Spartanics flexible combination roll/sheet-fed
laser die cutting machine now available worldwide

Spartanics Finecut Combination Web & Sheet-fed Laser Die Cutting Machine designed to overcome the limitations of traditional die cutting operations, is now available to worldwide design engineers and manufacturers. For further information, view website: http://www.spartanics.com/products_detail.cgi?id_num=54&styleid=2

With an eye to giving worldwide aerospace component manufacturers the full operational versatility they need to survive and thrive both in current economic conditions and in the better times expected ahead, the Spartanics Finecut Combination model laser die cutting machine has multiple flexibility-focused design features. 1) Sheet-fed or coil-fed jobs can be quickly interchanged, with jobs loaded and setup completed in minutes. 2) Any and all types of printing processes can be finished by the same laser die cutting machine - from flexo, screen, digital etc. printing lines - and cut in intricate detail in limitless shapes and geometries. 3) Any combination of cutting and marking details can be made in one cycle -kiss-cutting, through-cutting, consecutive numbering, personalizing, perforating, creasing, and more. 4) Single source laser design combined with the sophisticated software that underlies all Finecut technology delivers defect-free cutting and ability to seamlessly stitch images together for unlimited X-direction part dimensions.

With an eye to giving worldwide aerospace component manufacturers the full operational versatility they need to survive and thrive both in current economic conditions and in the better times expected ahead, the Spartanics Finecut Combination model laser die cutting machine has multiple flexibility-focused design features.

Mike Bacon, Spartanics VP Sales and Marketing explains, "Flexibility is so important in today's market and we feel that this hybrid product gives our customers an advantage. By interchanging rolls with sheets, you can turnaround short run sheet jobs on the fly and then switch to long run flexo jobs to maximize operational efficiencies.  You're able to follow market opportunities where you find them - using tool-free cutting that avoids delays and costs for tools." 

Like all Spartanics Laser Die Cutting machines, the Combination model has the same Finecut software engineering that has re-defined quality standards, speed (up to 125 meters/min web speed with single source lasers), automatic optimization of cutting sequences and other features for superior tool-free cutting. For further information, view website: http://www.spartanics.com/product_groups_detail.cgi?id_num=5 

Spartanics in profile
Spartanics manufactures best-in-class technology for both tool-free (laser-based), steel rule die, and male/female hard tool cutting systems, among other equipment for finishing products made from flat stock materials. Its worldwide service organization uses state-of-the-art virtual service technician technology and also maintains offices and spare parts in Europe.

For further information on Finecut and other Spartanics products, contact Scott Edwards, Sales Administrator, Spartanics, e-mail: sales@spartanics.com

A faster and more economical approach to the production of
prototype and small to medium volume, precision formed component

Precision Micro, the Midlands based precision components manufacturer has adopted a faster and more economical approach to the production of prototype and small to medium volume, precision formed components.

The process combines photochemical machining from sheet material with manual or semi-automatic precision forming, all closely controlled and carried out under one roof.

Photochemical machining produces flat blank profiles without the burrs frequently found on punched parts. Photo tooling for etching has always been inexpensive when compared with punch tooling. Precision Micro's recent invested in LDI (Laser Direct Imaging), enables parts to be imaged without the need for any physical tooling whatsoever, streamlining the production process while increasing accuracy and prcision.

Picture shows precision forming with modular tooling.

All forming, in the Precision Micro approach, is reduced to a series of individual operations that can each be undertaken using inexpensive and readily available modular tooling. The Company holds a stock of over 5000 modular tools but is able to manufacture specific tools in-house, in its well-equipped tool room.

"Combining photochemical machining with precision forming under a stringent ISO 9001 quality regime enables us to guarantee quality and gives us total control in order to meet our delivery promises" said Anthony Marrett, Managing Director.

Possibly the greatest benefit to be derived from this approach is the flexibility to modify; to amend designs and optimise parts prior to full scale manufacture. Designers can now optimise their designs without encountering huge prohibitive cost penalties and suffering substantial delays in 'time to market'.

