From Okuma, there will be seven lathes and machining centres including 5-axis models covering a wide range of sizes, and a demonstration of TurnCut software for generating rotational features on an Okuma machining centre with a static turning tool by interpolating the X and Y axes. Machining Navi software for avoiding chatter, 3D Virtual Monitor for accurate machining simulations and 5-Axis Auto Tuning will feature as well.
Another principal Japanese manufacturer represented by NCMT is Makino. There will be two Makino machining centres, one with 5-axis capability, and an iGrinder G5 purpose-built for VIPER creep-feed grinding of predominantly nickel alloys.
NCMT's other Japanese machine tool principal is CNC grinding machine manufacturer, Okamoto. The firm's new and first-ever universal, vertical-spindle internal grinder, UGM5V, launched at last year's IMTS show in Chicago, will appear for the first time in the UK at the Coventry open house. It is especially suited to aerospace and gear manufacturing applications.
Tooling will be well represented in the form of the latest Japanese tool holding and cutting tool products from BIG Daishowa and Xebec deburring brushes and mounted points. Italian-built Speroni tool presetters will also be demonstrated. And there will be US-made Techni-Grip products, whose highly repeatable clamping system is based on a pin-and-hole design for consistent, positive location combined with a dovetail cut for gripping strength. The holes and dovetail are machined into each billet in a rapid preparatory cycle before clamping.
In a new venture, NCMT will introduce and demonstrate an innovative adhesive workholding system, recently developed in the US by Blue Photon. It is ideal for securing delicate and complex components, including those made from the latest aerospace materials like CMC (ceramic matrix composites) and titanium alumide, while affording excellent all-round access for machining. The process involves application of glue that is cured using ultraviolet light. Removal afterwards simply involves hot water; no witness mark remains where the glue was applied.
Partner suppliers involved at the open house will include control system company, Fanuc; metrology specialist, Hexagon; CADCAM software developer and supplier, Delcam; and tooling firm, Kennametal Stellram.
