The Stockpile from September 2025

Advanced sheet unloading system

Lantek and TCI Cutting developed an automated sheet unloading system to optimize post-cutting material handling by eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing downtime in the production cycle.

Integrated with Lantek Expert software, the system leverages technology developed by TCI Cutting, combining an intelligent suction cup grid with its Automation Systems Load & Unload platform for laser cutting machines. This integration enables fully automated and highly precise removal of parts directly from the cutting table.

The system detects the exact position of each part, activates only the required suction cups, and ensures precise handling based on the geometry and center of gravity of each piece. Parts are unloaded avoiding the suction of skeleton material or unwanted components and ensuring each part is safely and accurately handled.

Machines equipped with TCI Cutting’s Automation Systems Load & Unload manage material loading and unloading autonomously and can be connected to intelligent storage systems. Once the cutting process is complete, the processed table exits the working area, and the suction system automatically removes the finished parts without any operator intervention, streamlining the production flow while improving safety and ergonomics.

Unlike traditional systems that only allow stacking of identical parts, this solution deposits all cut parts at a single point, giving the operator freedom to organize them according to production needs.

Suction cup activation can also be manually configured, giving users full flexibility to manage parts with micro-joints or complex geometries. Integration with Lantek Expert advanced process control allows operators to fine-tune settings based on production requirements and maximize operational efficiency.

Initially developed as a tailor-made project, this technology is now available for broader implementation.

Lantek
https://www.lantek.com

TCI Cutting
https://www.tcicutting.com

End mill line for milling of HRSAs

The Capstone-360 line of high-performance end mills feature a ceramic tip combined with a carbide shank. Capstone-360 delivers the speed and efficiency of solid ceramic end mills with the additional strength and stability provided by the carbide shank, offering higher tool life compared to most commercially available endmills. Designed for superior performance in slotting, pocketing, and face milling applications, Capstone-360 excels in heat-resistant superalloys (HRSAs), cast iron, and hardened steel materials.

Capstone-360 offers a new benchmark for productivity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. In real-world applications, customers have achieved up to a 90% reduction in cycle time and 70% reduction in cost per part compared to standard solid carbide end mills.

Greenleaf Corp.
www.greenleafcorporation.com

Hybrid style horizontal machining center

The HPN800 offers speed and flexibility, making it suitable for production or large parts across a wide range of materials and industries. It’s equipped with a high-horsepower, high-torque spindle and offers various tool and pallet system options. The machine is built to perform at full capacity, even in demanding production environments – day in and day out.

The HPN800 features a rock-solid spindle, advanced lubrication and cooling systems, accessible service points, built-in diagnostics, high-quality way systems and feed mechanisms, and support for multi-machine/multi-pallet setups.

Niigata, Inc.
https://niigatausa.com

Enhanced limited angle CT technology

The limited angle CT is a computed tomography (CT) scanning technology for Nikon VOXLS and XT H 225 industrial X-ray inspection systems. The technology advances CT scanning by delivering high-resolution imaging without needing a full 360° sample rotation. By enabling samples to be positioned closer to the X-ray source, Limited Angle CT achieves higher magnification, providing detailed inspection of specific areas of interest within larger components.

It’s well-suited for inspecting planar or geometrically complex components, such as printed circuit boards and carbon fiber parts, allowing manufacturers to streamline inspection processes while maintaining precision and efficiency.

Nikon Corp.
https://industry.nikon.com

Replaceable head milling cutter

The DM 50 series is a replaceable head milling system designed for efficient and cost-effective aluminum machining. This solution is well-suited for applications where cycle time is critical.

The DM 50 series’ primary wear areas – the head and inserts – can be easily replaced, along with an intermediate sleeve allowing for different cutting heights. Modular design enables quick adaptation to various applications while keeping operating and maintenance costs low.

The tool can be quickly adjusted for different corner radii and chamfers at the desired cutting height. The 2:1 arrangement of inserts on the face and periphery is tailored for diverse milling strategies and application needs. Reliable, precise indexing ensures accurate results with every changeover.

With its optimized axial geometry, the DM 50 enables smooth cutting and excellent surface finishes.

Horn USA Inc.
https://www.horn-group.com