Contact us today:
(847) 934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com
Contact us today:
(847) 934-4500
tdaro@bernardandcompany.com
Ann Arbor, Michigan – GMTA (German Machine Tools of America) represents various top-quality German metalworking machine builders, including Profilator, Pittler, Praewema and WMZ. These machines are sold to the North American market by GMTA primarily for gear and spline production, as well as other power transmission applications. The company’s target markets include automotive, off-highway, OCTG and other heavy equipment manufacturing. Machines are provided for gear honing, gear grinding, Scudding®, polygon milling, turning, gear tooth pointing and multiple machining operations.
In the news…
-DVS, the parent company of Pittler, Praewema and WMZ in Germany, has plans to expand its North American operations, owing to the success achieved with GMTA in this market
-Scudding® technology, pioneered by Profilator, continues to impact the North American gear and spline markets, due to its superior performance compared to other methods of production; several competitors trying to offer it, proving that indeed, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
-The renovation of the GMTA facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan is now complete with plans in the works for future expansion of the campus. Additional floorspace, showroom capacity and training facilities, plus more personnel, are planned, according to company VP Scott Knoy.
-Now in final runoff with anticipated start-up in June, GMTA has provided eight machines (16 spindles total) for the advanced cylinder lining program to the Caterpillar operation in Mapleton, Illinois; project for GMTA valued at $15,000,000
-Order received from Chrysler for Phase III transmission line at IPT1 in Indiana
-GMTA and DVS will have joint booth space, considerably expanded, at IMTS 2014
For more information on this announcement, please contact:
GMTA (German Machine Tools of America)
4630 Freedom Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Phone: 734-973-7800
Fax: 734-973-3053
Web: www.gmtamerica.com
Email: scott@gmtamerica.com
Attention: Scott Knoy, VP
Connect with GMTA online: 
Grieve Corporation introduces No. 821, a 650°F electric inert atmosphere walk-in oven, currently in use for annealing plastic rods at a customer’s facility.
Workspace dimensions inside this unit measure 36” wide x 156” deep x 48” high. 80 kW power is installed in Incoloy sheathed tubular heating elements, while a 7800 CFM, 5 HP recirculating blower provides horizontal airflow across the workloads.An aluminized steel exterior and interior are featured on this unit, which also includes 5” thick insulated walls throughout.
Special construction for inert atmosphere processing includes all the following components: pressure regulator, flowmeter, pressure gauge, internal high-temperature gasketing, bellow-type doorway seal, 1/2” thick cellular silicone rubber atmosphere seal, blower shaft seal, positive latching door hardware, adjustable offset door hinges, outlet with pressure relief, interior seams welded gas-tight and all wall penetrations equipped with compression fittings.
An additional 1500 CFM blower is furnished to pull air through an air jacket on the inner oven for cooling. An oxygen analyzer, 0-5% range, is also provided on this oven.
A flatbed loading truck with 3500 lb. capacity and integral channel support sides, plus a transfer dolly with oven-to-dolly and dolly-to-truck latches, was also provided to the customer.
This entire package was completely designed, engineered, built and fully tested by Grieve.
For more information, please contact:
THE GRIEVE CORPORATION
500 Hart Road
Round Lake, IL 60073-2898
Phone: (847) 546-8225
Fax: (847) 546-9210
Web: www.grievecorp.com
Email: sales@grievecorp.com
Attention: Frank Calabrese, VP
No. 838 is a 500oF gas-fired belt conveyor oven from Grieve, currently used for heating and curing battery cans at a customer’s facility.
Workspace dimensions of this oven measure 30” wide x 25’ deep by 18” high, with 4’ long open belt loading and unloading zones at each end. A 10,000 CFM, 7 ½-HP recirculating blower provides vertical downward airflow to the load, while a 350,000 BTU/HR modulating natural gas burner provides heat to the workspace.
