Productive added-value with high-speed mill

With the release of a 4 kW version of its MXCube, Datron is focusing on the high-performance machining of aluminium.

Since its initial launch in 2020, the Datron MXCube has gained a reputation for dynamics and precision. Its rigid structure and powerful high-frequency spindles with 4 and 8 kW power are tailor-made attributes for modern HSC strategies. Datron says that the combination of high chip volume and high surface finish therefore makes the MXCube a must-have for modern milling shops where unit costs determine the work cycle. As another point of note, the machine is a previous winner of the Red Dot award for its attractive design.

As of now, the Datron MXCube is also available with a 4 kW spindle and the automatic Datron Tool Assist tool changer offering 143 HSK-25 tool slots. At this performance level, it is particularly recommended for applications where a high number of sister tools is required. The Datron MXCube also convinces with its sophisticated chip management and is offered with an optional chip conveyor.

Datron says that MXCube is the right choice wherever high dynamics, high speeds and corresponding feed rates are required for the machining of aluminium and non-ferrous metals. In addition, the machine offers accessibility to all functional elements and thus simplifies not only the operation for the worker but also the maintenance for the service.

Like all Datron high-speed milling machines, the MXCube offers a large working area within a relatively small corresponding footprint.
For further information www.datrontechnology.co.uk

BMW opens automated pressing facility

BMW Group board member for production, Dr Milan Nedeljković, formally opened a new automated steel pressing facility at the company’s Swindon plant last week. The new press will produce steel panels for the Mini plant in Oxford at twice the rate of the equipment it replaces, with the steel blanks and finished panels handled by a new fleet of automatic guided vehicles (AGVs).

This facility is a technological first for the BMW Group and will be rolled out in other press shops around the company’s global network of manufacturing plants. In total, 23 new AGVs have been commissioned in the new facility, with more planned over the next few years. The new press comprises of six individual stations which can produce up to 18 parts per minute, more than twice the capacity of the previous press line. The time taken swap press tools is also significantly less, from 30 minutes, to a little over three minutes.
For further information www.bmwgroup.com

Five-axis gantry-based profiling centre

The new top-of-the-range model from Elumatec is a breakthrough: as the first five-axis machine in a gantry design, the SBZ 155 profile machining centre raises the bar for automated CNC machining of aluminium and thin-walled steel profiles. With better performance than ever before and designed entirely to meet customer needs, Elumatec says that customers can accelerate their processes and open up new business segments.
The machine is expected to be available from Q1 2023.

“Our new top-of-the-range model gives industrial and metal construction customers a clear competitive edge,” says Elumatec CEO Paolo Bianchi. One example is the tool changeover times of the SBZ 155, which are minimised by the high rates of travel of the servo axes to guarantee optimum machining cycles.

Customisable equipment options give customers maximum flexibility to make their production processes even more efficient, and optional features include six-sided machining from below with an angle head and the space-saving gantry drive.

The SBZ 155 will be a particular asset for businesses which are thinking big in every sense: its large on-board magazines can be equipped with 14 standard tools, and depending on the individual configuration, up to six special tools and two 200 or 550 mm diameter saw blades can be used.

A gantry design and a machining area divided into two zones allow profiles with cross-sections of up to 1000 x 380 mm to be picked up and passed through, as well as flexible working in shuttle mode. Overall, the SBZ 155 delivers precise machining results even at high rates of travel, while its speed-regulated spindle ensures high process reliability even with quickly changing loads.
For further information www.elumatec.com

IES grows turnover by almost a third

IES, a global provider of equipment-moving services, logistics and project management in high technology industries, has announced an increase in turnover of almost a third since the start of the pandemic, with 22% in the past year. In 2021/22, the company’s annual results reveal that IES recruited new engineers and commercial specialists, who now account for 15% of the total workforce. The company is currently building its team to take account of recent business wins from existing and new customers.

One apprentice, Harri Green, was a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Apprentice of the Year Awards’ in the engineering and manufacturing category of a major regional award scheme. He was the only student in his college’s history who achieved a perfect score across all of his subjects. The company also celebrated its 30th year of operations. Founded in 1991, it now operates from a 30,000 sq ft facility in Bristol.
For further information www.ies.co.uk

Hidden benefit of Corporation Tax rise

The announcement of an increase in Corporation Tax to 25% was met with obvious dismay from across industry, but for manufacturers that want or need to invest in new capital equipment the rise has a silver lining. The first-year 130% tax relief provided by the Government’s super-deduction scheme, introduced in April 2021 and applicable to any new equipment with unlimited value, now provides a bigger investment incentive.

“When applied to the new Corporation Tax rate, customers can make significant savings on new machine tools,” states Nigel Atherton, managing director of XYZ Machine Tools. For example, the purchase of a machine tool valued at £100,000 would generate tax relief of £130,000, at the old rate of Corporation Tax, saving the customer £24,700. With the tax rate at 25% that saving increases to £32,500. If a company kept the £100,000 of profit in the bank it would cost £25,000 in tax instead.
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com