OPG invests in brand new surface grinder

Gateshead-based Omega Plastics Group (OPG) has recently been successful in securing orders of over £2m for a wide range of multi-impression fully hardened production tools. This results in the manufacture of hundreds of core and cavity inserts, together with side cores and other ancillaries for customers.

OPG’s recent business-winning success was instrumental in its investment decision to extend the company’s surface grinding capability, thusimproving efficiencies and catering for multiple insert set-ups and larger X, Y and Z-axis grinding capacities. The machine is also equipped with dust extraction, an 800 x 400 mm magnetic table and a coolant filtration system.

Following a frustrating six-week period of window shopping and searching for a viable solution,the agility of the team from RK International Machine Tools resulted in the delivery of asurface grinder within three weeks from placement of order.

The new PERFECT PFG-D4080AH surface grinder was supplied and delivered to OPG on a short lead time and included the installation of a digital readout prior to shipping.This acquisition will allow the company to reduce its reliance on the laborious task of sub-contracting this type of work. Also through the ability of NC programming and auto down-feed will expand the multi-tasking approach of the company’s skilled workforce, and allow the machine to run unattended.

A survey based on the workflow of current production demands estimated that the time saved by investing in the new surface grinding machine will result in efficiency gains of 3%, resulting in saving over 180 hours compared with the company’s smaller manual machines.
For further information www.rk-int.com

More seeing economics of planned maintenance

Manufacturers of every size are coming to realise the peace of mind that comes with having a planned preventative machine maintenance scheme, says machine tool supplier Starrag UK as it reflects on a recent flurry of new service deals that complement a host of similar contracts which have been in place for some years with a number of existing users.

In addition to an annual machine service and maintenance plan, Starrag’s ServicePlus programme covers every eventuality, assuring service response times, inspection and repair, as well as an uptime guarantee in some cases.Starrag UK has a team of 20 customer-facing service specialists covering the UK and Ireland, including 16 very experienced, highly-trained and skilled ‘mobile’ service engineers who each have an average of 17 to 22 years’ experience of Starrag machine technologies.
For further information www.starrag.com

Twin-spindle blast machine etches tubular parts

Guyson International, a UK manufacturer of industrial finishing equipment, has recently manufactured and installed into a UK manufacturing company an automated Multiblast RSB twin-spindle blast system for the external blast etching of various tubular components. The new system incorporates two rotating blast stations with matching top clamps to hold the product securely, while two vertically traversing blast guns produce a uniform blast etch finish over the length of the parts.

Twin spindles in combination with the top clamp design provide optimal manual process capacity with an operator able to load and unload two components simultaneously. Once the safety-interlocked front door is opened, the operator simply centres the components between two pairs of conical spring-loaded clamps for processing.

A roof-mounted servo drive vertically raises and lowers the twin Guyson Model 900 blast guns, with blasting taking place on the upward vertical traverse, while a compressed air-wash to remove any residual surface dust or blast media activates on the downward stroke. The servo drive facilitates the programming of different speeds for the blast and air-wash phases of the program, delivering greater productivity and shorter cycle times.

The blast system is fitted with a large front opening door allowing easy component loading, while a side door provides further access for maintenance and adjustment purposes. Interior lighting permits a clear view of the blast etching operation.

After blasting, a Guyson CY600/12 cyclone reclamatorextracts the used blast media. This operation separates the reusable blast media from the dust, blast debris and undersized media, reducing the possibility of contamination in the blast media which could reduce the consistency of the surface finish. A Guyson model C800 twin cartridge dust collector completes the system.
For further information www.guyson.co.uk

Horn Technology Daysset for return

Horn Technology Days are back after four years. On 14-16 June 2023 at its Tübingen headquarters in Germany, cutting tool manufacturer Horn will offer insights into machining using its products. The focus will be on ‘mastering processes’, whereby three elements – the tool, work-holding method and machine tool – are all essential for an efficient production process. Each requires a holistic approach to make it viable for users and provide added value. Gear skiving, polygon turning, slotting, high-speed whirling and Swiss-type turning are among the processes that Horn will present.

Visitors can choose from numerous technical lectures, live machining demonstrations, exhibits and face-to-face discussions. Additionally, numerous partner companies will complement the Technology Days, with representatives on hand to provide advice.
For further information www.horn-technologietage.de/en

Tube bending specialist celebrates 50 years

Unison Ltd, the UK-based inventor of all-electric tube manipulation, celebratesits 50th anniversary on 3 April 2023. To mark reaching a half century, the business is planning a special birthday party at its Scarborough headquarters on 24 May, when several of its latest tube bending technologies will be on display, alongside fibre laser cutters from its sister company, Nukon Lasers UK.Customers, colleagues, friends and neighbours of Unison will all receive an invite to the event, as will members of Made in Yorkshire.

“All in all, it’s been an incredible journey,” says managing director Alan Pickering. “One made possible by having fantastic people on our team, and amazing customers around the world who, every day, put their trust in our uncompromising technologies. Moreover, having invented all-electric tube bending, we intend to stay at the top of our game. Here’s to the next 50 years!”