Typhoon CNC turning centres unveiled

At last month’s MACH 2018 exhibition at the Birmingham NEC, Colchester Machine Tool Solutions (formerly 600 UK), launched its new range of Typhoon CNC turning centres. Both the linear and box-way Typhoon models were showcased at the event.

The latest Typhoon series introduces Colchester’s next generation in CNC turning, following on from the Tornado range. Colchester offers Typhoon models as a choice of either quick, low-friction linear (L series) or heavy-duty boxway (B series) turning centres. All are available with variations of two-axis, C-axis, sub-spindle and Y-axis functions in a range of bar capacities to suit all turning applications.
Typhoon CNC turning centres are fitted with the latest Fanuc Oi-TF control system with Manual Guide i, and are all manufactured with a one-piece cast-iron base featuring a 30° slant-bed design that gives a low centre of gravity and a better ergonomic design, maximising precision cutting, regardless of component complexity.
Typhoon models are available with numerous options for customers to get the best from any of their complex machine tool requirements.
Paul Rushworth, sales director of Colchester Machine Tool Solutions says: “We have looked long and hard at our next generation of turning centres and the Typhoon range gives us everything and more.”
For further information www.colchester.co.uk

Heptron going global with renewable energy systems

Heptron Manufacturing, a specialist in innovative flywheel-based energy storage systems, is looking to license its patented technology around the world, a move that had led to new investment in machine tools.

“We initially put machining out to subcontract, but as things developed, we were constantly facing delays in production, so the decision was taken to invest in our own machining capacity,” says managing director Gary Murphy. “An ex-colleague of ours is a service engineer with XYZ Machine Tools, so we talked to him and then got the area sales manager in for a chat. He sat us down, looked at what we needed and suggested a solution, the result being the arrival of an SLX 1630 ProTurn lathe and an XYZ 1000LR vertical machining centre.”
XYZ says that the SLX 1630 ProTurn lathe is proving a popular choice for those companies making the transition from manual to CNC turning. The machine makes use of the latest ProtoTrak SLX control system that ensures even one-off and small batches are produced with high efficiency.
The simplicity of the conversational programming means that even those with limited or no CNC experience can be producing complex components in a matter of hours of the machine being installed, says the company. Regarding the specification of the SLX 1630, a 400 mm swing over bed, 760 mm between centre distance and 54 mm spindle bore is combined with a 5.75 kW spindle offering a speed range of 150-2500 rpm, to create a versatile package for prototype and small batch production.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

New CEO at Anca

Dr Christopher Hegarty will be appointed CEO at tool and cutter grinder specialist Anca group from 1 July 2018, succeeding Grant Anderson.

After eight years in the role at Anca, Anderson will retire at the end of June. Hegarty joined the Anca group from Switzerland in July 2017 as the engineering manager of CNC machines, and more recently as general manager of that division. He has also worked at machine tool manufacturers in Europe and Australasia, including over 15 years as CEO or general manager in other organisations.
For further information www.anca.com

Name change

TDT Technology Ltd has changed its name to TDT Machine Tools Ltd with effect from 1 May 2018.

The move reflects the increasing number of international machine tool manufacturers now represented by TDT in the UK. “With a growing portfolio of machine tool solutions to supply the UK market, the time was right to ensure the company name better matches our product offer,” says managing director Simon Hewson. “Today we have a very comprehensive range of machine tools that includes a number of familiar brands. We are currently on a strong growth trajectory and our name change will serve to support the company as it continues to capture market share.”
For further information www.tdt-technology.co.uk

AMRC signs MoU with GKN Aerospace

The University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and global aviation supplier GKN Aerospace have entered into a long-term partnership to work together on developing advanced technologies for the aerospace industry.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed to progress a series of research themes they are developing together at the AMRC’s Factory 2050. GKN Aerospace has been a member of the AMRC for a number of years and says the MoU not only reflects the strategic nature of the relationship between the two organisations, but the benefits it brings to both sides.
For further information www.amrc.co.uk