Mapal improves milling performance

Mapal has expanded its milling portfolio with the OptiMill SPM family of tools for processing aluminium and steel, which is available in two formats, the ‘Rough’ and ‘Finish’ series.

Optimised infeed machining depths, as well as the highest feeds during roughing, are possible with the OptiMill-SPM-Rough, reports Mapal. The reason for this performance is the novel knurled roughing geometry that ensures the power consumption during machining is significantly lower in comparison to tools with a straight cutting edge. Furthermore, heat introduction into the part is minimal due to the plunging characteristics of the tool.
The three-flute OptiMill-SPM-Rough is available with diameters of 12, 16, 20 and 25 mm, with corner radii of 2, 3 and 4 mm, to prolong tool life and prevent edge chipping during heavy-duty cutting. With a short flute length of 1.5xD and polished flutes, the OptiMill-SPM Rough has been designed for high material removal rates with vibration and cutting forces minimised due to the smooth cutting action of the tool.
For finishing contours and pocket walls, even at large depths in a single pass, Mapal has revealed the OptiMill-SPM-Finish. Mapal says this new end mill prevents swarf wrapping, even when operating in corners with enormous tool contact and high machining loads. Optimally designed cutting-edge geometry ensures there is no vibration during machining. The chip flutes are polished and, as a consequence, chip removal is optimal. Like the OptiMill-SPM-Rough, the new OptiMill-SPM-Finish is available in diameters from 12 to 25 mm, with imperial variants available upon request. The uncoated four-flute end mill is offered with corner radii from 2 to 4 mm and is first choice for aluminium machining.
In addition, Mapal is announcing the OptiMill-Uni-Wave as an extra-long version for roughing even in deep cavities. Availability is in diameters from 6 to 20 mm.
For further information www.mapal.com

Making the shift to sustainability

Dormer Pramet aims to lead a change in the metalworking industry by making sustainability an integral part of its business.

At the core of this strategy is the use of new technologies and ways of working that deliver value for employees, customers and suppliers, brought together under a programme called ‘Make the Shift’.
The programme encompasses a range of initiatives and targets under four key headings: circularity, climate, people and fair play. A list of key actions and objectives are now in place with the aim to deliver all by 2030, including: increasing recycling of the company’s products and packaging material; reducing waste; lowering CO2 impact; halving the total recorded injury frequency rate; developing a diverse and inclusive workforce; and engaging in community involvement projects.
An example of the tangible results already achieved by this initiative comes from Dormer Pramet’s production and R&D department. Through international collaboration, a project team has made innovative technological developments which have enabled significant reductions in energy consumption and, at the same time, improved product quality. By implementing new insulation on its furnace coating (pictured), the manufacturer improved the heating of its CVD coating reactor, significantly shortening cycle time. This move not only improved deposition conditions, which affects the evenness of the coating on inserts, but also generated a positive environmental impact, reducing CO2 emissions by 25 tonne per year.
In addition, Dormer Pramet modified the sintering cycle during the production phase, which involved a redesign of the gas flow passing through the charge to enable a more efficient furnace. The project succeeded in shortening the length of a single sintering cycle by 100 minutes (10% of the total length of the cycle), while maintaining process quality.
For further information www.dormerpramet.com

Guhring supports COVID-19 effort

Social media is currently ‘alight’ with UK engineers doing the country proud in meeting the ‘Ventilator Challenge UK’ demand to support the battle against COVID-19. Likewise, the supply chain is flying the flag for UK manufacturing with its response to keeping this critical infrastructure in motion.

Guhring UK, which is part of this supply chain, has stepped up to the plate with the critical supply of cutting tools. As a UK manufacturer with a factory floor space of over 60,000 sq ft, Guhring UK is holding in excess of £5m of standard cutting tool stock items. This stock is being directed to F1, aerospace and medical OEMs involved in the ‘Ventilator Challenge UK’, as well as the subcontract supply chain. In fact, with the impact of the pandemic on imports and the wider supply chain, Guhring UK is even delivering its products to recognised cutting-tool manufacturers and competitors that cannot meet the urgent demands of their customers.
Despite Guhring UK holding a plentiful stock of thousands of standard cutting-tool items for next-day delivery, it is the UK manufacture and coating of special tools that are really “saving the bacon” for pockets of the supply chain at such a critical time. One particular customer, Bellurgan Precision Engineering Ltd, based in Ireland, urgently required a three-step special drill for the production of ventilator components. Guhring stepped up to the mark by delivering within 48 hours.
Within that timeframe, Guhring UK had liaised with Bellurgan, designed and created a tool drawing that was subsequently approved, and then the race was on. The Guhring UK team immediately manufactured 16 identical cutters at its Birmingham headquarters and coated all tools in-house with its Signum coating technology before delivery to Bellurgan.
For further information www.guhring.co.uk

Rebuilding the supply chain

IMTS 2020, which is set to take place in Chicago on 14-19 September, has launched a dedicated educational resource on its website to help rebuild the manufacturing supply chain post-COVID.

The new mini site provides a repository of information to help manufacturers, OEMs and job shops increase resiliency when faced with future disruptions. Content includes stories, videos, webinars and podcasts that provides the manufacturing industrial base with guidance on how to rethink, re-engage and re-establish its supply chain.
For further information www.IMTS.com/supplychain

MTC chief executive to head M2R

MTC chief executive Dr Clive Hickman has been appointed to head a new body aimed at leading the resurgence of manufacturing industry in the Midlands.

The Midlands’ Manufacturing Resilience Commission, to be known as M2R, will review the Midlands’ manufacturing landscape post-COVID, contribute to the creation of a wider Midlands’ manufacturing strategy, and develop recommendations to help build the region’s manufacturing resilience and its subsequent economic impact. Contributions will be invited from senior industry, academia and government representatives.
For further information www.the-mtc.org