How does WireSense work?

The measurement is contact-based via a short circuit without welding and works with all common filler materials. The Fronius welding power source—an iWave or TPS/i—detects edges or joints and transmits this information to the robot controller. The controller compares the data with the programmed path and automatically corrects the tool center point (TCP) so that the seam is always welded exactly at the desired location.

What’s new with WireSense?

• Support for all seam geometries: fillet welds, I-joints, flanged seams, and complex machined shapes
• More flexibility – ideal for companies with varying sheet thicknesses and demanding geometries
• Reliable detection even with thicker materials from 4 mm
• Can be used with steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and CrNi alloys

What is required for WireSense?

The prerequisite is CMT-ready equipment consisting of the Robacta Drive CMT drive unit, the appropriate CMT wire buffer, and the WireSense software package – the CMT software itself is not required.

Integration is carried out via the Fronius welding power source, which transmits the sensor signal to the robot controller at lightning speed. Fronius works closely with robot manufacturers to ensure that the most common robots can process WireSense signals optimally.

Free update for new features

The good news for anyone already using Fronius WireSense is that a free software update is all that is needed to use all the new functions. Tip: An update may also be necessary for the robots used – please check with the robot manufacturer.

CMT TECHNOLOGY – Concentric Maxi Torque

CMT is a unique bushing attachment system: a single set screw locks the low-taper-angle split bushing in place and eliminates all of the existing attachment issues.

• The bushing system is engineered to assure full surface contact and even clamping pressure with a single set screw.
• Set screw size optimized to provide holding torque in line with shaft diameters and component torques.
• Developed using mathematical and FEA modeling.
• Scalable to any shaft/bore size requirement.
• Lower inertia and better shaft-to-component balance.
• System design assures near-perfect hub-to-shaft concentricity when assembled.

CMT PRODUCT FAMILY

Custom Machine & Tool Co., Inc. has developed its CMT bushing system, through scalable technology, to meet a wide variety of popular, as well as custom, hub-to-shaft combinations.

• Imperial & metric bore size coverage from .125” to 1.1875” and 3mm to 30mm
• Torque capacities from 14 in-lbs (1.5Nm) to 2,795 in-lbs (315 Nm)
• Multiple bore size offerings per bushing size allowing for maximum mix & match flexibility with minimum components
• Withstands repeated assembly and disassembly with no shaft damage and without a reduction in torque capacity
• Flexible positioning accuracy provides easy phase adjustment

CMT BUSHING SYSTEM APPLICATIONS

Custom Machine & Tool Co., Inc., an innovative designer and market leader can apply the CMT bushing system in solving your most demanding hi-tech synchronous drive and rotating component problems.

• High-speed indexing and reversing in systems using timing belt pulleys and gears
• Systems requiring a high level of component rotational positioning accuracy and precise run-out control
• Designs where reduced inertia and low vibration are desired
• Components required to be assembled and disassembled multiple times during their life
• Rotating mechanisms requiring compact space
• Devices requiring high reliability with minimal maintenance

CONCENTRIC MAXI TORQUE

A Technically Superior Solution

• Quicker assembly than other systems
• Higher holding reliability – lower maintenance
• Improved shaft-to-hub concentricity – less run-out
• Multiple bore sizes available per bushing size
• Reduced inertia for increased power savings
• Compact design fits in tighter spaces
• Cost competitive with all other attachment systems

Click Here to Learn More!

About CMT

CMT offers the Guaranteed Shipment Program for timing pulley stock for 5 pieces and less shipped within 72 hours or we pay the UPS ground freight charges.* We provide first-class timing pulley stock in a variety of materials quicker than anyone else in the business. CMT also carries a complete line of matching flanges and timing belts to provide you with a one-stop solution.

Custom Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
301 Winter Street, Hanover, MA 02339 USA
P: ​(781) 924-1003 or (800) 355-5949
F: (781) 924-5154 or (800) 355-4490

How it works

This unique technology features a simple design with few components. The radially supported and spring-loaded blade penetrates the cross bore in work feed and deburrs it, regardless of the diameter of the cross bore. The blade can be changed by hand with no tools. With two cutting edges, the SNAP-X cuts when rotating in either direction. The guiding edge of the SNAP-X blade moves it back into the tool body when exiting the cross bore, protecting the main bore.

The tool blade is positioned in rapid feed in front of the cross bore to be deburred. In work feed forward and with work speed, the edges of the intersection are machined. With clockwise rotation all intersecting bores are deburred in a single pass. The spindle rotation is reversed, machining the cross bores a second time as the tool exits the main bore.

The tool body shows a recess in the feed direction. This prevents the burrs from being pushed down or bent into the cross bore in advance.

Extra long tools are usually assembled (multi-piece construction) and require an adequate guidance in the main bore direction as well as a generously dimensioned chamfer. It is strongly recommended not to activate the tool without guidance.

In addition to SNAP-X, Heule manufactures a range of cross hole deburring solutions including CBD for oil bores, COFA-X for 1:1 bores, and COFA for sloped bores.

About HEULE Precision Tools

HEULE Precision Tools has manufactured the highest quality cutting tools since 1961, supporting a wide range of hole-finishing tools for front and back deburring, countersinking, chamfering, and counterboring for larger industrial manufacturing companies throughout the world.  They specialize in high production environments in the automotive, aerospace, energy, and medical industries.   For additional information on recent successful applications, visit www.HeuleTool.com, or call (513) 860-9900, or via email to info@HeuleTool.com.

The Show, which will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing innovations from more than 150 exhibitors for more than 3,500 attendees to learn from, advances the way businesses operate on the manufacturing floor, in the office, and the community.

Those who utilize the products and services offered should attend to make connections with new technological advancements, potential new employees, and new resourceful suppliers and business partners. You will find machines on site, up and running, with industry experts and applications personnel on hand to answer questions. This creates an ideal opportunity to compare capabilities, get the facts you need to make informed buying decisions, and build a network of support.

Show offerings have been expanded to include exhibitors that cater to the needs of every part of the manufacturing business – office solutions, maintenance equipment, proper disposal services, and more. Catering to CEO’s, job shop owners, manufacturing executives, along with the machinists and fabricators using the equipment and services every day, the Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show allows exhibitors to reach serious decision-makers from diverse companies.

See the newest cost-saving technologies, advanced manufacturing processes, and latest innovations to make your business more efficient, competitive, and profitable. Compare hundreds of companies to get yours on the fast track to greater success. It’s all under one roof at the 2025 Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show.

CMT’s Solution for Digital Printer Equipment

By integrating the CMT connection system CMT was able to remove the clamp collars and reduce the overall size and weight of the part. The new component was more cost-effective to manufacture, resulted in improved concentricity and increased productivity.

About CMT

CMT offers the Guaranteed Shipment Program for timing pulley stock for 5 pieces and less shipped within 72 hours or we pay the UPS ground freight charges.* We provide first-class timing pulley stock in a variety of materials quicker than anyone else in the business. CMT also carries a complete line of matching flanges and timing belts to provide you with a one-stop solution.

Custom Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
301 Winter Street, Hanover, MA 02339 USA
P: ​(781) 924-1003 or (800) 355-5949
F: (781) 924-5154 or (800) 355-4490

With Pathfinder, users can perform offline programming in a 3D environment. The software automatically calculates weld paths based on the digital twin and detects potential collisions. This eliminates much of the manual robot teaching traditionally required, which often consumes valuable production time. Instead, programming can take place in parallel while the robot continues operating, maximizing uptime.

Working with digital twins also enables predictive planning. Engineers can test various welding sequences, assess feasibility, and optimize workflows without interrupting production. This leads to faster commissioning, fewer errors, and higher-quality welds. Additionally, the system supports integration with Fronius WeldCube Premium, which ensures complete traceability by linking each weld to its corresponding digital twin data.
Another key advantage is scalability. Whether for small-batch or large-scale production, Pathfinder adapts to different levels of complexity and automation. It supports a wide range of welding challenges and is compatible with many robot brands, making it a flexible tool for modern manufacturing environments.

