Tornos delivers speed and efficiency

Almadec was founded at the end of November 2018 as a newcomer in the bar-turning world by Stefano Buonpane in Brügg, Switzerland. Annexed to the premises of Buonpane’s first company, named Precisteel, Almadec is gradually being built around two Tornos SwissNano 4 turning machines.

Bruegg, 05FEB19 Almadec Precisteel, M. Buonpane et ses Nano de Tornos Moutier – Photo @ Guy Perrenoud. Fabrique d’images, 45 rue E. Schueler, CH-2502 Biel/Bienne +41 79 3531508

Precisteel mainly produces parts for industrial machines used in the connector sector, and for watchmakers. For this target market, Buonpane decided to invest in SwissNano 4 machines. A Tornos Deco 10 machine has also been ordered.
“These machines have an excellent reputation,” says Buonpane. “My customers often request various special parts that we can now manufacture on the Tornos machines.”
Almadec’s spacious premises in Brügg are geared to accommodate an even larger machine inventory; equipment that can cope with upcoming demands.
“We make suggestions and conduct a feasibility study,” says Buonpane. “There is no challenge that frightens us.”
Buonpane makes his know-how available to customers, while his motivated staff can set machines for complex workpieces, from prototypes to large batches.
“I founded this company based on the vision of its future and permanence,” he says. “Precisteel is a family-owned enterprise and the same is true for Almadec. And it’s an important asset I’m intending to invest in.”
Buonpane has every reason to be confident. Some 13 years of experience with Precisteel have enabled him to lay solid foundations for Almadec – the latter being a name that could soon earn a reputation, especially in the watchmaking sector, thanks to machines from Tornos.
For further information www.tornos.com

HNC Higher Apprenticeship introduced

Potential engineers can now take a vocational route all the way to degree level thanks to a newly formed partnership between In-Comm Training and the University of Wolverhampton.

HK Technologies / In-Comm

HNC Higher Apprenticeships have been launched in the West Midlands this month and have already attracted 20 people who are looking for a more practical route to gaining the highest possible competences and qualifications.
According to In Comm, the HNC element of the programme is an intensive year-long course, which can be funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and features 12 technical modules, with the learning being delivered at In-Comm’s technical academy in Aldridge and the university’s dedicated engineering campus. In regard to the competence element of the programme, this will run alongside, with the learner producing a portfolio of evidence complementing the knowledge undertaken in the HNC. Course elements include engineering and manufacture, design, research, business improvement techniques, and new product development.
For further information www.in-comm.co.uk

Nice send-off for Bystronic UK MD

David Larcombe, who recently retired after 40 years’ service at Bystronic UK, latterly as managing director, was invited with his wife Alison to say goodbye to his colleagues at the Swiss company’s headquarters in Niederönz. After the event, the couple were treated to a weekend in the Swiss Alps beside Lake Lugano.

“I feel extremely privileged to have had the career that I’ve enjoyed within the engineering industry,” says Larcombe. “I have a number of very special memories, especially the many years working for Bystronic. It has been a wonderful company to serve, as I always felt I was a friend rather than an employee. I’ve made many great friendships, both within Bystronic worldwide and the UK sheet metalworking industry. I wish everyone the very best for the future.”
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

Trained to a turn

A series of seemingly unrelated events came together to create a win-win situation for a Mills CNC machine user and a CNC Training Academy customer.

Earlier this year when Kettering-based hydrant flow meter manufacturing specialist, Langham Industrial Controls, was seeking a new member of staff to operate its recently acquired FANUC-controlled Doosan Lynx 220 LSYC lathe, the company approached Mills CNC, who supplied the machine, as well as members of staff at the CNC Training Academy (a division of Mills CNC), to see if they knew, or had trained, someone who might be interested in taking advantage of such an opportunity.
It just so happened that, just a few weeks earlier, the CNC Training Academy had trained Krzysztof Zasadzki, a man who, for many different reasons, had made a positive and favourable impression on academy staff. Zasadzki was offered the position and started work at Langham Industrial Controls in May 2019.
Says director Nigel Langham: “I contacted the CNC Training Academy to see if they knew anyone who could be suitable for the setter/operator position. Krzysztof was mentioned in glowing terms.”
Since May 2019, Zasadzki has attended further courses (Fanuc Manual Guide i) at the CNC Training Academy. In only a few months he is now setting up, operating and programming the Lynx 220 lathe.
The 8” chuck Lynx 220 lathe at Langham Industrial Control is equipped with a sub-spindle and driven tools, and has Y-axis capability. Since being installed back in 2016 the lathe has been busy machining high accuracy components in small volumes from a range of different materials that include aluminium, steel and plastics.
For further information www.millscnc.co.uk

Rebuilds from J&S Hardinge

A grinding machine rebuilding and upgrading service is now being offered by Jones & Shipman Hardinge, including machines produced by sister companies in the Hardinge Group – Kellenberger, Hauser, Voumard, Tschudin and Usach.

“The service is designed to maximise the lifespan of a machine which, while perfectly sound in structure and capability, could benefit from upgrading,” explains Jones & Shipman Hardinge UK managing director Mike Duignan. “If you take a universal Kellenberger Varia for example, a refurbishment and upgrade to include the latest Fanuc 0i control with the new Kellenberger menu-based programming software, could be as much as 25% cheaper than buying a new machine.”
Furthermore, through the company’s UK and European headquarters, Jones & Shipman Hardinge has the facility to supply a loan machine for some Kellenberger products, so that production is not interrupted.
For further information www.jonesshipman.com