b"Lead AngleBIG MARKET FOR COLOSSAL PARTSA s product miniaturization continues,machining center at Baker Industries Inc., micromachining continues to makeMacomb, Mich. (See page 15.) inroads into the manufacturing industry. CTELarge enough to hold two semitrailers will once again provide a special sectionon its platform, the machine enables Baker about micromachining in our May issue. Industries to produce colossal componentsAt the other end of the size spectrum, Iveup to 16m (52.5') or largersuch as assembly noticed more developments in large-partand bond jigs for the aerospace industry. The machining. Coincidentally, our April issue willPowermill lets Baker perform everything from include a focus on that topic. As part of ourroughing to finishing on one machine.planned coverage, I visited Coldwater (Ohio)Of course, when going large, the Machine Co. and will present a profile aboutinvestment in time and money is also grand. the shops expertise in producing short runsBaker Industries reports that the 11-month of massive components, many of which areconstruction and build project for the for the special machines CMC builds. Powermill cost $3.4 million.For another large gantry millthis one When going large, thebuilt by Fives Lin Machines Inc. (CTE covered this in the February issues Productive investment in time andTimes section)Sonaca Montreal Inc., money is also grand. Mirabel, Quebec, wouldnt divulge the cost. Nonetheless, it was pricey enough that short-term loans provided by the Canadian Prior to visiting Coldwater, I had theand Quebec governments supported the opportunity to drop by the productionpurchase of the 5-axis vertical gantry mill, facility for FlexArm Inc./FlexDrill CNC inwhich can machine parts up to 70' (21.3m) Wapakoneta, Ohio. While there, I saw anlong and 10' (3.05m) wide.example of FlexDrills GRD-series gantryI expect to hear more about megamachines machining center. The 3-axis CNC machinecoming online as the quest continueshas an X-axis up to 30' (9.1m) and a 4' (1.2m)particularly among aerospace OEMsto or 6' (1.8m) Y-axis, enabling long parts to bemachine more massive, monolithic structures processed in one setup.to reduce assembly. Doing so will reduce When it comes to machining large parts,costs and strengthen the final product.CTEgetting it done in one is a huge benefit. A single setup not only avoids the dimensional-tolerance stack-up and setup errors thatAlan Richter is editor of CTE. can occur but minimizes movement ofContact him at (847) 714-cumbersome workpieces. 0175 or [email protected] to the current issue, the Industry Briefs section includes a report about the new Emco Mecof Powermill 5-axis vertical 8MARCH 2018Lead Angle.indd 8 2/15/18 10:49 AM"