Mate Precision Technologies’ machinable hard jaws for its DynoGrip workholding vises are available in center and movable configurations. They feature Mate’s quick-change design but are blank for adding a custom profile. Customers can modify the machinable hard jaws themselves or Mate can add the custom jaw profile before it ships.

The machinable hard jaws are made from the same hardened tool steel as Mate’s standard jaws with the same core hardness of 45-50 HRC and surface hardness of up to 65 HRC. They handle complex geometries typically associated with soft jaws but with increased rigidity and hardness. Mate’s machinable hard jaws are also available as center jaws to double the capacity while holding parts with complex geometries.

The possibilities for modifying Mate’s machinable hard jaws to fit special geometries are nearly endless, the company says. For example, Mate can modify jaws to accommodate custom dovetails or Picatinny rail dovetails. Other custom solutions include jaws for holding round parts, V-shaped jaws with teeth and inserts for clamping bars on top of the jaws. The machinable hard jaws are well suited for holding complex part geometry during finishing operations.

SW North America’s  BA 322i compact, twin-spindle horizontal CNC machining center is engineered to provide fully autonomous, high-precision production for industries such as aerospace, medical device manufacturing and automotive. The BA 322i is designed as a complete manufacturing cell. With a Fanuc LRmate 200id 7L robot and onboard workpiece storage, the machine runs continuously with minimal human intervention — making it well suited for manufacturers looking to boost productivity while reducing labor costs and floor space requirements.

The system facilitates a fully automated process — from raw stock loading into the storage elevator, to OP10 and OP20 processing, as well as returning the finished parts to storage — without the need for manual handling. This lights-out machining capability enables for extended unmanned shifts.

Built for precision, speed and flexibility, the BA 322i is well suited for machining complex aerospace components that require tight tolerances and high-quality finishes. Its automation features are said to be equally beneficial for medical devices, automotive parts, agriculture and heavy trucking, as well as general industrial applications.

“The BA 322i is a prime example of how SW North America combines precision engineering with intelligent automation to meet the evolving needs of medical, aerospace and automotive manufacturers,” says Mark Reichenbacher, president and CEO, SW North America.

’s control features G-code processing features that are designed to increase CAD/CAM programming productivity. Due to the robust NC capabilities of the Hurco control, shops that are comfortable with CAM software can use their existing programs and don’t have to change their current processes, the company says.

The Hurco control features NC/Conversational Merge, a powerful control feature that enables users to apply conversational features such as pattern operations, scaling, tool probing, part probing and an abundance of work offsets to NC programs.

The control’s features include:

• UltiMotion: Hurco’s motion control technology, which features a 10,000-block lookahead. UltiMotion automatically plans out the optimal tool path and feeds/speeds, producing improved surface finishes and reductions in cycle times of up to 30%.
• Advanced Verification Graphics: A feature that enables the user to view a solid rendering of the tool path that displays dynamic rotation, tool cut simulation and dynamic view manipulation. This feature reduces scrap, programming time and proves out the part program.
• 3D Import, including Solid Model Import and 3D DXF: Solid Model Import enables the user to program at the CNC control directly from a STP file. The efficiency provided by the Solid Model Import feature is further enhanced with five-sided programming because it automatically creates the necessary Transform Plane blocks. 3D DXF provides the ability to gather Z-depth information from the DXF file and program from splines.
• Data Block Search: The Hurco control also simplifies the tedious task of searching for a data block or line of code during the editing process with its Data Block Search feature. Users can touch the selection they need to edit on the graphics screen, and the cursor will jump to the corresponding program selection.
• Interrupt Cycle: Eliminates the need to teach the control the path the tool takes when it retracts and returns to the part. When the interrupt button on the control is pressed, the spindle stops cutting, the coolant shuts off and the tool automatically retracts to Z home. The operator can jog the machine in any direction to check the part or change tool inserts. Then, they simply press two buttons, and the cycle automatically resumes right where it left off and at the chosen speed.

