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Objects of Interest
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Multi-capable Tool
The TORMILL from Iscar Metals (www.iscarmetals.com; Arlington, TX) uses uniquely shaped, peripherally ground inserts that permits the tool to perform facing, plunging and undercutting. The insert has four 80° corners and is available in corner radii of 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 in. It is said to produce no vibrations even in long-overhang operations. |
Select-Hesive Silicone
Shin-Etsu Silicones’ (www.shinetsu.co.jp) new primerless formulation is optimized for multi-component silicone-to-plastic molding due to its ability to adhere to the thermoplastic substrate, but not the metal surface of the mold. This eliminates the need for priming, pre-treatment, secondary assembly operations, and reduces cycle times. Mercedes uses it for steering column buttons on the new E-Class. |
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Integrated Engine Cover and Filter
BASF (www.basf.com) provides the Ultramid B3WGC6 GP material—a polyamide 6 reinforced with 30% glass fibers—for the integrated engine cover and air filter Mahle Filtersysteme (www.mahle.com) developed and builds for Mercedes’ V8 engines. The Batman-like cover provides higher component stability, reduced weight, and superior acoustics while meeting OEM design demands.
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Fast Press Brakes
The optional six-axis linear-motor-drive backgage for the MAXFORM hydraulic press brakes from Cincinnati Inc. (www.cincinnati-tools.com; Cincinnati, OH) is said to be the first application of the technology. The linear motor provides repositioning speeds in the X and Z axes of 3,000 ipm, thereby speeding the sequential bending of complex parts. The press brakes are available in models ranging from 90 to 350 tons, and in lengths up to 14 ft.
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High-production Machining Center
The EC-400PP is a horizontal spindle machining center that includes a pool of six 400-mm pallets that permits untended production. The system from Haas Automation (www.haascnc.com; Oxnard, CA) has a 20-in3 work cube, a high-precision 1° pallet indexer, and a 70-pocket side-mount toolchanger. There is a standard 8,000-rpm 40-taper spindle powered by a 20-hp vector dual drive system. An auger-fed, belt-type conveyor system removes chips. |
Hydrogen Sensor
BMW has specified the AppliedSensor (www.appliedsensor.com) HSS-440 hydrogen gas detection module for use on Hydrogen 7 Series vehicles. Modules are mounted in the cabin, under the hood, and in the trunk to detect hydrogen gas leaks at levels well below the 4% in-air explosion threshold. Contact with gas molecules results in a voltage change in the sensor signal, and the choice of operation temperature, gate metal and structure of the gate metal determines the selectivity of the gas response. |
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