CNC Machine Tool

Accura Technics, LLC announces the successful launch of their MicroTol(TM) product line. The first machine is now in production at a precision optics manufacturer near Rochester, New York. With other applications in bearings, aerospace and automotive industries, the MicroTol(TM) is a versatile CNC machine tool adaptable to turning as well as grinding.

The lead-off machine is tooled for grinding spheres and aspheres in BK7 optical glass. A cross-axis approach is used with the axis of the work spindle horizontal, and the axis of the wheel spindle vertical. The workpiece is routed around the periphery of the grinding wheel by X and Z-axis interpolation to produce either a spherical or an aspherical shape. Spherical shapes can be programmed as a single parameter - radius. Aspherical shapes, such as paraboloids, can be programmed as a point table or with a parametric equation. Tool radius compensation features are used to adjust for wheel diameter.

"Optical components require tight tolerances while maintaining rapid throughput," said Patrick Hurst, president of Accura Technics. "The MicroTol(TM) can generate excellent geometry and surface finish while minimizing the grinding time prior to polishing operations."

The work area consists of a hydraulic chuck supported by Accura(TM)'s proprietary hydrostatic work spindle. Hydrostatic bearings provide added damping and robustness not typically found in work spindle designs. The X and Z-axis slide system is supported by hydrostatic slide bearings and driven by high performance linear motors with glass scale feedback. The 20,000 RPM air bearing wheel spindle is rigidly mounted to the machine base on a micro-adjustable column. The grinding operation is performed with a metal bond diamond wheel.

The MicroTol(TM) has a large, configurable work area that is totally enclosed for coolant containment. Standard X-axis travel is 8" (200 mm). Standard Z-axis travel is 4" (100 mm). Rough and finish wheel spindles on a rotary table can be added for grinding small optics and molds. Expanded capabilities include match grinding and match turning for sub-micron fits. The machine can be fully automated with robot loader and conveyors. Accura Technics is a certified Fanuc Robotics integrator.

Accura Technics' other products include the 1210G vertical axis, multi-surface grinder; and a compact cylindrical OD grinder.

ZwCAD Version 2007 Released

IntelliCAD-based 2D/3D CAD tool offers advanced technology at an affordable price

ZwCAD, Inc., the developers of quality CAD performance, today announced the release of its latest signature 2D/3D package, ZwCAD 2007. The new version provides dramatic new functionality and ease-of-use enhancements, as well as unrivaled DWG compatibility.

The DWG-based CAD system reads and writes the same industry standard formats produced by past and present versions of AutoCAD (2.5-2007), supports command line actions, true type fonts, MNU and SCR files, raster images, as well as SDS, LISP and VBA scripts to help clients develop custom macros and routines. The 2007 version also offers improved print functionality, as well as batch and shade printing support; multi-language support in text editor, Mline edits support and an improved Vista style interface enabling a user-friendly ZwCAD 2007 now offers users the opportunity to choose their interface, selecting from Office XP, Windows Vista, Windows XP Lunar, and Windows XP Royale.

ZwCAD has added over 22 new features to ZwCAD 2007, and has improved more than 400 features, most based on valued clients requests. Designers, engineers, and architects can discover the improved power and function of ZwCAD 2007 by downloading a free trial of the application at www.zwcad.org. Current users of ZwCAD can update to the new 2007 version free for one year.

"ZwCAD 2007 is a major step forward in providing CAD users access to advanced technology at an affordable price," says Owen Zi, ZwCAD Director. "The philosophy behind ZwCAD is to give users the power to get things done, while reducing their CAD budget, the 2007 version has many improvements to help users with increased functionality, and productivity."

The new and improved 2007 version has several user-friendly enhancements, such as improved speed on inserting objects and increased functionality of the print interface, to benefit users' productivity.

ZwCAD 2006i won acclaim and a wide audience of users internationally, both for its reliable and comprehensive 2D performance and for its expansive 3D capabilities, all for a fraction of the cost of AutoCAD 2007. Supported in over 42 countries worldwide, ZwCAD Software Co., Ltd., also includes a generous warranty, providing expert assistance and helpful updates to its network of users.

ZwCAD 2007 is available on a Free 30-day trial. For more information, or to download your free 30-day trial of ZwCAD 2007 please visit, www.zwcad.org