South office for SolidCAM

SolidCAM UK, reseller of the SolidCAM and InventorCAM suite of CADCAM software, has opened a new office for the south in Temple Grafton, near Stratford upon Avon. Supporting SolidCAM UK’s existing Technology Centre in Barnsley, the modern facilities of the new office will offer a conducive environment for training sessions, workshops and customer support activities, allowing clients to maximise their SolidCAM investment, stay ahead of the curve, and keep up-to-date with new features and functionality. The company says that being present in multiple locations will also lead to greater customer engagement.

More information www.solidcamuk.com

Greenfields hits £1m revenue mark

A fast-growing UK energy management consultancy for manufacturers has reached the milestone revenue figure of £1m, just 18 months after launching. Greenfields Energy Group is six months ahead of the schedule set by founders Liam Conway and Rich Clark after winning a string of new clients from the manufacturing sector. “Just 18 months after launching and we’re looking after £130m of utilities spend, which shows the faith our clients have in us,” says Conway. “With the plans we’ve got in place and the recruitment of another two people, I think we could easily grow by a further 50% by the end of 2025.”

More information www.greenfieldsenergygroup.co.uk

Filtermist MD targets more opportunities

A UK manufacturer of LEV extraction systems has made a high-profile appointment to help it target new opportunities at home and overseas. Filtermist, which has been helping companies deliver cleaner, safer and more productive working environments since 1969, has welcomed René Joppi as its new managing director. “We currently deliver our technology in more than 60 countries across the globe, and there’s strong potential to increase this number, moving our expertise into potential new territories and new applications,” he says.

More information www.filtermist.co.uk

Software opens saw blade opportunities

The Loroch range of circular saw-blade grinding machines from Vollmer has seen a software update to the Twin 860 machine, a ‘2-in-1’ solution for grinding metal saw blades with CBN abrasive and TCT blades for the metal-cutting and wood industries. The new software can be integrated into new and existing machines to create new business opportunities for manufacturers.

Users of the Loroch Twin 860 can purchase four different software packages. The software program for ‘skip-tooth’ processing on circular knives and saw blades opens many new business opportunities for Vollmer customers. Perfect for generating a randomly arranged sequence of teeth and gaps, it is even possible to process saw blades with pointed and curved teeth. Skip-tooth blades are versatile enough for everything from wood and plastic to bone and Corian,  meaning manufacturers can now grind and re-grind skip-teeth saw blades for use in the food, medical and FMCG industries.

The plunge grinding program is another software introduction that can benefit the food industry supply chain. Developed for processing circular knives with any number of plunges, the shape of the grinding wheel is reproduced in every case. The number of teeth can either be distributed evenly around the circumference or ground one after the other on a limited segment. Users can even create micro-tooth wave profiles by entering different plunge depths for successive teeth. Manufacturers can now apply V-pointed grinding wheels or wheels with EDM-generated profiles to reduce production times.

Loroch experts have also created a software program for circular knives to accommodate single or double-sided grinding. The software combines with the kinematics of the Loroch Twin 860 machine to permit a maximum bevel angle of 75° at the front and 60° from the back.

More information www.vollmer-group.com

How to choose an iron-cutting machine

Iron-cutting machines are indispensable machinery in sectors such as the mechanical and metalworking sectors, where precise and rapid cutting of ferrous materials is essential. Sthemma, owner of the Thomas range of bandsaws, sets out the different types of iron-cutting machines, the advantages of professional versions, and provides guidance on how to choose the best model.

Manual iron cutters are among the simplest solutions, used mostly for small jobs or occasional operations. Although powered by hand, these machines guarantee good precision and are suitable for cutting thin thicknesses.

Toothed disc cutters for iron are the preferred choice for those seeking high performance and precise cuts on hard materials. The toothed disc is designed to withstand intensive cuts and ensures a long tool life. These models are particularly suitable for precision work on thick and hard materials, such as iron pipes and bars. They also offer a higher cutting speed.

Bandsaws for iron are best suited to continuous, repetitive cuts. Unlike disc saws, they use a band blade that provides greater flexibility and precision, especially on long, irregularly shaped materials. The band blade also provides burr-free cuts.

Professional iron-cutting machines stand out for a series of advantages that make them indispensable in the metalworking sector. In addition to power and precision, Sthemma says that a professional mitre saw guarantees maximum safety and reliability. They also offer speed and efficiency without compromising quality of cut.

Factors for selecting the best mitre saw for iron include engine power, blade or disc type, cutting capacity, and maintenance requirements.

In conclusion, professional cutting machines offer significant advantages in terms of precision, speed and versatility, making them an indispensable tool in the metalworking sector.

More information www.sthemma.com