Methods to Feature Broad Range of Innovative Machine Tools & Automation at IMTS 2012, Booth S-9119


"Production on Demand", Multitasking, 5-Axis Machining Strategies & More Will Be Highlighted.

Sudbury, MA, U.S.A. - Methods Machine Tools, Inc., a leading supplier of innovative precision machine tools, automation and accessories has announced that over 35 machine tools and automation solutions will be featured in Booth # S-9119 at IMTS (International Manufacturing Technology Show) located at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL from September 10 - 15, 2012.

Methods will feature "Production on Demand" solutions to show how implementing automation, new strategies and technology will increase production, minimize cost and reduce set-up time, especially for small-lot production, completing parts in one set-up, multitasking and five-axis machining. Large part manufacturing, well-suited for the energy industry, will also be featured.

The full range of precision machine tools from Methods including Matsuura, Nakamura-Tome, KIWA-Japan, FANUC, FEELER, Exeron & Current will feature the following new models:

· Methods-FEELER High Performance Vertical Machining Centers, Turning Centers, Double Column Bridge Mills and Boring Mills, including the FEELER FT-Series Turning Centers featuring a NEW design to significantly increase cutting capacity.

· NEW FVT-600 Vertical Turning Center, well suited to meet the challenges of loading and machining large, heavy, odd-shaped work pieces. The FVT-600 is available in left and right versions, allowing for automation to be stationed between the machines.

· For very large part production, FEELER FV-Series Double Column Bridge-Style Machining Centers and Boring Mills will be featured. The main structural components of FEELER Bridge Mills are manufactured from heavily ribbed cast iron to ensure excellent surface finishes on large, complex parts. FEELER Boring Mills feature ultra-high precision for machining large work pieces and offer full 4th axis machining capabilities.

· A twin fully-integrated production cell featuring two High Performance FEELER VMP-580 Vertical Milling Machining Centers being serviced by a single FANUC M20iA robot set-up to process one side of a part in the first machine, and the second side in the other machine. After finishing the machining, the robot processes the parts through a series of ATI brand compliant deburring heads before placing them on the out-feed conveyor.

· FEELER machine tools provide high quality and performance, innovative design and rigid construction. All FEELER machines include extensive design and engineering by Methods, and are backed by Methods' application expertise, support, and extensive network of technology centers. A 2-Year warranty is provided on FEELER machines.

· Matsuura 5-Axis / CNC Machining Centers, including the NEW LX-160, a two-pallet, five-axis vertical machining center which is the pinnacle of high-speed / precision machine tool technology. The spindle utilizes a unique balancing method to enable an extremely high spindle speed of 46,000 min-1. A quick tool change time, high maximum rpm and superior kinematics all work together to provide unmatched accuracies and cycle times

· NEW Five-Axis Matsuura MAM72-100H Horizontal Machining Center, the largest five-axis model in the MAM72 Series and especially well-suited for large aerospace parts.

· CUBLEX-35 PC32 configured with 32 pallets, and the CUBLEX-63 PC18 configured with 18 pallets. These 5-Axis multitasking machines offer precision milling, turning and grinding on the same platform. The CUBLEX-63 offers greater loading capacity, larger work size capability, travel and ATC magazine.

· The Matsuura machine tools come equipped with CAMplete Truepath Software: an integrated suite of G-code editing, optimization, analysis and verification tools.

· Nakamura-Tome Multitasking Turning Centers featuring the latest FANUC 31i-B controller and 19" high-resolution touch screen LCD panel to give a high degree of functionality, coupled with fast processing speeds.

- NEW Nakamura-Tome NTY3-250 Multitasking Turning Center. The new NTY3-250 has three high rigidity turrets, each with a Y-axis of 4.4 inches (112 mm) - the longest Y-axis in its class. The NTY3-250 dramatically outperforms two-turret multitasking machines and can eliminate downtime due to tool changeovers with its 72-tool capacity.

- NEW Nakamura WY-250L Multitasking Turning Center featuring two high rigidity turrets, each with a Y-axis of 3.93 inches (100 mm).

- Nakamura Multitasking Turning Centers are equipped with the CAMplete TruePath Turn / Mill software suite. CAMplete Truepath software allows several machine tool, tooling and workholding parameters to be analyzed and optimized using detailed 3-D Nakamura turning center models.




· KIWA-Japan Horizontal and Vertical CNC Machining Centers, including the KH-55 KIWA-Japan KH-55 Horizontal Machining Center - the heavy duty HMC has a full range of features designed to accommodate precision machining of a wide variety of large work components. Having the largest work envelope in its class, the 50-Taper KH-55 can machine work pieces of up to 35.4" x 39.4" high (900mm x 1000mm) in size, and 1,650 lbs (750 kg) in weight.

· FANUC RoboDrill Machining Centers, including the NEW FANUC D21 RoboDrill Vertical Machining Center, making its North American debut at IMTS, featuring a new state-of-the-art control, the latest in the market today. The innovative FANUC 31iB control features extremely fast high-speed processing.

· Methods will demonstrate a FANUC RoboDrill Med Cell, a complete pre-engineered, fully-integrated production machining cell which automates loading and unloading of medical device parts. The reliable FANUC RoboDrill Machining Center is at the core of the system. The Med Cell has full 5-axis machining capability and is ideal for medical machining applications including short run production of parts in a variety of materials from stainless steel to titanium.

· Methods will also display the RoboDrill TrodeMaster, for machining graphite electrodes.

· FANUC RoboCut Wire EDMs, including a NEW FANUC RoboCut á-CiA Series including the C400iA and C600iA Wire EDMs, which will make their North American debut at IMTS. These EDM machines provide several important upgrades including the new FANUC 31iWB Control which is loaded with new features for improved accuracy and finish, especially in high-taper 4-Axis cutting. The CiA Series is equipped with the powerful and exclusive FANUC 31iWB Control with a 15.1" LCD touch screen.

· Exeron Die Sinker EDMs, including exopuls+ liquid-cooled generator technology for increased cutting speeds and accuracy.

· Current EDM, including Model RT6050-5AT EDM drilling machine featuring upgrades including a powerful, multi-axis Siemens 840D CNC controller.

· VisionGauge® Digital Optical Comparator (Patent Pending), the industry's first digital optical comparator, will feature the NEW 300 Series VisionGauge® Digital Optical Comparators for an extremely cost effective, desktop measurement solution that is ideal for smaller parts up to 1.7" x 1.2".

Methods Machine Tools, Inc. has been a leading supplier of precision machine tools, automation and accessories for over 50 years, providing extensive applications engineering support, installation, parts, service, and training through a network of large state-of-the-art technology centers and dealers throughout North America. For more information, please contact Methods at 65 Union Avenue, Sudbury, MA 01776, TEL: (978) 443-5388, FAX: (978) 440-9405, Email: sales@methodsmachine.com or visit their website at www.methodsmachine.com.

Mr. James Hanson

Methods Machine Tools, Inc.

978-443-5388

jhanson@methodsmachine.com

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