500 3D-printed parts for Lotus project

Stratasys has partnered with Radford, a global luxury automotive brand, to create over 500 3D-printed parts for the launch of the coach-built Lotus Type 62-2 as shown in the Discovery+ documentary, Radford Returns. The show features car builder and host Ant Anstead and former Formula One driver Jenson Button, and documents the build of the retro-modern Lotus Type 62-2 supercar.
Viewers get an inside look at the 3D-printing process from designing to prototyping, tooling, and finally producing production parts utilising Stratasys FDM, PolyJet and stereolithography 3D printing technologies. To produce the first two cars, over 500 parts were 3D-printed at the Radford Studio, automotive design and engineering firm Aria Group, and Stratasys Direct Manufacturing.

For further information www.stratasys.com/automotive

As swift as an SVM 4100

Mills CNC, the exclusive distributor of Doosan machine tools in the UK and Ireland, has introduced a high-speed vertical machining centre. The SVM 4100 helps manufacturers reduce part processing times, especially when machining aluminium alloys and for the light-duty machining of steel components.

With fast acceleration/deceleration rates (0.72/0.6/0.6 G in the machine’s X, Y and Z axes), tool-to-tool change times (1.3 seconds) and 36 m/min rapids on all three axes, the SVM 4100 can reduce non-cutting times and, as a result, component cycle times. Further exemplifying the machine’s speed and power is its 18.5 kW/12,000 rpm/95.5 Nm directly-connected BT40 spindle, which also features the Big Plus face and taper dual contact system, and an integrated thermal displacement correction system to maintain high accuracies even during long machining runs.

The SVM 4100 is equipped with a 920 x 410 mm work table (600 kg maximum load) that Mills CNC says is the largest machining envelope in its class. Also featured is a 30-tool position ATC, a grease lubrication system that eliminates the need for oil skimmers and reduces lubrication costs by up to 60%, a Doosan Fanuc i Plus control with 15” touchscreen, and Doosan’s conversational and menu-driven Easy Operation Package (EOP) for improved process reliability and functionality.

Doosan’s SVM 4100 is available with a range of options that include: an ATC Shutter that provides greater protection from chip ingress into the ATC area than the standard barrier brush system; TSC (Through-Spindle-Coolant) from 20 to 70 bar; tool and workpiece measurement systems; and different hinged or scraper-type chip conveyor systems.

The new SVM 4100 will make its UK debut at MACH 2022 (4 -8 April, Birmingham NEC) on the stand of Mills CNC (hall 19, stand 100).

For further information
www.millscnc.co.uk

Erodex completes TMS acquisition

Erodex Group has announced the 100% acquisition of Toolmaker Supplies Ltd (TMS) in a move that further strengthens its offer in EDM wire, wear parts and consumables. Founded in 2002, TMS was an independent stockist and supplier of wire EDM spare parts and consumables in the UK.

The business is now trading under the Erodex brand and operating from the Erodex UK headquarters in Halesowen. Several sales personnel from TMS have joined the Erodex team and will continue to support TMS customers with their EDM product requirements.

Erodex Group says the move makes it the UK’s largest distributor of brass and coated EDM wires, as well as the largest distributor of wear parts for all EDM machine brands.

Erodex has enjoyed a strong working relationship with manufacturer Bedra (Berkenhoff) for many years, introducing many next-generation coated wire products to the UK under exclusive agreements. Erodex engineers work closely with customers to ensure the delivery of optimum performance.

Erodex director Steve Rolinson says: “Erodex are delighted to have acquired TMS to further strengthen our position as market leader in the UK for EDM wire, wear parts and consumables. Like Erodex, TMS had developed a strong reputation over many years for the quality of its service and breadth of product range servicing the EDM industry. This level of synergy with our core values ensured that acquiring the trade and assets of the company made complete sense and has ensured for a swift integration.”

For further information
www.erodex.com

MBO at Statiflo

Statiflo International, a Macclesfield-based manufacturer of static pipe mixers, inline static mixers, channel mixers, duct mixers and gas dispersion systems, has undergone a management buyout. Directors Paul Davies, Paul Buck and Carl Wilkinson have acquired a majority stake from the family of owner and managing director Gareth Fry, who passed away last year following a short illness. Fry’s widow Jenny retains a minority stake in the company. Davies moves from finance director to managing director and becomes chairman. Buck remains as sales director, while Wilkinson gains promotion to technical director.

For further information
www.statiflo.com

GFMS enhances wire EDM series

GF Machining Solutions has recently introduced four features to its latest generation of wire EDM machines: Intelligent Spark Protection System (ISPS) for monitoring spark distribution along the wire; iWire to optimise and reduce wire consumption; Uniqua, the company’s new HMI for EDM machines; and TurboTech, new standard technology that is faster than the existing speed technology on its wire-cutting EDM machines.

Essentially, the new ISPS module analyses sparks and clearly defines their concentration. As a consequence, it is possible to adjust machine parameters accordingly (in real time) to prevent wire breakage and maintain optimal cutting speed. The process is automatic and effective, especially when experiencing difficult cutting conditions and, as a result, users can eliminate machine downtime and process interruptions.

iWire is a sustainable, intelligent process that helps to optimise and reduce wire consumption. As an adaptive software module, iWire comes into its own when individual workpieces ready for machining present big variations in height or when the upper and lower heads cannot be placed close to the surface of the workpiece. The module helps reduce wire consumption rates by up to 40%, as well as wire costs.

According to GFMS, the Uniqua HMI is powerful and intuitive, helping customers to improve their productivity, determine and re-order their machining priorities and ultimately get the most from their wire EDM machines. Uniqua adapts to the customer’s way of working. Integrated on-board help and tutorials are always available, making it easy to use, not only for operators accustomed to ISO programming, but also for relative novices.

TurboTech offers an excellent speed-accuracy compromise in good or bad flushing conditions, is available for all wire types, and is fully integrated in Uniqua or AC Cut 2 interfaces.

For further information
www.gfms.com