Environmentally friendly packaging

As part of its commitment to the environment, sustainability and social responsibility, Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has changed all of the packaging on its UK-manufactured cutting tools to 100% recyclable materials.

The issue of plastic recycling and disposal was proving problematic to address, until ITC’s long-standing packaging partner, Rose Plastic, began producing its new range of BlockPack and TwistPack Plus tubes from environmentally friendly bioplastic.
Rose Plastic says that ITC has become the first UK cutting-tool manufacturer to embrace the environmentally friendly packaging. The new biopolymer plastic is produced using ethanol from sugar cane, as opposed to conventional polyethylene, maintaining 97% of the chemical properties of conventional HDPE. This make-up ensures that the packaging retains its performance and appearance characteristics while offering 100% recyclability and sustainability.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Relying on Walter tool grinders

Within the UK abrasive machining segment, tool grinding retains a major presence. A case in point can be seen at tooling specialist Gandtrack and sister company GT Grinding, which have been mirrored by their regular investment in Walter tool grinders and automatic measuring machines.

Housing 28 employees between them, Gandtrack and GT Grinding have installed a total of 12 Walter machines (10 Helitronic tool grinders and two Helicheck inspection machines) since 2000. And while in each successive case, the new machine has resulted in a higher level of production efficiency, it is Gandtrack’s latest investment – a Helitronic Power with robot loader – that catches the eye.
“We found that machining batches of initially 20-60 each month of comparatively long [up to 280 mm] reamers in 15 different sizes, and with long flute lengths of 70 to 90 mm, wasn’t proving ideal when using the machine steady,” says director Adrian Jones. “So, we investigated the use of the Helitronic Power’s automatic tailstock in conjunction with the machine chuck. We liaised with Walter AG in Germany – whose engineers prepared the program and, with carbide rods in hand, we spent a full day there producing the reamers. The demonstrations showed that we could halve machining times and, importantly, avoid scrap.”
Explaining that the process allows the tailstock to be removed from the reamers for the completion of end work, Jones also highlights how the use of probing in conjunction with the tailstock/chuck “means the exact position of the flutes can be determined”.
The choice of a robot loader instead of Walter’s Eco loader, which Gandtrack/GT already have on four machines, was also determined by practicality, as well as by the potential for increased production, says Jones.
For further information www.walter-machines.com

Funding approved for manufacturing centre

The creation of a new centre in Northumberland for advanced manufacturing, the process industry and the engineering sector has moved a step closer, thanks to a multi-million pound investment.

Advance Northumberland, Northumberland County Council and the NELEP have agreed to support investment of £2.7m into Ashwood Business Park in Ashington. Ashwood Business Park is a NELEP Enterprise Zone, meaning that organisations locating there can benefit from 100% enhanced capital allowances. The 62-acre site is at the heart of one of the northeast’s strongest manufacturing clusters.
For further information www.advancenorthumberland.co.uk

Grinder for small OD tools

Vollmer, a specialist in tool grinders, has launched the VGrind 340S. Complementing the existing VGrind series of machines, the latest VGrind 340S has been specially developed for producing and re-sharpening small carbide tools with diameters from 0.3 to 12.7 mm.

Drills and milling cutters in this size range are in high demand in the automotive, electronics, connector and medical engineering sectors, where assembly space and components are becoming smaller and smaller. Automation options on the VGrind 340S allow tool manufacturers to use the machine for unmanned production around the clock.
The VGrind 340S is not just suitable for producing rotationally symmetric tools, but for re-sharpening; relying on the company’s tried-and-tested VGrind technology to achieve this functionality. VGrind see two vertical spindles made available for different grinding wheel sets, which makes it possible to reduce non-production time. Five harmonised CNC axes achieve interpolation, with short travel distances for the linear and rotary axes. These machine kinematics reduce idle times and the subsequent time required to machine workpieces.
As well as the rotary axes, the linear axes are also designed as direct drives (linear drives) for the first time. Unlike ball screws, these axes are non-contact drives and are therefore not subject to wear, increasing the service life, precision and longevity of the machine. The VGrind 340S also features a steady rest to ensure optimum tool concentricity during grinding, while a back rest is available as an option for longer drilling tools.
NUMROTOplus software enables a 3D simulation of the tool production process and makes it possible to carry out collision monitoring in advance. The height-adjustable and pivoting touchscreen control desk, as well as the generously dimensioned view of the machining space, make for ergonomic machine operation.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Engis installs bore finisher

Engis UK has installed one of its latest SPM 6000 bore-finishing machines at the company’s Henley-on-Thames headquarters, where it will undertake process and tooling trials for customers and prospects across Europe.

Engis offers customers a well-equipped bore-finishing laboratory that provides technical support and expertise in developing bore geometries for applications in sectors which include automotive, hydraulics and aerospace, using materials such as ceramics, steels, cast iron and aluminium. The introduction of the SPM 6000 expands on these capabilities, particularly as the machine is supported by leading-edge metrology equipment with the ability to measure the cylindricity, roundness and straightness of bores to an accuracy of 0.1 µm.
This investment in the laboratory demonstrates Engis UK’s belief in working closely with customers to develop optimum solutions to their manufacturing challenges. Each process, including stock removal rates, bore geometry requirements and surface finish, is studied, step-by-step, to ensure all the objectives are met.
Among the most critical features in any bore-finishing system is fixture design. Using the latest machine, Engis technicians will be able to review each application and determine and test the best approach to fixture the part. Other key factors, such as simplicity, versatility and quick change-over, are also taken into consideration so that the entire process can be trialled.
The SPM 6000 is designed to process small to medium-sized components with bores up to 50 mm diameter. Although the machine at Engis UK is a six-spindle model, the SPM 6000 can also be configured with four, eight or 10 spindles.
For further information www.engis.com