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Hainbuch’s TOPlus chuck for machining cast or hardened parts is equipped with a hexagonal core made of cast resin. This makes the chuck lighter than steel chucks, resulting in lower inertia during high spindle acceleration. The resin also has a positive dampening effect to prevent component ringing during hard turning operations.

Six angled steel plates, which are cast in resin, form the chuck taper. To match this arrangement, the clamping head also has six flat outer surfaces that mate exactly with the surfaces of the chuck. Whether the chuck is open or closed, the clamping taper is completely sealed.

The reduced surface pressure and the full surface contact of the clamping segments increases the radical clamping force. In addition, the large clamping area is suited for raw materials, cast and forged parts. A single grease nipple provides lubrication, but this can also occur automatically through machine coding.

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EMAG Salach Maschinenfabrik has brought out the VTC 315 DS for the simultaneous vertical grinding of shaft-type components.

In contrast to the conventional process, the VTC 315 DS uses two opposing grinding spindles for the four-axis simultaneous grinding of vertically chucked workpieces.

The advantage is the axial forces cancel each other out and optimal access to the workpiece is possible.

At AMB 2008 Emag will present the next stage of the machine’s development: a version for four-axis simultaneous grinding.

The idea was triggered by the VTC platform.

EMAG introduced the first four-axis vertical turning centre of the VTC series in 2003 and since then the VTC series has been developed further.

Although there are some common denominators, the VTC 315 DS is in direct competition with the classical horizontal two- and four-axis grinding machine.

Salach’s vertical machine was designed for the machining of smaller component batches, where it offers short setup times and great flexibility.

For larger quantities, the single-purpose machine still remains the first choice.

The vertical design still offers advantages in the application of grinding technology, especially when it comes to the machining of gearshafts with a number of bearing seats.

One of these advantages is the two independently travelling compound slides mounted to the inner wall, featuring X- and Z-axes with integrated grinding spindles.

In the centre is the workpiece, which is held from below by a fixed tailstock centre and from above by a moveable work head centre, allowing simultaneous grinding from left and right.

This design ensures good access and makes use of the naturally developing forces.

With the grinding process, the main force input is usually generated by the axial forces, which are often three to four times that of the tangential forces.

On the VTC 315 DS the axial forces are neutralised by the grinding wheels that face each other.

The contra-rotational movement of the grinding wheels cancels out the grip torque created by the tangential forces.

This is particularly effective with workpieces that are moved only by the traction created by the centre in the work head.

In terms of resetting, it means no clamping equipment or separate drivers are required.

Adjusting the span and restarting the program is all that needs to be done.

For grinding machines, precision is usually the top priority and this is no different when it comes to the VTC 315 DS.

Dr Guido Hegener, senior executive responsible for grinding technology at EMAG Salach Maschinenfabrik, said: ‘We have tested the machine thoroughly and made a number of comparisons with our horizontal machines.

‘The sturdy, rigid machine construction with its base in Mineralit (a polymer granite that has a much greater damping effect than cast iron) forms an excellent basis for achieving the required precision.

‘Owing to the internal dimensions, there are sections where rigidity is even greater than at the equivalent points on a classical grinder of similar size.’ Although development has, in some areas, required a rethink of the original idea of combination machining, the changes did not pose any great technological difficulties.

Dr Hegener added: ‘The changes that had to be made included the installation of vertical grinding spindles and the accommodation and handling of the grinding wheels.

‘For instance, we had to design a special fixture for the changing of grinding wheels, as the construction of the machine does not allow the use of a crane for the purpose.’ A receptor with a taper similar to the HSK is used to change the grinding wheels.

As the machine concept favours the use of CBN grinding wheels, the receptor must be of great precision.

The CBN wheels can be used for infeed grinding, multiple plunge-cuts and longitudinal grinding as well as for the machining of various shoulders and radii.

The precision of the workholding system minimises the dressing effort, which would otherwise make the use of these cost-intensive CBN wheels uneconomical.

The people in charge of developing the VTC 315 DS have studied market requirements for on-board measuring equipment, automation and programming and the machine has been equipped accordingly.

For instance, the standard equipment includes a length-measuring probe for the correction of centre offsets.

The machine also features an in-process gauging control and the post-process measuring device.

For automation, EMAG relies on a robot that loads and unloads the workpieces from the side of the machine.

The small footprint and the compact construction of the Siemens 840D control makes it an economically priced alternative to the classic grinding machine.

