The new UG series of universal grinding machines from EMAG combines proven grinding technology with a cost-efficient machine base, delivering a flexible and reliable solution for internal, external and out-of-round grinding applications. Designed for precision manufacturing tasks, the machines offer high levels of accuracy and process stability while maintaining versatility.

EMAG’s UG series comprises four models with grinding lengths of 400, 630, 1000 and 1500 mm, enabling users to select the appropriate configuration for applications ranging from compact toolroom work to the production of longer shafts and complex geometries. Workpieces can be clamped between centres or in a chuck.

A rigid machine structure forms the foundation of the series. Linear guides in the X and Z axes, servo drives with recirculating ball screws and direct-drive motorised grinding spindles ensure stable and accurate machining performance. The grinding head uses direct-drive motor spindles with up to 11 kW of power, eliminating belt drives and reducing vibration. As a result, torque is transmitted efficiently, improving surface quality and process reliability.

A swivelling B-axis enables positioning from -15° to +225° with an accuracy of 0.0005°, allowing precise contour and surface grinding.

The work-head is equipped with precision tapered roller bearings to deliver high rigidity and a concentricity accuracy of 0.5 µm. A swivel range of 0° to +30° supports various grinding strategies, while optional AE sensor technology detects grinding wheel contact with the workpiece to minimise idle time. An optional workpiece spindle with C axis is available.

Machines in the UG series are equipped as standard with the FANUC 0i-TF control, providing intuitive operation and reliable global support, with the more powerful FANUC 31iB Plus available for highly complex machining applications.

More information www.emag.com

Founded in 1987, Zhejiang Tianma Bearing Group emerged during the rapid development of China’s precision bearing industry and has grown into an influential global manufacturer through continuous technological innovation and rigorous quality control. Uniquely, Tianma Bearing says it is the only precision bearing manufacturer worldwide with its own steel plant, enabling full control of the value chain from raw materials to finished products. Its TMB-branded bearings see widespread use in wind energy generation, rail transport and new-energy vehicles.

As a renowned supplier of precision bearings for wind turbines in China, the company also holds a significant share of the global market for azimuth and pitch bearings. Seeking to expand further within the sector, Tianma invested in advanced machining technology to support the development of wind turbine main shaft bearings.

This strategy led to the acquisition of a vertical grinding machine from Starrag Group. The collaboration between the two companies began in 2020, when Tianma purchased a large vertical grinding centre with turning capability for its Chengdu plant. According to Mu Bin, assistant to the chairman and technical director at Tianma Bearing, the machine significantly improved machining efficiency while ensuring outstanding product quality.

The success of this first installation established strong trust between the two companies. When Tianma sought to enhance its capabilities for producing wind turbine main shaft bearings, components that demand extremely high precision and reliability, it again selected Starrag technology.

The Starrag Berthiez RVU 2300/220 vertical grinder has delivered impressive results. Machining time for sample components has been reduced from three to four days to just four to five hours, increasing productivity and accelerating R&D cycles.

More information www.starrag.com

Interpon, AkzoNobel’s powder coatings brand, says it is redefining the role of sustainability in powder coatings applications and inviting manufacturers and designers to ‘Own Your Impact’ – a new, holistic approach that turns sustainability into a catalyst for performance, innovation and measurable results. 

Through ‘Own Your Impact’, Interpon helps businesses embed sustainability across their operations and translate environmental ambition into competitive and economical advantage, reflecting its value-driven sustainability belief that performance and purpose go hand in hand. 

It is a call to action, encouraging customers to take control of the areas where sustainability can make the greatest difference to their business. It moves beyond narrow sustainability claims to demonstrate how connected actions, from improving coatings and production lines to reducing waste and emissions, can deliver tangible results across an entire operation.

Working in close partnership with its customers, Interpon provides the products, tools and expertise to bring these improvements to life, helping businesses operate more efficiently, innovate faster and achieve stronger performance with lower environmental impact. 

Jorrit van Rijn, marketing director at AkzoNobel Powder Coatings, says that ‘Own Your Impact’ reflects a results-driven approach to sustainability that connects performance and purpose: “Our goal is to make sustainability work for our customers, not as a separate initiative, but as an integral part of how they run and grow their business. With ‘Own Your Impact’, we help them identify where sustainability creates the greatest value, whether that’s improving line efficiency, reducing energy use, extending product life, or validating progress through data and audits. 

“It’s a complete approach that connects innovation, performance and measurable results. By supporting customers at every stage, we help turn sustainability into better productivity, lower costs, and stronger competitive advantage.” 

More information www.interpon.com

DN Solutions, the world’s third-largest and South Korea’s leading machine tool manufacturer, has launched its new DNC series (DNC 8050, DNC 8060) of high-precision grinding machines for semiconductor manufacturing.

The name ‘DNC’ stands for DN Solutions Ceramic, representing the company’s ceramic machining equipment. These machines are designed to manufacture consumable components such as focus rings used in the semiconductor wafer process. Since these parts operate inside chambers that endure high temperatures and exposure to chemicals, they are made from materials like quartz, ceramic and silicon carbide (SiC) — all of which are notoriously hard to machine. The DNC series enables precise grinding of these hard-to-cut materials.

Quartz is harder than carbon steel yet brittle and prone to fracture, making it challenging to machine with conventional tools. Even with costly diamond tools, micro-cracks and breakage often occur. Moreover, quartz is sensitive to impurities, demanding an exceptionally clean machining environment.

To address these challenges, DN Solutions developed a high-performance grinding spindle for the DNC series, capable of 10,000 rpm and 7.5 kW output. This spindle delivers both high productivity and precision, even when machining difficult materials such as quartz and ceramics.

Vibration- and heat-induced errors have also been minimised. The monolithic, high-rigidity bed and high-precision feed-axis guides suppress vibration and prevent thermal displacement during long continuous operations. While conventional machines tend to lose precision due to spindle drift, DN Solutions says its DNC Series ensures long-term accuracy and structural rigidity, extending equipment lifespan.

Fine quartz dust (sludge) produced during machining can cause serious equipment failure. To prevent this, DN Solutions adopted a fully enclosed sliding cover that shields the inclined bed surface, blocking coolant and dust from entering the machine interior.

More information www.dn-solutions.com