As the EMO tooling expo makes its biennial location switch from Germany to Italy, Julian Buckley looks at what buyers, exhibitors and attendees can expect at this year’s event.
The last EMO event, held in Hannover, Germany in 2007, was a reckoned by its organisers to be a resounding success. With a total of 2,120 exhibitors from 42 different countries taking part, the six-day programme reportedly generated orders of over €4 billion. Overall attendance was also up, the 166,500 visitors marking a 4% increase over the 2005 Italian show that ran for a total of eight days, say the organisers,
In light of the economic slowdown, that has seen sales of machine tooling equipment plummet in markets across the world, the 2009 EMO Milan event, to be held from October 5th – 10th, will be hard-pressed to post improved numbers.
That said, the organizers were anticipating a positive exhibitor response when, at an EMO Milan press conference held on May 12 at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, Alfredo Mariotti, Exhibition Director, noted that the organizers had already finalized the attendance of 1,303 exhibitors at the Fiera Milano. Asked if the organizers had needed to reduce prices to increase exhibitor interest, Mariotti said: “We have not reduced prices for exhibitors, though we have not increased them, either.”
In a move likely to further promote sales at this year’s event, the Italian Council of Ministers has approved legislation for ‘the detaxation of profits invested for the purchase of high technology machinery’. What this translates to is that between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, Italian companies purchasing new production equipment will be entitled to a reduction of 50% of the value of the machine from their taxable income in the company’s 2010 tax return. In the absence of profit – a disturbing thought – the taxation becomes a tax credit for the five following years.
It’s a pro-active move, clearly designed to promote sales in an Italian tool-manufacturing market that ranks fourth in the world behind Japan, Germany and China. Yet in 2008, the top 28 tool-producing countries had a combined output estimated at $81.5 billion, with only $71 billion in shipments. Clearly, someone, somewhere, is feeling the pinch as the market for new equipment contracts due to the overall global slowdown.
Be that as it may, practical wisdom will always say that it is better to advertise in a shrinking market than in one that is growing. Tool manufacturers at EMO Milan will hope that holds true more than most. The following is a round-up of what some major exhibitors will have on show to tempt attendees at this year’s event.
DMG is one of the largest machine tool manufacturers in the world. Additionally, the company offers a range of innovative software modules and control tools. At this year’s EMO Milan, DMG has announced plans to have more than 30 machines on its 1,554m2 stand, four of which will be world premieres, including the DMU 50 eco.
A new CNC universal milling machine, the DMU 50 eco is said to set new standards of precision and reliability in the workshop, in training and in the laboratory, as well as in tool, fixture and mould construction. Featuring a sturdy cross-slide construction and a large, easily accessible machining compartment, the DMU 50 eco is billed as the ideal tool for both one-off production and efficient series manufacture. Basic equipment includes a swivel rotary table, 16-pocket tool changer and centrally-lubricated roller recirculating bearings. Further highlights include digital drives on all axes for increased dynamics, a high-precision direct path measuring system, state-of-the-art control technology using the ergonomic Ecoline control panel and 3-D software for optimum programming performance and operating convenience.
A further world premiere for DMG is the DMF 260- 11 linear. In comparison to the existing model, the 11 series offers a substantial increase in machining space, the Y-axis now measuring 1,100mm (180mm more than its predecessor), while the Z-path measures 900 mm, an increase of 80mm.
In addition to its increased size, the 11 series offers a modular system of equipment and upgrade options. The new DMG traveling column machining centres are available with an optional linear drive on the long X-axis. To provide optimum flexibility, the DMF 260-11 linear returns rapid traverse speeds of up to 80m/min in contrast to the traverse speed of 40m/min of the previous model.
Thanks to the new model differentiation, the new DMF 11 series can now be even more precisely adjusted to meet specific customer requirements. For example, the B-axis and the integrable C-axis make the DMF 11 series suitable for simultaneous machining with up to five axes. The same applies to the range of possible spindle variants, from spindles with SK40 or HSK-A63 tool mounting with 8,000rpm and 150Nm torque, to the SK 50/HSK A100 highspeed variant with 10,000rpm and 288Nm torque.
For EMO Milan, Scheck continues to build on its 125-year history of engineering innovation and expertise with the launch of the company’s new PASIO 5. Combining laser technology with a flexible drive and measuring system in an ergonomic design, the compact unit is an ideal solution for balancing small rotors weighing between 500g and 5kg.
Although miniaturization of technical components has allowed Scheck to reduce the overall size of its machining equipment, small motors must still return the quiet, vibration-free operation of their larger equivalents. This, combined with quality and safety concerns, remains the driving force behind new machinery development. It is with this in mind that Scheck RoTec has developed the PASIO 5.
Due to its high level of flexibility and reliability, the new PASIO 5 is suitable for production balancing of rotors that are either frequently changed or part of a small, same-series production run. The built-in laser assists in quick system set-up, which is further facilitated through the flexible drive technology and the choice of two measuring systems. It is an operating and design concept that is unique to other machines in this class.
The PASIO 5 achieves its high level of measuring accuracy through the use of a choice of CAB measuring units. Customers can choose between the network compatible CAB 920, primarily designed for the requirements of small series production, or the CAB 700 measuring system, suited to balance changing rotor types.
The laser-guided set-up further enhances productivity by offering an easy-to-use ‘abc setting’ for determining correction planes. Frequently used values can be stored for later reuse, negating the need for time-consuming calibration runs. A second aid to increasing productivity is the automatic angle positioning at the correction positions, allowing the operator to quickly and precisely achieve unbalance corrections. Further, with only a few hand movements, the belt drive can be reset for tangential drive. This allows the PASIO 5 to balance small rotors with different weights diameters (up to 150mm) in quick succession.
The ergonomic design of the PASIO 5 is highlighted with the intuitive navigation menu on the anti-glare touch screen, together with the transparent plastic enclosure. The machine is constructed in a mono-block design, meaning that it can be easily moved to where it is needed.
In the PASIO 5, Scheck RoTec has succeeded in uniting three critical factors: high productivity, simple operation and extreme measuring precision.
Prima Industrie, Hall 18, Stand C14/C16
Under the banner ‘Different tools, the same passion’, Prima Industrie Group, which now includes Finn-Power, has announced that it plans show a wide range of laser and sheet metal processing machines at this year’s EMO Milan event.
For the first time, the machines on display will be branded using the combined colours of both companies.
Machines on display will be separated into groups according to application: TheLaser, ThePunch, TheCombi, and TheBend.
TheLaser groups all machines and systems with laser applications for the cutting, welding and drilling of two- and three-dimensional workpieces. ThePunch product range includes all punching systems, while TheCombi features machines with integrated punching/laser and punching/ shearing systems. Various bending solutions (press-brakes, panel benders and bending cells) are grouped under TheBend.
Prima Industrie Group plans to exhibit two world premieres at EMO Milan, further extending the Prima Industrie range of laser equipment and Finn-Power servoelectric solutions, but further product details will only be released at the event.
The recently-launched FastBend will also be displayed on the Prima Industrie stand. This innovative servo-electric panel bender, introduced less than a year ago at Euroblech 2008, is said to be proving a popular addition, with its combination of quality, flexibility and reduced price.
“In an undoubtedly difficult situation,” said Domenico Appendino, Marketing Director at Prima Industrie, “we arrive at EMO Milan with many important changes and innovations. This confirms the strong drive towards innovation, the competitiveness, and the passion distinguishing our group. For us, being at the cutting edge of the laser and sheet metal technology means offering our customers solutions in line with their needs.”
Hardinge Inc, Hall 6, Stand L13
Hardinge Machine Tools, Hall 6, Stand H8 The Hardinge Group is a market-leading CNC milling, turning and grinding machine tool manufacturer and workholding solutions specialist. According to the company’s European Sales, Marketing and Service Director, John McTernan: “EMO is an important event in Hardinge’s calendar, providing a unique opportunity for us to demonstrate our future direction and focus.”
Hardinge has announced that it plans to further consolidate its position as a high-end technology solutions supplier by demonstrating a series of ‘Super Precision’ turning centres at EMO Milan, including the RS T-42.
Offering one-tenth of a micron resolution, the RS T-42 is a collet-ready turning centre that delivers hard turning and hard milling results that are comparable to those from a dedicated grinding machine.
The RS T-42 has a 6” chuck and 42mm bar working diameter, X-axis travel of 189mm and Z-axis travel of 638mm; 11kW, 6,000rpm spindle and a 12-tool station turret. The machine’s vibration control, thermal stability and accuracy result in superior part roundness, surface finish and unparalleled statistical process control (SPC). RS T-42 turning centres can be specified with sub-spindle, live tooling and Y-axis machining capability.
The Hardinge GS 51A is a new, compact high-productivity turning centre, equipped with integrated automation and featuring the new Siemens 828 control.
In addition to the lathe’s robust cast iron base, heavy-duty linear guides and advanced ball screw technology – which ensure high part accuracy and repeatability, excellent surface finish and optimised stock removal – the GS 51A’s productivity has been further enhanced by an integrated straight-line gantry system (with fast traverse rates) for rapid load/unload of workpieces and finished parts.
The Hardinge High-Precision, collet-ready spindle on the GS 51A delivers exacting part roundness and tight tolerances, while a modular component part plate enables different part sizes to be machined with ease.
If you’re interested in milling machines, Hardinge will have the recently-launched Bridgeport GX 250 5-AX five-axis machine available for inspection.
The GX 250 5-AX is a compact milling machine equipped with a 14kW, 15,000rpm spindle (20,000rpm option), rapid rates of 30m/min, a 30-position ATC and the Heidenhain iTNC 530 control. The machine has X-, Y- and Z-axis travels of 300mm, 400mm and 430mm respectively, and +30/-120 degree movement on the A-axis, full 360 degree C-axis movement and 250mm diameter swing.
