The Stockpile from Jan-Feb 2024

Collaborative mobile robot

Aerobotix’s robot has been designed for the aerospace and defense sector for applications including sanding, painting, and inspection. Aerobotix partnered with Compass Technology Group (CTG) to help build the first collaborative mobile robot for U.S. Air Force maintenance depots. Developed under the Air Force’s Small Business Innovation Research program, the self-navigating Adaptive Radome Diagnostic System (ARDS) uses microwave signals to non-destructively evaluate aircraft radomes and identify defects such as delamination or water ingress. The ARDS won the 2021 Top Defense Manufacturing Technology Achievement Award at the Defense Manufacturing Conference.

Aerobotix https://aerobotix.net

Modular drill heads

Three new modular DrillMeister drills feature the TungMeister connection. The DrillMeister exchangeable-head drill system combines the precision of solid carbide drills with the flexibility of modular tooling. The exchangeable drill heads are available in five standard geometries, including general-purpose DMP and high accuracy DMC, designed for opening a range of hole diameters and depths in various material groups. In addition to the TungFlex modular tooling system, the modular DrillMeister drills with TungMeister connection allow users to build an optimized and tailored tool length, minimizing overhang for hole-making operations in multi-spindle and Swiss machines. New TID065S06-2, TID085S06-2, and TID105S08-2 are available in a 2xD length, designed for 6.5mm (0.256"), 8.5mm (0.335"), and 10.9mm (0.429") diameters, respectively, and existing DrillMeister drill heads also fit these modular drills. The modular drills are ideal for pre-drilling for M8, M10, and M12 metric threads.

Tungaloy https://tungaloy.com

Fused deposition modeling 3DP

The F3300 fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer (3DP) offers reduced labor, maximized uptime, and higher part quality and yield. Built for manufacturing, the F3300’s design and advanced features allow additive manufacturing (AM) to be used in demanding industries such as aerospace, automotive, government/military, and service bureaus. The F3300 is expected to be available for shipment beginning 2024.

Stratasys https://www.stratasys.com

Key advancements:

• Faster print speeds with increased gantry speeds, faster extrusion rates, autocalibration
• Higher part quality and yields with up to 25% increase in accuracy, repeatability
• Maximized uptime with machine monitoring, extruder redundancy; interface design focuses on ease-of-use for human operators
• Lower costs with 25%-to-45% savings vs. other Stratasys FDM solutions

Punch grinding machine

TX7 Linear is a 5-axis grinding machine and having these extra degrees of freedom on a grinding machine allows for broader use regarding what applications can be put through it. A traditional punch grinding machine would be capable of grinding only the outside form of the punch with a single wheel. Punches typically have a series of separate machine operations that must be performed to complete the tool.

With two-wheel packs available on the 5-axis TX7 Linear, undertaking several operations in a single setup is possible. A TXcell, offering 9-to 24-wheel packscan perform these operations in one set-up.

The TXcell robot used for changing wheel packs also automates tool loading so it can run during unattended shifts. By using different roughing and finishing wheels, grinding operations can be optimized for stock removal or fine surface finish.

The TX7 Linear and TXcell Linear are also suited for CBN grinding wheels. Using a smaller wheel diameter (up to 200mm [8"] on TX7 Linear and 300mm [12"] on TXcell Linear), CBN offers superior grinding feed rates compared to conventional abrasives and requires less frequent wheel dressing.

Both machines can grind punches within 2µm to 3µm with a surface finish <0.1Ra.

Dedicated software controls keyhole punch geometry and grinding.

ANCA https://machines.anca.com

Accessories, options:

• iPunch: Dedicated punch programming software for complete flexibility on punch geometry, grinding process parameters
• iBalance: On-machine wheel balancing software
• Rotary wheel dresser units: Fully supported by ANCA dressing software, offer in-process dressing to keep wheels running true, sharp
• Auto adjusting coolant nozzles change position as the wheel diameter reduces