Electron Engineering chooses Apex gearboxes

When Electron Engineering Services,a machine tool company specialising in machine refurbishment and CNC retrofitting, was retrofitting a grinding machine to turn it into an accurate grinder by installing servo systems instead of hydraulics, the company turned to Apex Dynamics and its range of precision planetary gearboxes. Electron selected AB115 and the PAII115 gearboxes for their high precision, hightorque and competitive price.

As part of the project, Electron determined that it needed a precision planetary gearbox fitted to the servo in order to get more accurate performance from the grinding machine and higher torque from a smaller motor.Good availability of parts was essential for timely delivery of the final machine design as Electron had previously encountered problems with other components as a result of supply chain shortages. Other key considerations included high levels of customer support, availability of 3D models for design, and assistance with calculations, in order to meet the project deadlines.

The AB115 is part of Apex Dynamics’ highest precision, highest torque range, while the compact, lightweight PAII115 is an economy precision planetary gearbox with accuracy of less than 6 arc-minutes and reduced backlash.

By installing in-line planetary gearboxes on servo axes, Electron was able to use a much smaller motor in the grinding machine to get similar torque and thrust, with lower backlash and quieter operation.

Phillip Denison, senior mechanical designer at Electron Engineering Services, says: “Having used Apex Dynamics products for some time now, they are really good at what they do and they understand what we do, helping when needed with things like calculations and 3D models. We were really pleased with the levels of service for this project.”
For further information www.apexdynauk.com

SRD futureproofs its machining practices

we are determined to stay at the top of our game.Futureproofing the company means that we SRD is a 150+ employee engineering company based in Bicester which specialises in manufacturing automotive parts in short lead times. For many years, SRD relied on tried and tested machining techniques,but with higher demand for products there comes a need to fulfil more orders at a quicker rate. The company turned to Ceratizit for help.

Ceratizit examined SRD’s machining processes, inserts and tools, and outlined some areas for improvement. Furthermore, Ceratizit set up a tooling ‘swap out’, where SRD could test inserts without expense.It was not long before SRD began to achieve some impressive results. For example, in some instances, SRD began making a time saving of 30-40% on roughing cycles. Tool life also increased through the use of Ceratizit’s inserts, and its EcoCut inserts are now in use across the workshop. The wide selection of tooling and inserts available in Ceratizit’s extensive catalogue also meant that SRD was able to find the appropriate tools for each job. Furthermore, the constant line of communication between Ceratizit and SRD meant that technical support was always on hand.

Ceratizit’s regular visits allowed the tooling specialist to get intimately acquainted with SRD Engineering’s machines and machining needs, ensuring that its recommendations would be sure to make a positive impact.

Jack Wignall, business developer at SRD, says:“Ceratizit encouraged us to continue growing. It’s a good reminder that there’s always room for improvement in engineering, no matter how efficient you think your processes are. I definitely think this is the start of continuous improvement for SRD and need to be up to date with tooling and machining techniques.”
For further information www.ceratizit.com

GTMA and AMUK ready for take-off

The GTMA and Additive Manufacturing UK (AMUK) will jointly host the free-to-attend Manufacturing Solutions UK event at RAF Museum Midlands, Cosford, on 14 September. This year, the event is incorporating the metrology, testing and inspection show Make Measurement Matter, as well as additive and other manufacturing technologies. The event has been held in various locations across the UK for a number of years, but this will be the first time back since the pandemic.

The prestigious RAF Cosford museum will provide a fabulous backdrop to the exhibition area, with exhibitors and visitors surrounded by iconic aircraft and the complete story of the RAF. Visitors can also glean valuable information with two keynote speakers at the event from Rolls-Royce: Dr Phil Bamforth, global lead for manufacturing product verification and measurement; and Joseph Green, measurement team lead for defence manufacturing in Bristol.
For further information www.bit.ly/3GYsR3d

Guhring end mills dive into micro-milling

Guhring is extending its Diver end mill series into the micro-machining sector. Claimed as the ‘smallest diver in the world’, the new RF100 Micro Diver end mills provide plunging and milling in a single tool. Available in two variants, the 6808 and 6809, the RF100 Micro Diver features a symmetrical drilling face for stability when ramping and drilling, a new transition geometry to improve rigidity, and a special flute form that further enhances rigidity and eliminates vibration.

The RF100 Micro Diver 6808 series is a three-flute solid-carbide end mill suitable for cutting materials up to 48 HRc at depths up to 2.5xD. With a 40° helix angle to evacuate chips from the work area when conducting high-speed machining, the 6808 series is available with a H5 4 or 6 mm shank diameter and a H8 cutting diameter from 0.79 to 3.175 mm with a multitude of dimensional increments available. This range has an overall length from 38.1 to 50.8 mm and a cutting length from 1.97 to 7.93 mm, with the choice of four or six peripheral through-coolant channels available. To enhance tool life further, the end mills incorporate a 45° corner chamfer to prevent edge chipping when machining challenging materials.

Guhring’s new RF100 Micro Diver 6809 series is for the machining of pockets and slots up to 5xD. Like the shorter length variant, the 6809 series offers the choice of four or six peripheral through-coolant channels, a H5 4 or 6 mm shank diameter and a 45° corner chamfer to prevent edge chipping. In comparison to the shorter 6808 variant, the 6809 offers an overall tool length from 45 to 57.15 mm with a 5.00 to 15.87 mm cutting length.
For further information www.guhring.co.uk

EMO to host ‘India Opportunities conference

India is currently the seventh largest machine tool market in the world. This is why Carl Martin Welcker, general commissioner of EMO Hannover 2023, together with Ravi Raghawan, president of the Indian Machine Tool Manufacturers’ Association (IMTMA), is hosting the EMO ‘India Opportunities – growth and potential of the Indian machine tool market’ conference at the show on 20 September.

Some 45 Indian manufacturers are using EMO to promote themselves and their offerings to the world. India’s total demand for machine tools was €2.75bn in 2022, with about 60% met by imports. The country’s largest suppliers include China, Japan, Germany, Italy and the US.
The conference will take place from 11:00 to 14:00 on 20 September in Room 3B at the Hanover Exhibition Centre. The admission fee is €85, which includes an admission ticket to EMO.
For further information www.bit.ly/3KrX2kU