The VTC 315 DS with two grinding wheels covers workpieces that are produced in medium-sized batches using grinding technology only.

Simultaneous grinding shortens the machining time.

This is advantageous in the machining of thin, less stable workpieces.

Generally, CBN offers higher stock removal rates and shorter cycle times.

CBN also has a much greater life expectancy.

This reduces the unit costs when compared with machining using corundum wheels.

A more compact machine was able to be built by concentrating on the use of CBN technology.

This would have been impossible using corundum.

The classical horizontal four-axis grinding machines lack accessibility, operator-friendliness and the compact design, but the vertical concept has solved these problems.

The machines are compact considering they handle workpieces of up to 700mm in length

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Jones and Shipman, the UK’s foremost precision grinding machine manufacturer, will show four market-leading grinding machines at Mach 2008: three with ‘Easy Control’ CNC

These are Suprema and Ultramat cylindrical grinding machines, a Dominator Creepfeed grinding machine and a TechMaster high-precision surface grinding machine.

Three of these models also incorporate the Jones and Shipman feature packed ‘Easy Control’, which is simpler to use, quicker to set, yet enables parts to be ground within the same cycle time as a conventional CNC.

The ‘Easy Control’ is built around a GE-Fanuc Touchscreen and incorporates Jones Shipman proprietary software that removes the requirement for operators to input code, instead providing a highly flexible graphical menu driven programme.

Whilst offering faster turn-around and quicker set-ups than conventional CNC, it still has all the functionality.

Featuring 10th micron programming, standard cycles and even contour grinding, this control is available as an option in place of a conventional CNC on all current Jones and Shipman grinding machine ranges.

The idea of the Easy Control is two-fold: on one hand it brings traditionally manual machinists into the world of CNC technology without requiring any additional programming knowledge; and on the other hand it can be used to make complex and precise grinding operations far easier to execute than has previously been possible.

The Jones and Shipman intention is to offer the ‘best of both worlds’, providing two to three day training courses, normally sufficient, either in Leicester or at the customers own address, that are intended to bring traditional operators - of any capability - to the point where they are completely comfortable using the controls.

The two cylindrical grinding machines on show at Mach 2008 are from the Suprema and Ultramat ranges.

The Suprema exhibited incorporates a Universal Wheelhead and has a grinding capacity of 300mm x 650mm between centres.

Models are also available in 1m and 1.5m table capacities.

Whilst this model with its universal wheelhead allows for internal and external grinding, plain straight approach and angle head options are also available; all achieved with very low capital outlay, ensuring fast payback for users.

Commenting on the Suprema, Mike Duignan, Sales and Marketing Director for Jones and Shipman, said: “The Suprema is one of our best selling machines, offering precision at a highly competitive price level.

Like all of our machine ranges, here in the UK it benefits from local access to our sales and technical support centre.

Our grinding experts and software team can provide invaluable guidance on operating software, and on getting the best from our machines”.

The Ultramat machine is designed for the higher volume production environment, such as aerospace and automotive, as well as high-precision sub-contract machining for biomedical and motorsport engineering.

The machine offers 650mm or 1000mm between centres.

Options for this machine range include conventional or our ‘Easy’ CNC, angle head, external only or a programmable turret wheelhead with multiple wheels, full in-process gauging, probing and flagging, autoloading and articulating arm CNC form dressing.

Surface grinders will also feature strongly on the Jones Shipman stand (5350) including an example of the well-known, Award Winning, Dominator Surface, Profile and Creepfeed range this time a model 624 with CNC control and a heavy duty TechMaster 844.

This TechMaster is a larger machine designed for use in toolrooms and mould making facilities; it offers 800mm x 400mm grinding capacity with a vertical capacity of 400mmm under the grinding wheel.

The TechMaster is highly accurate, very stiff and has a high metal removal rate.

Complementing the Jones and Shipman exhibits will be a display of Gear, Rotor and Thread ground components all produced on the World Leading and Award Winning Holroyd high speed Helical milling and Helical Thread and Gear grinding machines.

Also featured will be a display of the all-new 5 axis Edgetek XL superabrasive grind-mill machining system with its 20 paired station toolchanger.

This enables wheel stacks and coolant halos or milling/drilling tooling and coolant halos to be exchanged together, allowing high speed grinding of multiple features on complex components such as nozzle guide vanes for the aerospace and power generation industries.

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Jones and Shipman has launched the Dominator 624 CNC machine, the smallest in a three model line-up yet with all the functionality of a high-precision grinding cell in one compact machine.

