Oxfordshire-based specialist subcontractor CNC Techniques specialises in machining Formula One components from exotic metals such as titanium, Waspaloy, Inconel and Hastelloy. The mainstays of the company’s machining capabilities are its Hurco three- and five-axis machine tools. To provide an additional two axes to the three-axis machines, CNC Techniques recently invested in a rotary table from PL Lehmann.

“Although we are kept busy throughout the year, our workload more than doubles in the traditionally busy Formula One months of December through to February,” says company founder Paul Eden. “Therefore, at that time of year, apart from working around the clock, we need to work smarter and employ equipment with greater flexibility.

“As well as giving us the ability to achieve five-sided machining in a single set up, I was assured that a PL Lehmann CNC rotary table would withstand the high forces involved in machining exotics and deliver the required levels of precision,” he continues. “The installation of the rotary table was carried-out by knowledgeable technicians who made all of the connections to our machine tool’s control system. Then, whilst observing the rotary table’s try-out I realised how easy it was to operate. We now use the rotary table along with our Lang Technik work holding. In addition to standing up to the machining forces involved in machining exotics, our new CNC rotary table is simple and fast to operate, and is making a significant contribution to our 3+2 axis machining capabilities.”

As floor space is at a premium in most machining environments, mounting a CNC rotary table inside an existing three-axis VMC provides a major advantage over purchasing a large five-axis machine tool.

For further information
www.lehmann-rotary-tables.com

Stäubli has expanded its MPS robotic tool changer series to cover all robots and payloads. Five new sizes are now available, covering payload capacities from 15 to 80 kg. Key characteristics of the new compact range include repeat accuracy of ±1.5 µm and a wide variety of available transfer technologies.

Automatic tool changing systems can significantly increase the flexibility and productivity of a robot. Indeed, for many manufacturing processes and applications across a wide range of sectors, automatic tool change systems are the only way to address the specific and individual operations required.

All Stäubli robotic tool changing systems are based on a modular product concept, with three different and efficient ways for customers to obtain their ideal tool changing system. The MPS Complete designation offers pre-configured complete systems ready for immediate use and available on short delivery times, while Stäubli’s MPS Modular option offers production-ready solutions tailored to meet individual customer requirements. The third option is MPS Customized, which is designed around the pre-requisites of each unique application.

Feed-throughs for pneumatics or vacuum are already integrated into the locking units of the new systems. For customers considering future flexibility and functionality, there are numerous additional modules available for the transmission of pneumatics, vacuum, signals, data transmission up to 10 Gbit/S, shielding, earthing, RFID tool coding and data storage. Combining these different technologies and modules as required makes it possible to configure a solution for the widest possible range of applications.

The location of the transmission modules is also highly flexible, allowing users to position them as required to suit the individual robot’s cable package, and order them using a simple code.

For further information
www.staubli.com

Streamlining productivity on machining centres has never been so easy with the arrival of the Midaco manual pallet changing system from Hyfore Workholding. This cost-effective system integrates into virtually any machining centre to improve up-time and spindle utilisation rates, while reducing costs.

The Midaco manual pallet interface incorporates a compact shuttle with telescopic legs that can be adapted to fit all machine tools, including those with swarf and coolant systems. Sitting on the guide rails are a receiver and pallet with precision retention studs to guarantee positional accuracy in the machine tool, while an ‘easy-flip’ cast iron handle precisely locks the pallet on to the receiver. As the low-profile receiver does not require an air supply, it is extremely versatile and compatible with vertical, horizontal and special purpose machine tools.

By creating a uniform pallet system outside the work envelope, the Midaco pallet changer enables operators to load, unload and inspect components – and set up jobs – whilst the alternative pallet is in the machine processing components. For batch, production and repeat components, this dedicated solution offers significantly improved production times. In addition, it is possible to easily interchange the uniform pallet configuration between machine tools or even departments.

Manufacturers can also opt for Midaco’s front-loading ‘side by side’ shuttle pallet system that is supplied with one cast-iron pneumatically-powered receiver, or cast aluminium pallets and one ‘side by side’ shuttle interface that allows the operator to switch pallets in seconds. With this system, the operator simply activates the pneumatically powered receiver that mounts to the machine table and clamps the pallet.

The system is available in a range of variations that include pallet sizes from 406 x 356 mm to the largest 1829 x 762 mm.

For further information
www.hyfore.com

Forkardt, a Hardinge brand and international provider of work-holding solutions and accessories, has upgraded its FNC+ quick jaw change power chuck, a universally applicable wedge style power chuck offering increased versatility and manufacturing efficiencies, as well as reduced set up time.

New features and capabilities include a revised base jaw profile that allows the chuck to accept base jaws from competitive brands. This capability permits users to continue utilising the current inventory of base jaws, irrespective of manufacturer. In addition, the through-hole is now larger to meet the needs of today’s machine tool builders and dealers.

The chuck also features a more compact design, where the FNC+’s reduced chuck body weight results in less mass on the spindle, allowing machine manufacturers to permit/machine a higher workpiece weight and attain higher spindle speeds than ever before. Furthermore, the low overall height allows customers to machine longer parts, simultaneously increasing the usable work envelope of the machine.

Another upgrade is the newly designed and installed piston safety device, which makes it possible to easily and safely mount FNC+ on vertical spindles, while the clamping chuck jaws can now only be unlocked, adjusted and changed with the original actuating key.

Forkardt’s FNC+ also now mounts with six instead of three bolts to the spindle, offering a higher rigidity of the chuck body.

The 3FNC+ is available as straight or angled serration version in sizes 185 to 630.

For further information
www.forkardt.com

The Industry 4.0 revolution has seen many companies reconsider the day-to-day running of their facilities; now more than ever customers are introducing automation and cloud-based data sharing into the manufacturing process. Nikken’s global team of engineers is proud to have created a range of advanced digital solutions, designed to work alongside the company’s products to increase productivity and optimise any process.

One such example is Tool ID. Developed in collaboration with partner Elbo Controlli, Tool ID is a suitable way of introducing Industry 4.0 processes to any tool room. Designed to provide two-way transfer of measurements between the presetter and the machine’s NC tool table, Tool ID incorporates a handheld scanner that is fully integrated with the presetter to scan and read a unique data matrix tag located on the tool. Once the tool has been measured, the measurement data is centralised within the Tool ID database, ready to be accessed from a similar scanner located at the machine.

Another innovation is TP32, Nikken’s all-encompassing tool data management system, which controls all tooling assemblies and components, providing a complete database of stock, item locations and machines. Suitable for busy shop floors, TP32 streamlines any tooling process, providing overall management of setting sheets per machine and per part, ensuring the use and logging of correct gauge lengths.

In addition, for tracking manufacturing performance Nikken offers its I/O condition monitoring system, which allows customers to actively study the day-to-day functions of their Nikken rotary product via customisable data visuals. Nikken I/O can provide additional reassurance that equipment is functioning at maximum capacity by collecting live data on uptime, usage, collisions, backlash and servo current.

For further information
www.nikken-world.co.uk