b'\x1b\x1a\x19 \x1f\x18\x1d\x17\x16Machine TechnologyPORTABLE SMART DRILLBy William LeventonA designedtotravel device brings electromagnetic and CNC technology to holemaking ap-plications away from the machine shop.Developed by Cleveland-based Zagar Inc., the Z-Mag portable CNC drill and tap machine, or DTM, can be taken to remote sites to assist with shipbuilding, bridge construc-tion and other jobs for structures that are installed permanently or too large to move.Right now, whats being used in the industry (for these applica-tions) is either hydraulic or pneu-matic drills that have no real preci-sion, said Brian Zagar, vice presi-dent of sales. So I said, What can we do as far as (developing) a por-table CNC machine?For machining at a job site, Z-Mag DTM features an electromagnetic base with 5,000 lbs. of hold-downPortable and programmable, the Z-Mag CNC drill and tap machine can work in remoteZagarforce on any type of ferrous metal.locations.In addition to drilling and tapping, the device can be used for reamingdolly to move it around. also makes the unit a better choice and combination tool operations.Besides its electromagnetic base,for use with carbide cutting tools Although magnetic force firmly at- Z-Mag DTM includes a sturdy cast- than hydraulic or pneumatic sys-taches the machine to ferrous struc- iron frame, a linear rail system andtems, which lack the rigidity of a tures, he doesnt recommend usingan HSK-style spindle adapter thatballscrew and therefore make it it in an inverted orientation due tolets operators use a variety of HSKmore likely that carbide tools will the danger it could pose to peopletoolholders. Key operational speci- chip or shatter as theyre fed into a underneath if power to the unit un- fications include 13" of stroke, 1,300workpiece.expectedly is cut off. lbs. of force and spindle speeds upOn the other hand, Z-Mag DTM Z-Mag DTM is not a standardto 3,000 rpm. can cause problems for tools made item, so its specifications vary, but aFor applications ranging fromof high-speed steel. He explained base unit measures 10" wide20"light roughing to finishing, usersthat the magnetic field created by the high20" deep and weighs 150 tocan operate Z-Mag DTM withoutunit can magnetize HSS tools, caus-175 lbs. While designed to be por- the need to feed by hand thanks toing chips to stick to the flutes when table, the unit is heavy enough thata precision ballscrew feed system.cutting through ferrous materials.operators need a wheeled cart orZagar said the mechanical ballscrewZ-Mag DTMs ballscrew is driven 6DECEMBER 2022 MachineTechindd.indd 6 11/16/22 10:03 AM'