Powered by WinMax, Hurco’s control also features technical specifications including 128-GB solid-state hard drives, 4 GBs of RAM, 2.7-GHz dual-core processors and 15-inch LCD touchscreen control console monitors.

’ G550T five-axis mill-turn universal machining center is designed to offer maximum stability and excellent maintainability, all while providing positioning flexibility due to the axes’ large swivel range (230 degrees in the A-axis and 360 degrees in the B-axes). A horizontal spindle position permits a long Z-travel path and optimum chip fall.

The machine features an arrangement of the three linear axes which minimizes the distance between the guides and the machining point (TCP), providing stability in part production. 

The company says a tunnel concept permits a large component (even in the case of extremely long tools) to be swiveled and machined within the work area without collision. The three linear and two rotary axes enable five-sided machining and five-axis simultaneous interpolation, as well as Grob Traori turning for precise cutting control.

’ five-axis automatic tool orientation mode in HyperMill 2025 is designed to provide efficient, reliable tool paths on complex components. The five-axis automatic tool orientation mode algorithm uses a pre-analysis of the entire tool path to calculate machining sequences of simultaneous and indexed tool movements, reducing the number of inputs required for five-axis machining and saving time when programming challenging parts.

The software features a five-axis hole deburring strategy that supports deburring sharp edges on holes and intersecting holes. By using CAM Plan programming assistance and analysis technology to automatically recognize all the holes, the sharp edges in the model are marked for selecting the desired edges. The hole deburring technology automatically calculates tool paths and supports three-axis and five-axis modes. HyperMill also includes a five-axis deburring strategy for fast and efficient deburring of component edges. Users may choose between three-axis machining and a five-axis option, which enables greater reach to more component edges, automatically generating the required inclinations as well as collision avoidance.

The pocket milling algorithm for high feed cutters in HyperMill 2025 has been redeveloped for 3D-optimized roughing, providing greater efficiency during roughing as well as better machining control, which is helpful when machining large lateral in feeds and remaining material. Contour and path radii can also be defined, resulting in improved toolpath rounding.

Linking movements via HyperMill Virtual Machining Optimizer have been further optimized for actual stock conditions with Dynamic Stock technology. Using Dynamic Stock, an updated stock is automatically generated for all machining jobs and accounted for when calculating linking movements.

Tungaloy has added three PVD grades — AH8005, AH7025 and AH6235 — to its TetraForceCut and TetraMiniCut grooving series. These additions are said to enhance machining stability, tool life and surface quality.

The TetraForceCut and TetraMiniCut series feature four-edge grooving inserts and a three-point clamping system that provides optimized indexing accuracy, insert stability and repeatability. These PVD grades are designed to provide greater productivity across external grooving, parting-off, face grooving, threading and custom profiling applications. The grades include:

• AH8005: Optimized for high-speed machining, offering exceptional wear resistance and superior performance in stable cutting conditions
• AH7025: A balanced grade for general-purpose machining, providing optimized wear resistance and fracture toughness for various materials
• AH6235: Designed for high-strength materials and interrupted cuts, providing toughness and extended tool life.

These grades are said to complement Tungaloy’s 3D chipbreaker technology, providing optimized chip control, reduced machining forces and minimized burr formation. Additionally, the through-coolant toolholder option ("-CHP") maximizes cutting efficiency and prolongs tool life in demanding applications.

The expanded TetraForceCut and TetraMiniCut lineup supports a wide range of groove widths (0.33-4 mm) and depths (up to 10 mm), providing versatility in both small and large component machining.

Sumitomo’s AC9115T and AC9125T coated carbide grades feature optimized wear resistance and are well suited for turning titanium alloys. AC9115T is designed for general purpose machining and AC9125T for interrupted machining. 

Titanium alloys are widely used in the aircraft industry due to their light weight, high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, Sumitomo says. Their applications are also increasing in the medical industry due to its high biocompatibility.

The AC9115T and AC9125T grades feature Sumitomo’s physical vapor deposition (PVD) Absotech coating technology as well as what is said to be the industry’s first tungsten carbide (WC) based composition, which suppresses chemical reactions with titanium alloys and increases wear resistance. According to Sumimoto, the results have shown up to 75% reduction in friction coefficient, which supports long tool life in turning of titanium alloys.

Kaiser Tool Co. has expanded its Thinbit Mini Groove ‘N Turn line with Acme threading inserts. Mini Groove ‘N Turn Acme threading inserts are designed to cut thread sizes of six threads per inch and greater. The tools have geometry to cut standard 29-degree Acme thread profiles. The inserts can be used to cut centralizing or stub profiles by overcutting, and they can be used for internal Acme threads on parts with bore diameters of 0.325" and larger.

The inserts are available in submicron-grain carbide grades for ferrous and nonferrous materials either uncoated or with TiN, TiCN, TiAIN or diamond film coatings. Mini Groove ‘N Turn Acme threading inserts can be used on conventional, Swiss and CNC machines.

Toolholders are available in round shank size 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" and 5/8" in steel, heavy metal and carbide. Mini Groove ‘N Turn Acme threading inserts fit existing MGT series Thinbit toolholders.

Thinbit offers an extensive selection of 60 degree and Acme thread forms for both internal and external threading.

SMW Autoblok Group’s Manual Jack (MJ) connection kit for fast power-to-manual chuck conversion is designed to be easily retrofitted to new or existing machines without using costly hydraulic or pneumatic table connection prep. Manual Jack is an alternative to manual chucks on nonhydraulic or pneumatic machines, the company says.

The MJ connection kit is compatible with stationary milling machines, five-axis machines and mill-turn machines, making it well suited for multipallet systems that require versatility and efficiency.

The MJ stand-alone version is engineered for easy installation, enabling users to mount it directly on the machine table or on the pallet of their Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS). This version is not only economical but also compact and lightweight, enabling it to seamlessly integrate into existing setups without adding unnecessary bulk.

Additionally, SMW provides a MJC Cartridge version, which features the MJ mechanism housed in a cartridge. This cartridge can be partially or completely inserted into the machine pallet, tailored specifically by the machine manufacturer in a specially designed pallet. According to the company, the adaptability of the cartridge enables customization to meet the needs of various machine configurations.

Additional features include:

• Adapted to machining centers to manually operate a power chuck
• Well suited for five-axis mill-turn machines without air/oil feed
• Useful for palletized machines due to mechanical irreversible constant gripping force
• Well-suited alternative to a manual chuck with simple integration of power chucks
• Operate virtually any type of power chuck: 2/3/4 jaws, 2+2, 6 jaws, 2+2+2 and so on
• Use with sealed power chucks of the SMW Autoblok Proofline series
• No need for air/oil feeds, making it well suited for pallet changing systems
• Easily interchangeable among several machines
• Adaptable to the machine table/pallet with different centering and mounting threads patterns
• Operate chucks in both external and internal clamping.

Furthermore, the MJ connection kit provides manufacturers with a flexible, tailored solution to turn their power chuck requirements into manual use.

Emuge-Franken USA’s MultiTap NPT/NPTF pipe taps feature universal threading geometry for both job shops and production tapping. The taps feature a specialized, shortened projection length when compared to traditional ANSI standard taper taps, decreasing cycle time and increasing tool life, while meeting all industry standard requirements for gaging.

The MultiTAP line of NPT/ NPFT pipe taps provide an interrupted skip tooth thread profile that helps to reduce cutting forces and chip clogging. The taps feature a premium HSSE base tool substrate and a TiCN physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating to extend tool life. The pipe taps are designed with a C-style semibottoming chamfer length of two-to-three teeth, as well as an enhanced flute helix angle to meet the needs of NPT (righthand 35-degree helix) and NPTF (righthand 15-degree helix) thread profiles.

“We are pleased to offer energy manufacturers a versatile pipe tapping solution designed to meet and exceed even the most difficult applications for the oil, gas and petrochemical manufacturing sectors,” says Dylan Bowles, product director, Emuge-Franken USA. The taps are also well suited for food and dairy equipment, high-pressure pipe delivery systems, valves and fire suppression systems.