Start-up invests in MACH MDS 845-8T mill

MACH Machine Tools has supplied PMR Developments & Engineering, a precision subcontract specialist start-up, with a new tool-room mill. Now in situ at the company’s Hereford facility,the three-axis MACH MDS 845-8T features theDynaPath WinDelta CNC.
The MDS 845-8T is the most recent machine tool investment made by PMR in its three-year history and has taken its place alongside a new mini mill and a pre-owned two-axis lathe.

PMR’s new MDS 845-8T machines a range of precision components, including injection mould tool inserts and associated parts for a number of customers in the automotive and medical sectors, as well as new and replacement industrial equipment parts.These parts, typically machined in small volumes from a range of different materials, are characterised by their tight geometric and dimensional tolerances, and their high surface finishes.

To meet lead times and ensure that PMR achieves its machining contract requirements on time and in budget, the company regularly pushes the MDS 845-8T’s capabilities to the limit in order to reduce part cycle times.Where feasible, PMR deploys high material removal rates involving extended depths of cut and optimised speeds and feeds.

Says William Homes, PMR’s owner and director:“Our investment in the new MDS 845-8T has significantly increased our machining capacity and capabilities. The machine is powerful, fast, accurate and flexible and, although classified as a ‘tool-room mill’, such is its technical specification and processing capabilities that it’s much more production-oriented.”

He adds: “The versatility and flexibility of the DynaPath control system are also impressive. “Straight-off-the-bat, we liked the control’s large 15.6” LED touchscreen, its clear and logical navigation, and its simple-to-use and understand menus and operation screens, which all help reduce set-up times and prevent input errors.”
For further information www.machmt.co.uk

Staubli AGV secures Red Dot design award

Staubli’s new PF3 platform AGV (automated guided vehicle) captured this year’s coveted ‘Best Smart Product’ award in the international Red Dot design competition.The ultra-compact design of the PF3 boasts an impressive footprint to payload factor, with its ability to lift and carry loads of up to 3 T, while achieving sub-centimetre positioning. Furthermore, the low-profile Stäubli PF3 AGV provides a number of advantages in use, including its ability to operate within very narrow spaces on the factory floor, and manoeuvring in tight spaces and around obstacles.
For further information www.staubli.com

Heller partners Porsche Penske Motorsport

Horizontal machining centre manufacturer Helleristhe latest technology partner of Porsche Penske Motorsport. The co-operation was visible for the first time at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans last month. Heller CEO Dr Thorsten Schmidt says: “We and Porsche share the same values: precision in detail and sustainability in development and production. As part of the co-operation, we’ll work closely with Porsche Motorsport and the entire technology network.”

Beyond Le Mans, further appearances in the WEC racing series will follow, including in Italy (Monza) and Japan (Fuji). Porsche Penske Motorsportis also participating in the IMSA racing series, which includes appearances on famous tracks such as Daytona and Indianapolis. The Heller logo is clearly visible on the Porsche 963.
For further information www.heller.biz

18th edition of Aluminium China

Aluminium China, one of the world’s largest aluminium trade shows that serves as an industry barometer, is set for its 18th edition as it opens at the ShanghaiNew International Expo Centre this week (5-7 July). RX Greater China, the show’s organiser, is gearing up for the largest Aluminium China ever staged to offer the ultimate one-stop platform where visitors will learn the latest in the aluminium industry presented by the global companies at the forefront of innovation. The organiser expects visitor numbers to exceed 25,000.

Committed to promoting the sustainable development of the global aluminium industry, the exhibition will bring together new products, technologies, processes and applications across the entire aluminium value chain. Aluminium China aims to pave the way for new business opportunities and collaborations that will reshape the future of this vital sector.
For further information www.aluminiumchina.com/en-gb.html

700% growth in three years in partnership with XYZ

James White joined NSK Precision Engineering in 2015 and took the company over in 2019, making a new CNC machining centre his top priority. His research led him to invest in anXYZ 750 LR with 750 x 440 x 500mm travel, Siemens 828D control (with optional ShopMill), and linear rail technology for fast acceleration and deceleration rates.

“XYZ Machine Tools listened to where we wanted to take the business, asking the right questions, showing that they understood how our company works,” he says.“They also came up with an attractive solution to get our CNC machining capacity started. We already had a 1994 XYZ turret mill with ProtoTRAK control, which is used daily, so this gave us extra confidence in our decision.”

Taking over NSK Precision Engineering, which has been in operation since 1995, was a steep learning curve, figuring out how to manage both the workforce and the day-to-day administration of the company. Additionally, White relocated the company from its previous 1500 sq ft factory to a new 10,000 sq ft site near Reading, while growing turnover by 700% and increasing his workforce from two to seven.

“Previously, we were subcontracting a lot of work to local companies,” he explains.“Investing in CNC has enabled us to take this work back in-house, which gives us more control over quality and delivery while at the same time improving our profit margins. At the old factory, we were limited for space, restricting which XYZ machine we could choose. With the new factory and the increase in workload we’ve been able to make a further investment in a XYZ 1000 LR with 4th-axis rotary table, Siemens 828D control with the ShopMill option, expanded 24-station tool carousel and a swarf conveyor.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com