Kasto promotes bandsaw range

The smallest model in the range of eight KASTOwin automatic bandsaws was exhibited on the Kasto stand at last month’s Southern Manufacturing 2019 exhibition. The saws are suitable for processing a variety of materials in stockholding and manufacturing across diverse industry sectors such as automotive, aerospace and general engineering.

Incorporating many features that are said to boost productivity, the KASTOwin 3.3 on show had a maximum cutting capacity of 330 mm, which rises to over 1 m for the largest model. The machines are suitable for the mass production sawing of solid material, tube and profile. In addition to five standard models, there are three further variants: one specifically for processing additively manufactured parts; an up-stroking machine intended for tube cutting; and a saw designed for use with carbide blades.
The bandsaws feature a frequency-controlled drive that enables cutting speeds of 12 to 150 m/min. Importantly, the saw band is hydraulically tightened and looped around band guides that have interchangeable carbide inserts, saving the cost of replacing an entire carbide guide. A touch-screen SmartControl monitors and controls all relevant order requirements and sawing parameters using an in-built material library.
Also worthy of note, ball-screw drives have replaced hydraulics to ensure tight control over material feed movements. KASTOrespond measures the force on the band and continuously optimises down-feed pressure to keep the chip load constant. This function allows the machine to adapt to material quality, shape and heterogeneity, maximising productivity and blade life,
and virtually eliminating scrap, says Kasto.
For further information www.kasto.com

Romi to show latest machines at Plástico Brasil

Romi will participate in the second edition of Plástico Brasil, which is being held at the São Paulo Exhibition and Convention Centre on 25-29 March.

Among the highlights on stand E106 will be a Romi EN 220 injection moulding machine, which features the company’s latest ‘Stop and Go’ system. Said to provide greater speed, precision and energy efficiency, the EN 220 suits applications such as PVC production, PET pre-moulds, and multi-material and multi-colour injection. Also on display will be the Romi ES 300 hybrid injection moulding machine and Romi D 1250 vertical machining centre.
For further information www.romi.com

Uptake of Big-Plus spindles continues

Further to an already extensive list of licensed machine manufacturers, eight more have recently signed up to utilise Big-Plus spindle and tooling systems from Big Kaiser on their machine tools. Big-Plus spindles, which are available in the UK from ITC, are now licensed to circa 170 machine tool manufacturers.

Said to be the only system that provides simultaneous taper and flange contact in a 7/24 cone interface, the Big-Plus dual-contact connection between the machine and tool is robust, reliable and accurate. Despite the fact that Big-Plus was developed over 25 years ago in Japan by Big Kaiser’s parent company, Big Daishowa, the adoption of the spindles is still seeing solid growth across industry.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

TDI 2019

Set to return for 2019, the Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge is now open for entries.

This flagship competition for schools (organised by the MTA) encourages students to submit their coursework projects, which go towards either their GCSE, A-Level or BTEC qualifications. There are four prize categories to be judged, two in each age group, 14-16 and 17-19. The closing date for 2019 entries is 15 May, and only one application per student or group will be accepted, although schools are permitted to enter multiple students. Finalists will be notified by 7 June.
For further information www.mta.org.uk/tdi

Work holding for horizontal machines

Roemheld has unveiled newly developed towers for clamping multiple workpieces on the table or pallet of horizontal machining centres.

TS towers feature four vertical faces for holding four, eight or 16 parts, while TS TriStar versions have three faces for securing three, six or 12 parts. The latter models have the advantage of allowing improved spindle access for machining components from the sides.
Every unit employs a patented guidance and sealing system without the need for sheet-metal covers or plastic wipers, while the monobloc design provides stability and accuracy.
Roemheld has released two sizes of the four-sided tower, TS 100 and 125, and three of the three-sided tower, TS 80, 100 and 125 TriStar, the numbers representing the jaw width in millimetres. Stroke is up to 476 mm, while the maximum clamping force ranges from 20 to 40 kN. Manual operation of the vices delivers reproducible clamping force, which may be low to avoid deforming delicate components, making the towers suitable for a variety of applications. Alternatively, the largest of each type can be equipped for hydraulic operation.
In the Vector versions of the towers, applicable to all but the smallest TriStar model, a fixed jaw can be arranged in the centre on each face or, if desired, two fixed jaws can be supplied instead. Workpiece weights above 15 kg can be accommodated.
A range of accessories, including jaws and jaw inserts, is available, as are drawings and CAD models of the equipment, an advisory service and bespoke work-holding arrangements.
For further information www.roemheld.co.uk