Machining Simulation Software for Lathes and Mills
Southwestern Industries will introduce its solid 3D Verify machining simulation software, available as part of the advanced feature option set for TRAK lathes and mills with ProtoTrak SLX and SMX controls, respectively.

Taking the Long View on Short Runs
Certain jobs require a processing strategy that strikes a balance between the needs of high-volume production and low-quantity toolroom work. Reorganizing material flows and investing in machining centers designed specifically for small lots helped this manufacturer find that middle ground.

Machining Center for Low-Volume Work
The Trak LPM from Southwestern Industries is a machining center designed for low-volume work.

Entry-Level Machine Installation Recognized in U.K.
XYZ Machine Tools of Devon, England, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwestern Industries, has received the MWP 2012 Advanced Manufacturing Award in the “Best Entry Level Machine Installation” category for a TRAK LPM machining center installation in Kent, England.  That category recognizes the supply and effective application of lower-cost, user-friendly CNC equipment.

Mills, Lathes Increase Productivity in Small-Lot Machining
Southwestern Industries’ Trak line of mills and lathes feature the company’s ProtoTrak CNC conversational language, which is designed to reduce machine setup time and increase machinist productivity.

Machining Center Reduces Change-Over Time
Southwestern Industries’ Trak LPM machining center is designed for for low-volume work.

Familiar Software Eases Machining Center Learning Curve
Southwestern Industries’ Trak LPM with ProtoTrak PMX control is a machining center designed for production of prototype and low-volume runs.

Lathe and Bed Mill
The TRAK TRL 1630SX lathe and the TRAK DPM SX3P bed mill both feature the ProtoTRAK CNC.

Small Toolroom Lathe
The TRAK TRL 1630SX lathe, featuring the ProtoTRAK SLX CNC, is the smallest toolroom lathe in the product line. It can be operated manually or by CNC using the optional TRAKing feature.

Bed Mill Operates Manually Or With CNC
The Trak DPM SX5 bed mill with the ProtoTrak SMX control may be operated manually or as a two- or three-axis CNC. The solid ram moves up and down for Z-axis operation, providing mass behind heavy cuts.

Advice On Starting Small
Read what shop owners had to say to someone who wondered whether he should open a very small shop of his own.

CNC For Toolroom And Small-Lot Work
Southwestern Industries’ ProtoTrak SLX CNC is suited for toolroom and small-lot work. According to the company, the advanced user interface of the CNC differentiates it from production-oriented CNCs. Users can generate complete part programs by naming the geometry required and answering prompts.

CNC Retrofits
ProtoTrak CNC retrofits from Southwestern Industries feature an easy-to-use interface. The retrofits are installed in the customer’s shop in about a day by a factory-trained technician. Ballscrews are installed in the table and saddle. Electronic machine tool error calibration and backlash compensation help maintai