Why is the industry considering changing from well-established gear manufacturing processes to something that is much more complex at first glance? Gear manufacturing has been its own “world” in metal cutting, dominated by companies with very specific expertise around gear technology. Production output has been high, but flexibility is limited. The technicians running these machines are highly skilled, but recruiting new staff with these skill sets has become more and more difficult.

INDEX has announced the launch of its new CenterMaster accessory. As part of the company’s sustained investment in R&D focused on streamlining the setup and changeover process for CNC multi-spindle lathes, CenterMaster reduces the time needed to align a drill by up to 90%.

At AMB 2022, WFL Millturn Technologies will be presenting the new M20 MILLTURN complete machining center for the first time. Alongside gear skiving technology, there is clear trend toward automation and the integration of sensors. The latest solutions from WFL range from smart software to screw programming through to intelligent tools and clamping devices.

IMTS visitors can experience live machining with the WFL M50 MILLTURN/3000 mm. The multifunctional turning-boring-milling center is designed for complete machining of complex chuck and shaft parts up to 670 mm swing over bed. Turning, milling, drilling, hobbing, shaping, gun drilling as well as ID machining can be performed under any angle of the tool. 

When Sandvik Coromant opened its new Center Mebane facility last year in Mebane, NC, near Raleigh the vision was to use it as a hub for training, R&D testing, customer projects and, most of all, an opportunity for comprehensive customer and partner engagement.

MC Machinery Systems recently announced the promotions of Joe Cisneroz, Dave Kloos and Doug Conroy as well as the addition of Alexander Wright. 

DN Solutions (formerly Doosan Machine Tools) recently announced the opening of a Technical Support Office in Troy, Michigan. The new location will provide process improvements and technical solutions to both dealers and customers. 

Effective June 1, 2022, Index has established a dedicated service department to rebuild tool holders at its North American headquarters in Noblesville, Indiana. Previously, the company processed all such rebuilds at its parent company in Germany. By investing in bringing this capability to the United States, Index expects to cut lead times for rebuilds by 50% - 70%.

Index has announced the release of next generation of its G220 turn-mill center. Incorporating the design principles introduced via the larger G320, G420 and G520 machines, the new G220 provides high flexibility to produce complex, small-to-medium-sized parts in a single setup.

Mazak’s new INTEGREX i-H series platform with SmoothAi CNC and the VARIAXIS i-700T with turning capability will be on-hand at the Experience Tech Aerospace Event co-hosted by Mazak at Sandvik Coromant Center in Mebane, NC (May 11-12, 2022).