HNC receives funding boost

Halifax Numerical Controls (HNC) has received a funding boost having secured a six-figure
loan from Finance For Enterprise (FFE). HNC engineers have extensive experience in all
aspects of advanced machine tool design, build and support. The team has a particularly
high level of expertise in CNC and PLC automation systems.
The new funding will aid working capital and future growth for the company, which makes
machine tools to order all around the world. Current large projects in progress include two
for Mid-West Innovators in the US and two for Hilzinger in Germany. Another machine is
currently undergoing build in Taiwan.
More information www.hncl.co.uk

In-house exhibition at World Machinery

Machine tool supplier World Machinery is hosting an in-house exhibition on 6-7 November
2024 at its UK headquarters in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The company will showcase its latest
innovations in laser cutters, tube lasers, all-electric press brakes and automation, among
other technologies. World Machinery’s friendly and professional staff will be on hand to
discuss the optimal solutions to existing challenges and new projects. The company can also
offer flexible and affordable finance agreements. The exhibition will be open from 10:00 to
15:00 both days. Confirmation of attendance is kindly requested.
More information www.worldmc.co.uk

Heller becomes AMRC member

At the recent AMB 2024 exhibition in Stuttgart, Matthew Farnsworth, commercial director
at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) announced
that machining centre manufacturer Heller had become its latest Tier 1 member. The
German-owned machine tool company has numerous factories, including one in Redditch.
As part of the agreement, a Heller F 6000 five-axis horizontal mill-turn centre will take its
place at the AMRC’s facility in Rotherham in June 2025. The machine will further the
development of aerospace-related applications, especially those involving the machining of
titanium structural and aero engine components.
More information https://uk.heller.biz

Inspiration Through Innovation 2024

Inspiration Through Innovation returns on 16-17 October, marking a decade of
breakthrough collaborations in aerospace and medical manufacturing. This year’s event
promises cutting-edge insights into overcoming shared challenges, bringing together
industry leaders, innovators and experts at the UK Innovation Hub of Seco Tools in Alcester.
With dynamic discussions, insightful seminars, live machining and digital demonstrations,
the spotlight will be on transformative strategies and best practices in manufacturing. Seco
Tools is inviting visitors to attend the free event and explore advancements in machining
components such as turbine discs, hip cups, femoral stems and A-frames, with insights from
leaders at the forefront of the aerospace and medical sectors.
More information www.bit.ly/3ZVjxau

Floyd releases Schwanog centre drilling system

Now available in the UK from Floyd Automatic Tooling is the new Schwanog interchangeable indexable centre drilling system. Developed to improve the productivity, precision and positioning of drilled holes, the new centre drill system prevents drills from drifting and maintains a chamfer on the drilled hole.

Suitable for everything from one-offs to high-precision series production runs, the Schwanog centre drilling system provides ±0.01 mm repeatability during insert changeovers thanks to an insert pocket seat that locates and clamps the insert. The tool body is available in a range of lengths and diameters to suit application requirements, providing flexibility to accommodate a host of machine tools and application types.

The ‘quick-change’ design of the inserts results in less time spent changing inserts. Schwanog claims that when combined with the tool geometry, the rapid-change system on the new drilling system guarantees a 40% increase in productivity.

Schwanog centre drill designs range from a 60 to 140° point angle and, depending on the workpiece material, it is possible to apply a wide variety of carbide grades and coatings. Users can machine materials that range from aluminium, brass and copper through to steel, stainless and heat-resistant aerospace grade alloys such as Inconel and titanium.

To further enhance the flexibility of the Schwanog centre drill, customers can request interchangeable drill bodies to suit both left-hand and right-hand operations. Furthermore, to enhance flexibility and ease-of-use, customers to utilise the same tool holder for left and right-hand application. Upon request, customers can order the Schwanog centre drill system with edge preparation to reduce potential chatter that may occur with challenging material types. 

More information www.floydautomatic.co.uk