Blaser Swisslube created a new landing page at http://www.blaser.com/restart with helpful resources for shops ramping up production after the shutdown. It includes a re-start checklist for water-miscible coolants, video tutorials for proper machine cleaning, and the guide “Coolant Care – 7 Tips for Success.”

Any shop that had machines sit idle during the shutdown will benefit from expert guidance on how to restart machines the proper way. Even when machines are not running, chemistry and microbiology continue to be active in the sump. Without care and maintenance, even top-quality coolants can develop unpleasant odors, contribute to corrosion in the machine, or leave a residue on finished parts. Before ramping up production, learn how to check that the coolant is in good and stable condition and ready for re-use.

For some shops, a production stop is an opportunity to dispose of old coolant and change or upgrade the metalworking fluid. The Blaser know how tutorials also provide step-by-step guidance on how to clean and refill CNC machines while avoiding contamination of the fresh emulsion. Benefits of upgrading the metalworking fluid include improved cutting performance and tool life plus less maintenance in the future. The right metalworking fluid can also contribute to an overall cleaner and healthier shop environment.

Researchers at MIT and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) have designed a new face mask that could stop viral particles as effectively as N95 masks. Unlike N95 masks, the new masks are designed to be easily sterilized and used many times.

As the number of new COVID-19 cases in the United States continues to rise, there is still an urgent need for N95 masks for health care workers and others. The new mask is made of durable silicone rubber and can be manufactured using injection molding. The mask includes an N95 filter but requires less N95 material than a traditional N95 mask.

“One of the key things we recognized early on was that in order to help meet the demand, we needed to really restrict ourselves to methods that could scale,” says Giovanni Traverso, an MIT assistant professor of mechanical engineering and a gastroenterologist at BWH. “We also wanted to maximize the reusability of the system, and we wanted systems that could be sterilized in many ways.”

The team is now working on a second version of the mask based on feedback from health care workers and is working to establish a company to support scaled-up production and seek approval from the FDA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Easy sterilization

The N95 masks that health care workers wear to protect against exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses are made from polypropylene fibers designed to filter out tiny viral particles. Ideally, a health care worker would switch to a new mask each time they see a different patient, but mask shortages have forced doctors and nurses to wear them for longer than they are meant to be worn.

In recent months, many hospitals have begun sterilizing N95 masks with hydrogen peroxide vapor, which can be used up to 20x on a single mask. However, this process requires specialized equipment that is not available everywhere, and even with this process, a mask can only be worn for one day.

The MIT/BWH team set out to design a mask that could be safely sterilized and reused multiple times. They decide on silicone rubber – used in silicone baking sheets and other products – due to its durability. Liquid silicone rubber can be easily molded into any shape using injection molding, a highly automated process that generates products rapidly.

The masks are based on the shape of the 3M 1860 style of N95 masks used at BWH. Most of the mask is made of silicone rubber, and there is also space for one or two N95 filters. Those filters can be replaced after every use while the rest of the mask can be sterilized and reused.

“With this design, the filters can be popped in and then thrown away after use, and you're throwing away a lot less material than an N95 mask,” Wentworth says.

The researchers tested several different sterilization methods on the silicone masks, including running them through an autoclave (steam sterilizer), putting them in an oven, and soaking them in bleach and in isopropyl alcohol. They found that after sterilization, the silicone material was undamaged.

Fit test

To test the comfort and fit of the masks, the researchers recruited health care workers from the emergency department and oncology clinic at BWH. They had each of the subjects perform the standard fit test required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for N95 masks. During this test, the subject puts the mask on and then performs a series of movements to see if the mask stays in place. A nebulized sugar solution is sprayed in the room, and if the subject can taste or smell it, it means the mask is not properly fitted.

All of the subjects passed the fit test and reported that they were able to successfully insert and remove the N95 filter. When asked their preference between the new mask, a typical N95 mask, and a standard surgical mask, most either said they had no preference or preferred the new silicone mask. They also gave the new mask high ratings for fit and breathability.

The researchers are now working on a second version of the mask, which they hope to make more comfortable and durable. They also plan to do additional lab tests measuring the mask's ability to filter viral particles.

SMW Autoblok, a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of premium workholding solutions for the machine tool industry, proudly announces the launch of its new division, SMW-Electronics. Headquartered in Meckenbeuren, Germany, SMW-Electronics’ focus will be on developing innovative products to automate and digitize manufacturing processes to fully utilize Industry 4.0 standards.