The Dominator 624 offers creepfeed, surface and profile grinding in a multi-axis configuration and the latest GE-Fanuc (registered) intelligent terminal CNC control from a diminutive 2,025mm x 1,500mm footprint.

Its compact size makes the Dominator suitable for use in busy machine shops where space is at a premium, but precision, ease of use and high productivity rates are still paramount.

The compact dimensions are achieved by using a cuboid machine bed design and mounting the wheelhead on a carrier assembly to provide the Z axis - the work table then moves vertically to provide the Y axis.

The cuboid machine bed also makes for a very rigid machine platform.

The work table is supported from the front face of the bed on preloaded precision linear slides.

The vertical movement makes loading parts far easier, as the work holding drops down to allow more comfortable access, particularly useful when handling large and heavy parts.

A full suite of dressing and grinding programs is available for the Dominator operator.

Easy-to-follow Windows (registered) set-up pages allow the operator to quickly digitise diamond and wheel positions and with a minimum of mouse or keyed inputs produce a finished program.

Graphical images prompt the operator, and spreadsheet-style programming ensures quick and simple input.

The option of ISO programming is also available.

The Dominator 624 offers maximum grinding length of 600mm x grinding width of 200mm from a 400mm work table.

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NL Machine Tool Consulting has unveiled the Proflex line of flexible CNC external and internal grinding machines.

Proflex is a grinding centre that can be customised on the basis of specific production needs and grinding applications.

Its flexibility is facilitated by a range of wheelhead configurations, which makes it possible to use multiple tools in different combinations.

Two, three or four conventional or high-speed CBN wheels can be mounted at the same time on integrated motor-spindle assemblies and used in successive grinding operations.

The machine has a range of accessories and custom features, and can be interfaced with a variety of automated workpiece-handling systems including gantries, integrated loaders and robots.

Proflex can be readily customised for any grinding application, thanks to a range of modern, ultra-dependable accessories and optional equipment.

A selection of workholding and clamping units for workhead and tailstock provides the right solution for all between-centres grinding processes - whether they involve live centres, dead centres or face drivers - and any kind of chucking operation.

Also available are steady-rests with open two-point or closed three-point configurations, with automatic engagement and self-centring diameter compensating capabilities.

Special workheads, including units with integrated motor-spindle assemblies, make it possible to grind non-round shapes such as regular polygons, cams and threads thanks to crossfeed C-axis design.

Wheel dressers featuring either single dresser centres or diamond dresser wheels may be incorporated in the workhead and tailstock, or installed on independent units that can be positioned on the stationary table.

Designing machines for operating flexibility also means guaranteeing fast retooling during type changes.

Thus, in-process gauging instruments such as axial positioners and diameter gauges are easy to reset during type changes, thanks to manually operated self-aligning devices or automatic supports with hydraulic positioning on pre-set stops.

In addition, ‘active’ axial positioning probes can be installed on the wheelhead.

Where ‘absolute’ diameter gauging is required along the entire grinding length, the Proflex range is designed for easy system integration with units featuring additional CNC-controlled axes.

Other modular design features include a choice of three CNC-controlled W-axis workpiece length compensation units providing different compensation strokes.

The Proflex line-up consists of three models - PROFLEX2, PROFLEX3 and PROFLEX4 - which differ according to the number of external and internal grinding wheels housed in the wheelhead structure.

Each model is specially designed to use conventional external wheels with 508, 610 or 760mm diameter and peripheral speeds from 50 to 63m/s (C line), or high-speed CBN wheels with 400 or 500mm diameter and peripheral speeds from 120 to 140m/s (S line), in combination with several internal grinding units.

Different spindle designs are available for each wheel type.

All spindle units feature extra-precise ceramic rolling bearings, coaxial integrated drive motors and wheel balancers incorporated in the spindle nose.

Extensive product engineering work made it possible to develop a full range of machine sizes with different between-centres capacities.

The machine bed and stationary table are modular units with one-piece load-bearing structure, ribbed to guarantee thermal and dynamic stability.

Stationary table design with recirculating roller or hydrostatic Z-axis crossfeed and X-axis infeed minimises the machine’s footprint and rationalises fluid and electrical system layout.

User-friendly programming is ensured by Tacchella’s Tacchella Operator Package (TOP); interactive software that meets the challenge of combining flexibility with full process capacity.

