The Stockpile from January/February 2025

V-Mill and V-Drill

The V-Mill range represents a significant leap forward in end mill technology. Vargus engineers have created a high-performance line of solid carbide end mills, available in a diameter range from 0.1mm to 6.0mm. This versatile lineup caters to micro-precision work and larger milling applications, making V-Mill end mills suitable for machining steel, stainless steel, and high-temperature materials.

Complementing the V-Mill line, Vargus also introduced the V-Drill range of high-performance solid carbide drills. Offering a size range from 1.0mm to 6.0mm, V-Drill addresses a wide spectrum of drilling needs, with options available for coolant-through and non-coolant-through applications.

VARGUS Ltd.
https://www.vargus.com

Gundrilling machines

UNISIG UNE Series machines are optimized to allow shops of all sizes to bring gundrilling operations in-house. The twin spindle UNE32-2-1500-CR offers features such as single spindle mode for extended drilling diameter range, counter-rotation for hole accuracy, and programmable coolant delivery.

UNE gundrilling machines bring performance, effortless operation, and flexibility to the forefront, allowing job shops and production manufacturers to drill more workpieces with higher efficiency and repeatability. Rated for indexable, brazed, and solid carbide gundrills, and offering an extensive hole diameter range, customers can add capabilities. Standard and optional machine automation allows manufacturers to maximize machine use now and as they grow.

UNISIG’s feature-rich UNE machines are engineered and designed to fit within a compact footprint. With configurations rated for hole diameters up to 40mm and workpiece lengths up to 3,000mm, UNISIG simplifies the gundrilling process for everyone from the company owner down to the operator and maintenance supervisor.

UNISIG
https://unisig.com

Metal powder feeder

The Additional Powder Feeder (APF) is an optional unit that enables feeding multiple types of metal powder into the Lasermeister 102A (LM102A) metal additive manufacturing system.

These enhanced capabilities contribute to the development of new value-added alloys and components that consist of multiple kinds of metals using the LM102A.

In fields such as aerospace, defense, and energy, high durability and corrosion resistance are essential in ensuring stable performance in harsh environments, including operating under extremely high temperatures. Existing superalloys alone may not sufficiently satisfy new parts’ requirements, whereas developing novel superalloys by combining multiple metals may deliver critical next-level performance. Universities and corporate research institutes are already developing such solutions, and Nikon offers the APF to enable superalloy development using small amounts of metals to support such programs.

Nikon Corp.
https://www.nikon.com

Hybrid bore honing system

The hybrid bore honing system combines the benefits of conventional multi-stroke honing and single-pass technology. Bore finishing with tight tolerances and high precision is typically achieved through a combination of multi-step processes, such as drilling, reaming, boring, burnishing, and rough honing. Each manufacturing process step necessitates a tool change and distinct cycle, which increases total takt time and introduces characteristics that may complicate the subsequent steps.

The new hybrid solution streamlines the workflow by integrating single-pass bore finishing with a multi-stroke honing process in a single machine, thereby reducing the number of required steps. These integrated technologies allow users to achieve exceptional precision when finishing bored components. It also produces sharper, burr-free corners on cross holes and metering edges within the part.

This new model's custom multi-stroke head uses a set of expanding honing stones to semi-finish bores. The programmable expansion amount is verified by a subsequent gauge station, allowing the machine controls to automatically compensate for tool wear. Additionally, the unique system incorporates a separate column with three single-pass spindles for the final finishing process.

The components are loaded into part holding fixtures arranged around a rotary index table, maximizing productivity. This setup allows all operations to occur simultaneously, producing a complete finished part with each cycle. Operators can load and unload the parts manually or use a custom robotic automation package.

This single-step system, designed for high-volume production of hydraulic cartridge valves and servo valve bushings, can finish hundreds of thousands of bores annually – transforming rough bores into finished products and greatly simplifying the spool matching process.

Engis Corp.
https://www.engis.com