Double power for machining large light parts

Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen (SW) is strengthening its portfolio of multi-spindle CNC
machining centres with the introduction of the BA space3-22 two-spindle machining centre.
This further development of the ‘space’ series is for machining particularly large, light metal
workpieces in sectors such as automotive and aerospace.
SW launched the single-spindle version of its BA space3 in 2020. Since then, the machine
has found use primarily in e-mobility applications. To achieve even greater efficiency, SW’s
R&D team subsequently began developing the two-spindle version for demanding
manufacturing processes such as giga-casting or machining other complex components in
the automotive and aerospace industries.
The BA space3-22 is currently the largest machine in the SW portfolio. Its independent
horizontal spindle arrangement enables two machining scenarios: simultaneous machining
of two parts by two spindles, or the use of both spindles on one large workpiece. This
flexibility is particularly valuable in series production, where maximum machine utilisation is
crucial. The benefits are clear: parallel machining significantly reduces production times and
increases output.
Markus Löhe, aerospace key account at SW, explains: “In a nutshell, two-spindle machines
double output. The BA space3-22 can be used as a conventional two-person machine or, for
very large components, can easily be configured as a one-person machine with an even
larger machining area.”
At the heart of the BA space3-22 are powerful linear and torque motors. In this
combination, the advantages of both motor types are exploited to the full: linear motors
guarantee fast and precise linear movements, while torque motors provide dynamic rotary
movements. This capability allows the machine to achieve maximum acceleration, not only

minimising machining time but also downtime during tool change and positioning. The rapid
feed rate of the BA space3-22 is 120 m/min.
More information www.sw-machines.com

Filtermist increases up time at Tooling 2000

One of the biggest challenges for any machine shop is workshop air quality and the impact
coolant mist has on staff wellbeing. To prevent coolant mist from impacting the air quality in
the workplace, Tooling 2000 installed on-machine mist extraction systems from Filtermist.
In addition to COSHH-compliant clean air, the Birmingham-based automotive subcontract
manufacturer is also benefitting in other less obvious ways, as senior business development
manager at Tooling 2000, Iain Bubb, explains: “Filtermist systems firstly protects our
workforce, which is of paramount importance. However, they also allow us to open our
machine doors sooner, providing more machining uptime.”
 
If the doors of the machines are opened immediately after a cutting cycle without Filtermist
system in place, oil mist enters the air. This results in a film on the machines, tools, floor and
anything else in the vicinity, causing a health and safety concern.

“With Filtermist, we’re removing all airborne particulates from the machine tool
atmosphere, which not only keeps the inside of the machine clean, but also also helps to
remove the swarf as it does not stick to any tacky coolant residue on the machine bed.”
 
With the Filtermist FX5002 mist extraction systems fitted to its range of Hurco machining
centres, Tooling 2000 finds maintenance of the technology easy to manage.
“We have a TPM [Total Productive Maintenance] system in place so, after a set number of
production hours, we change and clean the Filtermist filters. Productivity is also very
important to us as it cascades down to the bottom line. With the Filtermist technology we
get more uptime from our machines, giving us better productivity and profitability.”
More information www.filtermist.co.uk

Record sales for ramp manufacturer

UK aviation specialist Aviramp is on track for its best-ever trading year after notching up
sales worth £8m in the first nine months of the year. The company – a manufacturer of step-
free, non-slip aircraft boarding ramps – says it now hopes to smash the £10m barrier for the
full year after its super-successful third quarter. Between July and September, Aviramp
clinched deals with nine separate airports or operators, including a near £500,000 contract
with US giant Delta Airlines. Aviramp chief executive Graham Corfield said the deals meant
that there were now some 750 of its pioneering ramps in use across the world.
More information www.aviramp.com

Tribute to Sir David McMurtry

Metrology specialist Renishaw is sad to announce the death of its co-founder and non-
executive director, Sir David McMurtry. Sir David founded Renishaw in 1973 with John Deer,
a fellow Rolls-Royce engineer, to commercialise the 3D touch-trigger probe for CMMs. He
had invented the probe the previous year to solve measurement problems faced in the
manufacture of Olympus engines that powered the Concorde supersonic aircraft.
A brilliant engineer, he was employed at Rolls-Royce in Bristol for 17 years. Sir David went
on to be named on over 200 patents for Renishaw innovations. The company he co-founded
over 50 years ago today employs over 5000 people in 36 countries. His Knighthood was
awarded ‘for services to Design and Innovation’ and he was appointed a Royal Designer for
Industry (RDI) in 1989.
More information www.renishaw.com

3D printing for Xmas

Renishaw empowered students in Bristol to experience 3D printing first hand with a Christmas-themed initiative. Continuing its commitment to STEM education, Renishaw has partnered with the SS Great Britain Trust’s Future Brunels Programme. As part of the collaboration, Renishaw is sponsoring the Christmas tree in Brunel Square, next to Brunel’s famous SS Great Britain steamship, where students have designed and 3D-printed unique baubles to adorn the tree. The festive project aimed to motivate students to explore careers in engineering and science, encouraging them to become the next generation of innovators.

More information www.renishaw.com