New Machine Tools! Through the equipment replacement fund and several anonymous financial gifts, the department was recently able to purchase two new Haas machine tools. These state-of-the-art machine tools will be used for research with integration into some of the upper division classes as well. These tools were purchased as Haas machines to provide a single machine controller throughout the machining labs so that students are able to concentrate on learning about machining processes instead of constantly having to learn new machine controllers.
Haas VF-2/TR – Five Axis Vertical Machining Center: The VF-2/TR is a trunnion-type 5-axis machining center. This machine is equipped with a 30HP spindle capable of 15,000 RPM. The high spindle speed and 5-axis motion capability make this machine tool ideal for research into many advanced machining practices including high-speed machining, high performance machining, and router-type honeycomb processes for both metallic and aramid honeycomb materials.
Haas ST-10/Y with Live Tooling – Live tooling lathe with Y axis: The ST-10/Y bring the traditional capabilities of a lathe for turning axisymmetric parts, but also adds live tooling and a Y axis which enables non-axisymmetric machining for milled flats, bolt hole patterns, and much more. This machine will also be used for research but also integrated into engineering classes. The presence of this second lathe will allow both of our lathes to be utilized in classes which will provide important learning opportunities for our students. The live tooling will allow up to six tools to be operated as rotational tooling, with a starting tooling set of two axial and two radial live-tooling holders. The presence of live-tooling provides a unique capability for studying machining practices in ways that are more difficult in mills.
Existing CNC Machines
Haas Vertical Mills: The WWU Manufacturing lab has four 3-axis, vertical Haas machining centers. These machines, two Mini-Mills, one VF-1, and one VF-2, are used extensively for classes taught by both the Manufacturing Engineering (MFGE) and Plastics and Composites Engineering (PCE) programs. Over the course of a student’s education, a student in the MFGE and PCE program will have 2-4 classes that utilize the CNC machine tools. Vehicle design students will have 1-3 classes that utilize the machines and Industrial Design will typically have 1 class. In addition, some Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management students use the machines in an elective course.
Haas Lathe: The manufacturing lab has an SL-10 CNC lathe that is used for classwork and for project work. The 2-axis SL-10 is a simpler version of the ST-10 and allows students to learn on a less complex machine before moving to a machine with live-tooling and Y axis.
Manual Machines
Enterprise Lathes: The lab has 6 Enterprise lathes where the basics of single point chip-forming machining processes are learned and studied. The students from 5 majors learn to cut parts on these machines and learn about the mechanics of machining operations as well as process planning strategies.
Knee Mills: The lab has 3 Bridgeport knee mills and one Rambadi knee mill. Students from 5 majors use these mills to learn the basics of multi-tooth chip removal processes.
Other machine tools: The lab also has two lathes for project work, a Kearny & Treker eccentric rotational mill for project work, 2 drill presses, 1 radial drill, a 1-axis large-capacity band saw, and sheet metal machines (brakes, shears, punches, etc.) as well as support machinery for grinding, stock preparation, finishing and other typical tools.