INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Okuma announces green credentials

Since October 2022, production at Okuma’s three main machine tool factories in Japan has used only carbon-neutrally generated electricity, a goal achieved earlier than expected. The firm’s machining centres, CNC lathes and grinders are available in the UK and Ireland through sole agent NCMT.

Okuma also says that, from April this year, it will be labelling certain of its products ‘Green-Smart Machines’ if they are able to cut energy consumption considerably. These machines reducepower usage thanks to a trio of advanced technologies: the Thermo-Friendly Concept, whichnegates the need for a warm-up period; ECO Suite plus, which provides autonomous energy saving by monitoring spindle temperature and the pump; and systems for spindle cooling, which Okuma says reduce energy consumption by as much as 68% due to optimised control.
For further information www.ncmt.co.uk

All-in-one: Mitutoyo’s Roundtracer Extreme

Covering every base in the area of roundness testing, the all-new Roundtracer Extreme is a CNC roundness/cylindricity measuring system that the company says is ready for anything. This novel quality-assurance machine integrates roundness, contour and surface roughness functions in oneefficient device.

Mitutoyo’s Roundtracer Extreme consolidates processes and improves productivity through the combination of multiple measuring methods. Notably, the machine is able to perform a variety of quality assurance and precision measuring tasks with the aid of Mitutoyo’s powerful yet easy-to-use software.

The multi-functional system is equipped with cutting-edge technology to improve the efficiency of measuring tasks. To this end, Mitutoyo has enabled continuous automatic measurement through the application of a three-step motorised sliding axis and a detector and holder, capable of changing the stylus angle. This feature makes it easy for users to measure objects of any shape or size, while avoiding interference from the workpiece.

To improve repeatability and reproducibility, Mitutoyo took great strides in advancing the architecture of the system’s centring table to reduce any positional changes of the workpiece during the measurement process.

Conceived as a premium Mitutoyo product, the Roundtracer Extreme intends to be the upcoming standard for multiple measurements in quality assurance departments around the globe. Ready for applications across a wide variety of workpieces, it will deliver efficient, high-precision measurements and analysis, reports the company.
For further information www.mitutoyo.co.uk

Verisurf features engine builder metrology solution

Verisurf Softwarefeatured a turnkey metrology solution designed for performance engine builders at the PRI (Performance Racing Industry) show in Indianapolis last month. The solution includes 3D measurement software, hardware, training and support, for reverse engineering, designing, building, tuning and verifying high-performance engines and components. Engine builders can use the solution to replicate and check engine heads, blocks, pistons, crankshafts, intake and exhaust ports, camshafts, conrods, rocker stands and more.

A major components of the metrology solution is Master3DGage, a portable CMM arm powered by Verisurf software. The Master3DGage is a high precision, six-axis, 1.2m portable CMM arm that is compact and shop-floor ready. AC or battery-powered, the Master3DGage can be used on the bench, in the shop or even right under the hood, if necessary, to check for best fit or confirm clearances before components are produced or installed.

The solution,powered by Verisurf software, was developed based on features modules. For maximum user flexibility and efficiency, users can combine certain modules to create application suites. The engine builder solution includes:Verisurf CAD, Measure and Reverse modules; software updates and technical support; a Master3DGage portable CMM; a 9.5 mm silicon nitride extended-port probe; a Master3DGage and Verisurf installation and set-up video; and unlimited online training.

Verisurf is built on the Mastercam platform and can import, modify and export any CAD file format. The unified user experience is able to 3D-scan and reverse-engineer features, surfaces, parts and assemblies; generate CNC programs; back-plot and verify tool paths; push files for CNC machining; verify finished part quality against the intelligent 3D CAD model; and output quality reports.
For further information www.verisurf.com

Creaform joins C-TPAT

Creaform, a specialist in portable 3D measurement solutions and engineering services, is joining more than 11,400 partners of the trading community as a fully accredited member of the Customs-Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programme, an endeavour to strengthen the security of its supply chains.As a C-TPAT member, Creaform will now be considered low risk and therefore less likely to be screened at US ports of entry, saving time at the border. The programme also provides several other advantages, such as access to the membershipdirectory and the establishment of a single point of contact.
For further information www.creaform3d.com

Sunnen buys Hommel Prazision

Sunnen Products Co has acquired Hommel Präzision, a provider of honing and deep-hole drilling solutions in Germany for more than 70 years. Since 1950, Hommel Präzision has been the exclusive sales and service partner of Sunnen in Germany. The company’s sales and technical service teams will all remain the same, further augmented by the service and support of the Sunnen global network. “Hommel Präzision is a well-respected, customer-focused organisation and we are happy to have them as an official part of Sunnen,” says Chris Miltenberger, president and CEO of Sunnen.
For further information www.sunnen.com