CGTech grows sales team

CGTech, the developer of VERICUT verification, simulation and optimisation software, has expanded its sales team. The internal promotion of Dave Woolams from technical support engineer to sales engineer, will ensure even better support for customers in the UK.In 2022, CGTech succeeded in growing its UK customer base, deeming it necessary to create an extra sales engineer position and take the team from five to six. The company has also recruited two new technical support engineers.

Woolams, who will cover Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon,Cornwall,Wales and Northern Ireland, says: “My responsibilities include sales and account management; looking at ways to help customers grow their business, as well as our own. Double-digit growth is always where CGTech wants to be in the UK. We achieved it in 2022, so it would be nice to do the same again this year.”
For further information www.cgtech.co.uk

Transforming five-axis machine tool calibration

Renishaw has incorporated its new off-axis rotary measurement mode into the CARTO software suite, providing a single source for testing off-axis measurement using the XR20 rotary axis calibrator and XL-80 laser system. The latest release of CARTO, version 4.7, streamlines the measurement of rotary positioning accuracy for five-axis machine tools, where the XR20 rotary axis calibrator cannot always mount on the centre of rotation.

CARTO is a single software solution for Renishaw’s range of calibration products. Data collection takes place using the CARTO Capture application, while the CARTO Explore application is for data analysis. The new off-axis rotary measurement mode in CARTO Capture is a licensed option and allows the XR20 rotary axis calibrator, combined with the XL-80 laser system, to capture off-axis measurements in one session.

Dan Throup, product owner – calibration software, says: “A single test record is created in the CARTO database, significantly reducing the number of steps in the measurement process. This improved method gives greater data integrity and traceability from the Explore application to analyse the results. In addition, the Capture application now uses a new automatic sign detection move when capturing the angular errors associated with an off-axis test. This simplifies the process and reduces the chance of user error.”

First launched in 2012, the Renishaw XR20 rotary axis calibrator aids the direct measurement of rotary errors for stages, jigs and machine tools. The off-axis rotary measurement mode in the CARTO software suite provides a simple, accurate check for the alignment and positioning performance of rotary axes of any configuration.
For further information www.renishaw.com/carto-add-ons

MBO at Alloy Wire signals investment drive

A UK manufacturer of round, flat and profile wire has completed a management buy-out (MBO) as it looks to target £15m annual sales for the first time in its 77-year history.Alloy Wire International (AWI)’s senior management team, comprising managing director Tom Mander, technical director Andrew Du Plessis and finance director Adam Shaw, has purchased the business from the current owners. The trio have also pressed the button on a near £1m investment drive that will see new wet-drawing and single-hole dry-drawing machines arrive during the course of the year, along with an annealing line spooler.
For further information www.alloywire.com

Boosting 3D metrology and inspection expertise in Poland

Zeiss plans to expand its market presence in Poland for its industrial quality andresearch segment by acquiring Lenso. The company will become part of Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions. Headquartered in Poznan, Lenso is the leading partner in Poland for 3D optical systems. With this acquisition, customers will benefit from a seamlessly integrated experience to get the best measuring solutions for their specific applications. Clients will also benefit from quality measurement solutions and expanded expertise from a single provider.

“We are happy to join forces and expertise in the important polish market,” states Dr Marc Wawerla, head of Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions.

Michael Hubensack, CEO of SSC Carl Zeiss Poland, adds:“Our goal is to be the number one for metrology and quality control in Poland and shape the market.”

Marek Radke, CEO of Lenso, says:”We’re looking forward to being a part of Zeiss to combine our efforts in providing best solutions for our customers. Being a member of the Zeiss family will open up new opportunities for our teams and customers.”

Once the transaction is complete, Lenso will join the Zeiss Sales and Service Company in Poland as part of Zeiss Industrial Quality Solutions. In addition, Zeiss and Lenso will each continue to be responsible for the services they offer to their customers. Both sides have agreed not to disclose the financial details of this transaction.
For further information www.zeiss.com/metrology

Okuma announces green credentials

Since October 2022, production at Okuma’s three main machine tool factories in Japan has used only carbon-neutrally generated electricity, a goal achieved earlier than expected. The firm’s machining centres, CNC lathes and grinders are available in the UK and Ireland through sole agent NCMT.

Okuma also says that, from April this year, it will be labelling certain of its products ‘Green-Smart Machines’ if they are able to cut energy consumption considerably. These machines reducepower usage thanks to a trio of advanced technologies: the Thermo-Friendly Concept, whichnegates the need for a warm-up period; ECO Suite plus, which provides autonomous energy saving by monitoring spindle temperature and the pump; and systems for spindle cooling, which Okuma says reduce energy consumption by as much as 68% due to optimised control.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk