At last month’s EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover, machining centre builder Brother introduced a variant of its Speedio U500Xd2-5AX 30-taper, five-axis machining centre able to deploy 100 different cutting tools, without the need for manual intervention. The new development addresses the accelerating industry trend toward high-mix, low-volume production and the need for prolonged periods of lights-out, unattended operation. The sole sales and service agent the UK and Ireland is Whitehouse Machine Tools.

Designed in accordance with Industry 4.0 principles, the U500Xd2-5AX 100T is aimed at subcontractors and OEMs that are already converts to using the efficient face-and-taper BBT30 tool interface, or are receptive to its merits, as opposed to the continued use of 40-taper machines. 

According to Whitehouse Machine Tools, compelling reasons for adopting 30-taper platforms are the very high-speed axis motions, which minimise idle times and raise productivity, the typically 80% reduction in electricity and air consumption, and the compact footprint.

Previous limitations on tool capacity and process integration within a minimal space on a factory floor have been eliminated, and a side shutter for robotic loading and the availability of automated workpiece or pallet storage and handling equipment allows the formation of a fully automated production cell. 

The tool count has been boosted by mounting a 36-tool stocker on either side of the 28-tool turret magazine, enabling manufacturers to keep an unprecedented number of different tools, sister tools and special cutters ready for use, without operator involvement. 

Despite the large tool storage capacity, the machine maintains its rapid 0.7-second tool-to-tool change time, while other top-end features also remain the same. The new model is equipped with Brother’s latest CNC-D00 control system featuring 15-inch LCD touch panel.

More information www.wmtcnc.com

Smooth, precise and with perfect timing: modern landing gear works just like an eagle about to land. For the first time, Starrag presented a fully assembled nose landing gear of the Airbus A350 at last month’s EMO 2025 exhibition in Hanover, Germany, representing a symbol of a close partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace that has lasted over 20 years.

It all began in 2004 in Lindenberg, Bavaria, with a single Droop+Rein FOGS machine. Today, the partnership has developed into one of the most productive in the field of landing gear production. To celebrate, Starrag exhibited a fully assembled nose landing gear for the Airbus A350 – manufactured by Liebherr-Aerospace Lindenberg and machined on a Droop+Rein machining centre.

The partnership represents the shared journey of two global specialists – one at the system level, the other in mechanical engineering. It is a collaboration of equals based on technical understanding, long-term thinking and a global perspective.

“The trust that Liebherr-Aerospace has placed in us for two decades is both an obligation and an incentive for us,” emphasises Heiko Quack, director of sales for large projects. “Together, we’ve developed processes that are considered a global benchmark – especially when it comes to safety-critical components.”

For over 20 years, the two companies have been working closely together to produce one of the most demanding components in the aviation industry efficiently, reliably and with maximum vertical integration – landing gear. Starrag supplies the machining technology; Liebherr the system solution.

Liebherr-Aerospace operates one of the most modern landing gear production sites in Europe at its Lindenberg site, where four Droop+Rein FOGS machining centres work in combination. This capability is supplemented by robot-supported tool systems, laser measurement and integrated automation.

More information www.starrag.com