All setup, programming, grinding, cycle monitoring and diagnostics operations involved in normal machine use are simple and ‘familiar’ to the operator thanks to a specially designed working environment.

The most commonly used wheel profiles are stored in the package’s Standard Wheel Library.

Geometrical characteristics are specified simply by assigning the desired value in the table of variables appearing in the screen form for the selected wheel.

The selection of standard grinding cycles makes it possible to satisfy a range of needs, carrying out complete, complex grinding operations with ease.

The standard grinding cycles, which can be combined in any machine configuration, can be used for diameter, shoulder, groove radius, chamfer and taper grinding with or without interpolation, as well as for contouring and grinding threads, regular polygons, non-round shapes and cams with regular or special wheels, all in a single setup.

The TOP Tacchella software package is patented by Tacchella Macchine

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Solid carbide microdrills measure 38mm long and are in sizes from 0.1 to 1.8mm and feature high concentricity, extra long flutes and a drill diameter tolerance of +0004mm.

Machining in the nano-range continues to increase in importance.

Used wherever complex geometries are required, the process demands very high shape accuracy to micron tolerances and equally precise surface qualities.

Examples of machining applications include optical components, injectors for the automobile industry and spinning nozzles for the textile industry.

A suite of solid carbide microdrills designed to meet the exacting requirements of micro and ultra-precision machining technology in the nano-range has been introduced by Hoffmann Group-Perschmann.

Measuring 38mm long and available in sizes from 0.1 to 1.8mm the tools feature impressively high concentricity, extra long flutes and a drill diameter tolerance of +0004mm.

Reference 12 1220 in the company’s latest catalogue, Garant HPC premium brand microdrills ensure optimum process reliability.

“In this sector the requirement is for high precision tools which can machine a wide spectrum of materials,” said Bert Bleicher, managing director of the Hoffmann Group.

Garant microdrills are precision ground general purpose cutting tools suitable for drilling aluminium, steel with a tensile strength of up to 1400N, stainless steel over 900N and titanium.

A further special feature is a 3mm diameter shank for use in h6 shrink-fit chucks.

Complementing the microdrill products is a selection of new Garant and Kelch shrink fit chucks.

Suitable for inductive, contact and hot-air shrink fits and available in diameters from 3 to 32mm, the high temperature chucks feature through coolant holes - that can be closed off - on sizes above 6mm.

“With these drills the Hoffmann Group raises its machining competence not only in the HPC field but also in the field of ultra-precision machining,” concluded Bleicher.

Aiming to be a frontrunner in nano-machining tooling the Hoffmann Group is actively supporting the trend towards ultra-precision machining.

Its range of over 40,000 products includes other tools for such applications, including for example, HPC carbide full radius ball-nosed slot drills commencing from a diameter of 0.1mm.

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Niro has the task of integrating spray drying into a novel processing line from nanoparticles synthesis till production of nanostructured components.

Niro AS is playing an important role in what may well prove to be the start of the new industrial revolution: the production of materials and products using nanoparticles.

The four year, EUR 15.7 million project, is partially funded by the European Commission (EUR 8.1million) and involves 21 industrial partners including SMEs, universities and research institutions from 11 European countries and Canada.

The project is called SAPHIR and was initiated at CEA Saclay (French Atomic Commission) in October, 2006.

Its overall objective is the safe, integrated, controlled, economic production and recycling of high-tech, multifunctional, nano-structured products.

The aim is to develop an integrated ‘factory for nanos’ and to gather all the industrial ‘elementary bricks’ to make the ‘bottom up’ manufacturing approach using nanoparticles a reality.

Nanoparticles are of great scientific interest as they are effectively a bridge between bulk materials and atomic structures.

A bulk material should have constant physical properties regardless of its size, but at the nano scale this is often not the case.

Particles as small as 10-9m have a large proportion of their atoms on their surface.

This gives them unique properties making them behave completely differently from bulk materials.

The SAPHIR project aims to explore safe ways of manufacturing these particles, understand the opportunities they present and exploit them commercially.

Niro’s role in the project is to integrate spray drying into a novel processing line from nanoparticles synthesis till production of nanostructured components.

To be handled safely it’s important that nanopowders are never handled in dry form but incorporated in another medium or converted to non-dusting agglomerates or granules using, for example, spray drying.

The company’s objectives within the SAPHIR project are to challenge its spray drying equipment to produce optimal nanostructured granulates from nanoparticle suspensions which can further processed into components with superior properties.

