Small quick-change interface

Hainbuch’s established Centrotex quick change-over interface is now available in a version for smaller spindles. Thus, the company says that Centrotex S is the smallest system available on the market for setting up clamping devices in a matter of seconds.

Offering a diameter of just 224 mm, Centrotex S is well suited to quick change-over system for machines with a small work space. Offering repeatability to ≤0.002 mm on the interface – without having to align – the latest version of the Centrotex quick change-over system can also withstand rigorous operating environments.
The machine adapter is mounted on the spindle, and the clamping device (equipped with the adapter counterpart) can be exchanged for another clamping device in less than a minute. As a result, long set-up times are a thing of the past.
Hainbuch’s smallest Centrotex version does indeed incorporate the proven technology of its big brother, however, it is superior in terms of convenience. The Centrotex S is actuated via just one radial locking screw, while ergonomic operation has been significantly improved thanks to the fewer tightening turns required. In addition, the Monteq changing fixture unburdens the machine operator and contributes to a faster clamping device set-up.
For further information www.hainbuch.com

Five-axis machining of composites

Founded in 2003 jointly by John Biddlecombe and Simon Kingdon-Butcher, Global Technologies Racing (GTR) is a specialist manufacturer of laminated carbon-fibre components for the UK motorsport sector, supplying most of the Formula One teams.
Over the past decade and a half, GTR has become so successful that the constantly rising demand on its machine shop in Easthampnett, West Sussex, meant it needed to expand into a second facility in nearby Bognor Regis at the beginning of 2018. Shortly after moving in, a pair of Hermle C400 machining centres was ordered from UK agent Kingsbury to boost the contract machinist’s capability for five-axis processing.

The first, with a coolant tank for ‘wet’ machining and an additional 50-pocket tool magazine to supplement the standard 38 cutters, was delivered in mid-2018. This machine was followed in February 2019 by a second model equipped with dust extraction for the ‘dry’ machining of composite materials without coolant. Both machines have a trunnion-mounted table that provides the fourth and fifth
CNC axes.
Kingdon-Butcher says: “Wherever possible we avoid the wet cutting of carbon fibre, but some of the components produced at our Fontwell factory have aluminium or titanium inserts within their structure, depending on the customer’s specifications. In those cases we have to cut in the presence of coolant to avoid the heat that would be generated if we were to machine metals without coolant. This ensures that the structural properties of the adjacent areas of composite are not affected.”
Tolerances down to ± 0.01 mm have to be held and, while this is commonplace when machining metals, on carbon fibre parts it is challenging. GTR’s success in this area is down to its long experience working with composites, coupled with the rigidity of the Hermle machines.
For further information www.kingsburyuk.com

Open house draws sales

Mills CNC’s recent ‘Another Giant Leap’ open house pulled in the crowds, resulting in the sale of eight machine tools and three collaborative robots, plus the generation of over 100 significant enquiries.

The total number of visitors attending the event, where 15 Doosan machine tools were exhibited, including four machines making their UK debuts, and where the company showcased its advanced industrial and collaborative robot solutions, exceeded 350 over the two days.
A constant theme throughout the event was automation and the way it can help component manufacturers improve their productivity.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Largest-ever investment at Tayside Precision

Major growth in the oil and gas sector has seen a Scottish manufacturing specialist tap into the expertise of the Engineering Technology Group (ETG). Tayside Precision Tools Dundee, which is an expert in manufacturing complex parts in small volumes, recently invested in a new Quaser MV184 that has immediately unlocked additional capacity.

“The components we are milling require a very precise finish and the Quaser gives us the ability to produce repeatable accuracy faster than ever before,” explains John Welsh, Joint owner of Tayside Precision. “We’ve already secured a contract in the oil and gas sector to go straight on the machine.”
Tayside’s Quaser MV184 is the largest investment the firm has ever made and is the first time ETG has worked with the company.
Welsh says: “ETG were great, from understanding our milling requirements and identifying the machine, to helping us spec it out in the agreed timescale. I was also very impressed with the training, which meant we could quickly get the most out of the machine.”
Ross Milne, regional sales manager (Scotland) at ETG adds: “The MV184 is a great addition for specialist subcontractors like Tayside Precision Tools Dundee, with the large table area providing superior flexibility for work in progress. The space allows for varied work holding, so you can set up different parts on the table at the same time, which helps reduce set-up times.”
For further information www.engtechgroup.com

£5m expansion at Protolabs

Protolabs, which claims to be the world’s fastest digital manufacturer of custom prototypes and low-volume production parts, has released investment on a £5m expansion plan at its European headquarters in Telford.

The company, which works with thousands of product designers and engineers across Europe, is building a bespoke 50,000 sq ft extension to its Halesfield facility. Protolabs’ new extension will house at least 50 additional CNC machines and a further 20 additional injection moulding presses. Over the course of the next 2 years, the investment will also create 60 skilled jobs.
For further information www.protolabs.co.uk