CNC investment at Axium

Swansea-based Axium Process has invested in two new Doosan CNC machines to meet increased demand. This capital investment means the company, which is a manufacturer of bespoke pharmaceutical processing equipment, can support the sector with higher volumes of precision-engineered components that are designed in-house.

The two new additions to the factory floor are a Doosan 220 Lynx twin-spindle CNC lathe and a Doosan DNM 5700S CNC vertical machining centre. Both machines will be used to produce an array of components, including parts for Axium Process’s filtration systems. Among the materials machined at the company are stainless steel (including duplex variants), Hastelloy, titanium and aluminium.

For further information www.axiumprocess.com

Multi-purpose cutting fluid

Industrial lubrication expert Rocol has launched UltraCut 370EP, a semi-synthetic fluid that can be utilised as a coolant for both cutting and grinding operations.

Developed in the UK, the new coolant contains Rocol’s proprietary EP (Extreme Pressure) additive package, ensuring it enhances medium to heavy-duty machining performance, while simultaneously offering surface finish and component quality enhancements, and extending tool life. Furthermore, the semi-synthetic, water-miscible metalworking fluid has been formulated for application on ferrous and non-ferrous materials, meeting stringent industry requirements and minimising the corrosion and staining of components with its residual corrosion protection. Featuring a special blend of additives, UltraCut 370EP is tolerant to tramp oil, retains a low level of foaming and is durable for use in both hard and soft water environments.

When mixed with water, UltraCut 370EP forms a translucent blue micro-emulsion that provides a clear view of both the component and work envelope during machining and grinding applications. The fluid can be applied in dilution ratios from 30:1 to 75:1, with ratios adjusted depending on the machine tool, workpiece material, water hardness, application and severity of operation.
With high dilution ratios possible, Rocol says that UltraCut 370EP will provide significant cost savings, with a single barrel capable of providing up to 15,200 litres of fluid. For grinding processes, the advised dilution with water should be 50:1 to 75:1, depending on operation severity.

UltraCut 370EP is free from components such as bactericides, chlorine, formaldehyde, nitrites, silicone and any animal-derived materials.

For further information
www.rocol.com

New CNC internal grinding machine

Recently made available by Hardinge is the new Voumard 1000 Universal CNC internal grinding machine. A primary design feature is the use of hydrostatic guideways, which are standard on all axes to offer high performance across all ID grinding applications. The hydrostatic guideways are said to provide excellent damping, as well as stick and slip-free operation, resulting in high surface quality and more reliability without any friction loss or wear.

Hardinge believes the machine’s characteristics set a new standard in ID grinding, providing customers with the ultimate combination of precision and performance in an affordable machine. The design optimises production costs when manufacturing high-precision parts for industries ranging from aerospace to medical, with typical applications including grinding operations on hydraulic components, spindles, bearings and gears.

For over 80 years, Voumard has specialised in ID/OD grinding with almost 10,000 installed machines around the world, a large number of which are designed for machining workpieces with large diameters and/or lengths. Acquired by Hardinge in 2014, Voumard is now an integrated part of Hardinge Inc’s grinding group alongside Jones & Shipman Hardinge, Kellenberger, Hauser, Tschudin and Usach. Voumard’s production and support facility is now back to its roots in Switzerland, where it is located within the Kellenberger operations.

Commenting on the new Voumard machine, Mike Duignan, managing director of Jones & Shipman Hardinge, states: “We’ve introduced a new grinding system that incorporates features resulting from customer feedback. These range from the rigid base to the hydrostatic guides, to the new user interface on our controls. The result is a CNC machine that exceeds the most demanding of today’s grinding requirements.”

For further information www.hardinge.com

Efficient machining of titanium parts

Following the introduction of its newly developed IG3I substrate, Horn is optimising its DS solid-carbide end mills to enable productive, cost-effective machining of titanium and its alloys. By combining the novel carbide grade with a new coating, the tool specialist says it has been able to increase cutter life significantly.

Sharp micro-geometry on the cutting edges, positive rake angles, large clearance angles and polished flutes prevent strain hardening of the workpiece and built-up edges on the rake faces of the mill when machining titanium. In addition, variable helix angles and different tooth pitches ensure quiet, low-vibration milling.

Despite the sharp cutting edges, the new coating demonstrates high layer adhesion, ensuring good edge stability. Thanks to its high temperature resistance, the coating serves as a heat shield and reduces the amount of heat transferred to the carbide, which demonstrates homogeneous wear.

The effective length is two or three times the diameter. DS titanium milling cutters were developed based on tried-and-tested solid-carbide milling cutters in the DS system, which for years have been used to machine soft and hardened steels, chromium-nickel steels and super alloys, as well as copper, aluminium, plastics and fibre-reinforced plastics. The end mills are available in diameters from 2 to 20 mm as standard, with four or five flutes.

For further information www.phorn.co.uk

Kyocera introduces finishing tool

The new MFF milling cutter augments the industrial tooling range offered by Kyocera in the field of finish-machining processes. Suitable for use on steel, stainless steel and cast iron workpieces, the cutter is available now.

A combination of semi-finishing and finishing inserts contributes to the efficiency provided by the MFF cutter. Years of know-how in developing and manufacturing tools has resulted in an innovative pressing method that yields robust inserts. The cutter’s wiper inserts are said to be especially suited to very high feed rates and the generation of outstanding surface qualities.

According to Kyocera, the strength of the MFF milling cutter come into its own on large components, such as construction parts made of construction steel, carbon steel or cast iron (grey and ductile iron). The robust cutter can even be used for hardened steel (up to 60 HRc) and stainless steel.
Typical problems such as vibration or scratches are avoided, principally through a combination of a sharp edge and patented Kyocera cermet technology dedicated for use as a substrate for inserts.

A new design of milling body allows the plates to be changed reliably, while time is saved thanks to the pre-set cartridge height of the MFF milling cutter; it is no longer necessary to readjust after changing a plate. The resulting precisely adjustable cutting-edge height improves handling and facilitates more reliable processes.

For further information www.kyocera.co.uk