Guideway material reduces large CMM cost

British CMM manufacturer LK Metrology has introduced a third series of large-capacity models to sit alongside its established bridge-type machines and very large-scale gantry-type machines, which offer high accuracy due to their ceramic moving guideways. Using the latest innovations in aluminium and steel CMM guideway technology, the new AEROS, AEROS S and AEROS P gantrytype CMMs (40 models in total), lower the capital cost of such equipment. With measuring volumes up to 8.0 x 3.5 x 2.5 m, they allow a broader spectrum of manufacturers in industries such as aerospace, power generation, automotive and defence, to benefit from the latest 3D metrology systems.

Unlike traditional bridge CMMs, the AEROS main structure of support pillars and longitudinal guideways remains static, with only the gantry beam assembly moving during measurement. The open design is extremely adaptable, providing full access to the work area during the loading and unloading of parts. It is particularly suited to smart factories with autonomous guided carts and manually operated wheeled or rail-type material handling systems.

For consistent accuracy and dimensional stability, innovative design features have been incorporated into the AEROS range to minimise distortions and errors of inertia. Particular attention has been paid to the design of the guideway support system, which allow the longitudinal beams to expand freely without risking distortion. Multiple thermistors are fitted for automatic compensation of errors due to thermal expansion of structural components in uncontrolled environments, such as production areas. Extra-wide air bearing tracks and generous dimensioning of the distance between air bearings provides optimal mechanical rigidity. Notably, 0.1 μm optical linear scales provide accurate positional feedback and precise motion control, with a dual read-head system on both X-axis guideways for high metrology performance.

For further information www.lkmetrology.com

Record-breaking six months for XYZ

Given that recovery from lockdowns was slowly gathering pace, XYZ Machine Tools was understandably happy when, in the first six months of its just-ended financial year, sales totalled £12m. This figure was encouraging and extremely pleasing.

However, better was still to come with the last six months of the year far outstripping that performance, adding a record breaking £21m to the company’s turnover, giving a total of £33m and bringing XYZ back to pre-Covid business levels.

“At the end of the six months we were happy with our sales in the first half of the year, but to set a company record for a six-month period to close out the year is a fantastic achievement and testament to the hard work and dedication shown by everyone at XYZ Machine Tools,” reports managing director Nigel Atherton.

For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

ROTA THW3 receives design award

The ROTA THW3 flexible-jaw quick-change chuck from Schunk manages a balancing act between short set-up times and low maintenance. Its overall package of functional design, flexibility and sustainability also convinced the jury of the iF Design Award 2022.

Idea, form and function – these were just some of the criteria used by the design experts to determine this year’s winners of the iF Design Award. Aesthetically, the ROTA THW3 jaw quick-change chuck achieved high marks with its optimised outer geometry and fewer interfering edges. However, it was the chuck’s function that impressed on multiple levels. Schunk has cut down on weight in the product design, which helps to reduce energy input and enables faster acceleration and braking behaviour of the lathe. Nevertheless, the lathe chuck still has a highly rigid base body that ensures process-reliable clamping, even under maximum stress. Equipped with a quick-change jaw system, the ROTA THW3 can be quickly converted for a new range of parts and has a jaw repeat accuracy of <0.02 mm. In addition to its functionality, the jury was also impressed by the sustainable focus of the clamping device. Patented sealing has allowed cleaning and maintenance intervals to be up to 20 times longer than with comparable products, reducing the use of lubricants, cleaning agents and water, and helping to protect the environment. By using resources sparingly, it makes a successful contribution to sustainable production while ensuring optimal functionality. For further information www.schunk.com

New products from Roemheld

At the MACH 2022 exhibition last month, Roemheld showed for the first time in the UK a new, modular, sensor-based system that digitalises zero-point clamping by enabling the digital recording of its status. STARK.intelligence enables data on workpiece loading and unloading to be integrated directly into an automated manufacturing process. Information is also provided on the condition of the clamping equipment to facilitate its scheduled maintenance.

Each fixture is equipped with its own sensor box to measure position, temperature and pressure in real-time. A master unit receives data from several units and outputs the information to different devices via IO-Link. The device can be the machine tool’s control screen, computers in the quality assurance department or the service engineer’s smartphone.

It is possible to combine STARK.intelligence with various STARK zero-point clamping systems; it can retrofit easily to machine tables and quick-release fixture plates. Due to its modular design, users are able to choose between individual components or a complete solution, which may include the integration of an RFID interface that automatically detects pallets and workpieces.

Another introduction at the show was a range of compact bore clamps with a large clamping range for five-sided machining. The devices hold internally, exerting force both radially outwards and downwards against a support surface. The new models enable safe location in bores from 5.2 to 13.7 mm, so are suitable for clamping small workpieces. Bore size can be adjusted easily through interchangeable bushings while the clamping element remains in its fixture.
A third innovation at the exhibition was a compact flat-lever clamp designed for use on fixtures in machine tools with low-pressure hydraulics between 70 and 120 bar.

For further information
www.roemheld.co.uk

BEL Valves invests £250,000

Northeast manufacturer BEL Valves has invested £250,000 over the past 18 months to future proof the business as part of its sustainability plans. Following an extensive restructure in 2020, the valve manufacturer aims to generate up to £20m in sales by 2025 as part of a five-year plan, targeting the energy transition market, as well as traditional markets. The business has invested in two state-of-the-art automated storage and retrieval units that have transformed the stores and stock handling process. Additional work to upgrade the assembly and test offices, testing bays, lighting and paint work has also started.

For further information
www.belvalves.com