Strong year for Mazak UK

The continued resilience of the UK’s manufacturing base has delivered a strong sales year for machine tool producer Yamazaki Mazak.Despite challenging conditions, the company has reported strong sales in key markets and machine categories as UK manufacturers continued to invest in new technologies.

Alan Mucklow, managing director UK, Eire and national distributors, says: “The post-Covid upturn that started in 2021 continued into 2022 and we delivered a record month for production in late autumn. Our new machine sales figures are proof that UK manufacturing is willing to invest in new technology to remain productive and competitive.Our customers are telling us that they remain very busy,order books are full and they are confident about the future.”
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Jones-Nuttall on right track with ITC

When Warrington-based Jones Nuttall undertook a review of the overall service and support from its supply chain partners, cutting tool vendors were under the microscope. This forensic review based on a multitude of factors opened the door to UK cutting tool manufacturer, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

Located in the northwest, Jones Nuttall is a subcontract manufacturer with more than 60 employees to help it supply more than 30,000 different components to over 250 clients every year. This client list includes recognised names such as London Underground, Network Rail, Linde Group, ScotRail and Bombardier.

The machine shop is very versatile with over 12 CNC Hurco milling machines and eight CNC lathes, including models from Mazak.Producing everything from 1-offs and small batches up to runs of over 1000 from a diverse range of materials, the company utilises solid carbide and indexable tools for turning, milling, drilling and threading. When the company was witnessing indifferent service from its regular vendors, the company turned to ITC.

ITC technical sales engineer Chris Fairbrother says: “To emphasise the quality and productivity of ITC tools, we first manufactured special form tools for hydraulic components used in the fluid control industry. With supply chain issues from its previous vendor on special tools, we demonstrated our expertise by understanding the requirements of Jones Nuttall, providing technical support and then manufacturing special tools on short lead times. The tools performed exceptionally well, laying a foundation of trust and confidence in the ITC brand.”

With the relationship blossoming, Jones Nuttall incrementally introduced more ITC solid-carbide end mills to its shop floor with impressive results.

“The performance of ITC solid-carbide end mills immediately reduced tooling costs by more than 20% at Jones Nuttall,” says Fairbrother by way of example.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Innovation optimises titanium alloy machining

With its shell-type cutter,Mitsubishi Materials has adapted to the latest recognised approach for milling titanium alloys. To emphasise the strength, high power and large metal removal capability, the company has recently expanded its ASPX series with two integrated HSK single-piece shank types. The new types are an HSK-A100 and an HSK-A125, both with 80 mm cutting diameter bodies.

The HSK shank encompasses a central through-coolant channel that feeds internally to each insert pocket, thereby providing coolant directly to the insert face. This direct coolant approach makes it possible to maintain feeds rates and extend tool life, even under the most demanding of deep-side and slot-milling applications.

ASPX series cutters now have a new grade, MP9140, to add extra performance and reliability. MP9140 is made from an enhanced super-fine cemented carbide substrate for increased toughness that also retains hardness for longer tool life. Using the (Al-Ti)-N coating method ensures optimal resistance to wear and heat. According to Mitsubishi Materials, the combination of these properties provides excellent fracture resistance and a very low coefficient of friction, delivering the welding resistance necessary to machine modern titanium alloys successfully.

The cutting edge geometry features a high rake edge to ensure a smooth but strong cutting action.

ASPX series cuttersare able to utilise the positive effects of the modern roll-into cutting approach. The roll-into cutting strategy controls sharp increases in cutting loads and prevents sudden chipping of inserts. Also, when utilising a climb milling direction of cut, roll-into is effective at almost eliminating the usual vibrations associated with the conventional direct approach.

ASPX cutters are available in a shell type in sizes 50, 63 and 80 mm diameter.
For further information www.mmc-hardmetal.com

UR reports record revenue

Universal Robots, a Danish collaborative robot (cobot) company, has reported Q4 revenue of $85m, bringing 2022 annual revenue to $326m, up 5% on 2021. On a constant currency basis, growth over the year was 12%.The company’s CFO Kim Andreasen says: “We are proud to have continued to grow our business despite facing a difficult macro-economic environment in 2022. We focused on things we were able to control, overcoming supply chain challenges to report our highest annual revenue to date.” In 2022 UR also began construction on its new headquarters and exceeded 1000 employees worldwide.
For further information www.universal-robots.com

Oqton and Valk Welding team up

Oqton, a software provider helping manufacturers increase innovation and efficiency by intelligently automating production, and Valk Welding, a specialist in the field of flexible arc-welding robots, have entered a partnership designed to transform the welding industry. As a result, Oqton’s software will become part of Valk Welding’s Automatic Robotic Programming (ARP) solution for high-mix, low-volume production. The Valk Welding ARP powered by Oqton is said to enable 10 times faster programming than traditional offline programming solutions.
For further information www.oqton.com