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MoldMaking Technology Noteworthy News, Dec. 09, 2020

The latest technology from Seco Tools, Progressive Components, Starrett Co., The L.S., BIG KAISER Precision Tooling, and NSK America

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Seco Assistant App Saves Time, Boosts Productivity

The Seco Assistant app from Seco Tools LLC streamlines daily machining experiences, combining vital information and tools with a smooth user experience.

Seco Assistant apps

Photo Credit: Seco Tools

The Seco Assistant app from Seco Tools LLC (Troy, Michigan) streamlines daily machining experiences, combining vital information and tools with a smooth user experience. Developed for maximum convenience and ease of use, the app maintains a small download size, a clean, clear interface and can be still be accessed offline.

Scan code for Seco Assistant app

Seco Assistant’s machining calculator, for example, provides access to turning, milling and holemaking data for any brand including feeds, speeds and material removal rate. The Tool Comparison function offers Seco tool recommendations and alternatives to other manufacturer’s inserts, and the Suggest function helps customers find the right tooling option and cutting strategies for specific jobs. Searching for a product is simplified further by item, number, designation, grade, or scanning the code on the packaging.

Scan the QR-code above or go to the app store to download Seco Assistant.




Expanded CounterView Product Line Offers Exclusive Mold Monitoring Accessories

Progressive Components’ widened mold counting and monitoring products range includes a High Temp CounterView, Retrofit Bracket and CAD geometry availability.

Progressive Components CounterView products

Photo Credit: Progressive Components

Contending that it carries the world’s widest range of mold counting and monitoring products, Progressive Components (Wauconda, Illinois) has recently expanded the line to include CounterViews, along with new accessories.

As an industry exclusive, the CounterView cycle counter is now available in both left- and right-hand orientations to allow mounting on either mold half, enabling easy viewing while the mold is in the press.

Progressive has also added a High Temp CounterView, which offers the same functionality as the standard cycle counter with the added benefit of performing in higher temperature tools operating at a maximum of 375°F (190°C).

For added heat protection, Progressive has introduced the Retrofit Bracket, which insulates its CVe Monitor or CounterView in high-heat applications. With a maximum operating temperature of 410°F (210°C), the bracket installs within an existing pocket without modification to the mold's cavity or core half.

CAD geometry for Progressive’s line of cycle counting products is available from the company’s CADalog, a free parts library with downloads offered in multiple formats including SolidWorks, NX, VISI, STEP, Parasolid, ACIS and IGES.




Versatile Large Format Multi-Sensor Vision System for Accurate, Fast Measurements

The L.S. Starrett AVX550 Multi-Sensor Vision System is a powerful, easy-to-use multi-sensor measurement system which streamlines and optimizes the QC process. 

L.S. StarrettĀ AVX550 Multi-Sensor Vision System.

Photo Credit: L.S. Starrett

The L.S. Starrett Company (Athol, Massachusetts), a global manufacturer of precision hand tools and gages, metrology systems and more, introduces the AVX550 Multi-Sensor Vision System, a powerful, easy-to-use multi-sensor measurement system which streamlines and optimizes the QC process. Using a single system, production parts can be examined on the shop floor or in the QC lab on macro and micro levels as one comprehensive process.

The Starrett AVX550 Multi-Sensor System features dual optical systems that work in tandem to measure a broad range of features and a touch-probe capability to measure parts with a diverse range of feature sizes and geometries. The Large Format AVX550 System can also be furnished with two cameras and lenses to be used sequentially in the same program. The primary zoom lens enables small intricate features to be inspected with high precision and resolution of up to 2 microns. A secondary large field-of-view camera is equipped with a telecentric lens that can simultaneously inspect large areas of a part, or an entire part itself. A broad range of zoom options also means that measurement configurations can be custom tailored to meet specific application requirements, and eliminate the need to change lenses or re-calibrate the system. Throughput is further enhanced with fast platform travel speeds and dual collimated profile lights which are essential to the effectiveness of the dual optical systems.