Niro aims to become the leading supplier of equipment for producing nanostrutured granulate based on nanoparticles.

It is believed that these particles will allow the production of new materials that are lighter, stronger and less expensive than any known today.

These materials are also likely to have exceptional coating properties that can reduce wind resistance (and therefore fuel consumption), improve electrical conductivity, and making self-cleaning goods.

It is expected that nanoparticles will become widely used in the future especially in the automotive, construction, space and aeronautics, and energy industries.

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A 2kW laser is specifically designed to power the generation of laser produced plasma, a technique for producing next generation semiconductors of 32nm and below.

A 2kW laser is specifically designed to power the generation of laser produced plasma, a technique for producing next generation semiconductors of 32nm and below.

A 2kW class laser places the laser produced plasma (LPP) EUV source approach as the main contender to be the source of choice for the high volume manufacturing of semiconductor chips.

Powerlase, manufacturers of the world’s most powerful nanosecond Q-switched, diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) lasers, has announced the introduction of a new high power Starlase laser.

The 2kW class laser module combined with Powerlase’s patented approach of spatial and temporal multiplexing will have a significantly positive impact on satisfying the requirements of the EUV source from a laser power point of view.

The new device firmly places the Laser produced plasma (LPP) EUV source approach as the main contender to be the source of choice for the high volume manufacturing of semiconductor chips.

The combination of a high power laser per single module with the efficiency of the diode pumped solid state laser will make the LPP approach power scaleable to satisfy the demand of the industry at a low running cost.

* 2kW class Starlase laser - the Starlase laser will drive Powerlase’s world leading research to achieve workable solutions for the high volume manufacture of semiconductor chips by 2009.

Powerlase recently announced a significant breakthrough in the scalability of the EUVL Sources by achieving the ability to multiplex modular lasers used in EUV source generation to increase power scalability.

The new laser will be used in further research offering high output power at a wavelength of 1064nm, short pulse and excellent beam properties well suited for the EUV generation.

It can be multiplexed to produce the power required to revolutionise semiconductor manufacture.

Samir Ellwi, vice-president Strategic Innovations of Powerlase commented, “The development of the 2kW class laser demonstrates our relentless drive to further developments in laser technology to meet real world needs.

Our existing technology is already proving world class for both PDP manufacture and our multiplexed EUV laser will transform semiconductor manufacturing.” Tony King, CEO commented: “I’m delighted that we are continuing to break new ground in partnership with our customers and partners in forging the next generation technology for existing manufacturing challenges and in developing novel methods for emerging manufacturing techniques”.

* About Powerlase - Powerlase Limited is an innovative, independent, high power laser company, focused on diode pumped solid state lasers developed for industrial applications primarily for use in the materials processing and microelectronics markets for flat panel displays, microelectronics, automotive and aerospace sectors.

Powerlase is supported by venture capital from MTI Partners, Deutsche Venture Capital, Esprit Capital Partners LLP (formerly Cazenove Private Equity), Alice Ventures and FNI Venture Capital.

V is ranked as the fifth fastest growing venture capital-backed company in the UK in the Daily Telegraph 2006 Business Growth Rankings.

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A high speed rotary spindle allows extremely small parts - down a diameter of 10m - to be cut accurately and cost effectively using EDM wire erosion for turning.

Hirschmann is introducing a second generation of its high speed rotary spindle (H80R.MAC), which allows even extremely small parts.

Sizes can be down to a diameter of 10 micron - to be cut accurately and cost effectively.

The technically advanced spindle, which was launched with great success two years ago, was developed specifically to permit even very small parts to be turned on an EDM wire erosion machine.

It has met with market acclaim throughout the Western engineering industry ever since its launch: ideally suited for manufacturing parts for the medical, sensory analysis, fluids and automotive industries, its application is already widespread throughout the world of micro machining.

The new generation of the H80R spindle enjoys the same specification as the original H80 spindle but has the additional benefits of positional indexing and servo controlled erosion using the rotary axis.

This is in response to requests from, in particular, the medical, micro technology and aerospace industries to combine EDM turning of small parts with indexing and servo controlled erosion.

The new rotating and indexing spindle allows parts to be EDM turned or EDM ground with a plane cut at different angles.

It can be used with a System 5000 pneumatic clamper to enable automatic loading, so can be employed in a fully automated production system as easily as in stand alone EDM machines.

Hirschmann developed the high speed rotary spindle (H80R.MAC) in response to a clear industry need to cut extremely small parts - down a diameter of 10 micron - accurately and cost effectively.

