EuroBlech 2022: the future of sheet metal

The world’s leading trade exhibition for the sheet metalworking industry is back and opens its doors this week (25-28 October) at the Hanover Exhibition Grounds in Germany. A total of 1300 exhibitors from 39 countries are ready to showcase their latest manufacturing solutions covering a total net exhibition space of 88,000 sq m.

Reflected in this year’s motto ‘Your gateway to a smarter future’, EuroBLECH 2022 focuses on intelligent solutions and the ongoing automation and digitalisation of the manufacturing chain to enable greater output and efficiency. Furthermore, a new presentation area will deliver around 20 sessions across the four exhibition days, offering insight into innovative companies and projects, interesting discussions and valuable networking opportunities.
For further information www.euroblech.com

Superiority of EDM control convinces mould maker

Established over 30 years ago, mould maker BM Injection operates from a 10,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Whitchurch, Hampshire. Out of every 10 moulds produced, eight are used for on-site production of injection moulded plastic products for numerous sectors.

Before it is complete and ready for use, every mould has to visit both a die-sink and a wire-cut EDM machine, as well as a machining centre for hard milling. In the production of BM Injection’s mould tools, unless any are hard-milled on an Okuma three-axis machining centre on-site, all three production platforms used for manufacturing the moulds were built by Makino in Japan and supplied through sole UK agent NCMT.

The latest to be installed in May 2022 was a U32j wire EDM machine fitted with the same Hyper-i control system as a Makino EDAF3 H.E.A.T. EDM die-sink model that arrived in 2019.

Okuma’s Hyper-i Windows-based, twin-touchscreen CNC, with an intuitive interface similar to that found on tablets and smartphones, includes advanced functions to support operators of all skill levels at every step of the machining process. The control contains an extensive library of cutting conditions that automatically optimises the erosion process, even for sealed and poor flush applications. It also enables easy access to and selection of power settings to produce accurate results in the fastest possible cycle times.

The control employs HyperCut technology, a process developed by Makino to produce surface finishes as fine as 3 µm Rz in standard tool steels in a three- or four-pass process. Notably, the machine ordered by Mark Combes, director of BM Injection, was a high-accuracy package with 0.05 µm scale feedback capable of producing extremely smooth surfaces down to 0.7 µm Ra if using a seven-pass process.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

VHybrid from Vollmer offers ultimate flexibility

Among the latest innovations presented at the recent GrindingHub exhibition, the new VHybrid from Vollmer was one of the talking points of the show. With the facility to both erode PCD and grind carbide cutting tools in a single operation by combining the two technologies into a single machine, the VHybrid is the epitome of flexibility.

To celebrate the arrival of this innovation and develop a greater understanding of the concept, Alexander Schmid, product manager for rotary and PCD tools at Vollmer, discusses the new arrival in more depth.

“We started with two technologies, disc and wire erosion technology,” he says. “With this technology, we have significant success processing tools via erosion. The concept for the new VHybrid machine is borne out of the successful VGrind technology. This means that we have vertical spindle alignment with the upper spindle being the grinding spindle, and the lower spindle having both erosion and grinding. With this functionality, we can erode and grind most of the tooling that is available on the market. Furthermore, as the use of complex tools such as full-head PCD tools is steadily increasing, the demand for machines that enable combined machining, eroding and grinding, is also growing.”

The concept of the VHybrid 260 offers the user the possibility to erode 100% but also to grind 100%. This is a decisive advantage as both technologies are available for use on the same tool. But the machine offers many further benefits besides.

“For instance, the generator in the VHybrid machine is the most powerful in an erosion machine on the market right now,” says Schmid. “We have received feedback from the market that our system is the benchmark in terms of efficiency and surface finish.”
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Wire EDM upgrade: fit for the future

A series of upgrades for GF Machining Solutions’ wire EDM machines will future-proof their performance, says the company. The upgrades relate to the CUT C, E and P wire EDM ranges, increasing their productivity, functionality, autonomy and process reliability.

For instance, with the Turbo Tech upgrade, customers can improve their processes and achieve higher quality and productivity. By applying the upgrade, the machine is provided with an additional technology priorities option – a compromise between speed and accuracy – in good or bad flushing conditions. Productivity can increase from 10% to 40%, depending on the geometry of the part and the flushing conditions experienced.

If customers need additional functionality they can enhance their machines with the Taper Expert upgrade (pictured), which enables the machining of large taper parts.

Customers can also increase the autonomy of their machines. One example is the big spool upgrade (up to 25 kg wire), which ensures longer process continuity with no need for constant wire changes.

In addition, users can take advantage of GF Machining Solutions’ rConnect platform, which comprises three digital services: rConnect Customer Cockpit, rConnect Live Remote Assistance and rConnect Messenger. With the ultra-secure hotline, rConnect Live Remote Assistance, customers benefit from the personal support of GF Machining Solutions’ qualified experts, while the rConnect Messenger app allows them to gain remote access to their machines and receive status updates on their mobile devices.

Thanks to the recently developed Seamless Support, a new module in Live Remote Assistance, customers are able to generate their service requests or ask questions about applications directly from their control system.
For further information www.gfms.com/uk

Rafael acquires Pearson Engineering

Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has completed the acquisition of Pearson Engineering, located in Newcastle, UK. The purchase was executed under a stock purchase agreement (SPA), transferring 100% of the ownership. As a point of note, the acquisition includes Pearson’s subsidiary company Responsive Engineering. Rafael is a world-renowned defence contractor. The company is Israel’s third largest defence company with over 8000 employees and more than 30 worldwide subsidiaries serving the defence, security and aerospace markets.
For further information www.pearson-eng.com