SMW-Electronics leverages core technologies including inductive energy and data transmission, sensors, software, and mechatronics, to meet the exacting requirements for new markets in industries such as factory automation and material handling, packaging, robotics, and electronics manufacturing.

Examples of new products already developed by SMW-Electronics include:

• Non-contact couplers for the transmission of energy and data
• Sensors and measuring systems
• Electro-mechanical clamping systems
• Software
• Customized solutions

“Incorporating Industry 4.0 features into our new electronic products is a huge advantage to our customers. Not only does it increase productivity through automation and process optimization, but it also increases profitability through added production speed,” says Peter Helm, export and marketing manager for SMW Autoblok GmbH. “In addition to our standard products, we are also able to fully customize our products to meet customer requirements and specifications for smart manufacturing facilities.”

Coupler systems
Our flagship product line features non-contact inductive coupler systems that transfer energy (up to 1,800W) and data between stationary and moving components over an air gap of 4mm. Inductive couplers reduce the sources of error for loss of communication through the entire production process and are ideal for applications including rotary tables, machining centers, assembly automation, pallet systems, etc. Completely maintenance-free and IP67 rated for harsh, demanding environments, couplers replace cables, contacts, or slip rings and are commonly used in sensor technology. Radial couplers for rotary applications are also offered and are available in diameters up to 280mm with large internal diameters.

Sensors and measuring systems
One of SMW-Electronics’ exciting new products is the inductive LPS 4.0 position sensor that identifies the exact position of a sensor element wirelessly and with maximum repeat accuracy. The measured value is available via the built-in IO-Link interface or displayed by way of traditional analogue signals (0-10V or 4-20mA). The LPS 4.0 is also protected to the IP67 standard and offers outstanding EMC properties.

For maximizing chuck performance, it is critical to stabilize the machining process, maintaining high repeatability, part quality and safety. To help improve and monitor chuck performance, GFT-X 4.0 Grip Force meter and 7” table is extremely intuitive and easy to use. The GFT-X-4.0 not only measures the exact gripping force and speed on jaw chucks and collet chucks in static or dynamic mode but is also an industry tablet with a built-in camera and customized apps to guide the user. The tablet is protected to the IP67 standard and has a long battery life, making it ideal for industrial use. The GFT-X 4.0 comes with a variety of measuring heads for jaw chucks, vises, and collet chucks. When measuring dynamic gripping forces, the data is transferred from the measuring head to the tablet via Bluetooth.

Mechatronics
SMW’s e-motion product line has been developed for digital production and offers a complete range of couplers and software to work with a range of down line systems to handle part holding, workholding actuation components, systems controls, actuators, and robotics, to name a few. All e-motion products are based on the same concept of a contact-free inductive coupler system for signal and power transmission.

For industrial applications, the T drive e-motion, as an electro-mechanical actuating unit, is also used to actuate standard chucks. As a further evolution, chucks with a direct electro-mechanical jaw drive have been introduced.

The closed center 4-jaw chuck MM e-motion for mill turn centers has one independent fully controlled and monitored electro-mechanical drive per jaw. This allows for completely new clamping functions like self-centering, compensation, or individual jaw movement within one chuck. You will now have a programmable 4-jaw chuck to handle any type of work piece with the unique feature is the automatic center adjustment for any work piece shape or configuration.

Nikon Metrology Inc. is partnering with Wenzel America, allowing Wenzel to distribute Nikon laser scanning products in North America.

The partnership combines Wenzel’s strengths in coordinate measurement machines (CMMs) with Nikon’s laser scanners, allowing Wenzel to market CMMs with multiple measurement strategies.

Learn more about Wenzel’s approach to metrology and how to recover from COVID-19 shutdowns, attend the free Aug. 6, 2020, webinar “Flexible 5-axis probing for restarting manufacturing.” Presented by GIE Media, experts from Wenzel and Renishaw will discuss how shops can make the most of their existing tools to adapt to rapidly changing needs from customers. 

Wenzel America president Drew Shemenski said, “One of our core philosophies at Wenzel is working with market-leading technology partners to offer broad solutions to our customers. Nikon is a clear leader in laser scanning technology.”

He added that “combining the power and capability of Nikon sensors with the accuracy and reliability of Wenzel systems will give the market unparalleled solutions to the metrology challenges faced by modern manufacturing.”

Robert Martin, vice president of sales, Nikon Metrology (Americas) said, “This partnership certainly has a head start because both brands are passionate solution providers offering premier products and best-in-class support for today’s metrology market demands.”