Precision honing on standard VMCs

Hurco says that precision honing can now be performed on one of its standard vertical machining centres. Through a partnership with Indiana-based honing specialist Bates Technologies, the solution offers advantages over dedicated honing machines that include reduced investment costs and fewer set-ups.

The process is performed on a Hurco VMX series BT40 vertical machining centre as follows. First, a touch probe held in the tool magazine is deployed in the spindle to verify the bore diameter and ensure that the correct program is loaded. The probe then takes another measurement further into the bore to ensure it is straight enough to be machined. Assuming it is straight, the diameter is rough-bored to the correct size for honing. A honing tool with a standard back end is then exchanged automatically into the spindle and through-coolant is used to activate and control tool expansion, pushing the stones outward while the hone reciprocates and rotates. An in-process air-gauge system enables bore size to be monitored continuously.
Once the programmed diameter is achieved, a signal is sent from the air gauge to the Max control of the Hurco machining centre to stop the honing cycle. Finally, the bore is brushed with a soft-finish hone to smooth the high points and provide the required surface finish. Once again, coolant is used to control expansion and pressure.
For further information
www.hurco.com

Walter tool grinder benefits Leitz

The installation of a Walter Helitronic Power five-axis tool grinder has given woodworking tooling manufacturer Leitz “unprecedented higher levels of flexibility and capability” in the regrinding of back-to-original specification own-brand tools for the woodworking, plastics and advanced materials processing sectors.

“In addition to enabling us to process regrinds much more quickly,” says Derek Statham, works manager and national service manager at the Harlow-based company, “our new Helitronic Power has opened the door for us to a new world of manufacturing special-purpose HSS, carbide and PCD tools – both shank-type tooling and profile cutters”.
While Leitz’s extensive tool catalogue is based on close co-operation within the group’s expertise, Statham adds that “this new-found ability for producing and servicing bespoke tooling will further cement the close working relationships we have with all our customers – companies of every size from one-man bands up to blue chip organisations with global interests”.
He continues: “Being able to provide tooling solutions to meet their needs in fast turn-round times will only reinforce the successful partnerships we already have.”
The Walter Helitronic Power can accommodate tools from 3 to 320 mm diameter and up to 350 mm long, each weighing up to 50 kg. X, Y and Z axes are 460, 320 and 660 mm respectively, while the C axis range is ±200°. Rapid traverse rate in X, Y and Z is 15 m/min, and grinding speed is up to 10,500 rpm.
For further information www.walter-machines.com

Blast machine upgrade boosts Tisamatic

Mexican foundry Tisamatic has benefitted from a significant reduction in downtime at its new facility in San Luis Potosi after upgrading one of the company’s existing blast machines with new Wheelabrator components.

A subsidiary of the Grupo Industrial Saltillio (GIS) conglomerate, Tisamatic produces precision grey and ductile iron castings for the automotive industry, including engine blocks and parts for drivetrains, brakes and chassis systems. The company opened a second foundry in San Luis Potosi in the summer of 2014 following a $65m investment.
Tisamatic has three identical tumblast machines from Wheelabrator, which are crucial to the operation and used mainly to clean driveshafts and brake discs. An ambition to ramp up production prompted Tisamatic to contact Wheelabrator to analyse the performance of one of the three machines and ensure blast operations would cope with increased output targets.
The 30-year-old machine’s performance had dipped, with high abrasive consumption and large amounts of sand in the operating mix causing high wear and, consequently, a lot of unplanned downtime.
The Wheelabrator team recommended an Equipment Modernisation Programme (EMP) to address these issues and improve the machine’s productivity. An assessment showed that upgrading the two blast wheels to a dual 50HP EZEFIT wheel arrangement and installing new magnetic separators would bring significant benefits. A new, larger upper screw conveyor and rotary screen were also installed to improve the condition of the abrasive mix.
Since the upgrade, maintenance time has been successfully reduced, with machine availability up by 60%. Furthermore, cycle time has been cut by almost a fifth, creating headroom in production capacity for Tisamatic.
For further information www.wheelabratorgroup.com

Everything is bigger and better for IWM

In response to strong and sustained growth, Industrial Washing Machines (IWM) has recently expanded its production facilities by a 10,500 sq ft. This represents an increase of around 40%, with space at IWM now totalling over 35,000 sq ft. The development will enable IWM to further enhance its design and manufacturing services for customers in all areas of manufacturing.

With its headquarters in Kings Norton, Birmingham, the additional space is also making it possible for IWM to accommodate its expanding workforce. The company has already recruited six additional people this year, including skilled shop-floor workers, service engineers and design engineers, and is looking to employ further specialists in the near future.
“Our previous premises have served us very well over the years,” says managing director Carl Hollier, “but the time had definitely come when we needed more manufacturing space to meet the needs of our increasing customer base. So, when the opportunity to expand our facilities came, we grabbed it. The increased production and storage space will enable us to keep growing and take on even larger and more ambitious projects in the future.”
The first benefits of IWM’s expansion are already becoming apparent. To complement its existing range of washing and sanitising equipment, IWM has now launched a new range of hygiene products including stainless boot-washing machines suitable for a variety of industry sectors and applications that require high levels of hygiene and efficiency.
For further information www.indwash.co.uk