Page 14 - MetalForming April 2012
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Tech Update
New CNC Shines for Machine-Tool Multitasking, While Optimizing Operability
The Sinumerik 840D sl CNC system platform, introduced recently by Siemens, Chicago, IL, is a universal control covering wide-ranging metal- working operations including laser cutting, punching, milling and grinding. The control also can be used in mul- titasking machines such as turn-mill or mill-turn centers. This integrated func- tionality is simple to configure for dif- ferent machine kinematics, and permits production using widely varied tech-
nologies without the need for labor-intensive workpiece reclamping.
The Sinumerik Operate user interface provides an integrated turning functional- ity for milling, and an integrated milling functionality for turning. And, the new OP 019 operator panel has been extended to include a new power-control unit that allows high-speed key actuation at the 19-in. glass front. The operator panel can provide
a basic machine display with three or four channels showing as many as 13 axes. The machine’s tool-management system ensures simple handling of all tools, as
well as hybrid multi-tools in a single standardized user interface.
Siemens: 800/879-8079; www.usa.siemens.com/cnc
Ergonomic
Manipulator Allows
One Operator to
Handle Heavy Loads
Sigco, Inc., an architectural-metal and glass fabricator in Westbrook, ME, recently went in search of an ergonom- ic manipulator that would adequately address employee-safety concerns while enhancing productivity by being able to handle a wide variety of products, includ- ing large, heavy sheetmetal blanks. The result of its search: acquisition of five pneumatically powered 550-lb.-capacity Famatec Friendly ergonomic manipulators from Haeco, Loveland, OH.
“The manipulators precisely coun- terbalance heavy loads,” says Sigco operations manager Jason Tardiff, “allowing one operator to effortlessly suspend, rotate, tilt and transfer prod- uct. The units have eliminated worker
12 MetalForming/April 2012
www.metalformingmagazine.com
