The FlexArm is a unique tapping solution that offers more efficient options for manufacturers. Listed below are five ways the tapping arm can help operators complete jobs more efficiently and accurately.
1) Tapping Up to 2 In.
While the FlexArm is versatile enough to handle a variety of hole sizes, our largest hydraulic units have enough torque to tap up to 2inch in various materials.
2) Tap Horizontally and Vertically
Many parts require tapped holes on multiple sides. With the FlexArm multi-position head, your operator can go from vertical to horizontal and other angles all in seconds.
3) Tap the Whole Part in One Set-Up Without Breaking a Tap
The tapping armhelps you increase production by reducing the need for refixturing. With its simple design, the tapping arm allows you to articulate the tap over your part and tap all of your holes in one set-up. Also, with our industry-leading tap holder design, they come built with a clutch mechanism that prevents and reduces tap breakage.
4) Quick Change From One Tap to the Next
This can be time-consuming with other tapping solutions requiring the operator to realign, retest, and slow down your production times. But with the FlexArmquick-change tap holders, you can reduce the time needed and switch tap sizes in a matter of seconds.
5) Create External Threads
External threading is quick and easy with the FlexArm. Our arm, pared without an external threading adapter, allows you to keep the die perpendicular and guarantee smooth and consistent threading every time.
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Auto Stand-Off – This is currently defined to be surface stand-off and not to be confused with vector stand-off in 5-axis mode. The current auto stand-off is based on a changing surface and will adjust vertically based on the angle of the “A” Axis, so there is five (5) axis taken into account during the calculations, but this is not the same as the tool vector stand-off. There is the ability to do the vector stand-off change while the machine is running manually with buttons on the screen.
Z-Reader Probe – The Z-Reader is a device for mapping the location of the surface. It can be controlled manually & programmatically. The option is NOT active while cutting & is retracted out of harm’s way. It can be triggered to verify the surface at every pierce before the cutting process starts, or it could be used to drive surface mapping of the whole part before cutting starts. It begins with initialization or zeroing of the device to the surface at the beginning of a program and then accumulates or tracks the difference from that zeroing effort.
Automatic Edge Finder – The edge finder is or can be utilized manually (Jogging Method & Screen Buttons), programmatically (M & G codes), or fully automatic routine (dedicated program). This option sets offsets & program rotation to match the orientation & location on the cutting table.
AC Unit Installed on Electrical Cabinet – The unit is mounted on the cabinet’s High Power (480v) side. It is close to the location where the drives are mounted. This option keeps the cabinet temperature stable and allows heat dissipation faster. The servo drives for all axes are the most significant contributors to heat inside the electrical cabinet.
5-Axis Renishaw Calibration – The calibration unit is a Renishaw model APCA45 with a modified spherical stylus. The device has a retractable cover and air purge to clear debris & dust during the activation process. It mounts to a swing arm controlled by a pneumatic rotary, so it is out of the way during regular operation and swings into the calibration position for calibration only.