High-temperature 3D print filtration launched

BOFA is reinforcing its position in portable fume and particulate filtration systems for additive manufacturing with its latest generation 3D PrintPRO technology designed specifically for high-temperature processes.

The 3D PrintPRO HT focuses on 230V markets and filters high-temperature particulate, gases and nanoparticles emitted during the processing of polymers in print chambers. It operates at up to 100°C, enabling manufacturers to work high-performance functional materials, while protecting the print head and working environment from airborne contaminants. It is particularly suited to fused deposition modelling (FDM), stereolithography and digital light processing.

The machine’s performance arrives via the application of advanced electronics, thermal insulation, a highly insulated connection kit, smart airflow management and an advanced filtration architecture – ensuring energy efficient, low heat loss emissions extraction in higher temperature chamber environments.

BOFA’s modular design approach makes the 3D PrintPRO HT suitable for closed-loop continuous operation, delivering a maximum airflow rate of up to 100 m³h to filter particulate during the print process. There is also an open-loop intermittent operation (purge cycle) at a fixed airflow of 30 m³h, which filters both particulate and gases. Both demands can be met via a pairing kit. The technology also features filter exchange indicators and incorporates filter status communication to the host machine.

Arran Morgan, senior product manager at BOFA, says: “This latest generation of our 3D PrintPRO HT system demonstrates how BOFA is reflecting a constantly evolving additive manufacturing marketplace. It means that manufacturers are able to benefit from working high-performance polymers that require elevated chamber temperatures, while helping safeguard both the workplace atmosphere and their investment in expensive equipment through portable extraction.”

More information www.bofainternational.com

First infinitely reusable manufacturing mould

Fyous is launching the world’s first infinitely reusable moulding technology, known as PolyMorphic moulding, at this week’s RAPID + TCT event in Los Angeles. Fyous’ technology can shapeshift in under 20 minutes, producing zero tooling waste and making usable parts 14 times faster than 3D printing.

The technology, devised and engineered by Fyous’ co-founders Joshua Shires and Thomas Bloomfield, features more than 28,000 densely packed pins that create the mould. Once the pins are in position, the mould can withstand 6 tonne of distributed pressure. Metamorphic by nature, Fyous says that patent-pending PolyMorphic moulding has the potential to transform the manufacturing industry, reducing waste generated through tooling amends, coupled with faster production times in comparison to 3D printing and traditional mould-making.

By inputting a 3D CAD model, Fyous software generates the PolyMorphic mould shape. The PolyMorphic machine then shapeshifts the mould to create the intended product. On completion of production, the PolyMorphic mould returns to the machine ready for the next shapeshift.

“Our mission is to deliver a revolutionary moulding technology that will disrupt prototyping and manufacturing sectors worldwide,” says Shires. “Using PolyMorphic moulding to create fast, accurate moulds for tooling will reduce time to market for a huge array of products and unlock commercial viability for desirable products which currently have no cost-effective manufacture method.”

He adds: “PolyMorphic moulding is a zero-waste technology where raw materials are conserved and the moulds can be used repeatedly. We will remove not only physical waste in the form of materials and tooling, but also remove wasted time by accelerating product development, prototyping and manufacture efficiencies.” 

More information www.fyous.com  

Rapid grinding in the smallest of spaces

In many applications it is uneconomical to use oversize universal cylindrical grinding machines for the external machining of smaller components. With the new WPG 7 CNC external grinder, Emag Weiss demonstrates another way of grinding workpieces with a maximum length of 250 mm. This very small machine requires only a minimal footprint, but at the same time features a whole range of high-tech components for flexibility and productivity.

The WPG 7 fits on two Euro pallets for easy transportation by crane as an easy to set-up machine. It is then possible to start grinding immediately without compromising on quality or process reliability as the WPG 7 has negligible heat build-up thanks to its rigid design. In addition, in-process measurement with Marposs technology, which works independently of the cycle time during the machining process, is available as an option.

The machine uses straight or angled external grinding wheels (with or without profile) featuring a maximum diameter of 500 mm. It is not possible to integrate an internal grinding wheel and there is no B-axis for swivelling the headstock.

Included in the WPG 7 are features such as highly dynamic axes, a powerful and controllable grinding wheel drive, and a work-head with stationary or live centre (MK4/MK5 or W20/W25). The graphical dialogue interface of the control panel is also important for productivity. It is based on a FANUC control system and considerably simplifies the input of technology parameters for certain cycles. The basic version of the control already includes all common grinding cycles.

Last but not least, Emag Weiss offers the WPG 7 CNC solution with automatic or manual loading.

More information www.emag.com

Nissei showcases indexable insert grinder

Nissei Industry from Japan has been developing vertical and horizontal double-disc grinding machines for more than 40 years. Among other things, these machine concepts are for grinding hard materials, one of the company’s core applications in the Asian market. One specific application is the surface grinding of indexable inserts made of carbide, cermet or ceramic. Nissei presented a machine optimised for this purpose, the VP3-400RW, at the recent GrindingHub exhibition in Stuttgart, Germany.

When grinding indexable inserts, the demands on the mechanical and thermal stability of the processing machine are particularly high. The unit from Nissei has the corresponding rigidity, and this with a comparatively compact design. Thickness variations of the ground indexable inserts with capability values of Cp/Cpk of well over 4 are achievable with dimensions of 6.33 ±0.13 mm, for example.

As the main drives for the two 400 mm diameter diamond grinding wheels, the VP3-400RW contains two AC spindle motors delivering 15 kW each. The internal workpiece feeder, which has a 180° swivel function and linear oscillation, features AC servomotors for high dynamics and fast set-up.

The control of the VP3-400RW is by FANUC, allowing various machining modes such as simultaneous grinding of both sides of the workpiece or grinding of the sides one after the other, as well as grinding of only one side. It is possible to store and automatically call-up the respective machining parameters for different types of indexable inserts. Another important feature is the fully automatic dressing device, which can correct the shape on both grinding wheel surfaces simultaneously if necessary.

Nissei presented the VP3-400RW at GrindingHub as a co-operation partner of Nagel.

More information www.nagel.com

Polishing machine manufacturer wins awards

Coalville-based polishing machine manufacturer Zeeko is one of only five companies this year to win two King’s Awards for Enterprise, one for international trade and the other for innovation.

Zeeko develops and produces seven-axis CNC optics polishing machines for complex, ultra-high-precision freeform applications. The 2024 award for international trade is a result of a sharp upturn in these activities, plus additional sales in the past three years of both new machine platforms and tools for mainstream industrial use.

Exports account for about 98% of production. Order intake is currently between £10m and £12m per year, compared with well below £2m during the pandemic. The King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of international trade was based on this performance.

The 2024 award for innovation stems from the chance discovery of a new process that was easy to overlook, but which turned out to be extremely effective for the polishing and finishing of metal, ceramic and carbide items such as turbine blades, orthopaedic implants, precision moulds and ball valve components. Called Shape Adaptive Grinding (SAG), the technique utilises a low-cost, robotic machining platform together with associated tools and software. It is also deployable on any CNC machine, such as a milling centre or multi-tasking lathe. Housed in a separate factory in Coalville, Zeeko Industrial is a new division that builds and markets these robotic polishing cells worldwide.

Richard Freeman, MD of Zeeko, says: “We are delighted to receive two King’s Awards this year. Our highly skilled and innovative team deserves this recognition. A high-technology manufacturing business rarely leads its competition by more than 18 months, so we are continually researching and innovating, both to grow and to protect our lead.”
More information www.zeeko.co.uk