Robotic loading and unloading

After the 2019 launch of the manual Swift Klamp HSK work-holding system for use on machining centres, 1st Machine Tool Accessories has introduced a new robotic loading and unloading arrangement based on the same principle.

The automatic system, which maximises spindle uptime, uses a deeper clamping head to accommodate the low pressure (35 bar) hydraulics, and a mounting plate with dedicated adapter to suit three-, four- or five-axis vertical or horizontal machining centres. Pneumatic detection of correct seating of the head ensures accurate machining and the elimination of scrap, while air blow from the underside prevents swarf from entering the mechanism during exchange.
Just as with the manual Swift Klamp system, the automated variant is available in HSK-A40, HSK-A63 and HSK-A100 sizes. Depending on the equipment, skills and requirements that a potential customer may have, a package is configured by 1st MTA that could include: a workpiece stocker; a six-axis industrial robot with gripper; the Swift Klamp work-holding system with head, multiple work holders, control unit and pump; an engineered interface to the machine tool comprising electrical control circuitry and plumbing of the hydraulic and pneumatic channels through the table; and a tombstone if necessary.
The Swift Klamp system per se uses a rigid HSK face-and-taper interface, normally used for holding cutting tools, to provide a high-precision, secure, low-interference, quick-change method for clamping workpieces. Sitting on top of the interface are multiple options for holding the workpiece, including a vice, flange clamps and side clamps. Alternatively, a dovetail interface with compact clamping surface allows enhanced tool access. Billets must be pre-milled with a slot to match the holder profile using a solid-carbide cutter provided specifically for the purpose.
For further information www.1mta.com

Momentum builds for MACH 2020

Showcasing live, digital production systems in one space, under one roof, hundreds of millions of pounds worth of business is set to be discussed, secured and completed at MACH 2020 (Birmingham NEC, 20-24 April).

Attracting 25,000 visitors and in excess of 600 exhibitors, MACH is the platform to connect UK manufacturing engineers, decision makers, buyers and specifiers with suppliers of new technology, equipment, services and processes.
MACH is owned and organised by the Manufacturing Technologies Association, which says the show is not just a five-day exhibition, but rather creates a large pipeline of high-quality leads and opportunities that will keep sales team busy for a long time after the event has ended. Exhibitors attending the last MACH in 2018 report that their expectations were exceeded, and the show was a resounding success, raising their profile, creating tender opportunities and generating in-market sales leads.
For further information www.machexhibition.com

Latest hyperMILL in the spotlight

Open Mind will provide manufacturers with an opportunity to witness the advances achieved in the latest release (Version 2020.1) of hyperMILL on Stand 440 in Hall 17.

HyperMILL 2020.1 introduces a raft of newly developed features that include enhancements to everything from slot-rib probing, 3D optimised roughing, 3D profile finishing, and 3D and five-axis corner rest machining, through to five-axis blade tangent milling, additive manufacturing and automatic contour feature splitting. In addition, Open Mind has incorporated further improvements to the settings wizard and toolpath display, as well as the five-axis tube finishing and five-axis contouring functions.
Major features added to the latest 2020.1 release arrive via the NC code-based hyperMILL virtual machining simulation solution, the digital-twin concept and the hyperMILL automation centre. Creating a fusion between the virtual and real world, hyperMILL virtual machining creates a virtual representation of the actual machine tool. In the modern manufacturing environment, the ability to create a virtual representation or digital twin of a machine is becoming increasingly important. By using hyperMILL’s virtual machining it is possible to design a more efficient and safer set-up, says Open Mind.
For further information www.openmind-tech.com

Ward CNC installs boring mill at Tees

Tees Components is investing in a second £500,000 CNC boring mill from Sheffield-based Ward CNC as it looks to double capacity. The family-run heavy-engineering firm, based in Skelton, near Saltburn, has ordered a heavy-duty Hyundai Wia KBN135CL, which is due to be installed shortly. An identical machine arrived at the firm’s CNC machining facility in 2016.

Used for CNC boring and milling, the machine is capable of producing extremely large parts due to the extent of its axes (4 x 2 x 2 m) and rotary table loading capability.
Sharon Lane, managing director of Tees Components, says: “Our existing large KBN borer has already proved itself a highly reliable and accurate machine for the precision machining of components weighing up to 20 tonnes. It has been put through its paces on a variety of castings, forgings and fabrications for the energy sector.
“Adding an additional machine enables us to increase capacity and meet growing demand for our services,” she continues. “This new equipment, coupled with Ward CNC technical service support and engineering competence, means we can satisfy the exacting delivery schedules our clients demand.”
The KBN has a one-piece, heavy-duty cast-iron bed and ground box guideways, which provides high accuracy through greater rigidity. A three-speed high-torque main spindle also features. The machine’s table load accommodates 20 tonnes, while the X axis is 4000 mm and the W axis is 700 mm.
Stuart Lawson, head of strategic accounts and projects at Ward CNC says: “We supplied Tees Components’ current horizontal boring mill two years ago and it’s a testament to its quality and precision that the company is now investing in a second identical machine.”
For further information
https://teescomponents.co.uk www.wardcnc.com

When precision creates joy

The headline phrase is not commonly associated with mechanically engineered parts, but it sums up how one company owner views his production facility.

Werner Buschor owns Buschor Praezisionsmechanik AG, a medium-sized subcontract manufacturer in Switzerland, where he had two growing problems. The first was the increasingly tight nature of customer tolerances, prompting a reliance on operators to ‘tweak’ programs and tooling to achieve the desired results. His second issue was delivery times becoming shorter, causing him to look at unmanned production in the evenings and at weekends.
When trying to find answers to his accuracy problem Buschor found Kern Microtechnik and soon realised that the Kern Micro milling machine was also able to solve his second problem of working unmanned.
“The Kern Micro is the first milling centre that can stand up to our measuring machine,” he says. “The measuring machine has a measurement uncertainty of half a thousandth of a millimeter,
while the Kern Micro offers a positioning accuracy of half a thousandth of a millimetre. Our first Kern Micro was immediately connected to a System 3R automation system, with the possibility of adding another machine. The large tool magazine with 186 tools and the repeatability of the Kern Micro are ideal for automatic production.”
Key to repeatability is the thermal stability of the machine, with its smart cooling management system that ensures the temperature of structural components remains constant with a maximum deviation of 0.2ºC.
To improve matters even more, a second Kern Micro has been installed and connected to the workpiece changer. Kern is represented in the UK by Rainford Precision.
For further information https://rainfordprecision.com/