Europa eturn lathes released in UK

The Europa eturn VS series of gap-bed centre lathes is being released into the UK market by RK International Machine Tools. Featuring eturn Energy Management Technology (EEMT), eturn VS lathes help to reduce energy consumption, particularly when the machine is stood idle.

The system constantly monitors the machine and, if a period of inaction is detected, puts the lathe into sleep mode, switching off all unnecessary power consumption. A simple push of a button brings the lathe back to full operational activity.
Along with its environmental advantages, the Europa eturn range also offers a high specification, with an electronic variable-speed spindle featuring Schneider frequency inverter. Transmission is via a Norton-type gearbox that delivers constant power and torque. Each machine in the range is also equipped with a Newall NMS300 two-axis digital readout for ease-of-use, while Bison has been selected as the work-holding partner, allowing a three-jaw scroll and four-jaw independent chuck to be supplied as standard equipment.
There are eight machines in the range, starting with the compact Europa eturn VS330 with a 330 mm swing over bed (510 mm in the gap), and either 750 or 1000 mm between centres. Spindle speed is totally variable between 40 and 2500 rpm, with two gear ranges to allow constant torque. Longitudinal feed rates are between 0.02 and 1.04 mm/rev.
The other machines in the Europe eturn range are the VS360, VS390, VS460, VS510, VS560, VS660 and VS760, with the number designating the swing over bed.
The larger machines in the range feature a three-range gearbox with maximum spindle speeds from 2500 rpm down to 1400 rpm on the largest model. Between-centre distances across the series are from 750 mm through to 6000 mm.
For further information www.rk-int.com

Mazak unveils nine machines at EMO

In its centenary year, Yamazaki Mazak headed to the recent EMO 2019 exhibition in Hanover, Germany, with plans for its biggest ever stand, hosting the largest number of machines and automation solutions ever exhibited by the company. At the show, Mazak gave seven machines their world debuts, alongside two further European debuts, with new Integrex multi-tasking, five-axis, hybrid and turning machines among those on display.

Exhibiting under its EMO 2019 theme, ‘Discover more with Mazak’, the company showcased 27 different machines in total, two more than for EMO 2017, along with 16 integrated automation solutions.
Richard Smith, European group managing director at Yamazaki Mazak, says: “Our theme for this year’s EMO spoke of our relentless focus on productivity, and was a call-to-action for machine users to discover the true potential of their machining operations. Never before did we commit to bringing so many machines and different automation solutions to EMO.”
The 3000 sq m Mazak stand was split into seven separate zones – Integrex multi-tasking, hybrid machining, five-axis machining, laser, vertical machining, turning and horizontals – with all 27 machines in live cutting action during the show. In addition, the Mazak stand featured demonstrations of Industry 4.0 solutions, including Mazak iSmart factory and Smooth Technology.
Integrated automation was a major focus, with a variety of different solutions on display, including Palletech and Multi-Pallet Pool (MPP), gantry loaders, and the AWC auto work changer. In addition, Mazak machines were integrated with a number of third-party automation providers, including machine-tending and bar-feeder solutions.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Breakthrough optical interferometry system

Firms will soon have access to technology that enables them to carry out the ultra-precise and ultra-fast measurements which will deliver the automation that is increasingly vital for manufacturing growth.

Now, a University of Huddersfield scientist who played a key role in the breakthrough has been awarded an Enterprise Fellowship by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE).
Dr Hussam Muhamedsalih is a senior research fellow at the University’s EPSRC Future Metrology Hub. He and his colleagues have developed and patented a new optical interferometry system that can carry out accurate measurement in fractions of a second.
For example, the roll-to-roll process – crucial to meet the demand for devices such as smartphones and printable sensors – often has to go offline for vital accuracy checks. The University of Huddersfield technology will mean this is no longer necessary, leading to big efficiency gains and cost savings.
Dr Muhamedsalih’s Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship will help him to demonstrate the full potential of the device and to commercialise it. The fellowship provides funding of up to £60,000 over a year, mentoring and help with PR and promotion, plus lifetime membership of the RAE Enterprise Hub, paving the way for a spin-out a company from the university.
Earning the award was challenging. There is immense competition for fellowships and, after he had made the final shortlist, Dr Muhamedsalih was summoned to London for a tough session with five interviewers. He was delighted to receive a fellowship at the end of the process and, when the 12 months have elapsed, he will attend the Enterprise Hub’s 2020 showcase event.
For further information http://fmh.hud.ac.uk/

EMO attracts 117,000 visitors

EMO 2019, which closed last week in Hanover, Germany, attracted around 117,000 visitors across its six days.

EMO Hannover 2019 – Weltleitmesse der Metallbearbeitung.

“This EMO built on the success of our boom year in 2017,” reports EMO general commissioner Carl Martin Welcker. “In the context of subdued economic expectations over recent months, the moderate decline in attendance has to be viewed as a success. We’re particularly delighted at the further increase in foreign attendees. EMO once again proved solid as a rock, providing clarity for the further development of production technologies, even in uncertain times.”
For further information www.emo-hannover.de

JJ Churchill increases space

JJ Churchill has increased six-fold the space for its Tool Room Division. The company can now design and produce – from first principles – some of the aerospace industry’s most complex fixtures in a new, purpose-built facility.

Fixtures are a major bottleneck in the production of many aerospace components. Unlike most other companies in the sector, JJ Churchill has invested heavily in this capability to gain more control and guarantee quality. Company designers and machinists produce fixtures to within 20 µm.
For further information www.jjchurchill.com