EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

WIN-SWISS Modular Tooling for Swiss Turning

Cutting tool specialist TaeguTec has unveiled its WIN-SWISS modular head and holder system. Designed to enhance productivity and efficiency in Swiss turning centres, this new tooling solution tackles the industry’s long-standing challenge of time-consuming insert changes while improving the rigidity and precision requirements of the sliding-head turning market.

The WIN-SWISS system allows operators to change inserts outside the machine by detaching only the modular head, while the shank remains securely attached to the tool post. This approach eliminates the necessity for the complete removal of holders, reducing set-up time and minimising downtime.

Performance testing shows that the WIN-SWISS system achieves a 77% reduction in tool change time compared with conventional holders, reducing typical changeover periods from 108 seconds to just 25 seconds. This improvement translates to enhanced productivity and lower manufacturing costs for precision machining operations.

WIN-SWISS incorporates TaeguTec’s proprietary fastening technology, which features a novel combination of screw clamping and tapered face contact, delivering machining stability comparable with conventional integrated holders. The robust assembly mechanism utilises a taper design combined with lever principles to ensure rigid clamping between the tool shank and the heads. Such a concept provides repeatability and maintains dimensional deviation within ±5 µm, all while requiring only a single rotation of the clamping screw.

The modular design philosophy extends beyond mere convenience, providing inventory benefits through the ability to mount multiple heads on a single shank. This flexible interchangeability enables manufacturers to optimise their tooling investments and maintain comprehensive machining capabilities across various applications.

More information www.taegutec.com

Milestone for ACE

A precision manufacturer has celebrated 25 years in business by producing its 150millionth component. The ‘etched’ part, is heading into the world of electrification and is the perfect way for Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE) to mark nearly a quarter of a century of manufacturing in Telford. “We want 2025 to be a real celebration of what the business has achieved and where we want to go over the next 25 years,” says managing director Ian Whateley. “A big summer BBQ took place recently and we’re going to give every one of our 70-strong workforce their birthdays off as a little thank you.”

More information www.ace-uk.net

JLRQ Award for BCW

Component manufacturing solutions provider BCW Engineering has received the Jaguar Land Rover Quality (JLRQ) award, marking a major milestone in its journey as a tier-one supplier to one of the UK’s most iconic automotive manufacturers. The award presentation took place this week at BCW’s Innovation Drive headquarters in Burnley, where senior representatives from Jaguar Land Rover joined the BCW team to celebrate the achievement. The JLRQ award is a significant quality accreditation granted to suppliers that demonstrate exceptional performance across quality, cost, delivery and customer satisfaction.

More information www.bcwgroup.co.uk

Ficep UK names new managing director

Ficep UK has promoted Richard Clark to managing director with the ambition of taking the business into the next chapter as it continues to strengthen its position as a supplier of steel fabrication machinery. Previously operations director, Clark’s appointment to managing director will help ensure Ficep UK has local leadership ready to respond quickly and effectively to the challenges and opportunities ahead. He says: “I attribute a lot of my success over the past decade at Ficep UK to the fantastic team we’ve built, one that our customers value highly.”

More information www.ficep.co.uk

Fabricator Achieves 40% Revenue Growth

Tadweld, a provider of metal fabrication and engineering solutions based in Tadcaster, is reporting a landmark year of growth and achievement despite the steel industry facing significant challenges. The company has achieved a 40% increase in revenue and welcomed its 50th team member – two significant milestones that underscore Tadweld’s continued industry momentum. The business has invested over £500,000 in capital equipment in the past 12 months, including two state-of-the-art laser welding machines, as well as new Amada presses and guillotines.

More information www.tadweld.co.uk