At the recent MACH 2022 exhibition in the UK, NCMT showcased the Makino U6 H.E.A.T. Extreme wire-cut EDM centre. In addition to using standard wire from 0.1 to 0.3 mm, NCMT says the machine is optionally able to run the largest diameter wire – 0.4 mm – of any machine on the market. The wire is coated and distinct from the uncoated brass wire that is commonly used in industry.

The extra wire thickness, together with the use of a second booster generator in the machine, allows 2-3 times higher productivity and heavier duty machining compared with using a standard 0.25 mm wire. Thicker wire also allows a slower unspool speed, so there is no increase in wire consumption rate. The demonstrations on the NCMT stand focused on the machining of a tall keyway, together with a comparison of machining with 0.4 mm wire and other diameters in a set time, assisted by dual pumps delivering high pressure and volume flushing.

Part of Makino’s U-series wire EDM machine platform, the U6 H.E.A.T. Extreme uses a new Bedra copper core wire featuring a double-layer coating with controlled zinc donation. The wire has been optimised for use with Makino’s generator and is exclusive to the new machine, promoting fast cutting at a reduced wire speed, leading to lower manufacturing cost. Areas of application include aerospace and medical component machining, separating additively manufactured parts, machining tall moulds and dies, and tackling tough nickel alloys.

The U6 H.E.A.T. Extreme also features Makino’s HyperDrive Extreme wire control to raise speed and performance. The system employs servo-motor tensioning that provides both jet and jet-less automatic threading modes, and expands the range and stability of wire tension to overcome the difficult job of reliably threading high tensile strength (stiff) wire.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

At the first ever GrindingHub international trade fair for grinding technology in Stuttgart last month, sharpening specialist Vollmer presented its 5S campaign: sharp, smart, sustainable, social, strong.

Vollmer grinding, eroding and laser machines are backed up by smart and digital services, ensuring maximum sharpness. Thanks to sustainable technologies, the company plays its part in environmental sustainability. Social refers both to the increased importance of social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube, and to the social links between Vollmer and its customers, suppliers and employees, as well as its efforts to support young people. The company uses events and webinars to maintain a strong position as a technology leader, while continually improving the efficiency of its machines and services.

The GrindingHub 2022 exhibition also marked the world premiere of three new VGrind grinding machines, suitable for machining carbide tools. These machines apply the tried-and-tested technology of the VGrind range: they are also based on the innovative double-spindle concept, which enables precise and efficient multi-level machining thanks to two vertical spindles. By expanding its machine range in the area of tool machining, Vollmer can more precisely address the individual needs of its customers.

In addition, Vollmer has added two new machines to its range for grinding circular saw blades. These models are suited to machining tooth faces and tooth tops, as well as the flanks of carbide-tipped saw teeth with a wide range of geometries. The machines feature intuitive operation, enabling users to learn sharpening processes almost instantly. They can be combined with tried-and-tested Vollmer automation solutions for round-the-clock operation without manual intervention.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

Lathe and turning centre specialist CMZ received recognition in the 5th annual National Technology Awards as the best Industry 4.0 company. The award was unexpected, and it is an acknowledgement of the company’s track record and the role it has played in developing advanced software for managing day-to-day work. Staged at the Westin Hotel in Madrid, the award was presented to Iñaki Zumarraga, managing director of CMZ. A grateful Zumarraga dedicated the prize to those he acknowledged as being the real architects: the company’s employees, especially the team of software engineers.
For further information www.cmz.com

Clorindo Mattei started Clortech in 1987, after quitting another specialty toolmaking enterprise in Montreal, Canada. The company has grown to about 20 employees, but maintains founder and president Mattei’s enthusiasm for detail, his work ethic, and his pride in what he has created on the shop floor.

Today the company has two each of Anca’s TG7 Plus, TX7 and TX7 Linear tool and cutter grinding machines, as well as CNC lathes, mills, and an assortment of manual machining equipment in its workshop. The customer base has also expanded, with maintenance and repair gear going out to the Canadian Armed Forces, and drills to railway sleeper installers, as well as tools for traditional clients like Pratt & Whitney.

“The slowdown in aerospace was absorbed by the increase in commodities being shipped by rail,” says Patrick Mattei, vice-president of production and son of founder, Clorindo.

Aviation, however, remains important to Clortech. Part of its offering – besides MRO kits, tool production and contract tool development – is AOG 911, a quick-response tool production and repair service.

“Aerospace is not strictly about complex tools, but often the urgency of tools,” says Patrick. “A lot of the time we get requests for aircraft that are on ground, be it in Montreal or around the world. These aircraft have to fly, so they’ll call us and request a tool on a turnaround that’s within the day, within a couple of hours or within the next day. We’ve got to make it as quickly as possible and make it right first time.”

He adds: “Anca software allows us to be able to program the machine in a time-efficient fashion when producing low-volume parts. It’s so conversational, so user-friendly, that it’s simply plug and play.”
For further information www.anca.com

Sheet metal processing machinery specialist LVD is introducing a new online service and support portal for its customers worldwide. Online Support Ticketing System (OSTS) provides customers with 24/7 access to initiate a support ticket on any service-related concern: request a service intervention, enquire about spare parts, schedule preventative maintenance, register for training, or simply ask a question. The portal streamlines LVD’s support response to address customer requests more quickly and efficiently.

Customers must register for OSTS to receive a private, secure logon to the portal. The service is free. OSTS makes it easy to submit a ticket at any time. LVD then routes the ticket directly to the responsible local service team for immediate action. Information on the status of the ticket is provided in real time. The OSTS portal also documents the communication chain for a customer’s complete LVD machine inventory.
For further information www.lvdgroup.com