Takisawa machines available from stock

Now available from stock from TW Ward CNC Machinery (Ward CNC) is the Takisawa TT1100GC twin-spindle turning centre and the single-spindle TCC1100GA.

The Takisawa TT1100GC is a gantry-loaded turning cell with an in-built component stocking system for the lights-out machining of precision small parts. With both spindles mounted on a single-piece rigid bed casting, this machine incorporates precision hardened and ground box slideways and a high-speed servo turret.

Emphasising the speed of this machine is the ultra-fast loading and unloading of parts. Capable of loading components in 1.7 seconds, the loader is positioned at the front of the machining chamber to reduce the loading distance, while the movement of the spindle forward to the loading position further reduces component transition times.

Takisawa’s load/unload system works in tandem with a supply and discharge station that is integrated into the machine envelope to minimise footprint. The station is configurable as a three-guide bar type or a centre-pole type station with the part gripper available as a parallel or swivel type hand. In addition, the machine incorporates a peripheral modular unit that presents a measuring unit, washing unit, part positioning via camera, phase determining unit and a turnover transfer unit.

Also available from stock is the TCC1100GA. With a footprint of just 1.8 x 2 m and a high-speed loader, the TCC1100GA is a 6-inch chucking machine offering a maximum turning diameter of 220 mm and a turning length up to 171 mm with a bar capacity of 42 mm diameter. This single-spindle, single-turret turning centre has the choice of an eight-tool turret as standard, or an optional 12-tool station.

For further information
www.wardcnc.com

Rapid progress for Scottish subcontractor

A new name in Scottish subcontracting has continued its upwards trajectory and expanded its machining capacity through further investment in machine tools from Yamazaki Mazak. Aberdeen-based 247 Machining Services (247) was founded by husband-and-wife director team, John and Aileen Forrest, in 2018 after 30 years working in the steel fabrication and engineering sector. The company specialises in providing performance-critical parts for the oil and gas industry, and traditionally produces low-volume, high-value batches of components.

Having previously purchased multiple Mazak Quick Turn turning centres over the company’s three-year history, including a QT-Compact 200M and two QT-350MY machines, the Forrests have now invested in an Integrex i-400 five-axis multi-tasking machine to increase its production capabilities.

“The quality machining offered by our existing QT turning centres meant that when we were looking to expand our portfolio further, Mazak was our first choice,” says John Forrest. “We wanted to make the move into high-volume, high-quality batch machining for the oil and gas sector, and look at branching into additional industries in the future, and the Integrex fitted the bill.”

With a maximum machining diameter of 658 mm, and capable of processing in the X, Z, Y and W axes, the new Integrex is suited to 247’s ambitions to produce a wider range of more complex parts.

“Our combination of highly trained operators and cutting-edge machine tools, of which Mazak makes up the majority, have been key parts of our continued growth,” says Aileen Forrest. “These, alongside a rigorous quality control process, has meant we’ve been able to go from an empty floor to a situation where our current premises may not be large enough to service growing demand levels.”

For further information
www.mazakeu.co.uk

Largest machine tool display in four years

MACH 2022 (4-8 April, Birmingham NEC) showcases the UK’s largest display of new machinery and manufacturing technologies for four years. Key themes for the five-day show include: the revival of the manufacturing industry post-pandemic; the drive to net zero and exploiting the opportunities offered by decarbonisation; the development of innovative technologies shaping advanced manufacturing; a special focus on additive manufacturing; and a showcase highlighting the skills and expertise contained within the UK manufacturing supply chain.

James Selka, CEO of show organiser the MTA, says: “With the UK economy growing and the CBI predicting that plans for spending on plant and machinery over the coming 12 months have improved considerably, the timing of MACH 2022 could not be better. Technologies have never been more powerful and affordable; the UK has an incredible reputation for its innovative and flexible workforce, while finance assisted by government incentives is incredibly good value and widely available.”

For further information www.machexhibition.com

Creaform partners with QFP

Creaform and QFP, an Italian metrology company, have announced a strategic partnership to further deploy automated quality control solutions for the European manufacturing industry. QFP carries out its operations from facilities in Padua and Spoleto, and is able to offer its expertise to customers all over Europe.

The agreement signed between Creaform and QFP defines the latter as Creaform’s “strategic partner” for automation activities in Europe. This brings added value to the customers of both companies as it increases the offer of automated QFP systems, and makes this technology available to even more Creaform users in Europe.

Starting from Creaform solutions for automated quality control applications, the R-Series 3D scanning solution, QFP will be able to adapt this standard product to customised applications. The QBox Evolution meets specific customer requirements. Modification of the layout and integration with production lines, as well as the introduction of additional axes, contour elements, control cameras, and automatic loading/unloading systems, complete the proposal.

“The satisfaction of those who successfully use our systems is the most powerful engine that pushes us to invest energy and resources to perfect our skills,” says Roberto Mazzetto director of sales and marketing at QFP. “Our expertise as an integrator and solution provider is what most distinguishes us from other companies in the sector, and sharing these pluses with a company that focuses on the same values is what we were looking for to help our customers and partners grow in a healthy and structured way.”

Stefan Hoheisel, director of global business development at Creaform, adds: “The collaboration with QFP brings the already strong proposition of Creaform’s 3D metrology tools, skills and experience to the next level.”

For further information
www.creaform3d.com

Park upgrades measuring capacity

Stalybridge-based engineering company Park Engineering has significantly increased the size of parts it can machine and subsequently measure on a CMM. It follows the installation at the start of 2022 of two new machines, a Spanish-built Correa Fox 50 five-axis machining centre having a 5.0 x 3.25 x 1.6 m working envelope, nearly 16% larger than the company’s previous largest machine, and an Altera M 30.20.15 CMM with 3.0 x 2.0 x 1.5 m axis travels built by LK Metrology. Compared with the largest of three LK machines previously operated by Park Engineering, it offers twice the measuring volume.

Quality manager Will Reeves says: “The increase in speed and accuracy of the Altera M, which is around six times faster and 216% more accurate than the oldest of our previous CMMs, was a great selling point, but we were also delighted to have a larger capacity CMM with a smaller overall footprint. It’s down to the top-class LK machine design, incorporating the best of modern materials and technology. “

In day-to-day operation, the Altera M CMM supports the inspection of large parts with drawing tolerances of typically ±50 µm, but is sufficiently accurate to measure smaller parts down in the 10 µm region. Irrespective of tolerances, LK’s software application CAMIO with its user-friendly operator interface allows the generation of CNC programs either online or offline for the inspection of batch quantities, further reducing inspection time and cost, especially when CAD models are available.

“Across the broad spectrum of work packages, we have access to CAD models approximately 50-60% of the time, with the remainder being work to print,” says Reeves. “However, the provision of CAD models is something we are always encouraging our customers to provide, as it minimises the risk of incorrect data being entered due to human error during the programming process.”

For further information
www.lkmetrology.com