Output climbs

Manufacturing output across the UK increased significantly in May from its record low level as factories started to emerge from the coronavirus lockdown, according to figures from the latest BDO Business Trends report.

BDO’s Manufacturing Output Index jumped by 16.58 points to 69.55 in May, regaining around half of the losses sustained between March and April as manufacturers benefited from the easing of UK lockdown measures. Kaley Crossthwaite, Partner at BDO LLP, say: “Output remains drastically below where it would be in ordinary times, but the latest readings suggest we have passed the rock bottom of this crisis.”
For further information www.neweconomy.bdo.co.uk

Cost-effective tool grinding and erosion

Walter has announced two new entry-level machines for re-sharpening and manufacturing a wide range of carbide, PCD and HSS tooling in the most cost-effective way.

These include the ‘two-in-one’ eroding/grinding Helitronic Raptor Diamond, which is designed for PCD tools up to 400 mm diameter and 270 mm long (also end face operations).
The machine can be configured with, for instance, a Walter Top Loader (which accommodates up to 500 tools), glass scales, torque drive on the A axis, wheel probe and manual support steady rest.
Walter’s ‘two-in-one’ Helitronic Raptor Diamond, which uses an HSK interface for electrode/grinding wheel mounting, also features an 11.5 kW spindle, while its Helitronic Tool Studio software embraces integrated erosion functionality for the fast and easy programming of ‘what you see you can grind and erode’.
In addition, the machine boasts Fine Pulse Technology, a Walter innovation that is said to set new standards in terms of PCD tool surface and edge quality, as well as process reliability and speed of erosion. Fine Pulse Technology is the result of progressive improvements to the machine’s generator, as well as the erosion software.
With Fine Pulse Technology, there are marked differences to PCD tools of standard grain type that have been eroded by other machines. Indeed, the differences can be seen with the naked eye – the surface finish is like that of a polished (ground) tool and even coarse-grained PCD
types can be fine-finished with perfect surface qualities, reports the company.
Fine Pulse Technology is the result of progressive improvements to the machine’s generator, as well as the erosion software.
For further information www.walter-machines.com