Tool Management Engineered In Record Time

Mapal’s offer for the series production of the motor block required for a new Deutz 3.9-litre
diesel engine included almost 100 different tools, as well as tool holders and adapters.
Effective tool management was therefore a priority. However, in the capable hands of
Mapal, the Zafra, Spain facility of Deutz knew it could rely on the delivery of an optimised
solution.
Deutz’s new 3.9-litre diesel engine sees most use in agricultural and construction machines.
Series production is due to start in the coming year after the current prototype phase. Some
50,000 units per annum will require manufacturing.
“Our clients’ development periods for new parts are becoming shorter and shorter,” states
Thomas Spang, global head of tool management at Mapal.
For the engine block of the new 3.9-litre diesel engine, Mapal only had two weeks after the
design freeze to complete a final offer. When Deutz sent its request, the Tool Management
department in collaboration with the Technology Expert Team (TET) at Mapal in Aalen first
gave some initial thought to the production process.
“To be quick, we don’t concern ourselves with detail at this early stage, but instead pull
together reference tools and concepts from previously completed projects”, explains Harald
Traub, project engineer from TET, who is responsible for planning the entire process. “In this
way, we’re able to specify an approximate budget and the rough scope of the tool package
for the client.”
After initial planning, concrete tool design followed in the second week. Mapal’s offer for
the series production of the motor block included almost 100 different tools. Many of them
are custom tools that achieve short machining time and thus high economic efficiency.
To produce prototypes quickly, a few close-to-standard tools were also specified.
More information www.mapal.com

Lantek opens in Japan

Sheet metal software company Lantek is opening a new subsidiary in Japan as part of its strategic growth plan. The move, which enhances Lantek’s ability to deliver solutions tailored to the Japanese market and machine tool builders, has been made possible through the integration of local company FA Service. The Japanese team comprises over 25 experts with extensive experience in the CADCAM industry and a deep understanding of the Japanese sheet metal market. With this latest expansion, Lantek now operates in 16 countries worldwide.

More information www.lantek.com

Software opens saw blade opportunities

The Loroch range of circular saw-blade grinding machines from Vollmer has seen a software update to the Twin 860 machine, a ‘2-in-1’ solution for grinding metal saw blades with CBN abrasive and TCT blades for the metal-cutting and wood industries. The new software can be integrated into new and existing machines to create new business opportunities for manufacturers.

Users of the Loroch Twin 860 can purchase four different software packages. The software program for ‘skip-tooth’ processing on circular knives and saw blades opens many new business opportunities for Vollmer customers. Perfect for generating a randomly arranged sequence of teeth and gaps, it is even possible to process saw blades with pointed and curved teeth. Skip-tooth blades are versatile enough for everything from wood and plastic to bone and Corian,  meaning manufacturers can now grind and re-grind skip-teeth saw blades for use in the food, medical and FMCG industries.

The plunge grinding program is another software introduction that can benefit the food industry supply chain. Developed for processing circular knives with any number of plunges, the shape of the grinding wheel is reproduced in every case. The number of teeth can either be distributed evenly around the circumference or ground one after the other on a limited segment. Users can even create micro-tooth wave profiles by entering different plunge depths for successive teeth. Manufacturers can now apply V-pointed grinding wheels or wheels with EDM-generated profiles to reduce production times.

Loroch experts have also created a software program for circular knives to accommodate single or double-sided grinding. The software combines with the kinematics of the Loroch Twin 860 machine to permit a maximum bevel angle of 75° at the front and 60° from the back.

More information www.vollmer-group.com

How to choose an iron-cutting machine

Iron-cutting machines are indispensable machinery in sectors such as the mechanical and metalworking sectors, where precise and rapid cutting of ferrous materials is essential. Sthemma, owner of the Thomas range of bandsaws, sets out the different types of iron-cutting machines, the advantages of professional versions, and provides guidance on how to choose the best model.

Manual iron cutters are among the simplest solutions, used mostly for small jobs or occasional operations. Although powered by hand, these machines guarantee good precision and are suitable for cutting thin thicknesses.

Toothed disc cutters for iron are the preferred choice for those seeking high performance and precise cuts on hard materials. The toothed disc is designed to withstand intensive cuts and ensures a long tool life. These models are particularly suitable for precision work on thick and hard materials, such as iron pipes and bars. They also offer a higher cutting speed.

Bandsaws for iron are best suited to continuous, repetitive cuts. Unlike disc saws, they use a band blade that provides greater flexibility and precision, especially on long, irregularly shaped materials. The band blade also provides burr-free cuts.

Professional iron-cutting machines stand out for a series of advantages that make them indispensable in the metalworking sector. In addition to power and precision, Sthemma says that a professional mitre saw guarantees maximum safety and reliability. They also offer speed and efficiency without compromising quality of cut.

Factors for selecting the best mitre saw for iron include engine power, blade or disc type, cutting capacity, and maintenance requirements.

In conclusion, professional cutting machines offer significant advantages in terms of precision, speed and versatility, making them an indispensable tool in the metalworking sector.

More information www.sthemma.com

DoAll releases S-153 micro-benchtop saw

When it comes to precise cutting in tight spaces, mobility and high performance, DoAll says that its new S-153 micro-benchtop saw is the best option for small workshops and those on-the-go. Available from March 2025, the new saw is designed to meet the needs of small-to mid-sized shops and contractors seeking a compact yet powerful tool.

With Do-All providing a sneak peek at the IMTS show in Chicago last September, visitors could see for themselves the portability, space-saving design and precision. Key features of the DoAll S-153 micro-benchtop saw include mitre capabilities (adjustable up to 60° for versatile cutting angles). Users simply rotate the base to the desired angle, as indicated on the angle scale attached to the saw’s base, and secure it in place. With a cutting capacity up to 150 mm in diameter, variable band speeds ranging from 35 to 85 m/min for different cutting requirements.

These features, combined with portability and a compact design, make the S-153 a good solution for customers who need a reliable saw that fits in tight spaces or is easy to move between job sites. Potential users span from machine shops and fabricators to construction contractors, educational institutions and DIY enthusiasts.

Steve Yulga, director of sales and marketing at DoAll Sawing Products, shares his thoughts on the S-153 micro-benchtop saw: “The S-153 represents a shift in how we approach cutting tools for smaller operations. It’s powerful, compact and versatile – everything a modern workshop or contractor needs in one tool. We’re excited to offer this to our customers who demand high performance without the need for a large, stationary saw.”

More information www.doallsaws.com