No. 838 features a 24” wide, B-42-24-16 balanced weave conveyor belt with roller chain edge drive, powered by a 1/3-HP motor drive with variable speeds from 5-100 ipm.
This Grieve conveyor oven has an aluminized steel interior and exterior, with 4” insulated walls throughout. Side doors allow access to the entire workspace.
All safety and control equipment required by IRI, FM and NFPA Standard 86 for gas-heated equipment is on-board this unit, including a 325 CFM, 1/3-HP powered forced exhauster.
For more information, please contact:
THE GRIEVE CORPORATION
500 Hart Road
Round Lake, IL 60073-2898
Phone: (847) 546-8225
Fax: (847) 546-9210
Web: www.grievecorp.com
Email: sales@grievecorp.com
Attention: Frank Calabrese, VP
No. 845 is a 150oF electrically-heated drawer oven from Grieve, currently used for curing printing plates at a customer’s facility.
Workspace dimensions inside this oven measure 88” wide x 63” deep x 60” high. 80KW installed in Incoloy-sheathed tubular heating elements provide the heat, while a 6,000 CFM, 5-HP recirculating blower furnishes horizontal front-to-back airflow across the workloads.
This Grieve drawer oven features 4” insulated walls, aluminized steel interior and exterior, plus an access door to the heat chamber for maintenance. Eight drawers, 84” wide x 54” long x 1” high, are each rated for 50 lb. loading. Explosion venting panels are built into the oven roof.
Safety equipment is on-board this Grieve oven to handle 1.34 gallons of flammable solvents, including a manual reset excess temperature controller, back-up heating element relay, separately powered forced exhauster, exhauster airflow safety switch, recirculating blower airflow safety switch and purge timer.
The drawers on the No. 845 open to extend 40” in front of the oven to accommodate the large workpieces involved in this particular application.
For more information, please contact:
THE GRIEVE CORPORATION
500 Hart Road
Round Lake, IL 60073-2898
Phone: (847) 546-8225
Fax: (847) 546-9210
Web: www.grievecorp.com
Email: sales@grievecorp.com
Attention: Frank Calabrese, VP
No. 853 is a 500oF electrically-heated belt conveyor oven from Grieve, currently used for curing coating and heat shrinking plastics at a customer’s facility.
Workspace dimensions of this oven measure 30” wide x 96” deep x 24” high. A 2’ long open belt loading zone, 8’ long insulated heat zone with recirculated airflow and 2 ½’ long open belt unloading zone constitute the full heat processing system. 48KW installed in Nichrome wire heating elements provide the heat, while a 4200 CFM, 3-HP recirculating blower furnishes vertical downward airflow to the load.
This Grieve oven features 4” insulated walls, a Type 304, 2B finish stainless steel interior, stainless steel exterior with #4 brush finish, as well as a 24” wide, 1” x1” Type 304 stainless steel flat wire conveyor belt with ¼-HP motor drive, variable speed from 0.9 to 17.6 ipm. A side door allows access to the unit’s workspace.
Safety and control equipment on-board No. 853 include PVC electrical conduit, a remote control panel, 325 CFM stainless steel powered forced exhauster, six-point thermocouple jack panel through the oven wall, digital indicating temperature controller, manual reset excess temperature controller with separate contactors, and recirculating blower airflow safety switch.
For more information, please contact:
THE GRIEVE CORPORATION
500 Hart Road
Round Lake, IL 60073-2898
Phone: (847) 546-8225
Fax: (847) 546-9210
Web: www.grievecorp.com
Email: sales@grievecorp.com
Attention: Frank Calabrese, VP
No. 969 is an electrically-heated 200ºC (~392ºF) laboratory oven from Grieve, currently used for preheating 15 lb. molds at the customer’s facility. Workspace dimensions of this oven measure 12”W x 10”D x 10”H. 800W are installed in Incoloy-sheathed tubular elements to heat the unit, while gravity convection provides the airflow to the load.
