Next-generation chucks twice as accurate

Designed to reduce set-up times on lathes, the new BR-series of three-jaw chucks from Japanese firm Kitagawa provides a gripping accuracy of 0.01 mm TIR (total indicator reading) or less when using optional T-Nuts Plus jaws. The repeatability of jaw exchange is within the same tolerance, even on the largest chuck. BR-series chucks come in 6, 8, 10 and 12” versions, and are available in the UK and Ireland through sole agent 1st Machine Tool Accessories.

BR chucks are now Kitagawa’s standard offering and are interchangeable with its B-series and the large through-hole BB-series, which are both superseded. The TIR of these ranges was only guaranteed to within 0.02 mm.

Due to a new base jaw design and lower jaw lift, gripping forces at the maximum rotational speed of the chucks are now 10-15% greater to enable better metal removal rates. Kitagawa has maintained high spindle speeds throughout the range to enhance the surface finish of turned components.
On twin-spindle chucking lathes, which are becoming ever-more prevalent in turning shops, the better rotational accuracy of the workpiece allows more precise synchronous transfer from the main to the counter spindle for second-operation machining. Gripping force is up to 153 kN for the 12” chuck, while maximum rotational speed, attainable on the 6” model, is 6000 rpm.
Every chuck includes a QR code on the side to allow the download of product data.

For further information www.1mta.com/product/br-series

Five-axis machine from Spinner

Featuring a working volume of 815 x 510 x 510 mm in a small 2.5 x 1.8 m footprint, the new VC850-5A is the latest prismatic metal-cutting machine to be launched by German manufacturer Spinner.

The five-axis, vertical-spindle machining centre, which is configured with a +110/-5° swivelling trunnion carrying the rotary table, is available in the UK and Ireland through sole sales and service agent, Whitehouse Machine Tools.

Managing director Tim Whitehouse says: “This is a top-end machine with robust rotary axes, which are normally the weak point in five-axis machining. They are driven by a new planetary gear train and fitted with absolute rotary scales instead of incremental encoder feedback.

“We’re also impressed by the additional clamping plate beside the table that allows Op20 – as well as Op10 – to be programmed in a single cycle for one-hit machining,” he adds. “The option of a rotary hydraulic supply for automatic workpiece clamping is a further benefit, as it introduces the possibility of automation for long periods of unattended production.”

The 5-tonne machine has an FEM-optimised, cast construction that provides a high level of rigidity and vibration damping for elevated cutting performance and high standards of surface finish on machined components up to 200 kg. Further advantages are that tool life is extended and machining accuracy is enhanced, reports the company.

Part of the reason for the machine’s compactness is the patented method for protecting the saddle’s Y-axis guideway from swarf and coolant ingress using a single wiper system, eliminating the need for a telescopic cover.

For further information
www.wmtcnc.com

UK’s first Lasertec machine

Known for its involvement in the motorsport and automotive sectors, JRM Group has invested in the UK’s first DMG Mori Lasertec 30 SLM second-generation metal powder-bed additive manufacturing machine. The Lasertec will be the cornerstone of building closer relationships with existing customers and expanding into other sectors, including aerospace and medical. With a 300 mm cubic working volume, the machine uses powder-bed laser technology, where metal powder layers of between 20-100 µm thick are fused together with a 600 W laser source.

For further information
www.dmgmori.com

Full cohort for AME

The UK’s ‘Faculty on the Factory Floor’ has recorded its fifth full cohort, proving that students are still determined to be industry-ready when they go in search of employment.

More than 30 young people have signed up to The Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME)’s BEng and MEng courses, giving them access to the latest teaching expertise, and a host of shop-floor projects and technologies. The joint collaboration between Coventry University and Unipart Manufacturing has pivoted the learning content to ensure it can deliver the same depth of knowledge through a mixture of online classes and 5 hours per week of face-to-face study.

For further information
www.coventry.ac.uk/ame

Endeavor on the front foot

Didcot-based Endeavor Engineering is a subcontract supplier of precision parts to sectors that include motorsport, semiconductor, oil and gas, aerospace, and scientific instrumentation.

From the outset in 2012 the company has invested in new Doosan machine tools from Mills CNC. In fact, Endeavor Engineering now has eight Doosan machines at its disposal: three Puma lathes and five DNM-series machining centres.

Says company director Martin Bell: “We did our homework: we spoke to customers and we attended trade shows. From our research we found that Doosan machines were popular. They had a good reputation in the market and were renowned for their quality, performance, reliability and value.

“When we first approached Mills to discuss our machining requirements, they understood what we were trying to achieve and were on-board immediately,” he adds.

The Doosan machines at Endeavor Engineering are being used to produce a range of components made from materials including steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, plastics and composites, to exacting accuracies and finishes.
“We have a good relationship with Mills CNC based on mutual integrity and trust,” says Bell. “In addition to investing in Doosan machines we use Mills’ independently-operated machine-tool finance arm to help fund our investments, and its CNC Training Academy to help train our programmers and operators.”

Adds fellow director Andy Strong: “Continuous improvement is a journey, not a destination. We’re constantly looking to move forward and be the best we possibly can.”

Endeavor has a rolling five-year plan that is flexible, and reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its relevancy. As part of the plan, the company is shortly hoping to increase its current 4500 sq ft of floor space by acquiring premises adjacent to its existing facility.

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk