Soraluce presents #MadeForYOU live

Soraluce is presenting its #MadeForYOU client-oriented approach by showcasing its latest generation of machining solutions on Stand D06 in Hall 3. Among the highlights is the presentation of Soraluce’s PMG portal gantry milling machine. This model has a longitudinal traverse of 10,000 mm, a cross traverse of 4000 mm, a vertical traverse of 1500 mm and is fitted with a step-less universal head of 0.001° x 0.001° at 7000 rpm. In keeping with the company’s #MadeForYOU philosophy, it is possible to customise the new portal model in line with specific requirements. Ward CNC is the UK representative for Soraluce.

For further information www.wardcnc.com

More flexibility and productivity

On Stand D01 in Hall 4, Schwäbische Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH (SW) is presenting solutions designed for highly productive medical component manufacturing. Many standard medical procedures were postponed during the pandemic and they must now be made up. This situation has given rise to an enormous need for implants made of titanium alloys and other alloys.

Medical part manufacturers can quickly increase their quantities with SW’s BA W02-22i twin-spindle machining centre featuring linear and torque motors, as well as integrated automation. On just 4 sq m of installation area, the BA W02-22i can machine complex workpieces with high precision. Direct drives in the feed axes ensure positioning accuracy, even at the highest possible machining speeds, with a guaranteed deviation of less than 0.006 mm.

For further information
www.sw-machines.com

Better non-destructive inspection of large parts

Nikon Metrology’s industrial microfocus X-ray CT inspection solutions are now enhanced with a new offset CT reconstruction algorithm to deliver high scan speed and image resolution.

When using X-ray CT (computed tomography) for the non-destructive quality control of larger components like aluminium castings or battery modules for electrical vehicles, the challenge is to shorten inspection cycle times without compromising resolution. One prerequisite for meeting this goal is high X-ray intensity, or flux.

In Nikon Metrology’s range of X-ray CT systems, a rotating target can already triple the flux for a given focal spot size and the flux can be further increased by motorised FID (focal spot to imager distance), which brings the detector closer to the source at the push of a button.

With the release of a new offset CT reconstruction algorithm in the latest version of the manufacturer’s Inspect-X software, not only is it possible to scan larger components, but it can also be performed at higher geometric magnification. The Offset.CT module is available on all Nikon Metrology X-ray CT systems from 180 through to 450 kV.

With this combination of the latest Rotating.Target 2.0, adjustable FID and Offset.CT, which Nikon says cannot be found in any competitive industrial CT system, cycle times are reduced and better resolution is achieved, even when processing large and complex components.

Bigger parts with complex geometry, such as castings and additively manufactured components, benefit in particular from industrial X-ray CT solutions from Nikon Metrology. The inspection of battery modules for electric vehicles, in which individual battery cells requiring high-resolution imaging are encapsulated in a larger protective unit, is a an especially good fit for this inspection technique.

For further information
www.nikonmetrology.com

Project milestone

Construction at the flagship National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) facility at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire has reached a major milestone with the installation of 1500 tonnes of structural steel now complete and the building on schedule to open in autumn 2022. The milestone was marked by a bolt-tightening ceremony that saw Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde (operator of NMIS), tighten the final bolt in the frame.

For further information
www.nmis.scot

Sub-spindle lathe from XYZ

Adding the XYZ SS 65 twin/sub-spindle turning centre to XYZ Machine Tools’ range breaks new ground as it is the company’s first foray into multi-spindle turning centres. The introduction is due to demand from customers looking for increased productivity and reduced spindle downtime.

Notably, the XYZ SS 65 houses a 16.5 kW, 4000 rpm main spindle with 65 mm bar capacity and 200 mm diameter chuck as standard. Complementing this is a 150 mm chuck on the 11 kW, 5000 rpm sub-spindle, which has a 52 mm bore. The German-built Sauter 12-position turret has live tooling at every station, with 100 mm (±50 mm) Y-axis travel.

Contouring is facilitated by the C axes on both spindles, which feature a brake to allow substantial milling cuts. The maximum turned diameter is 380 mm, while Z-axis travel is 520 mm, providing a significant working envelope.

Control is via the Siemens 828D ShopTurn 15-inch touchscreen panel, which customers can enhance with the optional Siemens offline programming and CAD reader software if required. All this is built around a 30° slant-bed design with linear ways for faster positioning speeds. The bed is of solid cast construction, meaning the XYZ SS 65 weighs in at 5000 kg, a robust base from which to maximise performance.

“The ability to machine components in one-hit, thereby reducing part handling and idle time, will enable machine shops to maximise productivity and spindle up-time, while making use of available labour,” says XYZ’s managing director Nigel Atherton. “And, at around £120,000, this high-specification machine is on offer at a tempting price point for either existing sub-spindle users looking to upgrade, or those wanting to take their first steps into this technology area.”

For further information
www.xyzmachinetools.com