New CNC machines from Ajax

Ajax Machine Tools has introduced a range of CNC machines called the Atom and Proton. The Atom, being very small, is Ajax’s new mini CNC lathe.

Included among the machine’s features are a Siemens 808D control, a 100 mm diameter three-jaw chuck, an automatic four-way tool post that takes 10 mm tooling, and a tailstock with a 3 MT spindle. Atom machines are supplied on wheels and will plug into a domestic 13 A socket.
The Ajax Proton, which is also very small, is the mini milling version of the Atom. Again featuring a Siemens 808D control driving three axes, the Proton can mill, drill and tap, and also comes on wheels with the capability to plug into a 13 A socket. The machines are designed for use in home, garage, workshop, machine shop or classroom environments. Online training is available, while a PC version of the control is being offered for free.
For further information www.ajax-mach.co.uk

ESL takes Europe’s first CMM of its type

Basildon-based ESL Group recently became the first company in Europe to take delivery of Mitutoyo’s Crysta Apex V CNC CMM.

ESL Group quality engineer Dave Humphrey says: “We have used Mitutoyo CMMs for over 20 years and been very impressed with their ease and speed of use, as well as their reliability and accuracy. In addition, we always receive excellent service from Mitutoyo UK.
“Recently, we found the need to further increase our inspection capacity,” he adds. “Having installed a Mitutoyo Apex S CNC CMM less than two years ago, on contacting Mitutoyo UK it was interesting to hear about the technical improvements made to the new Mitutoyo Crysta Apex V CMM range.”
Although ESL Group considered that advances in areas such as software enhancements meant that the new CMM represented a further step forward for Mitutoyo, before committing to purchasing a Crysta Apex V machine, the company followed its normal commercial practice of considering the merits of other CMM brands in terms of their capabilities and price. As previously, the new Mitutoyo CMM proved to be the most attractive option and an order was placed.
“Our new Crysta Apex V and the existing Mitutoyo CMM are now located in our environmentally temperature-controlled quality department,” says Humphrey. “As the new machine is an evolution of its predecessor, it was easy for our three quality department staff to quickly become accustomed with its operation, and already they are able to swap from machine to machine with ease.”
The Mitutoyo CMMs have become the mainstays of quality provision at ESL Group, which uses them to perform first-off in-process and final inspection routines, and a multitude of other high-precision measuring and inspection tasks, such as the generation of full FAI and SPC reports.
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk

Backing Britain book unveiled

In a bid to showcase inspirational stories from members of the Made in Group, the Backing Britain book will include a series of articles based on how manufacturers have demonstrated strength in a time of crisis.

As part of the Backing Britain Live 2020 digital events reported in last week’s issue of MTI magazine, the book will also showcase exhibiting members and information about each company.
The 100-page Backing Britain book will replace the quarterly magazine called the Made Mag, which is not currently being printed due to the situation with COVID-19. Scheduled to be available in August or September 2020, The Made in Group would like the book to include as many stories as possible from its members. CEO Jason Pitt says: “The book will be an opportunity to show the British spirit to the world and broader business community, and showcase some of our amazing companies.”
For further information www.backingbritain.com

JCB heads back to work

JCB has initiated a partial re-starting of production at four of its UK factories.

The news comes as a comprehensive package of safety measures is rolled out to protect employees in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. JCB’s British production lines fell silent on 18 March and the vast majority of the company’s 6500 UK employees have been furloughed since April. The business has now resumed low levels of production, with a far-reaching package of safety measures introduced to fully protect employees. The Loadall division at the company’s global headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, as well as JCB Earthmovers and JCB Landpower in Cheadle, Staffordshire have resumed production. Two further sites have also recommenced: JCB Transmissions in Wrexham and JCB Cab Systems at Uttoxeter. The move means a return to work for more than 400 employees.
For further information www.jcb.com

Machine broker

Close Brothers Asset Finance has appointed machine broker specialist Neil Ainge as its regional manager of the finance for industry team, part of the manufacturing division.

His recruitment is part of the firm’s continued strategy of strengthening sales teams with sector specialists. Ainge has over 30 years’ experience in financial services, with the past 12 years spent at an asset finance and insurance brokerage, where he specialised in the sale of machine tools. He says: “I’ll be offering customers a guided approach to ensure they purchase an asset that is a sound investment and works for their business.”
For further information www.closeassetfinance.co.uk