Grinding experts combine resources

Okuma, which is represented in the UK by NCMT, and German grinding expert Dr Kaiser Diamantwerkzeuge GmbH, have jointly developed a grinding system that is said to offer a number of advanced wheel dressing functions. Dr Kaiser and Okuma can look back on a successful co-operation having previously created a special app to determine optimal dressing parameters. Now, Dr Kaiser has developed a vitrified CBN grinding wheel, a dressing spindle system and the related dressing tools for an Okuma GP25W x65 CNC grinding machine.

Once installed, the Dr Kaiser C72FCA2 dressing spindle is connected to the OSP-P300G Okuma control via Profinet. With its output of 1.3 kW, the dressing spindle achieves a steady circumferential spindle speed during synchronous dressing, as well as during counter-rotation dressing.
During the dressing cycle, the control receives process data from the dressing spindle. The spindle is equipped with integrated acoustic emission sensors that detect when the dresser and grinding wheel come into contact. As the sensors can determine contact in the micrometre range, the system allows for correct alignment of the axes. This capability reduces air-grinding time, minimises wear on the diamond dressing tool and ensures defined abrasion of the grinding wheel.
Operating the system is simple because the Okuma control visualises all dressing process data and allows for the optimal adjustment of all parameters. Changes made by the operator, or variables recorded in real time, are automatically translated by the control into an NC program.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

£100,000 facility

A historic building converted into a £100,000 training facility at Tees Components has been officially opened by the leader of Redcar & Cleveland Council, Mary Lanigan.

In total, the investment has created seven training stations, which feature manual and CNC turning, manual and CNC milling, surface grinding and bench work. The development includes the introduction of two new machine tools – an XYZ CNC and DRO manual mode milling machine, and a Colchester Harrison M300 manual lathe. In addition, the centre includes a workshop classroom area complete with IT facilities.
For further information https://teescomponents.co.uk/

Innovation award for DMG Mori

DMG Mori has been honoured with this year’s innovation award from the German Association for Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Logistics (Bundesverband Materialwirtschaft, Einkauf und Logistik – BME).

The award was presented to the company for its successful purchasing and logistics management in front of some 2000 guests in Berlin. DMG Mori’s award-winning concept impressed the judges with its automated order transactions, global matrix organisation with regional purchasing units, and integrated IT solutions. The entire value chain is now networked.
For further information www.dmgmori.com

Ross Brawn opens OAS training centre

Ross Brawn OBE, a legend in the field of motorsport, has officially opened the new Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) Training Centre, which is run by the Manufacturing Technology Centre, on the UKAEA Culham site in Oxfordshire.

Coventry-based MTC Apprenticeships has been procured by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to provide training to hundreds of apprentices in the new OAS centre. Brawn, who is currently managing director of Formula One’s Motor Sports division, began his career as an apprentice with the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
For further information www.oas.ukaea.uk

Pre-owned press gets the job done

A second-hand 1000-tonne forging press from Schuler has been installed at Schondelmaier GmbH. The press, which had been providing dependable service at a major automotive manufacturer since 1985 still had “plenty of life left in it”.

Over the course of just a few weeks, the machine was dismantled, transported to Schondelmaier’s headquarters in Germany’s Black Forest region, re-assembled and commissioned into service.
“We believe that this press will run for another 20 years,” states managing director Joachim Schondelmaier. “Used presses from Schuler are basically always a safe bet. We purchased a pre-owned 500-tonne hydraulic machine through Schuler subsidiary Vögtle earlier this year, while our press shop also houses a number of other cold-forging machines from Schuler.”
For further information www.schulergroup.com