In an era marked by skilled labor shortages and rising production demands, digital twin technology offers a smart, future-proof solution. Fronius Pathfinder empowers manufacturers to work more efficiently, reduce costs, and maintain high quality standards—ushering in a new era of intelligent welding automation.

Learn more about Fronius Automation and the Pathfinder Software

The Fronius team are looking forward to show their innovative welding solutions at the SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN trade show in Essen, Stand 3B55, and at FABTECH in Chicago, Stand B29001.

Find out more in these videos

Fronius Pathfinder – Path cloning & simulation

Fronius Pathfinder – CAD import

Fronius Pathfinder – Auto seam & collision detection

Catalog 800 introduces exciting new parts, providing even more solutions for a variety of industries and project needs. With its enhanced and user-friendly layout, the catalog highlights Trim-Lok’s high-quality parts and innovative solutions, making it easier than ever for customers to find the right products for their specific applications.

Additionally, the expanded Design Guide has been significantly enhanced, with a newly updated Materials Guide, a comprehensive Adhesives Guide, and detailed information on Trim-Lok’s value-added operations, including services such as cut-to-length, color matching, slip coating, and more. The catalog also highlights Trim-Lok’s advanced capabilities in manufacturing frames and O-rings, along with an expanded section on our custom design solutions. Whether you’re seeking specialized solutions or looking to optimize your designs, the updated guide offers essential technical information and expert insights to help engineers and designers make informed decisions.

“We’re excited to offer our customers an upgraded catalog that not only looks great but is packed with new parts and valuable information to support their projects,” said Dan Whitener, VP & COO at Trim-Lok. “With our commitment to quality and innovation, we’re confident that Catalog 800 will be a go-to resource for engineers and designers.”

To get your hands on this must-have catalog, simply visit Trim-Lok’s website at www.trimlok.com and request a free, printed copy to be mailed to you, or scan the QR code.

ABOUT TRIM-LOK, INC.

Established in 1971 in Southern California, Trim-Lok specializes in premium extruded plastic and rubber trims and seals. With over five decades of experience, Trim-Lok has earned recognition as an industry leader, delivering innovative solutions backed by unparalleled engineering and quality control.

As a global leader in thermoplastic and thermoset rubber profile extrusions, Trim-Lok prides itself on its ability to meet the most challenging requirements for top-quality plastic and rubber trim and seal parts. Our highly skilled team excels in designing parts and tooling, fabricating them to exact specifications to ensure performance and value.
Trim-Lok maintains rigorous quality control standards, utilizing only the highest quality automotive-grade raw materials and investing in modern equipment and highly skilled employees experienced in all phases of manufacturing and production. Our commitment to reliability, efficiency, and repeatability is evident in every product we deliver.

Combilift, a global leader in innovative material-handling solutions, is dedicated to supporting STEM education and nurturing the future workforce. By hosting this event, the company aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry applications, encouraging students to explore careers in engineering and technology.

At the event, St. Macartan’s VEX Robotics Team, winners of the 2025 the North West Regional Finals, presented their award-winning robot to over 250 students from local schools and talked about the process and skills involved in designing, building and programming a robot. To get a full overview of the competitions a friendly match was held, highlighting the excitement and technicalities of the high-calibre VEX competitions.

Brendan Mc Avera, St. Macartan’s College teacher said: “I am the computer science teacher and in 15 years of teaching, this is probably the best thing I’ve ever been involved in. It really shows the inspiration you can get back from your students when you give them a project to do, and they put their heart and soul into it, and they get their rewards since they’ve won three awards this year”

Through interactive demonstrations and hands-on experiences, young learners gained insight into the real-world applications of STEM and the vital role robotics plays in modern industries.

Martin McVicar continued: “By engaging with these cutting-edge technologies, students can develop skills specific to robotics, hydraulics, and programming, as well as other vital skills such as teamwork, strategy, and problem-solving. These abilities are essential for students’ curricula and are transferable to their future careers in STEM, including potential apprenticeships at Combilift or paths in engineering.”

