Laser texturing of large moulds

A new gantry-type, five-axis CNC machine for laser texturing the 3D freeform surfaces of moulds and tools weighing up to 20 tonnes – and with maximum dimensions of 3350 x 1350 x 1000 mm – has been introduced by DMG Mori.

The Lasertec 400 Shape is the largest model in a range of four laser ablation machines, the others being designated 45, 75 and 125. A further machine version is planned with a 2000 mm X axis, the Lasertec 200 Shape.
It is becoming increasingly important in many industries, especially the automotive and aerospace sectors, to impart geometrically defined surface structures to plastic injection moulds and press tools to improve the aesthetics and functional properties (such as scratch resistance and water repellence) of components.
The machining of textures is more environmentally-friendly than conventional etching and offers considerable freedom of design, while at the same time ensuring a high level of repeatability. This process is also capable of creating filigree cavities without the need to manufacture electrodes.
DMG Mori’s Lasertec 400 Shape is equipped with a newly developed additive manufacturing laser head that is both narrow and compact. Excellent accessibility is available to a component, even if it has deep and slender features, eliminating the need for long focal lengths that would slow the ablation process.
Central to machine operation are a 100 W fibre laser with switchable pulse length and frequency up to 1 kHz, and 3D processing optics with F-Theta scanning lens. The two degrees of movement of the head are ±200° of rotation and a swivel range of -100° to +135°, enabling undercuts to be processed.
For further information www.dmgmori.com

Boost for space park

Space Park Leicester has been selected as a new centre to offer the business incubation programme for UK start-ups run by the European Space Agency (ESA).

The ESA Business Incubation Centre (ESA BIC) supports innovative start-up businesses using space technologies or data, enabling them to gain a competitive advantage in today’s global marketplace. Building on the growing list of companies at Space Park Leicester, organisations joining the ESA BIC will gain access to the University of Leicester’s R&D capability across a number of areas.
For further information www.le.ac.uk/spacepark

Global award for Big Kaiser

The EWA automatic fine-boring tool from Big Kaiser, which is represented in the UK by technology partner Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), has won the ‘production performance’ category at the Global Industry Awards 2020.

Entered for the award through Boulland DPM, Big Kaiser’s partner in France, the production performance category highlights innovations focusing on the significant improvement of key metrics or performance through productivity gains.
Jose Fenollosa, head of R&D at Big Kaiser, says: “The EWA is far ahead of the rest in its level of automation and sophistication. This gives our customers real benefits in terms of time and money saved, which makes it ideal for Industry 4.0 applications. We’re already talking to potential customers, including a number of leading machine-tool manufacturers.”
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Aerospace specialist acquires AMF Precision

A £43m critical supplier to the aerospace sector has made its latest acquisition as it looks to target new opportunities in the defence and medical sectors.

Manchester-based Aero Services Global Group (AS.G), which manufactures airframe structural equipment and aero-engine components for more than 20 leading primes and tier-one suppliers, has welcomed AMF Precision Engineering to its portfolio of companies.
The Wirral-based subcontract technology specialist joins six other manufacturing businesses in the group and provides additional cleanroom and long-bed machining capabilities, not to mention direct access to customers in medical, defence and a host of research centres across Europe. AS.G’s announcement comes just a few weeks after it secured a £31m funding package from Magnetar Capital and Close Brothers Invoice Finance to support ambitious three-year growth plans.
For further information www.aeroservicesglobal.com

Laser suits small and medium-sized tube

Yamazaki Mazak is launching a new laser-processing machine specifically designed for the high-speed, high-volume cutting of small and medium diameter tube.

The new FT-150 Fiber is a compact laser-processing machine that benefits from an ergonomic design, with the operator area, loading station and unloading station all located on the same side.
Equipped with a 3.0 kW fibre resonator, the FT-150 Fiber can process single workpieces up to 6500 mm in length and 150 kg in weight, with a maximum tube diameter of 152.4 mm. Mazak says that 8000 mm and 180 kg capacity options are also available.
The machine can cut a wide variety of materials used in the architecture, automotive, construction and furniture industries, including mild steel, stainless steel, copper, brass and aluminium.
Designed for maximum productivity, the FT-150 Fiber can perform multiple processes, including cutting, tapping, drilling and thermal drilling. In-process time is reduced as it negates the need for processes such as punching, deburring and hole tapping. Productivity is further improved thanks to a large-capacity bundle loader, which can automatically load raw material weighing up to 4 tonnes.
The FT-150 Fiber can also unload workpieces in a variety of ways, from standard solutions to automatic sorting systems for the efficient production of large-volume and multiple part models. Finished components up to 3000 mm in length can be unloaded (a 4500 mm option is also available) into parts buckets, or via an optional conveyor belt. The sorting system can sort and unload small, medium and large finished parts in four different areas.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk