Broanmain Plastics joins GTMA

To showcase its tooling, engineering and technical moulding prowess to UK OEMs, Surrey-based Broanmain Plastics has become the latest member of the Gauge & Toolmakers Association (GTMA).

The specialist technical trade moulder and tooling project specialist has managed more than 200 bespoke tool projects on behalf of customers, overseeing everything from concept to validation. With a dedicated maintenance team and an advanced, fully-equipped tool shop, Broanmain has for many years supported UK manufacturers seeking a high quality yet financially viable reshoring option.
For further information www.gtma.co.uk

Raybould named UK agent for Pressix

Raybould Machine Tools has agreed to act as the official UK distributor for the range of mechanical and hydraulic power presses manufactured by Pressix of Italy.

Pressix produces a range of open-fronted, gap-frame, adjustable-stroke mechanical presses with a capacity ranging from 25 to 250 tonnes, as well as straight-sided presses with a capacity ranging from 125 to 1000 tonnes.
Pressix also offers high-speed presses, hydraulic straightening presses and can provide specific solutions to meet customer needs. All machines are designed, machined, assembled and tested in-house. Pressix machines now add to the range of equipment already offered by Raybould Machine Tools, which includes both new and pre-owned mechanical power presses, hydraulic presses,
press feeders, coil handling equipment, and special purpose machines.
For further information www.raybould.com

Train production

The manufacturing of five 100% electric East Coast Trains earlier this month, signalled the start of a new phase of train building at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory.

Delivery of train shells for Hitachi Rail EU at Newton Aycliffe plant, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Construction of the new intercity trains for the open access operator (East Coast Trains Ltd) incorporates a more extensive manufacturing programme than previous fleets. The increased scope will see the workforce create a new state-of-art fleet from empty aluminium shells.
For further information www.hitachirail.com

New dates for Southern Manufacturing

Southern Manufacturing has confirmed that it will be returning to Farnborough International next year on 20-22 April 2021.

The show has been rescheduled from its regular dates in February to avoid conflicting with other events postponed from 2020, and to provide the greatest benefit to visitors and exhibitors as they bounce back from the effects of lockdown. The floor plan of the show remains unchanged.
Show director Phil Valentine says: “The first quarter of the exhibition calendar in 2021 is crowded with events postponed from their 2020 show dates, and inevitably this means difficult decisions for exhibitors and visitors alike about how to maximise the return on their time and investment over the months ahead. Consequently, we’ve taken the decision to move the event to April 2021.”
For further information www.industrysouth.co.uk

Schrode relies on Vollmer machines

Just 25 km lies between Ehingen-based tool manufacturer Schrode CNC-Werkzeugschleiftechnik and Biberach-based sharpening machine specialist Vollmer.

Both companies have had sharpening in their blood for generations: Vollmer develops grinding and erosion machines, while Schrode manufactures cutting tools for metals, composites or wood. Schrode’s list of customers includes companies from the automotive, tool manufacturing, mechanical engineering and medical technology sectors. To machine its carbide tools, the toolmaker uses two Vollmer VGrind 360 grinding machines with automation solutions, making true 24/7 unmanned production possible.
“At the core of our company today is a highly motivated team of 10 employees, combined with my father’s experience and my youthful enthusiasm,” says Christian Schrode, CEO at Schrode CNC-Werkzeugschleiftechnik. “Sharpening has been in our blood for five generations, and it has made us a reliable and flexible partner in the fiercely competitive tool-sharpening technology market.”
Schrode develops carbide-tipped tools such as milling cutters, drills, step drills and special tools with diameters of 0.2 to 100 mm. Batch sizes range from 1 to 5000-off.
“One of our strengths is the production of individual special tools that we develop in collaboration with our customers,” says Schrode. “We believe that it is important to cover the entire value-added chain when it comes to CNC tool grinding, from designing the tools and manufacturing, right through to aftersales services, such as regrinding.”
To manufacture its carbide cutters, two years ago Schrode opted to invest in two Vollmer VGrind 360 tool-grinding machines. With the HP 160 automation solution, Schrode can produce its tools around the clock in an unmanned operation. Thanks to the two vertically arranged spindles, the VGrind 360 enables efficient machining to be carried out on multiple levels, which can reduce non-productive times.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com