Sneak Preview: FABTECH 2018

Optical Seam Tracker for Robotics and Hard Automation
The 3-line Optical Seam Tracker TH6x from Abicor Binzel uses advanced laser line technology to track the joint in real-time and guide the torch perfectly through the weld joint and create the perfect seam.

Nest Parts on Sheets, Coils, or Small Spaces Inside Solidworks
Logopress3 NESTING 2018 for SolidWorks from Accurate Die Design Software / Logopress3 can nest parts within a sheet of material or on a coil of set width, or simply into the smallest space, without constraining sheet size.

Simple, Fast and Precise Sharpening of Tooling
Suitable for all tooling styles, the fully automated XSharp grinder from Wilson Tool provides highly stable bearing properties to ensure optimal precision and an excellent surface finish on sharpened tools.

Robust Manual Tool Changer Reduces Changeover Times in Robotic and Non-Robotic Operations
Composed of two mating parts with a high strength-to-weight ratio and low stack height, the MC-10 Manual Tool Changer from ATI Industrial Automation can carry a payload up to 22 lb and enhance the flexibility of automated processes.

Integrated Diamond Cutting Head for Flow Waterjets
The TRIDENT–4 integrated diamond cutting head from Barton replaces PASER 4 cutting heads without the need for an adapter on Dynamic Waterjet and Dynamic XD systems from Flow.

Aerospace Forming Press Technologies
Aerospace and defense suppliers use hot forming of titanium, superplastic forming technology and Triform sheet hydroforming systems from Beckwood Press to form high strength parts quickly and efficiently.

Circular Saw Blade Optimizes Cutting of Carbon Steels and Mild Alloys
The CircTech Precision CM 100 Circular Saw Blade from LENOX uses cermet tooth tips for high wear resistance and unique tooth geometry that maximizes cutting efficiency and provides straight cuts with a mirror-like finish on carbon steels and mild alloys.

Neodymium Lifting Magnets for Handling Heavy Loads of Flat and Round Material
With extraordinary strength that ensures safe, fast lifting of heavy loads, Heavy Duty Neodymium Lifting Magnets from Master Magnetics are easily operated, lightweight, permanently magnetized and do not require electricity to operate.

Large Safety Brake Grinders Reduce Injury Risks When Cutting or Grinding
Large 7 in and 9 in safety brake grinders from Metabo stop the wheel in two seconds of releasing the paddle switch to reduce the risk of injury if the operator loses control of the tool.

Cutting-Edge Abrasive Waterjets for Every Level of Fabrication
The ProtoMAX compact, self-contained cutting system from OMAX is perfect for small job shops, engineering classrooms, makerspaces and personal use, and is a useful addition for large shops and fabricators that need occasional waterjet capabilities to complement their other cutting systems.

Press Brake Safety System for High Speed Operation up to the Clamp Point
The Fiessler Elektronik AKAS 3P press brake safety system from Press Brake Safety creates a 3D laser safety field underneath the bending punch that prevents pinching or crushing of finger or hand, with no reduction in productivity during the entire closing movement.

Pneumatic Clamping System Speeds up Changing of Press Brake Tools
The versatile ROL 200 pneumatic clamping system from Rolleri provides fast clamping of upper tools, a fast release system, and both a front tool clamp and rear tool clamp for inverted tool mounting that perfectly centers tools every time.

MIG Guns, Consumables and More for Semi-Automatic Welding and Robotic Cells
Bernard semi-automatic MIG guns and consumables and Tregaskiss robotic MIG guns, consumables and peripherals improve profitability in welding operations.

The Digital Factory on One Software Platform
The latest version of FASTSUITE Edition 2 next-generation 3D simulation software for the digital factory from CENIT now includes functions for layout planning, PLC validation and virtual commissioning, with full use of Industry 4.0 capabilities and a virtual facility that behaves precisely the same as a real-world shop.

Heavy Duty Servo-Piloting Feeds
To achieve the highest precision and speed for each application, Heavy-Duty Servo-Piloting Servo Feeds from COE Press are completely programmable so that stampers can optimize the feed window and the pilot-release window for each die.

Friction Stir Spot Welding of Aluminum and Other Lightweight Materials
The SpotMeld system from Coldwater Machine can weld lightweight materials such as aluminum, magnesium, non-ferrous and dissimilar sheet material without adding additional weight to the structure, producing a weld that is near original material strength.

Benchtop Horizontal Bandsaws for Cutting Metal Rounds, Flats and Tubes in the Field
The SE 5X6 RCT from Dake is fully loaded with a semi-automatic 2.5 hp motor, gravity down feed and Reverse Cutting Technology. Their SE 5X8 has a two-speed manual feed with miter capabilities up to 45 deg, blade tension indicator, cut speeds and feed guide.

Fast and Easy Sharpening of Turret Press Tooling, Progressive Dies and Small Die Sets
The PDG Rotary Surface Grinder from DCM Tech has center-mounted rotary fixturing to hold punches and dies up to 6 ¼ in diameter, with fixture enhancements to sharpen dies up to 8 in and punch fixturing that allows sharpening of straight and shear angle punches with up to 10 deg pitch.

Durable Corded Brushless Grinders for Metalworking
The 5 in / 6 in Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder from DeWALT features a Lanyard Ready integrated lanyard connection point, E-Clutch System, Kickback Brake and Brake that quickly stops the wheel in one second or less when the trigger is released while using 6 in Type 1 cutting wheels.

Air-Powered Right Angle Grinders and Sanders
The Right Angle Disc Sander and Right Angle Depressed Center Wheel Grinder from Dynabrade are excellent for fast stock removal, metal clean up prior to welding, removal of weld beads and various material removal applications.

Coating Thickness Gauge with Scan Probes for Fast Readings
For field-based dry film coating thickness measurement on ferrous and non-ferrous substrates, the Elcometer 456 Coating Thickness Gauge with Scan Probes from Elcometer can do 140 readings per minute.

Wireless Pressure Monitoring of Nitrogen Gas Springs and Systems
Through 24-hour monitoring and documentation, the Wireless Pressure Monitoring system from Fibro achieves zero defects and prevents scrap for production stampers due to the loss of nitrogen gas spring or system pressure.

Powder Coating Process Control Technology for the Smart Factory
For precise powder application and perfect coating results, the OptiStar 4.0 Gun Control from Gema works with the Gema E-App and an easy-to-use display for quick and precise adjustments to critical coating parameters, including high voltage, spraying current and powder output.

How to Improve Shop Floor Security and Efficiency with RFID Technology
Using a single card, RFID technology from Global Shop Solutions allows employees to gain entry at the front door, clock into jobs, and visually identify their authorization to be in the building.

Lightweight Plate Beveler for Fast Weld Preparation and Finish Chamfering
The Model 4000 Bevel-Mill plate beveler from Heck Industries uses a 4 hp motor to create bevels up ¾ in wide at 5 fpm to 6 fpm.

Filler Metals to Improve Productivity, Quality and Cost Savings
Innovative filler metals from Hobart Brothers are designed to make welding operations more profitable.

Environmentally Safe Cutting Lube Increases Tool Life
Versatile RotaGel Cutting Lube from Hougen increases the tool life of annular cutters, taps, drills, saws, reamers and endmills used on carbon steel, stainless steel, Inconel, Hastelloy, titanium, aluminum and other alloys and exotics.

How to Fabricate Square, Round, Rectangular and Solid Bar Tubing for Frame Construction with Ease
Model 2650 and 2660 hydraulic benders from Huth Ben Pearson are ideal for construction of trailer and building frames, carports, sporting equipment, agricultural feed rings, fencing and gates, panels and saddle racks, lawn furniture, greenhouses and more.

Advanced Nesting Capabilities for Automated Plasma, Laser, Waterjet, Oxyfuel or Combination Punch Cutting
ProNest 2019 CAD/CAM nesting software from Hypertherm now includes raster to vector conversion for quick conversion of images into CAD files for cutting, fly cutting for faster laser cutting on thin material and piercing without slowing down or stopping the cutting head.

Coil Lubricating System for Stamping Improves Accuracy and Reduces Costs
The Spra-Rite UltraCoat non-contact spray system from Industrial Innovations is designed for easy coil feed installation and press control communication for reliable, economical application of lubricant to stock prior to stamping to help improve accuracy and reduce overspray and consumption.

Magnetic Sheet Fanners for Stamping, Blanking and Other Fabrication Operations
Magnetic sheet separation fanners from Industrial Magnetics include the Air Spring Magnetic Fanner with a powerful rare earth permanent circuit that fits a wide variety of applications, from 30 ga sheet to 3/16 in plate used in automotive, office furniture, appliance, stamping and fabrication.

Through-Arm Cable Arc Welding Robot Rivals Quality of Skilled Human Welder
The BA006L arc welding robot from Kawasaki Robotics has a 6 kg payload, a hollow wrist for through-arm cabling that simplifies cable and hose management, and increased reach of 2,036 mm for welding large workpieces.

Automatic CNC Saw Increases Productivity and Accuracy
Using a 30 in linear actuator driven by a servo motor, the automatic CPO 315 HFA-CNC saw from Scotchman is fully programmable so every cut length is fast and accurate.

Energy Efficient Servo-Electric Punch Press for Forming and Wheel Tool Operations
The versatile mix of stations in the 47-station turret of the E-1225 servo-electric punch press from LVD Strippit can accept shaped punches and dies, indexable multi-tool, tapping and wheel tools.

Replace Manual Pallet Wrapping and Eliminate Damage in Transit with Automated Orbital Wrapper
To secure the pallet load to its pallet, the Wrapper Tornado orbital wrapping machine from TAB Industries wraps plastic film 360 deg around and under the pallet to create a sturdy, unitized pallet load that keeps the product in place despite harsh transportation demands.

Solid-State Laser Meets XXL Tube Processing
The high speed 4 kW TruLaser Tube 7000 fiber from TRUMPF can be fully automated with LoadMaster Tube to hold up to four metric tons of raw materials.

Stock Lubricator Delivers Cleaner Floors and Presses, Reduces Lubrication Costs
With improved guarding that helps guide material when loading coil stock or feeding blanks, the updated Uni-Roller stock lubricator from Unist delivers 50 percent or better reduction in lubricant consumption for cleaner floors and press windows.