic Mini Rhinobar is a precision-engineered single tube barfeeder that is suitable for either fixed or moving headstock lathes. It is designed for small-diameter applications. Lexair noted it minimizes material waste with only one bar remnant from a 12-foot piece of material and allows quick changeovers between bar sizes. Available in 6- or 12-ft models the feeder feeds 0.06-in. material and ensures maximum spindle RPM with zero bar damage due to its hydrodynamic bar support.
Booth #339263; www.lexairinc.com
4. American-made Gundrilling Machines for Nuclear Fusion and Aerospace
Kays Engineering set up gundrilling machines from its three brands: DeHoff, Eldorado and TechniDrill. The DeHoff 20144 is a custom-designed gundrilling machine used to make components for the world’s largest nuclear fusion reactor, the ITER Tokamak. The Eldorado M75-30 gundrilling machine features a new design for its counter-rotation fixturing assembly, which improves the accuracy of the gundrilling process, and an upgrade on the gear motor assembly promises more power and durability.
The TechniDrill 2.00-30-48 gundrilling machine, which is used to manufacture airplane aileron actuation cylinders, features an actuation cylinder that starts as a solid bar. The gundrilling machine drills the large primary hole in a single pass, without the need for a pilot hole. Secondary processes are then utilized to finish the cylinder.
Booth #338373; www.kays-dehoff.com
5. Multifunctional Turning-Boring-Milling Center
WFL showcased live machining at the M50 MILLTURN with 4,500-mm center distance. The company notes that its advantages are in the wide range of tools that can be used in powerful drives, “in the rigid connection of prismatic tools on the B-axis, in good ergonomics at the operator station and in various tools and cycles implemented on the control panel to increase productivity and process reliability.”
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Customization options are available through many technology modules. The corresponding WFL cycles on the control support the customer in generating a productive workflow. Special attention has been paid to ergonomics, including user-friendly front access to the standard tool magazine and the large viewing windows.
Booth 8666; www.wfl.at/en/machines/millturn
