Big Kaiser catalogue

A specialist in precision tooling systems and solutions, Big Kaiser, has published the third edition of its product catalogue.

Packed with new technology advancements, the latest edition is available from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), the exclusive Big Kaiser technology partner in the UK. Published in five languages, the new brochure contains over 500 pages of tooling solutions and can be accessed as both an online catalogue or PDF download from the ITC website. Alternatively, a free printed edition can be supplied.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk/products

40% off Kitamura machines from Dugard

Those looking to invest in a high-end CNC machining centre can benefit from a raft of newly announced summer deals from Dugard.

The company is currently offering discounts of up to 40% off the list prices of Kitamura models. Kitamura machines provide 60 m/min rapids, 2 µm positional accuracy, chip-to-chip times near 2 seconds, the Kitamura Arumatic CNC, linear glass scales and high levels of build quality. Among the machines being offered at discount prices are the Kitamura HX250iG HMC, the Medcenter 5AX micro-machining centre, the Mytrunnion 4G five-axis VMC, and the Supercell 300 and 400 five-axis HMCs.
For further information www.dugard.com

$20m three-year defence contract

Meggitt PLC has received a three-year continuation contract with Northrop Grumman Corp for the supply of fuel bladders on the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

The contract is valued at around $20m and deliveries are scheduled to commence this month. Using innovative polyurethane technology, Meggitt’s fuel bladders offer a long-life, lightweight solution that is highly flexible, durable and maintenance-free.
Chris Allen, president of Meggitt’s airframe division, says: “The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the tactical aircraft of choice for the US Navy. We’re very proud that our innovative fuel cell technology has been selected to support this next-generation fighter, protecting both pilots and aircraft in mission-critical situations around the world.”
For further information www.meggit.com

AM expert

The GTMA has appointed an academic advisor to support activities in additive manufacturing.

Dr Jennifer Johns will bring a range of expertise to the association, including research on technological change and innovation in global supply chain networks. A reader in international business at The University of Bristol, Johns recently published an extensive report examining the impact of additive manufacturing on supply chains in the UK, Germany and US.
For further information www.gtma.co.uk

Digital-ready fine-boring system

Kennametal has introduced a new line of digital-ready fine boring tools that is said to make precision adjustment easy, enabling more productive, predictable and accurate boring.

The eBore fine-boring system consists of cutting units to cover a diameter range from 6 to 1020 mm, and an optional digital display that makes precision adjustments as simple as turning a screw.
“For many workpieces, the boring operation is often the final step, and a simple mistake can lead to scrapped parts,” says global product manager Marcus Paul. “The eBore does away with the traditional ´count the graduations´ approach to boring and reduces costly mistakes. We’ve found there is tremendous operator acceptance due to its simplicity and ease-of-use. And because the same eBore digital device can be used across multiple types of tools and on various machines, it’s easy on the budget.”
Offering no-mistake adjustments and accuracy to within 2 µm, Kennametal´s eBore digital device is an optional – though extremely useful – part of the Kennametal digital boring system. The chip and coolant-resistant device contains a glass scale that keeps track of boring-bar movement. Simply snap it in place, turn the boring head’s adjustment screw by the desired amount, and the tool is ready for the next boring operation.
Ultimately, with eBore, there is no need to remove the boring head from the spindle for adjustment, nor to count graduations or take notes. Concerns over backlash and movement due to overtightening of the boring head’s locking screw are a thing of the past, as are endless test cuts and ‘sneaking up on the bore’. The result is less scrap, less downtime and faster set ups. The device shuts off automatically after 30 seconds and provides more than 5000 adjustments between battery changes.
For further information www.kennametal.com