This specially modified Grieve lab oven features 1” insulated walls throughout, aluminized steel interior, stainless steel exterior with #4 brushed finish, heavy duty door latch, reinforced door hinge, shelf supports bolted through the oven walls to support the load at a double shelf height and an adjustable fresh air inlet damper at the oven bottom to control the amount of fresh air entering the chamber.
An added feature for accuracy, the temperature control shaft onboard No. 969 is recessed and slotted to avoid a set point change.
For more information, please contact:
THE GRIEVE CORPORATION
500 Hart Road
Round Lake, IL 60073-2898
Phone: (847) 546-8225
Fax: (847) 546-9210
Web: www.grievecorp.com
Email: sales@grievecorp.com
Attention: Frank Calabrese, VP
TCT Stainless Steel, Inc., a Lebanon, Tennessee metal service center, is proud to announce the commissioning of a new 64” wide heavy gauge EMAG slitter. This line is capable of slitting .035 to .3125 gauges. Maximum coil weight is 40,000 lbs. with a maximum 72” outside diameter uncoiler/recoiler. The line is complemented with an Alcos (8) position carousel packing line.
This new line is in addition to the existing 20” Stanat light gauge slitter commissioned by TCT in late 2012, which slits .005 gauge.
The addition of this line complements the other (4) slitters, rolling mill, edger and cut-to-length capabilities that TCT currently offers to customers. With these additions, TCT now offers more in-house capabilities and services than any service center in the Southern United States, according to a company spokesperson.
TCT invites all interested parties to visit the company at 711 Maddox Simpson Parkway, Lebanon, TN for a personal tour or visit www.tctstainless.com for a virtual tour. Let TCT show you what these new lines can do to benefit your operation.
For more information, please contact:
TCT STAINLESS STEEL, INC.
711 Maddox Simpson Parkway
Lebanon, TN 37090
1-800-877-8366
Phone: 615-443-4657
Fax: 615-449-6079
Web: www.tctstainless.com
Email: tcttn@tctstainless.com
Attention: Sherry Shaub, General Manager
TCT Stainless Steel, Inc. is one of the steel industry’s leading service centers. Our vast, in-house capabilities include virtually every facet of coil processing. Our capabilities include slitting, tempering, gauge reduction, cut-to-length, edging, buffing and tension leveling. TCT currently serves the aerospace, medical, electronic, telecommunication, automotive, lift equipment, building trade and other markets.
The combined inventory of our Michigan and Tennessee service centers include annealed and tempered stainless, aluminum, carbon and coated steels. Our dedication to providing high-quality products, short lead times and reliable delivery has always been the key to our success. We are constantly improving our facilities to include state-of-the-art technology, SPC and quality control standards.
Customer satisfaction is our specialty. Whether it be heavy or light gauges, narrow or wide widths, small or large quantities – TCT guarantees satisfaction and dependability at competitive prices. Our outstanding reputation for product quality is backed by our dedicated, customer-oriented team. Our sales staff welcomes all orders and inquiries and will respond quickly with reliable service and industry leading lead times.
Using the process-oriented approach of SIGMASOFT® makes it possible to consider all of the molding times present in an actual injection molding cycle. In the injection molding simulation of elastomeric applications, SIGMASOFT® not only considers the filling and curing times, but also the non-productive times between each production cycle while the mold is opened and closed. If the simulated process considers the influence of multiple consecutive molding cycles, the accuracy of the simulation is dramatically improved.
Figure 1 – Temperature distribution in a metallic component over-molded with rubber. Left: without consideration of the mold opening time; right: considering a mold opening time of 60 seconds, where significantly lower temperatures and long curing times are observed.
Even though it is not necessary to include them to complete an injection molding simulation, the “non-productive” times have a major influence on the mold temperature and thus on the process and on the part quality. With the Process Simulation Software SIGMASOFT®, from SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc. (Schaumburg, Illinois), all the non-productive times can also be included into the simulation of multiple consecutive production cycles and a substantial improvement in the accuracy of the results predicted can be achieved.
Considering the times in which the mold opens and closes, the times in which the mold is heated or cleaned, as well as handling times in which the inserts are placed or the parts removed, makes it possible to exactly describe the real multi-cycle production process. The interaction between all components present in the mold is considered with the local temperature dependent material properties, along with the heat that escapes the mold into the environment while it is both opened and closed and the exact timing of each event are coupled together inside of SIGMASOFT® to provide a comprehensive understanding of a very complex system. In this way, even factors that influence the part quality, such as the mold temperature and curing degree, can be predicted before the mold is ever built.
An example is presented in Figure 1. In this case, the mold temperature drops significantly while it is in the open position because heat radiates from both heated mold surfaces. If this time and open condition are not considered in the simulation, the mold temperature calculation will be higher than actual; resulting in a faster curing reaction and a shorter cycle time than what is actually possible. Other events will also be incorrectly calculated such as curing degree during filling and required injection pressure.
In SIGMASOFT®, non-productive times can be defined and individually modified in the simulation. For this reason, it is also possible to optimize the entire production process or mold design simultaneously. Through this simulation, it is possible to decide if changes in the process definition will solve production problems, or if the mold has to be modified to achieve the desired quality and productivity goals.
For more information:
Matt Proske
SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc.
10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: 847-558-5600
Email: contact@3dsigma.com
Web: www.3dsigma.com
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SIGMA® (www.3dsigma.com) is 100% owned by MAGMA® (www.magmasoft.com), the world market leader in casting process simulation technology based in Aachen, Germany. Our SIGMASOFT® process simulation solution optimizes the manufacturing process for injection molded plastic, thermoset, rubber, and MIM/CIM components. SIGMASOFT® combines the 3D geometry of the parts and runners with the complete mold assembly and temperature control system and incorporates the actual production process to develop a turnkey injection mold with an optimized process.
At SIGMA® and MAGMA®, our goal is to help our customers achieve required part quality during the first trial. The two product lines – injection molded polymers and metal castings – share the same 3D simulation technologies focused on the simultaneous optimization of design and process. SIGMASOFT® thus includes a variety of process-specific models and 3D simulation methods developed, validated and constantly improved for over 25 years. A process-driven simulation tool, SIGMASOFT®, with its comprehensive simulation approach, provides a tremendous benefit to production facilities. Imagine your business when every mold you build produces required quality the first time, every time. That is our goal. This technology cannot be compared to any other conventional “design” simulation approach employed in plastics injection molding.
New product success requires a different communication between designs, materials, and processes that design simulation is not meant for. SIGMASOFT® provides this communication. SIGMA® support engineers, with 450 years of combined technical education and practical experience, can support your engineering goals with applications specific solutions. SIGMA® offers direct sales, engineering, training, implementation, and support, by plastics engineers worldwide.
Continue readingWith the process-oriented approach of SIGMASOFT®, the injection molding simulation for elastomers is no longer limited to predicting the cavity filling while designing the part, or to answering questions regarding balanced filling. Based on an accurate simulation of the curing reaction (vulcanization), it can be used for designing the mold, identifying process windows and troubleshooting during production.
Figure 1 – The process-oriented approach of the Injection Molding Simulation Software SIGMASOFT® allows all relevant information (Part, Insert, Venting, Material, Mold, Heaters, Thermocouples, Process, etc.) to be used in the calculations.
SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc., Schaumburg, IL presents the latest functionality of its 3D Injection Molding Simulation Software SIGMASOFT®. The focus is on reduction of development and production costs using these new developments in process simulation.
Many factors in elastomer injection molding have an influence on product quality and costs. Here it is of little help to solely focus on a single aspect; part design, material, mold design, or molding process. To ensure a competitive advantage, the entire system must be considered simultaneously. Only when everything is optimized during the design phase, before the mold is shipped, can the largest cost savings be achieved.
By means of process simulation, molding feasibility and initial process parameters can be evaluated. Parting line and venting channels can be developed, as well as the optimal type and position of the injection point. Where are weld-lines acceptable, where must they be avoided? How much injection pressure will be required? Ultimately, the complete mold and process must be optimized. What wattage and heater design is most beneficial? Where is the best thermocouple location for each heater? Do inserts need pre-heating and how will they influence the curing? How long is the curing cycle, what areas of the part cure late and why? These questions are all related to the mold design and the production process and they are all important factors regarding part quality.
The simulation results provide answers to all of these questions in a clear and meaningful way, allowing injection molders a way to virtually test the mold before it is built. Costs can be reduced significantly during development, and existing processes can continuously be improved, while substantially reducing material waste and improving quality.
The latest developments in the thermal solver allow for the integration of all mold components and their individual temperature dependent material properties. In this way, an accurate reproduction of the real temperature profile in the mold is possible, even over several consecutive injection molding cycles. The simulation set-up is optimized for the requirements of process engineers. This allows production-minded engineers to use this technology without a simulation background. For example, a process engineer can determine how heating cartridges influence mold temperature and part quality, simulating them with their respective electric power and thermocouple control.
For more information:
Christof Heisser or Matt Proske
SIGMA Plastic Services, Inc.
10 N. Martingale Road, Suite 425
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: 847-558-5600
Email: contact@3dsigma.com
Web: www.3dsigma.com
—
SIGMA® (www.3dsigma.com) is 100% owned by MAGMA® (www.magmasoft.com), the world market leader in casting process simulation technology based in Aachen, Germany. Our SIGMASOFT® process simulation solution optimizes the manufacturing process for injection molded plastic, thermoset, rubber, and MIM/CIM components. SIGMASOFT® combines the 3D geometry of the parts and runners with the complete mold assembly and temperature control system and incorporates the actual production process to develop a turnkey injection mold with an optimized process.
At SIGMA® and MAGMA®, our goal is to help our customers achieve required part quality during the first trial. The two product lines – injection molded polymers and metal castings – share the same 3D simulation technologies focused on the simultaneous optimization of design and process. SIGMASOFT® thus includes a variety of process-specific models and 3D simulation methods developed, validated and constantly improved for over 25 years. A process-driven simulation tool, SIGMASOFT®, with its comprehensive simulation approach, provides a tremendous benefit to production facilities. Imagine your business when every mold you build produces required quality the first time, every time. That is our goal. This technology cannot be compared to any other conventional “design” simulation approach employed in plastics injection molding.
New product success requires a different communication between designs, materials, and processes that design simulation is not meant for. SIGMASOFT® provides this communication. SIGMA® support engineers, with 450 years of combined technical education and practical experience, can support your engineering goals with applications specific solutions. SIGMA® offers direct sales, engineering, training, implementation, and support, by plastics engineers worldwide.
Continue readingDuring EASTEC 2013, Siemens will present its newest solution for the job shopfloor, the Sinumerik 808D, an attractively-priced CNC for entry-level milling and turning machines.
Over 50 years of Siemens CNC experience have been brought to the development of this control, which is specially designed for the highly competitive, high-volume 230V, three-phase and economy machine tool market. With up to three-axis plus spindle control capability in milling or turning applications, the 808D is offered as a package with Siemens Sinamics drives and Simotics motor solutions. The Sinumerik 808D will be immediately available for OEM machine tool builders and in-the-field retrofit installation by Siemens business partners worldwide.
FOR MACHINE TOOL BUILDERS
Start with an IP 65 enclosure, easy-to-load USB port, mechanical, hot and soft keys for easy, intuitive operation, clamp-mounted front panel and a modular design that allows customizing by machine model or with out-of-the-box operation. Plus, the machine control panel is connected using plug-and-play technology using a simple USB interface. On a turning machine, the Sinumerik 808D provides high contour accuracy and maximum machine productivity on high-volume production runs. On a milling machine, likewise, the Sinumerik 808D offers machine builders of vertical machining centers all the benefits of the Siemens MDynamics velocity control for mold and die section work.
