Mitutoyo CMM aids Artemis quality

Loanhead-based Artemis Intelligent Power, a specialist in digitally controlled hydraulic pumps, recently searched for an advanced CMM that could deliver the company’s required levels of precision and feedback. After considering several CMMs from alternative manufacturers, a Mitutoyo Strato-Apex 7106 was purchased and installed.

Fergus McIntyre of Artemis Intelligent Power says: “Not only did the Strato-Apex 7106 have the XYZ capacity [700 x 1000 x 600 mm] that would accommodate the range of components we manufacture, it provided the high-accuracy capabilities that would enable the inspection of our parts, many of which have challenging dimensional specifications.
“It helped our decision that the Strato-Apex CMM was easy to operate and that Mitutoyo UK have an excellent reputation for customer service,” he adds. “Soon after the machine’s installation and operator training, our staff quickly mastered the CMM’s controls and software.
“Given our projected increase in production and the large volumes of parts that will need accurate inspection, not only will the Mitutoyo CMM help take care of current R&D and goods-inward inspection needs, but its operating speed should help it remain ‘future-proof’ and able to handle increased output from our new production unit.
“To ensure that we fully exploit our Strat-Apex CMM’s CNC capabilities and fast operating speed, we will continuously add to our already written library of component inspection programs. This will enable us to load from a single part, up to a large batch of components, on to the CMM’s bed, recall the relevant program and instigate a rapid, fully automated inspection routine.”
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk

Omax to join with Hypertherm

Abrasive waterjet machine specialist Omax Corporation plans to join forces with Hypertherm, a US-based manufacturer of industrial cutting systems and software.

The move follows the signing of a definitive merger agreement that establishes Omax as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hypertherm. Upon the closing of the transaction, expected on or around 9 April, Omax’s direct-drive pumps, software and applications technologies
will combine with Hypertherm’s complementary portfolio of intensifier-based pumps and abrasive recycling systems to form a significant waterjet technology offering.
For further information www.omax.com

Widia publishes new catalogue

Widia has published its Advances 2019 product catalogue, which is available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

The 100-page publication features new product developments and extensions to the range of solid carbide and indexable tooling from Widia. Highlighted within are a number of new milling, hole-making and turning product lines. A particular focus is the Widia VSM890-12 series of shoulder and face-milling tools. The eight-edged, double-sided indexable range is said to be one of very few economic industry solutions that provide true 90° milling.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Strong sales at XYZ clearance event

XYZ Machine Tools’ recent clearance day at its Devon showroom and headquarters generated sales on the day of over £760,000, with 17 machines sold covering everything from a trainer lathe through to the company’s flagship UMC-5X simultaneous five-axis machining centre.

“The day was extremely busy with more companies attending than normal, which is great encouragement given the ongoing uncertainty and farce that is Brexit,” says Nigel Atherton, managing director at XYZ Machine Tools. “During the day we had visitors from 27 companies attending. More encouraging was the fact that 12 of those placed orders on the day, with potential for more sales in the coming weeks. The diversity of machines being ordered was also encouraging, with the UMC-5X being sold to a customer who had shown interest when we initially launched the machine over 12 months ago, just showing that it pays to be patient.”
The XYZ clearance days are an opportunity for customers to secure a good deal on ex-showroom stock as it is replaced every 12-18 months to keep the machines on display as up-to-date as possible.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Lloyds to sponsor MACH 2020

Lloyds Bank will be the headline sponsor of MACH 2020 for the fifth consecutive show, says organiser, the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA).

The next edition of MACH is scheduled to take place on 20-24 April 2020 at the NEC, Birmingham. This latest commitment showcases a decade of support for the show, Lloyds Bank having been a long-standing supporter of MACH and the manufacturing sector. The bank has recently reaffirmed this commitment by increasing its lending commitment to UK manufacturers. Having originally pledged to lend in excess of £6bn to manufacturers between 2013 and 2018, Lloyds has committed a further £1bn per year of new lending through to the end of 2020.
For further information www.machexhibition.com