Taking automation to the next level

Established more than 60 years ago, Phillips Tool was initially founded by Ted Phillips in 1959 as a tool and die manufacturing business serving local customers in the Frankfort, Indiana area. In 1962, the company started sharpening saw blades and welding bandsaw blades, and after more than 20 years of saw blade servicing playing a greater role in the business, the next generation of the family changed the company name to Phillips Saw and Tool (PSAWS). Soon afterwards, the company invested in grinding technology from Vollmer and it has not looked back since.

“Our first Vollmer in 1995 [a CHC025] blossomed and our saw shop today looks like a Vollmer showroom,” states PSAWS president Jeff Chynoweth.

While many machines at PSAWS already provide automated loading/unloading, the company never stands still.

“We changed the automation system on our Vollmer CHD270 machine from the ND230 to the larger capacity ND360, which really takes automation to the next level,” says vice president Jordan Chynoweth.

The ND360 handling system takes the previous three-station system up to six stations, providing the capacity for up to 550 circular saw blades to be loaded automatically. Not only has the ND360 increased automation capacity from 250 to 550 saws and the maximum diameter capacity from 630 to 840mm diameter, it also permits the integration of up to three grinding centres.

Regardless of the pandemic, business has remained relatively strong for PSAWS and the company has reaffirmed its commitment to customer service, ordering an additional two Vollmer machines that arrived in 2021.

“We ordered a CHD271 machine that was incorporated into the existing CHF270, CHD270 and ND360 cell to deliver complete automated production autonomy,” says Jordan Chynoweth. “We also took a CHF1300.”

For further information
www.vollmer-group.com

Advances in finishing

Fintek (Hall 19, Stand 26) will showcase the automated surface finishing of larger components, as well as a new electro-chemical processes for the removal of support structures and the finishing of internal and external surfaces of additively manufactured parts. The Otec Präzisionsfinish SF-HP brings high-energy stream finishing to workpieces up to 650 mm in diameter and 650 mm long, and weighing up to 200 kg. From Rena Technologies, Fintek can offer the Hirtisation process that resolves one of additive manufacturing’s major obstacles: the cost effective and efficient removal of support structures and residues, and the smoothing of hard-to-reach internal surfaces and deep cavities.

For further information
www.fintek.co.uk

Measuring progress

In addition to mobile measuring systems such as the Surfcom Touch 50 and Handysurf+, technical staff from Accretech SBS (Hall 19, Stand 514) will be demonstrating the recently launched NEX series of roundness, form and surface roughness measuring instruments. For instance, the new Rondcom NEX series is said to offer the best concentricity and straightness precision levels in its class: (0.02+3.2H/10000) µm and 0.15 µm (Z300) respectively. These figures are made possible by the use of air-bearing rotary tables and extremely high rotational accuracy.

For further information
www.accretech.eu

Tooling for every machining application

With its four competence brands of Ceratizit, WNT, Komet and Klenk, there is never a shortage of new developments from Ceratizit UK & Ireland (Hall 18, Stand 210). For instance, if turning inserts can be described as intelligent then the new CTCP115 CTCP125-P and CTCP115-P grades for the machining of ISO-P grade steel are certainly that, while Silverline is a range of solid-carbide end mills in a variety of styles, including Torus-style cutters. Ceratizit will also present the latest threading and drilling innovations, alongside new clamping products like the SBF-3 stationary three-jaw chuck.

For further information
www.ceratizit.com

Connectivity in practice

Bowers Group (Hall 19, Stand 410) will showcase a variety of metrology solutions and offer live demonstrations to illustrate how effective data transfer between measurement equipment and applications can boost manufacturing productivity. With a strong focus on connective metrology, Bowers Group representatives will be willing and ready to show visitors exactly how Bluetooth-enabled equipment and connectivity can improve efficiencies and reduce errors. Attendees will also have the opportunity to find out more about the range of precision measurement equipment available from Bowers, including a selection of products from Baty, Trimos, Sylvac, Gagemaker and Wyler: from bore gauges, micrometres and indicators, to sophisticated vision systems, profile projectors and software.

For further information
www.bowersgroup.co.uk