Equipped with the M3 software package from MetLogix, a traditional mouse as well as a touchscreen monitor makes user interaction easy and intuitive. Auto part recognition enables creating a part measurement program that comprises the desired features of a part for inspection, which can automatically be saved in the system or to a network. Programmable light output options can be built into the program as defined steps, including being called up as the part recognition program initiates. For fast, accurate and repeatable results, once the program is created, placing that part within the camera’s field-of-view allows for the saved program to initiate and run the inspection. Features such as a “Superimage” function allows the piecing together of multiple camera frames in order to view a large part as one single image. A Renishaw Touch Probe may also be utilized for quick acquisition of discreet points along a part’s profile and 3D geometry mapping.

The Starrett AVX550 Multi-Sensor System has several options for lens configurations. For inspection of small, intricate areas, a powerful 12:1 zoom optics lens is equipped with a 26x to 310x magnification range for precise resolution. The fixed magnification telecentric lens comes with magnification options of 0.14x, 0.3x, 0.5x, 0.8x, 1.0x, 2.0x and 4.0x. Systems can be configured in a larger measurement range on the X, Y, and Z axes, and can also be equipped with Q-axis rotary positioners for increased capability. For accuracy, durability and stability, including under demanding requirements, the AVX550 system features a granite base and bridge design.




Milling Cutting Tool Improves Front-and-Back Chamfer

Noventa from Sphinx is a new addition to Big Kaiser’s milling cutter lineup that transforms the tedious, time-consuming process of chamfering.

Noventa from Sphinx milling cutting tool.

Photo Credit: Big Kaiser

Big Kaiser Precision Tooling (Hoffman Estates, Illinois), showcases the Noventa from Sphinx, the newest addition to its milling cutter lineup. The Noventa is ideal for 90° front-and-back chamfering, and deburring holes up to 4xD.

According to Big Kaiser, the Noventa from Sphinx can transform the tedious, time-consuming process of chamfering the entry and exit of 0.80mm to 6.00mm holes using an innovative geometry that improves cycle time, tool life and surface quality.  

Noventa is equipped with 4 flutes and 4 coolant channels to optimize performance and cycle time. Outstanding tool life in most common and exotic materials is achieved using modern double-layer coating techniques. Surface finish is also improved by the milling tool’s reinforced shank diameter and edge-breaking capabilities.




Ultrasonic Polisher Enhanced For Highly Efficient Finishing

NSK America Corp.’s upgraded Ultrasonic Polisher Sheenus ZERO is ergonomically friendly, removes hard layers of EDM deposits and polishes difficult areas.

Ultrasonic Polisher with the advanced-performance Sheenus ZERO.

Photo Credit: NSK America Corp.

NSK America Corp. (Hoffman Estates, Illinois) has upgraded its Ultrasonic Polisher with the advanced-performance Sheenus ZERO. Enhanced features include an improved user-friendly design and high efficiency power.

The Sheenus ZERO quickly removes hard layers of EDM deposits and polishes difficult areas such as complex corners and ribs. It can be used for deburring, grinding and polishing on ferrous and non-ferrous materials.

For operator control and comfort, the Sheenus ZERO provides variable amplitude between 19-29 kHz per second and produces minimal hand vibration. Conveniently portable and easy to maneuver, the Sheenus ZERO controller weighs 3 lb, 5 oz, or 29% less than NSK’s previous ultrasonic polisher. The resin body handpiece, lightweight and ergonomically designed, enables effortless, precise work over long periods of time. To allow continuous, uninterrupted use, the Sheenus ZERO features a heat protection function that detects abnormally high heat and automatically suppresses output to prevent temperatures from rising.

For improved visibility, the Sheenus ZERO controller includes a digital LED display that clearly indicates operation function and has an illuminated handpiece. Additional features of the controller include maximum output power of 45 watts, LED display switchable between amplitude and WATT, as well as a built-in cradle for the handpiece.