Expanded range of turning tools

Big Kaiser has significantly expanded its range of turning tools with multiple new tool-holder dimensions and extensive new lines of indexable inserts.

UK availability is via Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC).

In response to customer feedback, Big Kaiser has launched new C4 and C8 size extensions, a Type F turning tool holder and a range of indexable turning tool inserts.
The new Big Kaiser Lathe Master eliminates the need for trial cutting and reduces set-up times on NC lathes. With an LED light that indicates when the tip of the tool touches the sensor plate of the Lathe Master, the new system provides convenient visual guidance for the machine operator. Suitable for external, internal and face-turning applications, Lathe Master is available in both 15 and 30 mm diameter configurations. Repeatability is ±2 μm.

Another addition to the Big Kaiser product line is the new Weldon adapter: a surface-mounted chuck now offered in size C8. Also, Big Kaiser has expanded its family of Big Capto tool holders with a C4 size. C4 is becoming increasingly popular as a quick-change tooling system for lathes and turning centres with a turret configuration. The Big Capto C4 is now offered for both rotating tool holders and turning tools for lathes.

Marco Siragna, head of product management at Big Kaiser, says: “These new turning-tool additions provide customers with a ‘one-stop shop’ for perfectly compatible components enabling more applications, better results and significantly higher efficiency.”

For further information
www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Vixen takes first Star SX-38 Type A

Star Micronics GB is reporting a high level of demand for its SX-38 Type A model, with the first UK machine ordered prior to its arrival from the factory.

The latest offering from Star – the SX series – represents years of machine-tool research and development to produce the next generation of sliding-head lathe technology.

For machining on the main spindle, the 12-axis SX-38 features a 10-station turret and an opposing four-station gang-type tool platen. In addition, the fully programmable swivelling B axis offers four driven tools for machining on the main and four counter spindles for the sub-spindle model. Mounted on an independent Z3 axis, the turret utilises Star’s quick-mount tool units, which maintains compatibility with existing models.

The very first of the new SX machines has been pre-ordered by Vixen CNC, a specialist supplier of mill-turn components located in Gwynedd. With 20 existing Star models on-site offering up to 42 mm diameter capacity, the acquisition of a new SX-38 further enhances its machine-tool portfolio and marks another significant milestone in the growth of the business.

Vixen CNC’s managing director Jake Wood says: “Remaining at the forefront of the turned-parts industry is of great importance, and our continued investment in the latest Star technology allows us to offer unparalleled response times, superior quality and full manufacturing flexibility.

“The SX-38 offers significant benefits and further increases our sliding-head capabilities,” he adds. “We work with a vast range of materials and supply finished parts to a wide array of sectors, including automotive, medical, marine and fasteners. Our new SX machine will give us the ability to explore additional business opportunities.”

For further information www.stargb.com

MP visits Pentaxia

Derby North MP Amanda Solloway visited Pentaxia last month for a socially distanced site tour. Solloway, besides being the company’s local MP, is also Under Secretary of State for Science, Research and Innovation. Stephen Ollier, managing director, says: “We are continually investing in our own development and it was refreshing to see the drive and enthusiasm that Amanda brings to this important area of government policy. Having an MP who champions local and national awareness in science, research and innovation has to be good for the people of Derby and our country as a whole.”

For further information www.pentaxia.com

Long association pays dividends

Established in 1982, Daventry-based Hi-Force is a UK specialist in hydraulic torque wrenches, bolt tensioners, jacks, crimpers and cutters, as well as nut splitters and flange spreaders.

Having previously subcontracted its component production, the company decided in 2008 to open its own machine shop and bring the majority of its metal cutting in-house.

The first machine-tool purchases were a five-axis machining centre and NL3000 lathes from DMG Mori, closely followed in 2010 by an NT 4250 turn-mill centre. Earlier this year the latter machine was replaced by a NTX 3000 seven-axis multi-tasking version. More than 80% of the 20 CNC machine tools on-site are from this supplier.

Chris Dickinson, group operations director, says: “The previous NT 4250 gave us remarkable service, but we thought it prudent to upgrade to the latest model from DMG Mori, which incorporates newer technology, provides greater flexibility and is more economical to run.”

The primary reason for buying the former turn-mill centre was for the production of aluminium housings used by higher torque tools in the Hi-Force product programme. However, the replacement machine is cutting a variety of materials, mainly aluminium but also alloy steels including EN24T and EN30B in an annealed condition. Some 100 tools in the magazine provide flexibility when setting up a new job, as the required cutters are normally already present.
The manufacturer’s relationship with this machine-tool supplier has grown over the years. Equipment from other suppliers has been considered along the way and, indeed, some has been purchased. However, for top-end production plant, Hi-Force has decided to standardise on DMG Mori due to the reliability of its machines and the quality of service.

For further information www.dmgmori.com

Show moved to 2021

Easyfairs says that its Advanced Engineering 2020 event, which was due to take place on 4-5 November at the NEC, Birmingham, is postponed to 3-4 November 2021.

The decision has been made following consultation with the engineering and manufacturing industry, and due to the ongoing unforeseeable and unprecedented global scope of the COVID-19 pandemic that has seen the Government suspend its decision to allow live events to run from 1 October. Providing a way for its community to stay in touch, Advanced Engineering has launched a series of free-to-attend webinars entitled ‘AE Talks’.

For further information www.advancedengineeringuk.com