Entry-level machine tools from Mazak

Among its extensive technology offering at the show, Yamazaki Mazak (Hall 20, Stand 350) is drawing attention to its entry-level portfolio of machine tools. The cost-effective technology on display includes the CV5-500 five-axis machining centre, the three-axis VCE series machining centre and the robust QTE range of turning centres. Mazak says that this diverse blend of technologies demonstrates how the machines’ levels of quality and productivity are suitable for newcomers to the industry, as well as seasoned experts – credit to the user-friendly Mazatrol Smooth CNC system.

For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

New technology from Hainbuch

Hainbuch (Hall 20, Stand 447) says that the new Hainbuch System delivers efficient and flexible work holding. The Hainbuch System allows manufacturers to clamp 1000 different workpieces without the need for a multitude of solutions. Engineers now only need one basic clamping device, a chuck or stationary chuck that remains on the machine tool. Whether it is OD, ID, prismatic components, jaw, magnetic or clamping between centres, the Hainbuch System can provide a solution.

The workpiece determines the adaptation required and converts the customer’s basic clamping device for the particular application. This solution reduces set-up times substantially while increasing flexibility and making it possible to squeeze in fast turnaround jobs, whether it is turning, milling or grinding. In essence, the Hainbuch System is a new series of mandrels and adaptors that encompasses the complete range of Hainbuch products.

For further information www.hainbuch.com

Rainford introduces tooling brands to UK

Rainford Precision (Hall 20, Stand 573) has recently been announced as the new UK and Ireland distribution partner for both 6C Tools and BSQ Tech. Micro tools from 6C are manufactured using laser ablation, avoiding damage and significantly increasing wear resistance to give 5-10 times more tool life. For engineers looking to improve their productivity when machining aluminium, copper, brass, plastics, PEEK and other non-ferrous metals, Rainford says that the arrival of the SwissCeraMill series from BSQ Tech can improve output by 400% compared with conventional carbide cutting tools.

For further information www.rainfordprecision.com

Lathe features integral robot

NCMT (Hall 19, Stand 120) is shining the spotlight on its Okuma Spaceturn LB3000 EX II turn-mill centre (making its first appearance in the UK), which is equipped with the Japanese manufacturer’s Armroid robotic arm, the first in the world to be integrated inside a CNC machine tool. NCMT has configured the machine for the automated handling of shaft-type parts. While most conventional robotic systems require complex integration and special training for staff, Armroid needs neither. As the robot is part of the machine tool, separate system integration is unnecessary. Using Okuma’s own OSP-P300A control, an operator enters the coordinates for the start and finish points and the robot moves through its motions.

For further information
www.ncmt.co.uk

Solutions from EMAG suit e-mobility

A specialist in e-drives, Békéscsaba-based Linamar Technology Hungary, has invested in machines from EMAG to produce shafts and gears. The number of components is expected to increase to more than 2 million parts per year in the future – up from around 300,000 components at present. The new production solution is optimally prepared for this increase. The decision in favour of technology from EMAG was made on the basis of intensive market research.

“In the end, we chose EMAG because the company offers and masters a wide range of technologies,” explains István Bíró, project leader at Linamar Technology Hungary. “Furthermore, EMAG develops innovative solutions that help us streamline our production processes.”

Specifically, Linamar Technology Hungary uses EMAG VL 6 and VT 2-4 vertical lathes, and the VLC 200 GT vertical turning and grinding centre for the hard machining of gears and shafts. The latter is an ideal illustration of the advantages of EMAG’s holistic approach: the machine is loaded at a particularly high speed by the integrated pick-up spindle. After the spindle with the component has assumed its machining position, hard rough turning starts in quick succession. Only a residual allowance of a few microns then remains on the gear wheel. This ensures a significantly shortened grinding process with the aid of the integrated grinding spindle. At the same time, machining quality benefits from the turning-grinding combination: if only a small allowance needs to be ground off after turning, the grinding wheel specification can be more specifically designed for the desired final quality. Overall, Linamar’s production planners can therefore dispense with a further grinding operation.

Linamar has seen similar leaps in productivity with its VL 6 and VT 2-4 lathes, which are used for turning operations on gears and shafts of different sizes.

For further information
www.emag.com