What: Tools for installing steel, brass, aluminum, or stainless steel blind threaded inserts. 

Who: Penn Engineering (pemnet.com)

Important to note: The Atlas line includes tools to handle jobs of all sizes, including versions with 7,000 lb. of pull force to install large, thick-wall, stainless inserts; small and lightweight options; and versions to install specific types of inserts in various thread sizes.

Pertinent data: The Atlas RIV 938 and 938S (smaller and lighter) pull-to-pressure tools have pressure-controlled settings which allow for the installation of the same insert into materials with various thicknesses without adjustment; an auto-reverse feature (after installation) increases production rates. They’re designed to eliminate over-installing and double installing for fastener thread integrity. The Riv 916 pull-to-stroke tool has a long stroke to install Atlas straight shank and pre-bulbed Plus+Tite fasteners. The RIV 998V pneumatic pull-to-stroke tool has a hydropneumatic system to install Atlas SpinTite and MaxTite fasteners. The RIV 990 tool is engineered to convert round holes to hexagonal holes. Each of the tools features a hardened-socket head cap screw mandrel designed for easy replacing. 

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Micrometer for High-Accuracy Measurements

The Digimatic digital micrometer’s display resolution can be switched to 0.5 μm when 0.1-μm measurement is not required.

Who: Mitutoyo America (mitutoyo.com)

Important to note: The handheld micrometer offers 0.1-μm resolution measurement.

Pertinent data: Uses Mitutoyo’s Absolute rotary sensor with high-precision screw machining technology, reducing instrument error to ±0.5 μm. Additionally, the sensor system is designed to eliminate the need to reset the origin each time power is turned on, enabling measurement upon start-up. The origin can be preset to any value within the display range to reduce set-up time and improve repeatability. The display can be zeroed at any position, making comparison measurement easier. Its rigid frame is designed for stability, and a constant-force barrel/spindle mechanism has the ability to reduce overspeed errors. Features a removable heat shield to minimize errors caused by the transfer of body heat; and supports output to measurement data applications such as the company’s MeasurLink statistical-processing and process-control program. The program can also be linked to a higher-level network environment for enterprise-wide functionality.

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Roughing and Finishing Software Strategies

 

The stock models in PowerMILL 2012 R2’s CAM software toolbar are designed to optimize machining efficiency.

 

 

What: Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software for high-speed and five-axis machining. 

Who: Delcam (delcam.com)

Important to note: The 2012 R2 version of PowerMILL has enhanced strategies for roughing and finishing—minimizing manufacturing time and maximizing finish quality.

Pertinent data: It is capable of step cutting within area clearance for roughing; meaning more material can be removed using the same tool and toolpath. The rate of material removal can be optimized by automatically increasing the feed rate as the depth of cut gets smaller. Additionally, it offers cusp control for steep and shallow finishing. The software can be used for polar milling when programming machines with a rotary table. This can produce smoother movement and better surface finish. An improved toolpath when using automatic verification prevents a collision by the shank or the toolholder. In the previous version, the tool would retract to a safe height whenever a collision was possible and return to the part once it was safe to continue machining. The elimination of the retract shortens machining times and gives an improved surface finish.