Using the high speed rotary spindle, a conventional WEDM machine becomes an EDM turning or grinding machine.

Difficult or complex shapes or very small parts, which would have required several production processes, can now be turned simply on a wire erosion machine.

The spindle was developed and tested in conjunction with the Institute of Micro Technology in Mainz, Germany.

It is suitable for high speed applications.

Parts which have traditionally been both difficult and expensive to manufacture can be produced cost-effectively without compromising accuracy.

Dental drills, medical implants and instruments, minimised assembly groups, micro moulds for plastic injection and micro tools can be manufactured more economically and without the traditional problems associated with the form/cylindrical grinding of small detailed parts.

The Hirschmann H80R spindle is easy to set up and use, considerably improves productivity and significantly reduces production costs when compared with grinding.

The use of the high speed rotation on a standard Wire EDM machine facilitates the highest profile quality and surface finish as it eliminates the wear associated with the use of a traditional grinding wheel.

Used with the newly patented Hirschmann adjustable collet, the high speed rotary spindle provides the highest axial accuracy at rotary speeds of up to 1500 rev/min.

The spindle can also be interfaced with the EDM controller to offer improved autonomy.

Component surface finish and geometry are comparable with traditional grinding techniques.

The added benefits of simple set up and easy 2D programming lead to faster production times coupled with reliable reproduction reducing scrap.

The Hirschmann H80R rotating spindle provides a viable and economic alternative to grinding small components.

Grinding induces large forces onto the component: in small components this can cause movement or - more likely with micro machining - breakage.

Form grinding also requires a number of wheels to be produced creating high manufacturing costs due to time and effort and the production of complex geometries with small radii is virtually impossible.

Free from lateral side forces, geometries can be created without the influences of grinding wheel wear and form error.

By rotating the component accurately at high speed the surface is comparable with that of grinding.

Set up is much faster using the high speed rotary spindle than with grinding.

Metal removal rates are also improved when compared with grinding.

* Hirschmann at EMO 2007, Hannover, Germany, September 17-22, Hall 25, Stand H30.

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Linear motor technology together with directly driven rotary axes provide enhanced speed and accuracy for the laser machining of complex geometries in micro components.

Rofin-Baasel informed manufacturingtalk.com that it has been perfecting the fine cutting of micro-tubes, which are used for the production of stents and medical implants, for a period of 10 years.

The result of this process of ongoing development is StarCut Tube, a high precision laser cutting system, which is compact, self contained and up to 10 times faster than the first generation systems.

* Performance and flexibility - the significant increase in performance and capability of this latest generation of StarCut Tube can be attributed to a state of the art motion system.

Linear motor technology together with directly driven rotary axes provide enhanced speed and accuracy.

The addition of an advanced laser control system allows the laser cutting parameters to be optimised to match the travel speed of the various axes.

It enables the micro-machining of complex geometries, including cutting small radii, to be achieved easily.

Now, the StarCut Tube can process tubes with diameters of less than 200 microns with kerf widths of less than 15 microns.

Radial and non-radial cutting angles can be achieved without any damage to the opposite wall thus making it possible to open tubes laterally or to cut hollow needle points.

New and unusual cutting geometries are also possible for example, spiral cuts or interlinked structures in just one process and operation (e g, for flexible instruments).

The performance characteristics of the system are demonstrated by its ability to produce a coronary stent which is 8.0mm in length in less than 60s.

Accuracies of only a few microns can be achieved repeatably thanks to the stability of the granite mounting platform.

Choice of lasers - StarCut Tube is available with a choice of laser sources including the following.

* The proven StarCut 18 which has a power range of 7 to 25W and achieves kerf widths of 18-20 microns.

* StarCut 12fm, a 12W fundamental mode laser.

* StarCut Tube Fibre which has 20W maximum power.

These lasers offer kerf widths of less than 15 microns.

Practical and expandable solution - with all of the main elements such as the laser source, motion stages, control system and tube loading mechanisms incorporated within a stand-alone system, StarCut Tube has been designed to be a practical and ergonomic solution for Micro-Machining.

The cutting process can be viewed using a high quality stereo microscope or an optional camera.

The system is also capable of being enhanced with options for fluid flushing inside of the tube and the 4-axis version allows non-radial cutting operations to be performed.

Flat sheet components can also be processed within the system using the optional cutting support box, said Rofin-Baasel.

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