Viam has announced a new partnership with KUKA. The partnership enables streamlined deployment and integration of the Viam software platform with KUKA robotic arms through a flexible and powerful public driver, now available in the Viam Modular Registry. The collaboration brings Viam’s modern capabilities in machine interoperability, code deployment, and data analytics to KUKA’s best-in-class equipment, giving automation experts and systems integrators a powerful new way to help their customers build a competitive advantage.

Automation and digital transformation are top of mind for executives and developers in industrial sectors. The shift to Industry 4.0 has heralded a new era of “smart manufacturing,” bringing Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, data analytics, and machine learning capabilities to sensors, embedded software, and robotics — ultimately leading to accelerated engineering velocity, operational efficiency, and increased yield returns. McKinsey & Co estimates that smart automation initiatives drive up to a 30% increase in throughput, 30% increase in labor productivity, 50% reduction in machine downtime, and 85% improvement in forecasting accuracy.

With this new partnership, Viam and KUKA are helping manufacturers, innovation teams, and machine operators drive business efficiencies, advance smart automation, and broaden the reach and accessibility of working with KUKA robotic arms. Viam enables multiple-language programming, hardware interoperability, and more so that more engineers can work with KUKA arms, while also expanding the arms’ technical capabilities.

About KUKA

KUKA is a global automation corporation with sales of around 4 billion euro and roughly 15,000 employees. The company is headquartered in Augsburg, Germany. As one of the world’s leading suppliers of intelligent automation solutions, KUKA offers customers everything they need from a single source: from robots and cells to fully automated systems and their networking in markets such as automotive, electronics, metal & plastic, consumer goods, e-commerce/retail and healthcare.

About Viam

Viam is a comprehensive open source platform that simplifies the building, monitoring, and data management of smart machines. From industrial robots to smart home appliances to IoT devices, Viam is transforming the way software powers hardware for any device with sensing, compute, and actuation. Founded in 2020 by former MongoDB co-founder and CTO Eliot Horowitz, Viam is headquartered in New York City.

For more information, visit www.viam.com.

Kollmorgen announced the latest update to its AKD2G servo drive. With the introduction of these new features, Kollmorgen has broadened its offerings to additionally support PROFINET IRT and Ethernet/IP with CIP Sync alongside CANopen, EtherCAT, and FSoE time-synchronized communication protocols. Each protocol is rigorously tested with a variety of motion controllers and certified by industry standards organizations.

The AKD2G servo drive update allows for synchronized motion between multiple drives using a wide variety of control architectures. Thanks to its flexibility and high performance, AKD2G is the ideal drive for use in applications that require highly precise coordination across multiple axes of motion. The drive features industry-leading power density in a compact package and is easy to mount — with one-and two-axis variants available. Engineers can leverage single-cable Smart Feedback Device (SFD) or HIPERFACE DSL connections or choose from a wide range of other feedback devices. Finally, the drive features an optional SafeMotion Monitor (SMM) firmware with a safety level of SIL3/PLe to meet functional safety needs and enable a wider range of applications.

The AKD2G paired with AKM2G motors is part of the 2G Motion System, a suite of motion products designed to work together for ultimate ease of setup and higher performance. Engineers also can take advantage of the drive’s compatibility with a wider range of controllers and feedback devices — or with other motors, as needed.

For more information, visit www.kollmorgen.com/akd2g.

About Kollmorgen

Kollmorgen, a Regal Rexnord brand, has more than 100 years of motion experience, proven in the industry’s highest-performing, most reliable motors, drives, linear actuators, AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) control solutions, and automation control platforms. We deliver breakthrough solutions that combine exceptional performance, reliability and ease of use, giving machine builders an irrefutable marketplace advantage.

ModuleWorks announces the 2024.04 release of its software components for digital manufacturing. This latest release of the ModuleWorks SDK contains a range of new and enhanced features for efficient toolpath generation, ranging from improvements in 2-axis machining to multi-axis surface finishing and more.

Rotary Machining Roughing

Leads for Roughing

In open regions, toolpaths often start directly at the stock with a plunge movement, which can damage the tool or reduce tool life.

To address this, ModuleWorks 2024.04 now supports lead-in and lead-out options for rotary machining roughing toolpaths. These additional motions ensure a smooth entry and exit of the tool into and out of the material. This is especially useful for open pockets, as well as rest machining operations. It generates smoother transitions and ensures optimum start points on open contours. Tool wear and the risk of tool damage are also reduced.

Geodesic Machining

Improved Corner Smoothing

In sharp corners, machining is typically slow as the tool has to decelerate significantly. This leads to longer machining times and poor surface quality.

The ModuleWorks 2024.04 release introduces a corner smoothing option for geodesic machining toolpaths. This option improves the surface quality and reduces machining time as the tool no longer needs to decelerate and accelerate abruptly.