As for machining centres, The Bridgeport XR 760 is a versatile, high-precision vertical machining centre that can complete high stock removal through to fine finishing operations. The machine is equipped with fast rapids (43m/min); a 18.5kW 12,000rpm (belt-driven) spindle, X-axis (760mm); Y-axis (610mm); Z-axis (610mm), and a 30-position ATC (with optional 48-position ATC).
Haas Automation, Hall 4, Stand B24
At this year’s EMO exhibition, Haas Automation will debut some recent additions to its line-up of CNC machine tools and rotary tables. Of the new products already confirmed as being at EMO Milan, the first is the Haas DT-1 high-speed drill and tap machine, first seen at the Westec event in Los Angeles. Featuring full CNC milling capabilities, The DT-1 has a 508mm x 406mm x 394mm work area and a 660mm x 381mm T-slot table. A 30-taper spindle provides 15,000rpm and allows tapping at speeds of up to 5000rpm. The DT-1 also comes with a high-speed 20-pocket tool changer (0.8 second tool-to-tool) and rapids of 61m/min on all axes.
With high acceleration and deceleration rates, cycle times are kept short and non-cutting time is reduced. Haas will also be demonstrating the ES-5-4T, a compact, 40-taper horizontal machining centre with a VMC-style enclosure for greater visibility and operator access. The ES-5-4T horizontal machine is a four-axis version of the ES-5 series machines, with 1016mm x 457mm x 558mm travels and a rotating 1016mm x 381mm T-slot table. The T-slot table easily accommodates a five-axis rotary table and fixture, making it an ideal machine for complex operations like cylinder head porting. An 8000rpm in-line direct-drive spindle and a 24+1 station side-mount tool changer are standard, with options for 12,000rpm and 40+1 tools.
ExxonMobil hydraulic fluids has extended its range of Mobil DTE premium hydraulic oils with the addition of its Mobil DTE 10 Excel Series, more information about which will be available at the 2009 EMO Milan event.
According to the company, using Mobil DTE 10 Excel series has been shown to offer quantifiable increases in hydraulic efficiency compared to ExxonMobil’s standard hydraulic oil products, meaning reduced power consumption or increased machine output. In both laboratory and field tests, the product was shown to offer exceptional oil life, lasting three times longer than standard products, while maintaining outstanding hydraulic system cleanliness and component protection.
In controlled laboratory efficiency testing, Mobil DTE 10 Excel returned a +/- 6% improvement in hydraulic pump efficiency compared to Mobil DTE 20 when operating in standard hydraulic applications. Further, the new product also demonstrated the value of its high viscosity index and shear stability by operating successfully in temperatures as low as -34°C and by maintaining ISO VG class.
After completing a 30-minute controlled comparison test against competitive products, Mobil DTE 10 Excel showed reduced system heat generation, with system temperatures measuring between 6°C and 7°C less than competing products run under identical conditions.
“For many decades, premium quality Mobil DTE hydraulic oils have been an essential part of the maintenance strategies employed by successful companies around the world,” said Stuart Milne, European Industrial Lubricants Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Europe. “With the introduction of the new, high performance Mobil DTE 10 Excel series, we look forward to extending the legacy of the Mobil DTE hydraulic fluids brand and to help engineering professionals maximize productivity in their plants.”
A leading global supplier of factory automation, EMO Milan will see the Fanuc Group demonstrating its control products and robots in practical applications, while there will also be a variety of automation concepts displaying integration of intelligent robots with machine tools.
The Fanuc Group will also present many new features of its Series 30i/31i/32i CNCs, now offering higher productivity.
These CNCs are especially suited for complex machines, such as combined lathe/milling centres, five-axis machines, and multi-spindle and transfer machines.
Visitors to the Fanuc stand will discover new five-axis machining features such as ‘Smooth TCP’ and ‘Smooth TCP2’, designed to minimise machining time and maximise machining quality. Other enhancements include the expansion of 3D Interference Check, which safeguards collision-risk areas, and a Quick Program Restart Function, which enables easy resumption of machining, for example after tool damage.
At EMO, the Fanuc Group will also introduce new features for its CNC Series 0i - Model D. These CNCs offer nanointerpolation, a function which satisfies the most demanding finish requirements at high feed rates and speeds. Dual Check Safety is a valuable new feature on the Series 0i, which uses the CNC’s multiple processors to cross-check data to monitor safety critical parts of the machine; this enables compliance of the machine with international safety standards without the need for additional safety units. A new open CNC version, the stand-alone type Series 0i - Model D, enables a high-speed serial bus (HSSB) link to a Panel i display interface with Windows Embedded PC functionality.
Visitors at EMO will also see new features for Fanuc’s user friendly workshop programming Manual Guide i software, as well as PC-compatible software, NCGuidePro, which can be used for offline machine control development, as well as operator training.
