Sensor-based system digitalises zero-point clamping

Roemheld has introduced a modular, sensor-based system that digitalises zero-point clamping by enabling a 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 ready for easy retrofitting to machine tables and quick-release fixture plates. Due to the 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 new Roemheld introduction is 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 easily adjusted through interchangeable bushings while the clamping element remains in its fixture. Users can replace worn bushings within a few minutes. The support height is also easily adjustable to suit workpieces having clamping surfaces at different levels. An air blast helps to keep the bushing clean and ensures reliable operation.

For further information
www.roemheld.co.uk

Great response to XYZ showroom opening

The latest addition to XYZ Machine Tools’ nationwide chain of showrooms and technical centres was greeted with enthusiasm when the doors of its new facility in Scotland were officially opened on 23 February. Located in Livingston, the new showroom attracted customers from far and wide, with numbers exceeding the most optimistic forecast. With almost 50 visitors from 18 companies coming through the doors before lunchtime the signs were excellent and, after lunch, the positivity continued with another seven businesses sending representatives to see the wide range of XYZ machines on display.

“The most positive thing about the day was that these visitors weren’t just looking, they were here with serious intentions to buy,” said managing director Nigel Atherton. “We took three confirmed orders, with another six due to be confirmed in the coming days when finance has been approved. We are also confident that more will follow.”
For further information www.xyzmachinetools.com

VMCs lead tool room in new direction

Six Hurco three-axis VMCs carry out the majority of prismatic machining in the tool room of Beccles-based plastic packaging manufacturer Berry M&H. Although the firm dates back to 1973, the first Hurco machines, a VM10i and a VMX30i, did not arrive until 2015 when the assets of another tool-making company were acquired.

Berry M&H’s Beccles tool-room manager Kurt Knights, who has been with the company for over 20 years, says: “When we started using WinMax conversational software in the Hurco control, it made shop-floor programming far easier and quicker for our operators – and it simplified training for new employees and apprentices alike.

Offline code generation for a mould takes typically 10 hours, while the shop-floor element takes around two hours, much faster and more simply than is possible on a machining centre driven by a G-code control, says Hurco. It quickly became apparent that the Hurco/WinMax combination was highly suitable for Berry M&H’s requirements, which centre mainly on the fast-turnaround production of moulds from 170 mm-wide Alumec 89 billets. Most moulds comprise neck, body and base blocks manufactured from this high-strength aluminium alloy, held together by a steel back plate.

The company purchased two new Hurco VM5i three-axis VMCs for machining these moulds, with a third added in 2019. In November 2020, a larger Hurco VM30i with a 1270 x 508 x 508 mm working volume arrived that Knights describes as “a superb machine and excellent value for money”. The investment was because of Berry M&H’s decision to move more strongly into the production of bigger moulds up to 700 mm wide and with up to six cavities.

For further information
www.hurco.co.uk

Composite fuselage

Vertical Aerospace has agreed a joint development programme with Leonardo for the design, testing, manufacture and supply of a carbon composite fuselage for Vertical’s VX4 electric aircraft. The companies will work together on optimising lightweight composite structures, modular design, systems installation and structural testing for the co-development of the aircraft’s fuselage. Leonardo will focus its VX4 activities at its Grottaglie plant in southern Italy. The company says the plant is one of the most advanced facilities in Europe for producing composite aerostructures.

For further information
www.leonardo.com

Compact five-axis VMC for large batches

A new five-axis version of the existing Makino Slim3n VMC focuses on the high-volume production of complex parts. Complete with optional automatic twin-pallet changer (APC), availability of the Japanese-built machine in the UK and Ireland is through sole agent NCMT.
The production centre is FEA-optimised with a fixed 600 x 400 mm table to maximise the working envelope (500 x 400 x 500 mm) and provide structural rigidity for heavy payloads. In total, the combined maximum weight of the component and fixture is 400 kg. High productivity is courtesy of up to 20 m/min cutting feed rates in all orthogonal axes and 50 m/min rapids.
Notably, the tall machining area makes the VMC not only compact but, according to NCMT, the only machine in its class able to accommodate vertically-oriented fixtures. A short spindle overhang increases the structure’s overall torsional stiffness and reduces vibration to enhance cutting performance.
The Makino HSK-A50 spindle, having constant pre-load, multi-plane balancing and reduced thermal growth, provides rigidity and high-speed running. Two specifications offer 16,000 rpm/15 kW/36 Nm as standard or, optionally, 8000 rpm/18 kW/80 Nm to cater for a wide range of machining applications. The standard 26-pocket magazine of the automatic tool changer with integral door delivers smooth, fast indexing to support high productivity.
In the five-axis version, the Slim3n VMC gains a two-axis CNC rotary table and trunnion arrangement, with a Fanuc Series 0i-MF control providing complex machining possibilities by interpolating up to four CNC axes simultaneously. A four-axis version, with twin drive to the trunnion but without a rotary table, is available for machining heavier components or taking deep roughing cuts.

For further information
www.ncmt.co.uk