Martin McVicar also emphasised: “Listening to the skills these students have developed; it makes you proud. It feels like you have a Formula One team in front of you. When you look at the different roles each person plays and the skills they have developed, these abilities will serve them well throughout their lives.”

Through initiatives like this, Combilift continues to play a prominent role in motivating young minds to think innovatively and develop the skills necessary for their futures. By investing in the next generation of engineers, Combilift is helping to shape a brighter tomorrow for everyone.

Custom Machine & Tool Co., Inc. specializes in precision custom timing pulleys and keyless locking devices

Custom Machine and Tool Co., Inc.’s product offering contains all types of popular precision timing pulley tooth designs including:

• Trapezoidal Profiles: 40 DP (.0816″), MXL (.080″), XL (.200″), L (.375″) and H (.500″)
• HTD metric curvilinear profiles: 3MM, 5MM, 8MM, 14MM
• Gates PowerGrip® GT®2 (PGGT) Profiles: 2MM, 3MM, 5MM, 8MM
• Goodyear SuperTorquePd®: 3MM, 5MM, 8MM
• Gates Poly Chain® GT®2 (PGGT): 8MM
• Metric Profiles: T2.5, T5, T10, T20
• AT Metric Profiles: AT3, AT5, AT10, AT20
• Gears up to AGMA Quality 8, 8-64 DP, .5-2 MOD
• Various Sprockets – #25 to #60 Chain
• V-Ribbed Pulleys: IP 26 Sections – H, J, K, L

CMT provides custom and industry standard precision timing pulleys, with or without the Concentric Maxi Torque bushing, in all industry-standard belt widths. Zero backlash option also available.

The Concentric Maxi Torque – patented keyless hub-to-shaft connection system

Custom Machine and Tool Co., Inc. developed the revolutionary hub-to-shaft connection device, the Concentric Maxi Torque (CMT), which allows for precise component positioning and tight runout control on demanding applications, while at the same time being simple to install and remove without shaft damage.

Our keyless hub-to-shaft connection device has superior features and benefits compared to other connection systems such as keyways, pins, set screws, clamp collars, and other tapered shaft locking devices.

Send us your drawing for a prompt quote.

CMT manufactures the Concentric Maxi Torque keyless hub-to-shaft connection system. One previous customer used a split-hub/clamp collar approach which did not reach the level of precision expected in their application. CMT was able to assist by re-designing the part; the split-hub was removed and replaced with a centered Concentric Maxi Torque bushing. This was able to provide the envisioned results that the customer foresaw in the design phase, while also saving space in the drive train area.

In another case, a leading 3D-printer manufacturer found trouble with the use of readily available, but poorly constructed parts. As CMT prides itself on ‘Made In USA’ components machined from raw metal bars, a solution was soon in sight. By generating teeth as the blank is turned, CMT was able to maintain tight runout and concentricity, ensuring high precision motion control pulleys. By the addition of the newly-produced components, the customer saw their functionality improve, and were able to move forward with their production plans in full confidence.

“Since 1964, my father instilled in me a hard-work mindset, so that I could continue his vision for years to come.” – Robert Bennett, President & CEO, Custom Machine & Tool Co. Inc.

CMT has tooling for most timing pulley tooth profiles, including trapezoidal, HTD, Gates Powergrip (GT®2), Metric (T / AT), and more. Send us your drawing, and let CMT take it from there!

About CMT

CMT offers the Guaranteed Shipment Program for timing pulley stock for 5 pieces and less shipped within 72 hours or we pay the UPS ground freight charges.* We provide first-class timing pulley stock in a variety of materials quicker than anyone else in the business. CMT also carries a complete line of matching flanges and timing belts to provide you with a one-stop solution.

Custom Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
301 Winter Street, Hanover, MA 02339 USA
P: ​(781) 924-1003 or (800) 355-5949
F: (781) 924-5154 or (800) 355-4490