Deburring

Corner Arc Support for Chamfer Tools

In previous releases, cutting motions in the inner and outer corners were interrupted. A new enhancement in ModuleWorks 2024.04 now produces uninterrupted cutting motions.

The algorithm creates a continuous toolpath around the inner and outer corners when using a chamfer mill. With this improvement, intermediate links are no longer generated for 5-axis deburring operations. This reduces the linking motions and hence the overall cycle time for chamfering.

Existing Toolpath

Custom Rotate/Transform/Mirror Sequence

Previous limitations in tombstone machining meant that only one operation could be rotated with a fixed order of rotation before any transformation was allowed, and the mirroring operation was separate.

In ModuleWorks 2024.04, the Rotate/Transform/Mirror functionality has been enhanced and now includes a user-defined sequence option. Users can specify the order in which the operations are performed and set up a complex sequence of Rotate/Transform/Mirror steps via a tree structure. The machining direction for mirror operations can also be controlled in the tree. This makes it possible to machine multiple identical parts positioned in the machining area.

3-Axis

3D Contact Point Boundary for Finishing

Current containment options limit the toolpath to the tooltip which can sometimes leave unmachined areas.

The new implementation of the 3D contact point boundary accurately limits the finishing toolpath to the 3D containment on the part. Users no longer need to recreate the containment or manually add offsets, which reduces the programming time. It also ensures that the surface is completely machined.

Hole Making

External Thread Milling

Machining external threads on hard materials is challenging.

The new external thread milling feature allows thread milling on external orientations. The feature is especially useful for machining threads on difficult-to-cut materials. Another advantage is that a single tool can be used for machining multiple thread diameters.

ModuleWorks 2024.04 is available for download from the ModuleWorks website.

About ModuleWorks

ModuleWorks is the software component provider for the digital manufacturing industry. With over 200 employees and 1500 person-years of software development, ModuleWorks’ expertise in toolpath creation and simulation is recognized throughout the industry and its software components are already optimizing the performance and quality of over 500,000 installed seats of CAD/CAM and CNC software around the world. From standard products to exclusive development projects, ModuleWorks helps companies to bring their vision of Industry 4.0 to life.

For more information, visit ModuleWorks website.

Laguna Tools has announced the launch of its latest breakthrough product: the Laguna DXIII DriftMaster Fence. The DX3 sets new standards for the resawing experience on a bandsaw, raising the bar by offering unparalleled versatility, accuracy, and ease of use.

Designed as the next evolution of the acclaimed DriftMaster fence system, the DX3 is engineered to fit seamlessly with a wide array of bandsaws ranging from 12″ to 24″. Boasting an array of advanced features and enhancements, this cutting-edge fence empowers woodworkers to achieve precision and repeatability at an efficient level.

Key Features of the DX3 DriftMaster:

• Tool-Free Precision Drift Adjustment: Say goodbye to cumbersome adjustments. The DX3 enables effortless fine-tuning for impeccable cuts, enhancing productivity and eliminating frustration.
• Enhanced Precision Modes: Equipped with both manual and precision modes, the DX3 ensures repeatable, precise fence positioning. With a front-facing handwheel for incremental cuts, users can achieve unparalleled accuracy with ease.
• Universal Mounting Bracket: The two-part universal mounting bracket accommodates a wider range of saws, offering unprecedented flexibility and compatibility.
• Heavy Gauge High/Low Fence: Designed for maximum stability and versatility, the tall, heavy-gauge fence enables seamless adjustments for workpieces of varying sizes, allowing for high and low-height resawing cuts.
• Linear Guide for Smooth Motion: Engineered for durability and accuracy, the precision linear guide ensures smooth, precise motion, enhancing the quality of every cut.

The Benefits of the DX3 DriftMaster

• Unrivaled Precision: From tool-free drift angle adjustments to precision handwheel controls, the DX3 empowers woodworkers to achieve unparalleled accuracy with every cut.
• Versatility and Adaptability: With its wide range of adjustment options and universal mounting bracket, the DX3 seamlessly adapts to a diverse array of bandsaws, making it the ideal solution for any woodworking environment.
• Enhanced Productivity: By streamlining the setup process and offering intuitive controls, the DX3 enables woodworkers to maximize efficiency and productivity, ultimately saving time and resources.
• Future-Proof Design: Engineered to retrofit most older saws and accommodate future advancements, the DX3 ensures long-term reliability and performance, protecting your investment for years to come.

About Laguna Tools

Laguna Tools is a leading manufacturer of premium woodworking machinery, renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. With a comprehensive range of products designed to meet the needs of professional woodworkers and hobbyists alike, Laguna Tools continues to set the standard for excellence in the woodworking industry.

For more information, visit lagunatools.com.