For more than 25 years, German lathe manufacturer Index has produced and sold worldwide more than 3000 ABC series twin-spindle, twin-turret turning centres, including many into the UK and Irish markets through sole sales and service agent Kingsbury. Now, the fixed-headstock, 65 mm capacity, CNC bar auto has undergone a series of improvements that allow it to address today’s requirement to machine more complex components in smaller batch sizes.

Index’s new model occupies an identical footprint and the working area is essentially the same as before. The latter is especially important to meet the needs of current ABC users by ensuring that existing part programs run without any increase in cycle time or loss in machining quality.

Over the years, the robust, slant-bed lathe has seen ongoing improvements, including to the control and drives. With the latest revision, a notable upgrade is that the upper live tool carrier has gained Y-axis movement and is capable of continuous indexing via a step-less gearbox, opening up many more machining possibilities. Additionally, the turret has centre height adjustment and can be equipped with double tool holders in seven stations for more comprehensive machining of component front ends in the 27 kW/6000 rpm main spindle using up to 14 static or driven tools.

An eighth position in the top turret houses a 4500 rpm synchronous spindle for reverse end-working on a parted-off component in conjunction with five tools, two of which may be live, in a back-working attachment mounted on the headstock.

Control is either by a Siemens S840D sl with Index’s own Industry 4.0 iXpanel, or by a FANUC 31i-B.
For further information www.kingsburyuk.com

Orders received by the German machine tool industry in the third quarter of 2022 were 9% up on the previous year’s figure. Orders from Germany rose by 3%, whereas those from abroad were up by 12%. Demand rose by 26% in the first nine months of 2022. Domestic and foreign orders contributed in equal measure to this figure, accounting for growth of 25 and 26% respectively. Orders received by the German metal-forming technology sector in the third quarter of 2022 were also up, by a total of 7% up on the previous year. Orders from Germany fell by 1% whereas those from abroad were up by 10%.
For further information www.vdw.de/en

Hexagon is partnering with Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), a national research and development centre, to provide software that will help meet a Swedish initiative to advance the use of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and accelerate the adoption of innovative and sustainable processes in European industry. The new application centre for AM will be overseen by a consortium of industry leaders and provide manufacturers with access to a host of AM technologies, including software solutions from Hexagon for AM and quality control.
For further information www.ri.se/en/am-center

Mia Bökmark is the new vice president of product management and R&D at Seco Tools. She reports to Stefan Steenstrup, the company’s president, and is now a member of the Seco Management Group. Together with the organisation, Bökmark will create a stronger connection to customer needs and accelerate the development and deployment of new products, services and solutions. She holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and, prior to her most recent job as executive management advisor in her own company, she held managing positions within SKF for almost 30 years.
For further information www.secotools.com

OGP has launched the SmartScope E7 multi-sensor measurement system into the UK market. Featuring an easy-to-use interface designed for use with a single-operator, the SmartScope E7 cuts down on lengthy training and unnecessary downtime, while delivering a range of features that the company says can transform inspection processes. Suitable for operators functioning at all skill levels, and businesses and subcontractors at all available budgets, the SmartScope E7 makes light work of things that matter most.

OGP UK manager Graham Shaw says: “The SmartScope E7 joins the OGP portfolio as the first in the new E-series range – and as an ideal benchtop solution for the shop floor. One of the most dynamic features of the E7 and the SmartScope range is functionality where complex software is packaged up in an easy-to-use interface.”

He adds: “The system benefits from full integration of the E7 with the Measure-X software package, which is a game-changer in terms of repeatability and reproducibility. There are huge time- and cost-saving benefits, including geometric functions for tolerance and reporting that set the benchmark for the industry.”

Maximising efficiency and repeatability through its sturdy design, the E7 comes equipped with fast video detection, multi-sensor versatility and automatic focus with a 5x digital zoom able to apply instant magnification. The new fixed-lens IntelliCentric optical system delivers high-resolution imaging while the all-LED coaxial illuminates all angles. Suitable for an array of applications, from complex critical components to high-volume measurement of parts at high speed, the SmartScope E7 will be of interest to multiple industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical and more.
For further information www.ogpuk.com