Editor’s Pick

Anticipation builds for UK Metals Expo

Opening this week (11-12 September) at the Birmingham NEC, the UK Metals Expo is a free-to-attend exhibition that is set to host over 300 exhibitors as part of a leading event that brings the entire metals supply chain together via representation from the engineering and manufacturing sectors. In addition, more than 100 speakers will deliver presentations across a free two-day seminar programme.

Sponsored by Tata Steel, British Steel, Van Leeuwen and Trimble, primary focus areas of the exhibition include metalworking, fabrication, machinery and surface finishing.MTI magazine is an official media partner of the event and will be present on stand M83. Please call by the stand to pick up a copy of the latest issue, which is packed with news, features and other engaging content from the metalworking and metalforming sectors.

More information www.ukmetalsexpo.com

Victor launches next-generation four-axis HMC

GM CNC is introducing the UK market to the latest innovation from Victor, the new-generation Vcenter NH5000 four-axis horizontal machining centre. Suitable for machining large parts up to 800mm in diameter by 1m high, Victor designed the 13,000 kg HMC for dynamic cutting with high rigidity and performance.

Notably, Victor redesigned the column to locate the support closer to the cutting head. Additionally, the T-shape structure with slant-style column removes weight and inertia, creating a machining head that is faster, more nimble and more responsive than previous machines. This design also facilitates faster tool and pallet changeovers, demonstrated by a tool change of 3 seconds and a pallet change time of 6.5 seconds.

From a specification perspective, the Vcenter NH5000 offers X, Y and Z-axis travel of 800 x 700 by 800mm, with rapid feed rates of 48m/min in all axes. Machine stability receives a further boost with 45mm diameter ballscrews in all axes and 55/45/45mm roller-type linear motion guideways. Likewise, the direct drive 12,000rpm/18kW spindle demonstrates rigidity with its BBT-40 Big-Plus face andtaperdual-contact spindle system that extends tool life by minimising vibration. The spindle taper connects to a chain-type tool magazine that offers 40 tool positions as standard, or 60 or 90 optionally.

Further features include an automatic pallet change system,which incorporates two 500 x 500mm hydraulically driven pallets offering a chip-to-chip time of 11 seconds. The Baxis incorporates four ground cones with air blow through the cones as well as taper pins and bushes that provide rotational positioning within 1°. The machine comes as standard with a FANUC 0i-MF Plus CNC featuring 10.4-inch screen.

More information www.gm-cnc.com

£500,000+ orders from XYZ exhibition

XYZ Machine Tools rolled out the red carpet to customers, technology partners and other stakeholders at its recent 40th anniversary technology exhibition. Taking place last month at the company’s 100,000 ft² headquarters and manufacturing facility in Devon, the two-day event resulted in machinery sales worth over £500,000.

“It was fantastic to see so many familiar and new faces at our technology exhibition,” reports managing director Martin Burton. “XYZ wanted to celebrate its 40th anniversary in style and we were so pleased that 123 representatives from 65 existing or prospective customers took time from their busy schedules to attend. We received terrific feedback and hopefully there was something of value for everyone. The machine orders we’ve taken so far certainly seem to corroborate that aspiration.”More information www.xyzmachinetools.com

Matsuura raises £31k+ for Stroke Association

Through the generous support of its customers, suppliers and staff, Matsuura UK has successfully raised £31,855 for the Stroke Association. This substantial amount was generated through a combination of donations made to the company’s JustGiving page and prizes for its raffle.

The decision to support the Stroke Association was particularly significant for Matsuura this year, as the company’s friend and retired director Dave Edwards recently suffered a stroke. Raising funds for the Stroke Association was Matsuura UK’s way of honouring Dave and contributing to an organisation that provides crucial support to individuals and families affected by stroke. The company would like to thank every contributor.

More information www.stroke.org.uk

Introducing a smarter way to rough bore

Hole-making specialist Big Kaiser is expanding its modular CK family with new head types for rough boring. Available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), the new SW head for the CK1, CK2 and CKB3 boring tools includes Big Kaiser’s Smart Damper technology. This innovation minimises vibration and eliminates chatter, which is of critical importance when conducting rough boring operations.

Big Kaiser says the modular CK system is the world’s most versatile tooling system and, with support from industry experts at ITC, will exceed the performance and results of any other hole-making system. The new additions to the CK modular precision tool system are also available for the full Big Kaiser SW rough boring family.

“The Smart Damper SW heads offer six times higher boring efficiency with twice the cutting depth and three times the cutting conditions of other rough boring heads,” states Giampaolo Roccatello, chief sales and marketing officer for Big Kaiser Europe.

Based on a cylindrical connection with a radial locking screw, the CK system has been continuously improved over the years to meet changing needs and increases in machine tool performance. Compatibility with existing tools remains a stringent requirement for newly designed products. As well as interchangeability within the Big Kaiser family, the CK system is also fully compatible with all machine tool interfaces and enables customers to create tool assemblies specific to each machining application.

The integration of the Smart Damper shortens the distance from the damping mechanism to the cutting edge. This minimises vibration and enables the CK system to achieve better surface finishes and improved metal removal rates, while also prolonging tool life and enhancing surface finish.

More information www.itc-ltd.co.uk