For further information, e-mail: westonl@precisionmicro.com   

Compact chucks are ideal for first operation work and are offered with standard A5, A6 and
A8 mounts to suit all popular machine tool types

DHP 52 and 65 series quick change collet chucks from workholding and machining equipment specialist, Kitagawa Europe Ltd provide a powerful pull back action for secure and accurate clamping of components up to 52 mm and 65 mm diameter respectively. (Refer to picture on the right).

The compact new chucks are ideal for first operation work and are offered with standard A5, A6 and A8 mounts to suit all popular machine tool types. DHP 52 models provide a maximum grip force of 94 kN and can be used at speeds up to 6500 rev/min, while larger DHP 65 variants achieve up to 105 kN grip and have a maximum operating speed of 6000 rev/min.

Kitagawa's DHP series chucks have been designed to be both compatible and quickly interchangeable with other popular 52 mm and 65 mm quick change collet clamping heads without the need for special purpose adaptors. They can also be supplied with an optional collet changing device to ensure fast and effective changeovers.

Collets for DHP series chucks are available for components down to 4 mm diameter and in 0.5 mm increments up to each model's maximum capacity.

Examples of the new Kitagawa DHP collet chuck range will be exhibited for the first time on Stand E16 in Hall 3 at the forthcoming EMO International Machine Tool Show in Milan.

Kitagawa Europe Ltd in profile
Based in Wiltshire, Kitagawa Europe offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of workholding and productivity solutions in the UK. The company draws on more than 60 years chuck development and manufacturing experience - and has established its B200-series units as the world's most popular power chuck range.

For further information, e-mail: enquiries@kitagawaeurope.com or view website: www.kitagawaeurope.com  Refer to page 178   

Controller offers simultaneous measurement and control of multiple channels

A new compact, multi-channel controller with touch-screen display is now available, which is ideal for the simultaneous measurement and control of a wide variety of process manufacturing applications.

The CMC-99 controller from Impress Sensors & Systems Ltd provides an incredible variety of input and output combinations to suit individual customer requirements. The three card slots on the reverse of the controller each comprise 16 I/O pin options, which enable the user to choose any combination of inputs and outputs to suit the application. For example, up to 48 analogue current or voltage inputs could be used; up to 16 relay/SSR outputs; 24 thermocouple inputs; or 12 RTD inputs; or a combination of these. The unit also incorporates a 24V DC digital input, enabling relays and triggers to be set up.

The CMC-99 is low cost compared to existing alternatives on the market and is ideal for a wide range of process applications, including centralised temperature measurement and control; multi-zone heating control; intermediate pumping station control; spraying and heating control for greenhouses; control of industrial furnaces and incinerators; and for engine test cell measurements.
 
Measuring just 96mm x 96mm x 100mm, the controller housing is very compact, which means the unit can be installed in restricted spaces. The controller has a 3.5-inch backlit colour TFT display and is based on the Linux operating system, with touch-screen menu navigation, offering ease of use and familiarity to the operator. A USB interface is provided on the front of the device, enabling the user to upload or download software programs quickly and easily via a USB memory stick.

The new CMC-99 controller from Impress Sensors & Systems provides an incredible variety of input and output combinations to suit  customer requirements.

The controller is available in two power supply versions, 230V or 24V AC/DC. An auxiliary 24V DC/200mA supply output on the back of the unit enables external sensors and actuators to be connected and powered by the controller. The CMC-99 can also act as a PID process controller, providing a reliable control loop feedback mechanism for a variety of process temperature and pressure control applications. 
 
The CMC-99 also comes with a number of communications interfaces, including two RS485 ports, two RS232, a second USB Host and an Ethernet connection, allowing the controller to integrate easily with the customer's existing process control networks and fieldbuses.
 
The CMC-99's integral software provides the user with archiving, printing and visualisation options. A variety of visual presentation display options for recorded measurements are available, including numerical display, bar graph or needle gauge display. The CMC-99 is also available with a transparent, lockable door to IP42. An IP65 version is supplied with an additional fitted moulded frame.  For further information, view website: www.impress-sensors.co.uk  or  e-mail: info@impress-sensors.co.uk   Refer to page 160