Turning convention on its head

GF Machining Solutions, Fraisa, and Blaser Swisslube have teamed up to develop the GR3 graphite machining system. Designed for wet-machining graphite operations, the system can also cut other materials on the same machine, even in the same set-up. According to GFMS, the result is an efficient process that is able to achieve 0.005 mm tolerances while providing a healthier work environment and lower tooling costs.

“It’s a perfect interplay between machine, metalworking fluid, filtration and tooling,” says Martin Spencer, managing director at GF Machining Solutions (UK). “With this most recent innovation from GFMS, we have not only solved the problem of dust build-up, but also now allow a single machine to be used for graphite, copper and steel machining.”
For further information www.gfms.com

Eriks invests £0.5m in technology centre

Industrial service provider Eriks has invested more than £500,000 in its specialist sealing and polymer technology centre in Barnsley, increasing capacity and creating jobs. The company has invested in four new machines at its Oakwell View production operation, and made significant improvements to the warehouse facility. This programme of tactical expenditure has created five new permanent jobs, taking Eriks’ Barnsley team to 85 in total.

Costing more than £120,000, a new Taurus 300 steel-to-steel press is among the arrivals as Eriks sees growth in the use of high-value sheet materials such as nickel-reinforced graphite and silicon-impregnated glass fibres. These materials require a high closure force per unit length. Further investments include a £190,000 CPC-BT60 travelling-head press, a Kiss-Cut ABC60 press and an Infinite 6010 CNC router.
For further information www.eriks.co.uk

ITP Aero joins University of Sheffield’s AMRC

Major aeronautical engine manufacturer, ITP Aero, has become a member of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), recognising its excellence in developing new products and processes, and training new talent and skills. As the world’s ninth largest engine manufacturer and a founding member of the Clean Aviation programme, ITP Aero has positioned itself as a driving force behind the pursuit of more sustainable solutions aimed at developing ultra-efficient engines, as well as laying the foundations for hybrid-electric and hydrogen-based propulsion systems.
For further information www.amrc.co.uk

ATA acquires cutting tool firm ITC

ATA, an Irish precision engineering multinational, has acquired UK-based cutting tool manufacturer and distributor Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), as well as Dutch manufacturer Van Hoorn Carbide. Along with ATA’s existing operations in Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, the UK and the US, the transactions bring the group’s pro-forma 2022 revenue to circa €100m and its global headcount to circa 500.

The transactions significantly enhance ATA’s reach and expertise in the carbide round tool market, the largest segment of the more than $20bn global cutting tool arena. Ralph
Van Hoorn, managing director of Van Hoorn Carbide, and Peter Graves, managing director of ITC, will continue in their current roles and join the ATA senior management team.
For further information www.atagroup.com

Flexibility for tool production and regrinding

Whether for tool production or regrinding – as a cost-effective ‘basic’ machine or as a fully automated model – the new Walter Helitronic Mini Plus tool grinder can satisfy any need for the effective and efficient production of tools from 1 to 16 mm diameter, machining even complex geometries in a single clamping. Re-grinding capacity is up to 125 mm diameter.

Available from Walter Ewag UK, the basic machine version is configurable with a wide range of efficiency options and various loading systems, extending to a fully-equipped ‘high-end’ tool grinder capable of all current and future applications in the small and medium tool diameter range.

The basis for the flexibility of the Helitronic Mini Plus is Walter’s proprietary gantry design, where the economical production of geometries in a single set-up is guaranteed by a HSK belt spindle with two spindle ends for up to six grinding wheels (as standard). In addition, the C.O.R.E. (Customer-Oriented REvolution) hardware and software architecture embraces the digital age by offering intuitive operation that facilitates machine set-up, operation, networking and maintenance.

Options available for the machine include an automatic grinding wheel changer for up to six wheel holders (maximum diameter 152.4 mm), including coolant supply, to ensure a safe wheel set change and maximum flexibility. In addition, for machines so equipped, a ‘torque increase’ option raises torque and removal rates by up to 60% for extra productivity.

For automated use, users can choose a top loader or robot loader, with three equipment packages.
For further information www.walter-machines.com