A 7.5-inch LCD color display with 640 x 480 resolution for easy reading, selectable function keyboard, rotary dials for speed and spindle override, LED tool number display, durable buffer battery and rear connection ports for USB, RS232 C, distributed and onboard I/O, setpoint to feed axes and spindle, spindle encoder, fast I/O, e.g., for probes and handwheel operation are all standard on the Sinumerik 808D.
With 80-bit nano floating point accuracy and intelligent jerk limitation for smoother path cutting and less mechanical stress on the machine structures, workpiece accuracy and repeatability are improved. Whether turning with a C-axis changeover or milling mold sections where path control is paramount, the Sinumerik 808D has been designed to significant heighten the performance level of basic machine tools.
With programGuide Basic, a wide range of pre-determined technology cycles are available, in addition to the standard G-code and coordinate transformation language. Standard ISO codes can also be intermixed with high-level Sinumerik CNC commands on the 808D. The onboard contour computer further allows complex programs to be created and modified at the CNC without the need for a CAD/CAM system.
For routine or even online help with maintenance or troubleshooting issues, a simple push of a button is the only requirement, as the complete library of system parameters is accessible onscreen.
Commissioning is made easier with a ready-to-run PLC program. Customizing the PLC is simpler, as well, with function and data blocks for program testing and debugging built-in. The Sinumerik 808D further allows easy connection to the PLC I/O of other machine devices, whether proximate or remote. The open architecture of Siemens CNC has not been sacrificed on the 808D, so customized HMI screens and menu trees are easily defined and created.
Finally, with Manual Machine Plus (MM+) function on this new CNC enables transition from conventional machining to CNC programming. A machine equipped with MM+ can be operated using handwheels but with all the benefits of CNC-assisted technology cycles.
The Sinumerik 808D is offered with full THREE-YEAR WARRANTY on parts and labor.
FOR END-USERS
In addition to the above features and benefits for the machine builder, shop operators and programmers alike will appreciate the Sinumerik 808D for its many end-user advantages, including simplified keyboard entry of all program values, named part programs in subfolders just like a PC, convenient shortcut keys to access tool offset lists or the Program Manager, intelligent jog features easily identified and graphically-supported, precise tool handling and tool wear data readily available onscreen and a powerful simulation routine. An operator can access all system information and obtain online help, whenever needed.
The multimedia training materials include on-screen tutorial video and full step-by-step procedures to go from the blueprint to the finished part. For offline training, a fully operable software machine control panel on a PC is available to end users.
For more information about Siemens CNC solutions for the machine tool industry, visit our website: www.usa.siemens.com/cnc.
For more information on the this story, contact:
SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
DRIVE TECHNOLOGIES
MOTION CONTROL
MACHINE TOOL BUSINESS
390 Kent Avenue
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
Phone: 847-640-1595
Fax: 847-437-0784
Web: www.usa.siemens.com/cnc
Email: SiemensMTBUMarCom.sea@siemens.com
Attention: John Meyer, Manager, Marketing Communication
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SiemensCNC or Twitter: www.twitter.com/siemens_cnc_us.
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Siemens Industry Sector is the world’s leading supplier of innovative and environmentally friendly products, solutions and services for industrial customers. With end-to-end automation technology and industrial software, solid vertical-market expertise, and technology-based services, the sector enhances its customers’ productivity, efficiency and flexibility. With a global workforce of more than 100,000 employees, the Industry Sector comprises the Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services Divisions as well as the Metals Technologies Business Unit.
The Siemens Drive Technologies Division is the world’s leading supplier of products, systems, applications, solutions and services for the entire drive train, with electrical and mechanical components. Drive Technologies serves all vertical markets in the production and process industries as well as the infrastructure/energy segment. With its products and solutions, the division enables its customers to achieve productivity, energy efficiency and reliability.
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