Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and associated protective measures, almost all planned customer training courses at Walter have had to be cancelled.

The company, which specialises in grinding and erosion machines for cutting-tool manufacture, is now reacting with an alternative programme that offers some of its customer training courses online as interactive live webinars. In the past weeks, the first online training day took place – a customer-specific basic and advanced course on the principles of program creation in Walter’s measuring software.

The trainer, equipped with a headset and an additional camera, stands in the machine demonstration room at Walter’s headquarters in Tübingen and speaks into a laptop. On the other side, customer employees are sitting in a separate room, all looking into their laptops at the same time. This is how some customer training courses at Walter currently look.

The participants of this particular course learn the exact procedure to measure a tool correctly with the software. In the basic training course, participants gain machine knowledge that they can use to expand their skills in practice day-by-day, while the advanced training course is aimed at participants who already have initial experience or some knowledge. In both courses, Walter teaches the customer efficient program creation in order to reduce unnecessary programming and program run times.

Walter’s online offer is an efficient supplement that the company will expand in the future. Online training from Walter not only saves travel expenses for the customer, but also valuable time, as employees can return to their normal tasks immediately afterwards.

For further information
www.walter-machines.com

New from Sarix is the SX80 hpm Pulsar micro-erosion drilling machine.

Offering precision of ±0.002 mm and travels of 300 x 150 x 200 mm in the X, Y and Z axis respectively, the SX80 hpm Pulsar completes the range of Sarix micro EDM machines to bring about a cost reduction for those undertaking conventional hole drilling. Applications include fast hole drilling, start holes and high-precision 3D micro-EDM milling.

The simple SX-CNC allows, with several options, the evolution of the machine’s configuration up to multi-axis motion capability. Notably, the CNC is supported by SX-HMI for easy and user-friendly programming and editing, complete with direct-drilling macros and self-learning technology. Complex drilling tasks can be completed through efficient multiple hole-drilling sequences and multi-layer drilling.

Sarix’s SX-MPS Pulsar generator is said to open up new opportunities for faster, deeper, smaller and more precise holes. In fact, micro-EDM drilling technology with solid and tube electrodes can be achieved from 45 µm to 3.0 mm, while high-precision micro holes and shape holes can be produced down to 20 µm with an electrode wire-shaping device.

According to Sarix, high surface-finishing capability down to Ra 0.1 and Ra 0.05 can be delivered with the SX-MFPS micro-fine pulse shape generator.

Further attributes of the SX80 hpm Pulsar include automatic axis positioning control with hole-depth control; an automatic electrode re-feeding spindle with dielectric through-flushing for continuous production; and a breakthrough-detection device for micro-drilling.

For further information
www.sarix.com

The AgieCharmilles Form E 350 is a compact, high-performance die-sink machine that is suitable for mouldmakers and precision component manufacturers. Even with what is described as the smallest footprint on the market, the machine boasts several design and performance features that will enhance a user’s competitive advantage.

For instance, a sturdy C-axis construction, cross table and cast-iron frame offer high stability and force reduction, which helps maintain a precise spark gap between the part and the electrode. Furthermore, regardless of part weight or dielectric volume, the machine is said to deliver consistent accuracy. Integrated glass scales preserve long-term accuracy and repeatability, and eliminate the need for recalibration and errors associated with traditional ball-screw systems due to backlash and wear.

The latest-generation Intelligent Speed Power Generator (ISPG) on the Form E 350 delivers high surface finishes and accuracy, and helps overcome common EDM issues and challenges, such as excessive and costly electrode wear, by up to 25%. Machining speeds are also increased by up to 40% when using the ISPG, while corner wear is reduced by 50%. Workpieces up to 800 x 500 x 265 mm can be accommodated.

Designed for high efficiency, the machine features a programmable dielectric management system with a 270-litre capacity integrated inside the cabinet. This system fills and empties the work tank without human intervention to keep production flowing, and is easy to access for routine maintenance.

The machine is equipped with the user-friendly AC Form HMI, which is based on a standard Windows platform and offers interactive graphical assistance so that all operations, such as measurement and machining cycles, are illustrated by graphics/icons for fast understanding and ease-of-use.

For further information
www.gfms.com/uk

Chemical etching specialist Precision Micro, which also offers wire EDM services, has strengthened its operation with two key appointments into the positions of director of procurement and quality systems engineer. The Birmingham-based business has recruited Andrew Scott and Sue Guilmant to drive forward its strategy and ensure continued high-quality production and customer service.

Combining wire EDM with photo etching means component profiles can be cut to tighter tolerances and achieve unique characteristics such as tapered edges. Wire EDM also enables the profiling of thicker, surface etched components to 3 mm.

With more than 30 years’ experience in purchasing across a variety of industries, Andrew Scott, director of procurement, will initially focus on further improving customer responsiveness. Alongside Scott, Susan Guilmant brings extensive experience from the automotive sector.

Building on Precision Micro’s advanced set-up, Guilmant will take the company’s quality system to the next level, managing continued regularity in line with critical industry accreditations to ensure the business remains at the forefront of the industry. With recent re-accreditations received, including IATF 16949 and ISO 13485, Precision Micro is a key supplier to the automotive and medical industries.

Ian McMurray, managing director of Precision Micro, says: “The events of recent months have made for challenging trading conditions, particularly in the manufacturing sector. While we’ve faced some difficult decisions in that period, these appointments signal a positive step forward for our business and boost the specialisms of our team at a critical time.”

He adds: “With their many decades of experience, Andrew and Sue will bring a great deal of expertise to our team, ultimately enhancing our ability to meet the highest of customer expectations in a marketplace which is experiencing significant change in the wake of COVID-19.”

For further information
www.precisionmicro.com

GrindTec 2020, which was postponed from earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to take place on 10-13 November in Augsburg, Germany.

Among the highlights at the show will be the premiere of the new Vollmer VLaser 270 machine concept, which will be presented live for the first time. The VLaser 270 rounds off Vollmer’s range of grinding and erosion machines, making the company a full-line supplier of sharpening technologies, whether rotary tools, circular saws or metal-cutting bandsaws.

At the core of the VLaser 270 is its fixed laser-beam guidance system with novel machine kinematics. The way in which the five axes are arranged means that the tool is always machined at the pivot point of the C axis. This configuration makes it possible to produce tools with minimal axis movement and ensure stable process control. At the same time, the kinematics enables high path accuracy, which has a positive impact on machining accuracy and tool quality. The VLaser 270 can be optionally equipped with a counter point to achieve even higher concentricity, which Vollmer says makes the VLaser 270 the first of its type to offer such a feature.

Also at GrindTec will be the recently introduced Vollmer VHybrid 360 grinding and erosion machine. With this model, tool manufacturers can grind and erode various carbide and PCD tools in a single set-up.

The VHybrid 360 combines technologies and experience that Vollmer has gained in the fields of grinding and eroding over many decades. Among the key components is the Vpulse EDM erosion generator, which is said to set new standards when it comes to efficiency and surface quality. From the world of grinding, the modern machine concept of the VGrind series ensures high precision in tool machining, says Vollmer.

For further information
www.vollmer-group.com