Kuka's Welding Technique Doubles Production Speed

An exciting high-speed MIG/MAG arc welding system, combining stationary two-wire MAG welding equipment with robot-aided manipulation of the component, is now available from KUKA Welding Systems+Robot Corp., Sterling Heights, MI. Not to be confused with other arc-welding systems that require huge inputs of energy, KUKA's two-wire MAG technique achieves maximum deposition efficiency and high welding speed with no more input energy than conventional single-wire techniques, says the company. Component tolerances are minimal, gaps are consistently small and optimal welding position is constantly maintained. Unlike "twin-wire" MAG welding systems, the two wires in this system are supplied by separate current sources, with independent but synchronized wire feed rates and settings. The distance between the two torches can be varied to suit particular requirements, and diameters of the two wires can be different. Weld penetration can be deepened with a large diameter lead wire.

Ward's Info No. 203

InterData releases 1998 IGES Toolkit

InterData Access, Inc. (IDA) announces the 1998 release of the IGES Toolkit. The IGES Toolkit is a CAD/CAM tool used to automate the exchange of product data between dissimilar CAD/CAM systems. This integrated suite of products allows viewing, analyzing, editing, flavoring and debugging of IGES files for more effective exchange of engineering design data. Display enhancements include the addition of 3D shaded viewing and display manipulation of IGES surfaces and solids, Bird's Eye and Eyeglass viewing, and the ability to view isolated classes of IGES entities. This 1998 release also boasts a tighter integration of the three products and a more intuitive interface with color icons, help tags and a complete on-line Help program.

Ward's Info No. 201

OMAT Introduces Optimil Milling/Drilling Device

OMAT Control Technologies introduces OptiMil, a leading CNC milling/drilling optimization device widely used within the automotive industry. OptiMil enhances productivity and tool utilization in all milling/drilling processes of computer numerical control (CNC) machines and machining centers. OptiMil constantly monitors metal-cutting conditions and adjusts the feed rate in real time to the highest possible level. The real-time control allows for the automatic optimization of the machining process. OptiMil is a universal add-on device that can be connected to virtually any CNC machine. The innovative product increases tool utilization through tool protection, tool-wear monitoring, tool-breakage detection and tool- life extension. When strong resistance is felt, OptiMil reduces the feed rate and, if necessary, stops the machine to avoid damage to the cutting tools, workpiece or machine. When there is less resistance, OptiMIl increases the feed rate, thereby saving production time. With OptiMil, manufacturers are increasing productivity by 20% to 40%, says the company.

Ward's Info No. 202

Oakite Products Provide Competitive Edge

Manufacturers within industries such as aerospace, appliance, architectural, automotive and HVAC, as well as most metal processing-related operations, can realize significant operating cost reductions by virtue of Oakite's CrysCoat Ultra Seal single-package composition. This patented, chrome-free post rinse provides superior paint adhesion and corrosion resistance, without the environmental hazards, disposal concerns and high operating costs associated with chrome post rinses, says the company. In addition, CrysCoat Ultra Seal operates at lower temperatures compared with other solutions, providing end-users further economical benefits. CrysCoat Ultra Seal eliminates hazardous chrome from the waste system mix without compromising the finished product quality. The manufacturer says the biodegradable material also is free of phosphates and heavy metal salts.

Ward's Info No. 204

ICA/E-Z Tool Makes

Inspections Easier

The all "new" (patent pending) 2-D and 3-D Window Frames developed by ICA/E-Z Tool let you fixture micro to small parts quickly and easily. The 2-D and 3-D Window Frames are engineered for use with both contact and non-contact inspection systems. Parts to be inspected are suspended in the opening of the window frame, by using either an assortment of contact tips or optional center-opening jaw clamps. Both the contact tips and clamps are inserted in a collet assembly for very secure part holding and full rotation without refixturing. The unique design fixtures virtually any size or shape of part (rigid and non-rigid material) with minimal contact for greater accessibility to the part. The open layout of the Window Frame allows probes or light to hit a maximum amount of surface, making it ideal for use with CMM, vision, optical, laser or other inspection equipment. The Window Frames come fully assembled and ready to use without training. The 2-D and 3-D Window Frames are available in several sizes ranging from 4" x 4" to 16" or any 4-in. combination.

Ward's Info No. 205

Dow New Low-Gloss Resin Meets Auto Design Needs

Pulse 2100LG engineering resin, a new low-gloss product in Dow Automotive's family of PC/ABS resins, already is helping meet automotive interior design needs. One of the first applications for the resin is the low-gloss, molded-in- color outer housing for the center seat console that brings heat and air conditioning to rear passengers in the 1998 Lincoln Town Car. The application eliminates the cost of paint and still achieves low gloss aesthetics, says a Lear Corp. spokesman. Lear is responsible for designing and engineering the Town Car console.

Ward's Info No. 206

Emission-Cutting Valve Uses DuPont Zenite LCP

A new electrically operated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve from Siemens Automotive promises to outperform vacuum-controlled systems in reducing auto emissions of smog-causing nitrogen oxides. The electrical heart of the EGR valve is a linear solenoid with a coil bobbin molded from DuPont Zenite LCP liquid crystal polymer resin. The material meets needs for mechanical strength, dimensional stability and creep resistance in high-temperature service, says Siemens. The solenoid's operating temperature ranges up to 240 degrees C and the use of Zenite LCP also holds down assembly costs. The coil is mounted on the valve's metal stator by heat staking, a technique that could not be used with a thermoset bobbin. The bobbin's dimensional accuracy is crucial to automated coil winding, and its low creep ensures firm retention of press-fitted terminals in integrally molded wells in the bobbin.

Ward's Info No. 207