Latest manufacturing technology October 2025

High-performance 5-axis VMC

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE COMPANIES

The RX65+ next-generation 5-axis vertical machining center (VMC) offers speed, rigidity, and accuracy for demanding machining applications. It comes standard with an 18,000rpm, 53.65hp (40kW) HSK63A GMN spindle with thermal sensors for stabilization, a direct drive trunnion table with tailstock, and Heidenhain TNC7 control for simultaneous 5-axis machining.

A ram-type structure and trunnion rotary table allow fast, accurate machining of complex parts while minimizing setups. To enhance rigidity, fixed, pre-tensioned, double nut ball screws and roller guideways are featured across all axes, improving machining performance, surface finish, and service life compared to linear ball-type systems.

Air-oil lubrication, vibration sensors, and an integrated spindle chiller provide thermal stability and stiffness. Linear scales in X, Y, and Z axes, and rotary scales in B and C axes continuously measure axis positioning, minimizing thermal and mechanical error for repeatable high-accuracy machining.

The RX65+ is delivered with a Blum kinematics package including the TC52 spindle probe, LC50 laser tool setter, calibration ball, and Blum Axis Set software simplifying rotary axis pivot point calibration and alignment checks for consistent multi-axis performance.

The machine comes equipped with a 40/60 tool cam-type automatic tool changer (ATC), delivering 1.8-second tool-to-tool times.

YCM Alliance
https://www.ycmalliance.com

Surface roughness probe

The SURFACER SRP plug-and-play probe has a resolution of 1µm using an industry standard probe head as part of a CNC measuring cycle on a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The sensor eliminates the need for secondary surface roughness inspection using a hand-held device or separate metrology station.

The body accommodates three interchangeable, skidded, stainless-steel probe modules. One evaluates flat, conical, and cylindrical surfaces; another measures concave, convex, and spherical surfaces; and a third is for inspecting grooves >3mm wide x <10mm deep or steps of similar height. An integrated preload mechanism isolates the stylus from the CMM kinematics for accurate and consistent results.

The unit comes with its own application software, eliminating the need for third-party software. Wireless communication with the CMM computer via a Bluetooth 4.0 adapter provides data transfer for analysis.

LK METROLOGY INC.
https://www.lkmetrology.com

Carbide grade for turning titanium alloys

A PVD-coated grade for machining titanium alloys, IC706 (ISO S10-S25) complements and enhances the machining capabilities of existing IC806 and IC804 grades. A hard submicron grain substrate (IC07) with a titanium diboride (TiB2) coating provides high wear and chipping resistance, extending tool life and enhancing insert surface quality.

The grade’s high wear resistance also improves crater wear, fracture resistance, and plastic deformation durability. It’s recommended for variable cutting conditions, such as semi-finish/finish machining.

ISCAR
https://www.iscar.com