ITC adds new size tool holder

Extending its range of turning solutions, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has introduced the expanded line of Big Kaiser Capto tool holders.

As a specialist in high-precision tooling systems and solutions for the metalworking industries, Big Kaiser has expanded its series of Big Capto tool holders with the addition of a new size, C4, which is becoming increasingly popular as a quick-change system for turret tooling on lathes.
In accordance with ISO26623-1, the polygon shape of the taper on this tool holder provides for highly repeatable accuracy and torque transmission. This system complements Big Kaiser’s Mega chuck rotating tooling programme, and is said to improve performance, repeatability, tool life and precision.
The Big Capto C4 from ITC is now offered for both rotating tool holders and turning tools used on turning centres. Importantly, the integral design enables the holding of a variety of common inserts for different approach angles and clearance requirements, in both left and right-hand orientations. These compact and rigid tools also allow for large depth of cuts and feed rates.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Fibre-laser tube cutter from Kingsland

The new Haco HFL TS65 is the latest fibre-laser tube cutter to join the product range available in the UK from Kingsland.

Harnessing the power of fibre-laser technology to cut tubes into several shapes and sizes, the HFL TS65 has been developed to offer both speed and precision for subcontract manufacturers and OEMs alike.
High rotational speeds and rapid positioning ensure all operations are completed in the fastest possible cycle times to meet high production output schedules. Combined with an automated loading system, the HFL TS65 is said to provide everything needed to work in a modern production environment at an affordable price point. With many technological and useful features, such as leapfrogging, automatic tube size detection and weld inspection, the TS65 offers manufacturers the potential to upgrade production.
For further information www.kingsland.com

Rotary table range expanded

In 2019, Japanese manufacturer Kitagawa introduced the first in a new range of compact, general purpose rotary tables, the MK series, for adding a rigid fourth CNC axis to a three-axis vertical machining centre. Now, the MK200 has been joined by a second model, the MK250, with significantly uprated performance. Availability in the UK and Ireland is through sole sales agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

The most notable improvement on the MK250 is the 1000 Nm, pneumatically actuated clamping torque, making it more than 80% stronger than the first model. As with all Kitagawa tables, this torque is determined by the point at which the force on the worm wheel causes it to displace by 30 µm. In contrast, some manufacturers quote the slipping torque as a maximum, which can cause inaccuracy or even failure.
If a Kitagawa TSR181A tail spindle with integral clamp, also available through 1st MTA, is added for securing a component or tooling column horizontally between centres, the clamping torque increases to 1600 Nm. The result is even faster, heavier duty, more productive machining. As the table has a small footprint, loss of bed area and working volume in a machining centre is minimised.
Kitagawa has both stronger and more compact rotary tables of similar capacity available in its product ranges, such as the GT250 and CK250, but Kitagawa asserts that the MK250 meets 90% of all customer requirements. The unit on its own can support a load of 250 kg horizontally, while it may alternatively be used to hold a component or column weighing up to 125 kg in the vertical orientation. Maximum positioning speed is 33.3 rpm.
The type of the faceplate is specified by the customer, either with T-slots or pre-drilled holes.
For further information www.1mta.com

Automation system for lasers unveiled

LVD has introduced MOVit, a range of automation systems that includes TAS (Tower Automation System) and WAS (Warehouse Automation System) options for LVD Phoenix and Electra laser-cutting machines. MOVit systems also include LVD’s Compact Tower (CT-L), Flexible Automation (FA-L) and Load-Assist (LA).

MOVit TAS is a single or double tower storage system that can be integrated with up to two laser-cutting machines. This tower system offers 16 different configurations available for 3015, 4020 and 6020 laser machine formats.
Also new is MOVit WAS, which offers a custom number of towers beginning at a minimum of three, in single or double-row configurations. Each pallet has a capacity of 3 or 5 tonnes, and a stack height of 90 mm. Multiple laser-cutting machines can be connected to the system using integrated load/unload devices, while output stations can be added to deliver cut sheets to a sorting area or sorted parts to other machines such as press brakes. WAS is available for 3015 and 4020 laser machine formats.
Both TAS and WAS offer the option for unloading directly on the machine(s). Cut sheets are unloaded on a third table where parts can be sorted and made available for additional processing.
The automation systems feature highly customisable configurations that are designed to keep material flow continuous, production uninterrupted, and sheets and parts organised efficiently. Standard TAS and WAS configurations allow for
full lights-out production as finished sheets are returned to available storage.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com

Close Brothers makes new appointment

Close Brothers Asset Finance has appointed Andrew Bowyer to lead the vendor development programme for the Finance for Industry team. Bowyer has been tasked with actively targeting key equipment suppliers to be their finance partner of choice.

Photographed by Will McGregor

He has 20 years’ experience in asset finance, with the last six spent at a major French funder where he successfully grew both broker and vendor business in the industrial, commercial vehicles and construction sectors. Bowyer’s new title is national development manager.
For further information www.closeassetfinance.co.uk