The apex of precision at Qualiturn

Hertford-based Qualiturn Products is a good example of the productivity increases that can be achieved by the application of advanced IT systems, the use of high-yield machine tools and the adoption of the latest automation technology. In addition to performing daytime manufacturing, the firm’s highly efficient working practices allow it to operate ‘lights out’ each night.

Qualiturn has achieved a genuine ‘virtuous circle’. The company’s application of advanced manufacturing techniques has enabled it to realise world-class levels of production efficiency. These efficiencies have allowed Qualiturn to supply competitive quotes that have resulted in further profitable business. And the profits generated have supported additional investments in ever more advanced manufacturing technologies.
In addition to earning a reputation for efficiency, another important aspect of Qualiturn’s values can be found in the company’s title. Qualiturn’s quality philosophy is reflected in all aspects of its activities. Although, as often happens to businesses that achieve substantial upturns in production, the increased amount of Qualiturn parts needing final inspection, began to place a strain on the company’s quality control provision.
To ensure the continued efficient operation of its inspection department, Qualiturn’s managing director Nick Groom recently undertook a search for a CMM that had a precision specification that would enable the inspection of parts with demanding dimensional tolerances. Also, given the high volumes of components that need to be inspected, a fast-operating, CNC-driven machine with a granite table that could accommodate multiple components, was required.
Having studied the available alternatives, Groom purchased a 500 x 700 x 400 mm capacity version of Mitutoyo’s recently launched Crysta Apex V-series CMM. As a result of increased acceleration, faster travel and improved accuracy specifications, the latest Crysta Apex V-series CMMs are able to accomplish significantly more component measuring cycles in each working day, and deliver higher levels of precision.

Explaining Qualiturn’s quality ethos and his recent Mitutoyo CMM purchase Groom says: “We are an ISO9001 registered business and we see efficiency and quality as the same thing. For instance, the right-first-time production of quality parts is efficient, whereas the manufacture of poor quality parts that require rework is inefficient.
“Having recently searched for a suitably accurate and fast-acting CMM, when compared with the alternatives, I was impressed with the abilities of Mitutoyo’s new Crysta Apex V-series machines and was happy to place an order,” he adds. “Now installed and up and running, our staff soon mastered the new CMM’s logical software and controls following a short operator training session. As well as having the levels of precision that allow the inspection of our most demanding parts, the Crysta Apex V-series CMM has the speed of operation that we need, and it has significantly increased our inspection efficiency levels.
“Now, prior to a production run, when writing a program for our machine tools, we use this model to also generate an inspection program for our Mitutoyo CMM. This means that when manufacturing commences, we can load the relevant program on to our CMM and quickly verify the first-off part. Then, throughout the production run, our quality staff are able to load large batches of parts on to the CMM’s bed and start a fully automated, unmanned inspection routine.
“The performance of our Mitutoyo Crysta Apex V-series CMM means that, not only has it satisfied our current inspection requirements, but it should also meet all of our future anticipated inspection needs.”
Drawing on its technological expertise in the field of CMM design and manufacture, Mitutoyo recently launched the Crysta Apex V-series. The new CMMs have a proven bridge-type construction, feature high-rigidity air-bearing guiding on every axis, and use Mitutoyo’s ABS scales.
As the successor to the previous generation of Crysta Apex CMMs, the new models build on the merits of their predecessors. In addition to boasting impressive accuracy specifications, the latest Mitutoyo models have rapid acceleration and fast speed characteristics. Not only do these qualities allow the inspection of components with challenging dimensional specifications, when compared with other lower specification machines, they increase business efficiency levels by enabling more components to be inspected in a given time.

