Month: September 2016

Yesterday, I visited the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, for the purpose of finding production machine tools for Flexible Nib Factory LLC.

My first choice for a vertical mill is the Brother Speedio S700X1, shown here with the Flex S robot loader / unloader module attached. This mill would be used for making nib forming dies, factory fixtures, and various fountain pen parts not well suited for a turning center.

My second choice for a vertical mill is the Fanuc Robodrill. This is the smaller model with a robot loader / unloader. I would need the largest Robodrill.

My choice for a turning center is the Mazak Quick Turn Universal 200MSY. Shown here is the 200MY model, which has a tailstock replacing the sub spindle. I would use this lathe to make feeds, collars, sections and other fountain pen parts, along with some factory fixtures and other miscellaneous parts.

This is the Sankyo RT100 rotary tilt table that can be added to the Brother Speedio or the Fanuc Robodrill. I would use the smaller RT080 unit.

Also, see this photo gallery of other interesting machines and rotary tables I saw at IMTS.