SwissNano 7 available from Tornos

The new SwissNano 7 is now available in the UK from Tornos. Previously only offered in a 4 mm diameter variant, the 7 mm capacity SwissNano 7 retains the advantages of the 4 mm model, such as the kinematics and thermal stability, to deliver high performance and precision when machining small turned parts.

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Notably, the original machining capacity of 4 x 28 mm has been boosted to 7 x 50 mm, while spindle power has more than doubled (to 2.5 kW) to machine bars from the hardest materials. According to Tornos, the small footprint and machine design means SwissNano 7 occupies the same space as a cam-type machine and can therefore increase output per square metre compared with other CNC machines.
The six-axis kinematics offer numerical adjustment of all tool positions in the X, Y and Z directions. At the heart of the concept is the back spindle mounted on three linear axes, which makes the machine extremely user friendly. The main platen includes three positions for the rotating tools; it can hold transverse drills, a polygon tool or a gear-hobbing tool. This capability opens up the potential of machining operations not previously possible on this range.
Tornos’ SwissNano 7 is suitable for the medical sector when complemented with the addition of a thread-whirling unit. This attachment enables the machine to be used for the production of maxillofacial screws, and can prove a good partner when it comes to the machining of screws for dental implants or straight implants. The machine can also be equipped with high-frequency spindles for back-machining operations, which allows the machine to mill hexalobular (Torx) shapes.
For further information www.tornos.com

Protolabs makes £10.5m investment

One of the UK’s fastest growing digital manufacturers has begun work on a £10.5m investment that will increase its 3D printing capability by 50% to meet growing demand for this technology. Protolabs, which specialises in custom prototypes and low-volume production parts, is building a new 5000 sq m production facility in Putzbrunn, Germany, which will give customers even greater access to the firm’s automated manufacturing processes and quality systems.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic impacting economies across Europe, construction of the new building has started, with the initial shell scheduled to be completed by the end of December, and the fit-out and machinery due to be installed in several stages, beginning in May 2021. Up to 25 further machines will be added to the existing technology, while a CNC machining centre will be installed to support the finishing of 3D printed parts for high-end applications.
For further information www.protolabs.co.uk

Pivoting production at Unicut Precision

Unicut Precision, a subcontractor based in Welwyn Garden City, has now repurposed 75% of its capacity to the manufacture of medical components for the Government’s Ventilator Challenge UK.

The company operates 22 Cincom sliding-head lathes and eight Miyano fixed-head turning centres from one supplier, Citizen Machinery UK. The workload has now reached 780,000 components across 31 varieties, which Unicut is currently producing 24/7. More than 80% of this work is being produced on the Citizen-supplied machines. Social distancing on the shop floor and in the offices is said to be working well.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

Driven-tool turning centres

A new range of CNC turning centres with live tooling in the turret has been introduced by Hurco. The three models – TM8Mi XP, TM10Mi XP and TM12Mi XP – cover the 8-, 10- and 12-inch chuck sizes required by most manufacturers.

Hurco previously sold a range of driven-tool lathe models designated TMM, but their performance was limited as they were not controlled by the proprietary Max5 control that has proved so popular on the company’s machining centres due to features such as concurrent programming and recovery restart.
The new lathe control system, an in-house development by Hurco’s software engineers, was first introduced on the XP-series of two-axis lathes in early 2018. This all-digital control platform was delivered alongside improvements to the design of the machine, including a smaller footprint, roller guideways in the linear axes, a larger spindle bore and enhanced rigid tapping.
A primary reason for developing the TM Mi XP range, in addition to adding the superior features of the Max5 control, was to ensure that driven-tool milling is smooth and accurate. The machines include a servo-controlled C axis and the capability to deploy driven tools at all turret positions, allowing milling and off-centre drilling to be performed in addition to normal turning operations.
Two machines are currently in the UK, a demonstration model at Hurco in High Wycombe and another on trial at a customer’s factory. The first machines available for sale will arrive later this month. These models will be the new 8-inch chuck version which, compared with the former TMM lathes, offer higher spindle power at 22.6 kW, a spindle bore increased from 62 to 79 mm, a draw tube diameter of 64.5 mm (up from 52 mm), and faster rapids at 30 m/min (previously 24 m/min).
For further information www.hurco.co.uk

Corbetts wins NHS and utility contracts

Maintaining supply to critical utilities customers and helping protect vital IT cabling for the NHS has kept the UK’s oldest hot-dip galvaniser open for business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Corbetts the Galvanizer has used its 160 years of experience to pivot some of its operations to provide galvanising services for covers at sewage treatment plants, and for cable trays and ladder racking used at the NHS Nightingale Hospitals in Birmingham and Manchester.
The company, which has kept more than 50% of its workforce operational, is now planning to ramp up volumes in line with government guidance on social distancing. This move will allow Corbetts to increase activity within its other customer markets, which include leisure, automotive and trailer manufacturing.
For further information https://wcorbett.co.uk