Inventory management has become significantly more flexible with the arrival of the TM Minibox from Guhring. Unlike other vending solution providers, Guhring says it is elevating accessibility to the next level with the desktop TM Minibox, which is compact enough to fit on any workstation on the shop floor.

Guhring produces both standard and special product lines in the UK, maintaining over £5m of stock on-site for next-day delivery. However, for manufacturers wanting to ensure they always have the correct tool on hand, particularly where space is limited, the TM Minibox presents the solution.

The compact TM Minibox enhances the cabinet portfolio and makes tool management more versatile than ever before, says the company. With this compact box, tools are always at hand whenever needed. TM Minibox features four drawers with front heights of 60, 90 and 120 cm, but what is even more impressive are its dimensions. Measuring 630 x 700 x 880 mm (W x D x H) and weighing less than 95 kg, the TM Minibox fits into any machine shop. In fact, manufacturers with large workshops can reduce downtime by installing multiple localised desktop TM Miniboxes instead of one centralised vending machine.

When manufacturers invest in a TM Minibox, the GTMS Basic logistics software module is included as standard. This pre-installed logistics software digitises the most important inventory processes on the shop floor. The software assists manufacturers in managing master data, creating evaluations and handling intra-logistical processes efficiently. This includes parameters such as user data, cost units, partners and suppliers, and article data. Furthermore, manufacturers can better manage and control inventory, achieving complete visibility and traceability that identify tool movements and automatically handle the ordering process to ensure they never run out of tools.

More information www.guhring.co.uk

Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC) has launched its Clearcut range of single-flute balanced routing tools, specifically engineered to eliminate delamination issues when machining aluminium composite material (ACM) panels.

ACM panels have become increasingly popular in signage, architectural cladding and display applications. To meet growing demand for faster turnaround times, more manufacturers are now printing directly on to ACM panels before cutting. This workflow significantly reduces lead times but introduces new machining challenges. ITC says it listened to the industry and developed a solution with its Clearcut range of cutting tools.

“The trend towards printing directly on to ACM substrate before cutting has created a perfect storm for delamination issues,” says Sally Hunt, technical sales manager at ITC. “Manufacturers gain significant time savings in production, but they’ve discovered that conventional cutting tools simply cannot handle the increased complexity of machining pre-printed panels without causing costly damage.”

Traditional cutting tools often leave jagged edges with visible print layer damage, forcing manufacturers to choose between speed and quality. However, with the slow helix Clearcut series of routing tools from ITC, manufacturers can maintain both of the key metrics.

ITC’s solid-carbide Clearcut range is VITREO coated, with the company reporting that the slow helix geometry ensures maximum productivity with unparalleled edge finishes. The single-flute routing tools are available in both coated and uncoated variants, with unbalanced or high-performance balanced tools offered.

The balanced tools are designed for modern digital cutting tables that incorporate high-frequency spindles operating at speeds exceeding 30,000 rpm. Notably, the single-flute balanced design on a 6 mm shank provides construction that eliminates vibration at high speeds, preventing print damage and substrate delamination.

More information www.itc-ltd.co.uk