Increasingly, companies are looking to measure parts closer to their means of manufacture. Therefore, besides being suitable for use in inspection departments, Crysta Apex V-series CMMs have a high level of resistance to environmental conditions and are at home in less than ideal production environments. Further aiding shop-floor use, the new CMMs are equipped with an automatic temperature compensation feature.
As a result of Mitutoyo’s flexible CMM concept, the Crysta Apex V-series represents a future-proof investment. In addition to handling users’ current inspection needs, the new CMMs are capable of adapting to future requirements thanks to the ability to change or add probe systems, accessories and software.
Given the advent of smart factories and the arrival of the IoT, the Crysta Apex V-series is equipped with Mitutoyo’s Smart Measuring System (SMS) technology. SMS allows the online monitoring of operational status and the capture of records related to key parts.
Moving forward, Mitutoyo will drive the installation of SMS technology, not only in CMMs, but in other CNC measuring instruments. Leveraging the IoT, the company will support the realisation of smart factories that conduct the sophisticated management of information relating to production and quality.
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk

Siemens AM

In response to the ongoing global health crisis caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, Siemens is making its Additive Manufacturing (AM) Network, as well as its 3D printers, available to the global medical community to speed the design and production of medical components.

The AM Network connects users, designers and 3D-print service providers to enable faster and less complicated production of spare parts for machines like ventilators. Siemens’ AM network is available globally and covers the entire value chain.
For further information www.siemens.com

Fully integrated robot arm

Now available in the UK from NCMT, the Okuma Spaceturn LB3000 EX II turn-mill centre is equipped with the Japanese manufacturer’s Armroid robotic arm. As a result, the Spaceturn LB3000 EX II is said to be the first in the world with such a feature integrated inside a CNC machine tool.

A trio of different end-of-arm effector options are available for the robot, each one capable of performing different tasks. One is for blasting the cutting zone with air to improve chip management. Another provides additional support during the cutting process to prevent chatter. In combination with a workpiece stacker, the third effector automatically loads and unloads workpieces weighing up to 5 kg. All three are stored within the machine and are changed automatically by the robot.
Although most conventional robotic systems require complex integration and special training for staff, Armroid needs neither. As the robot is part of the machine tool, separate system integration is unnecessary. Using Okuma’s own OSP-P300A control, an operator enters the co-ordinates for the start and finish points. The robot then moves through its motions, with the cycle being generated automatically to avoid collisions. In addition to automated running under program control, manual operation is possible via a pulse handle that micro-positions the arm.
Importantly a longer and more powerful robotic arm, Armroid Type 2, will be integrated into an Okuma Multus B250II multi-tasking lathe for high-mix, small-batch billet work. This arm is capable of handling workpieces up to 10 kg and possesses a fourth end effector with a three-jaw workpiece hand.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

Composites firm joins the effort

Composites and advanced materials precision slitting company, Bindatex, is supporting the national call for more ventilators.

The company, which is based in Bolton, has reconfigured its production to begin the manufacture of die-cutting discs for ventilator filters. At present, Bindatex is working with its customers, producing the parts, but is also able to support other manufacturers by providing the filters. The company has also brought in emergency plans for the company, in order to maintain high levels of health and safety for employees during the pandemic.
For further information https://bindatex.com/

Redesigned sliding-head lathe

In response to feedback from users, Citizen’s M32 sliding-headstock lathe, a popular model in the Japanese manufacturer’s range, has undergone a fundamental makeover in its fifth design iteration to the extent that half of its constituent parts are new. The machine is also considerably more robust, with a bed 500 kg heavier than that of its predecessor, bringing the installed weight to 4.3 tonnes.

The 10-axis Cincom M32-VIII features a 10-station turret which runs on hardened box ways. Also included is a new tooling system employing a single, heavier duty, 2.2 kW drive to the live cutters. Only the selected tool rotates – a world first for Citizen. The effect is to suppress heat generation and vibration, enhancing machining accuracy and surface finish. Power consumption is reduced and there is less wear on gears and bearings. The latter have been strengthened, providing extra rigidity to withstand torques twice as high as on the previous model, leading to greater productivity.
The gang tool post has been equipped with 1.5 times faster live tools powered by a 2.2 kW motor, as well as a programmable, 50 rpm B axis to enable simultaneous machining in five CNC axes rather than four. In addition, the back tool post with Y axis now has adjustable-angle tooling. Both features enable production of more complex parts. Three tools may be in cut at the same time, supported by the Mitsubishi M850W control with 15” touchscreen.
The 8000 rpm main spindle has been upgraded to 5.5/7.5 kW, while the counter spindle is of the same power, representing a 2.5-fold increase. This specification improves the flexibility with which front-working and rear-working cycles can be shared between the two spindles.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk