The Arsenal from November/December 2024

Tangential indexable inserts and turning toolholders

The double-edged WT26 indexable inserts and the compatible turning toolholder system can produce small parts on sliding-head (Swiss turning) lathes. Bars with a diameter of <20mm are preferably machined, resulting in strict requirements for precision. The dovetail shape of the insert clamp is excellent at absorbing lateral forces, ensuring high stability, process reliability, and accuracy. The clamp and the large contact surface in the insert seat maximize stability – particularly to counteract vibration of the bar material. Another special feature is the possibility of operation on both sides. The clamping screw has a Torx on the head side and the threaded side so it can always be operated from the side of the counter-spindle on right and left tools. This makes it possible to index the inserts quickly without removing the toolholder, significantly reducing non-productive time.

The tangentially mounted WT26 indexable inserts are precision-ground and boast sharp cutting edges specifically for turning small precision parts. Periphery ground chip breaker geometries are also available (DG8, VG8). These make it possible to achieve optimum machining results even at low feeds (from f: 0.03mm). WT26 indexable inserts come in seven different versions which cover all turning operations from basic recesses and external threads through to reverse turning with specially developed chip breakers. The WSM23X cutting tool material is for machining steels, stainless materials, and lead-free brass, while the uncoated WN23 grade is suitable for aluminum and non-ferrous metals. The cutting inserts can be used in any WT26 toolholder.

Walter USA
https://www.walter-tools.com
2025 SHOT Show Supplier Showcase Booth #51120

Upgraded electron beam melting (EB-PBF) software

EBMControl 6.4 comprises three innovations: Point Melt, Powder Supports, and Plate Free and is available for Colibrium Additive Spectra L printers and the new Spectra M printer users.

Point Melt technology melts metal powder through small points instead of lines, enables a more accurate temperature, and reduces temperature gradients throughout the printing of a part.

Offering isotropic material properties independent of build direction, including a significant increase in yield strength, Point Melt allows for freedom of orientation. Parts made with Point Melt demonstrate excellent surface roughness, on par with laser powder bed fusion.

Powder Supports are a new solution for supporting parts during the build. The enlarged process window enabled by Point Melt functionalities significantly reduces or eliminates the support structures needed, while Powder Supports retain the dimensional accuracy of line melt with supports. For customers, the new tool aims to reduce post-processing costs.

Plate Free is an alternative to conventional ‘Start Plate Heating’ and offers a more cost effective, hands-off way to start a build. During the Plate Free start, powder is gradually sintered to a point where parts can be built on top, bringing a range of advantages around quality and cost.

Colibrium Additive – a GE Aerospace company
https://www.colibriumadditive.com

CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe

Everything not directly linked to the production of the workpiece has been eliminated from the machining area of the SCX CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe. Drive and guiding elements, lubrication lines, cooling lines, or cables aren’t inside the tooling area of the SCX. The open machining area provides the greatest possible configuration flexibility and the simplest retooling procedures.

The SCX extends the machining options on the second workpiece side through exact transfer and three additional spindles. Complete machining with the possibility of integrating C- and Y-axis on all positions makes possible a wider range of workpiece geometries in multi-spindle production.

Schütte
https://schutteusa.com