Hainbuch to display latest technologies

Hainbuch (Hall 20, Stand 447) will host new and established work-holding technologies, such as the Manok Plus system. This extended variant of the manual Manok stationary chuck differs through the use of adaptation elements. With the Manok plus system, many more clamping possibilities are now available in combination with the Mando Adapt mandrel-in-chuck (or the jaw module for even larger clamping diameters).

The Manok work-holding system is suitable for five-axis machining and stationary applications as the chuck operates with a pull-back action, so components are pulled positively against any internal stop to give power and rigidity while reducing vibration during heavy-duty milling operations. To improve set-up and changeover times, the Manok incorporates a manual fixture that easily changes the clamping heads in a couple of seconds.

For further information www.hainbuch.com

Much to see and learn at MACH 2022

MACH 2022, the UK’s largest machine tool exhibition, will take place on 4-8 April at the Birmingham NEC. Alongside a plethora of machine tools and associated technologies, the show will focus on a number of key industry areas and feature a dedicated Education & Development Zone. Sponsored by Sandvik Coromant, the E&D Zone will feature special displays from Airbus Defence & Space, the University of Wolverhampton Formula 3 Race Team, Vex Robotics, the Bowers Group Mobile Metrology Centre, F1 in Schools, and the Engineering Development Trust (EDT).

Airbus Defence & Space, for instance, will be displaying its ExoMars Rover ground demonstration model, ‘Bruno’. Bruno is the Earth-based testing model of its counterpart, the ‘Rosalind Franklin’ Rover, which will search for life on Mars. The ExoMars will be demonstrating how it can navigate the surface of Mars, while representatives from Airbus will show how they communicate remotely with the rover. The team will also answer questions from young people keen to learn more about engineering in the air and space sectors.

For further information www.machexhibition.com

Precise fast-change chucks for sliders

In 2018, Big Kaiser introduced hydraulic chucks for Swiss-type turning centres. Now, the company is expanding its programme to include inch-size Standard-Type chucks, as well as new F-Type and R-Type chucks that are all available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

The new F-Type single-wrench system simplifies cutting-tool changes on the tool post, saving setting time for the machine operator. Notably, the easy-access rear clamping design is suitable for configurations where the hydraulic chucks fit on the front tool post of the sliding-head turning centre. Clamping from the opposite side of the cutting tool and the optimised overall length design improve ease of use. The F-Type is available in a clamping range from 3 to 10 mm, while through-coolant delivery is also possible.

Big Kaiser’s new R-Type designation eliminates interference when working on both the upper and lower tool-post positions. This ability is a credit to the novel block design and screw tightening at an offset position on the tool side. The R-Type is available in a clamping range from 3 to 10 mm, and it is possible to use its oil holes for coolant delivery when mounted on the upper section of a sliding-head turning centre.

The Standard Type hydraulic chucks with tool-side clamping now come in inch sizes with the clamping range of 1/8”, 3/16” and 1/4” diameter.

To minimise machine downtime and provide operator safety, the new hydraulic chucks use a simple hex wrench that requires only two to three turns for both clamping and unclamping. Tightening is complete when the clamping screw hits the bottom, so controlling the tightening torque is not required.

For further information
www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Investment at A&M EDM

A&M EDM, a precision engineering shop in the West Midlands, has used the super deduction capital allowance on equipment to invest £1m since October 2021 in two wire eroders, a large five-axis CNC mill and a spark eroder in response to rising demand from customers. This is a major investment for a company with 70 staff, demonstrating A&M’s confidence in the future and a strong manufacturing recovery from the pandemic. The arrival of the new machines increases A&M’s total number of CNC machine tools on site at Smethwick to 61.

For further information
www.amedm.co.uk

Maximise machine performance with data analysis

A small Accrington-based business has improved the performance of its machining capability through data analysis and upgraded software, supported by engineers from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) North West.

Ken Branton, project manager at Precision Machining, says: “Our machines are high-quality pieces of kit but they’re not all the newest or the most state-of-the-art. We wanted the AMRC to support us in understanding how to use them as effectively as we can. I was particularly impressed at their ability to work with different sized businesses and budgets.”

For further information www.amrc.co.uk