INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Magnetic injection mould clamping system unveiled

Staubli and Mag-Autoblok Tecnomagnete say they have pooled their expertise totake the capabilities of magnetic clamping technology to the next level with the release of the QMC123 magnetic clamping system for injection moulding machines. An essential part of the co-development process for QMC123 was to ensure that the new system not only retained the previous system’s attributes of robustness and reliability, but also a level of familiarity for existing customers who have been using the current system since 2010.

QMC123 provides greater levels of information and features a new and easier-to-use operator touchscreen thatenables the validation of the various safety points during mould-changing operations. The IMAG-Editor software enables the calculation of clamping force for each mould prior to loading, based upon the customer’s specific press. This information highlights any potential problems ahead of production. Furthermore, intuitive guidance is availableto the operator, not only during set up, but also to assist in diagnosing warnings or error conditions, facilitating faster and safe resolution.

The manufacturing processes for the QMC123 magnetic platen design have also seen optimisation to guarantee better measurement accuracy of the clamping forces. In addition, the system is able to detect flux changes before actual mould movement takes place, further increasing safety.

As a further point, the QMC123 magnetic clamping solution will play a key role in SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Die) strategies by minimising the time between the last good part and the first good new part. Moreover, with its data acquisition capabilities, this new-generation technology is also compatible with the principles of Industry 4.0.
For further information www.staubli.com

Okuma to hold open house in November

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Japanese machine tool manufacturer Okuma, as well as the 60th birthday of its in-house manufactured CNC system, OSP. In celebration of these milestones, an open house will take place at the group’s European headquarters in Krefeld, Germany on 21-23 November. The company will also provide guided tours in English and German, live machining sessions and new equipment presentations. Anyone wishing to attend the free event can register at the web address below. NCMT is the sole sales and service agent for Okuma in the UK and Ireland.
For further information https://openhouse2023.okuma.eu

Expediting production of high-precision blades

GF Machining Solutions (GFMS) recently introduced, via its Liechti Engineering AG subsidiary, a high-performance simultaneous five-axis machining dedicated to the fast and efficient processing of high-precision blades used in the aerospace and power generation industries. The Liechti Turbomill 500g, with a whole host of features that include Liechti’s g-technology and ‘Tool Pivot Point’ machining capability, helps manufacturers machine high-quality, competitively-priced blade components in double-quick time, reports the company.

The machine, equipped with a 20,000 rpm HSK-A63 StepTec spindle and up to 2000 rpm turning capability, boasts 2 g acceleration/deceleration rates and 60 m/min linear feed rates, ensuring that the Turbomill 500g gets down to business fast. According to GFMS, the machine helps to reduce part cycle times by up to 30%.

These ultra-fast processing speeds do not compromise accuracy or quality as the Turbomill 500g can achieve blade accuracies of ±0.015 mm, and surface finishes of 0.4 µm. To ensure high-productivity through unattended operation, users can opt to equip the Turbomill 500g with a bar feeder that automatically loads bar stock into the machine.

For consistent, high-quality part production, the machine features direct-drive motors (on all five axes), as well as an internal bed cooling system and intelligent thermal compensation that helps stabilise machining temperatures and reduce the effects of thermal drift. The machine is also equipped with Liechti’s 100 rpm Tool Pivot Point innovation which, available on the machine’s B axis, ensures fast and accurate contouring around blade edges. Reduced movement of the linear axis delivers shorter cycle times, higher positional accuracies and less mechanical wear.
For further information www.gfms.com

Five-axis travelling-column machine offers versatility

A new, larger size of travelling column machining centre in the DMF range manufactured by DMG Mori is now available to provide even more versatile production opportunities within a machining envelope of 3000 x 1100 x 1050 mm. The modular DMF 300|11 with B-axis swivelling spindle head represents a redesign of the established configuration that, compared with the previous series, has seen a 40% expansion in working volume and a 20% increase build rigidity.

The ±120° B-axis houses an integrated 15,000 rpm speedMASTER HSK-A63 spindle as standard, but is available with a 20,000 rpm version, or with a 12,000 rpm powerMASTER spindle offering 288 Nm torque.

The rigid table running the length of the DMF 300|11 accepts workpieces weighing up to 5000 kg for the three- and four-axis machining of large components. Alternatively, it is possible to insert an optional partition in the centre to allow safe pendulum machining of smaller parts.

Fully interpolative five-axis machining can take place at either or both ends, or else in the centre, following the addition of one or two optional rotary tables set flush into the main table surface. The machine can accommodate components weighing 1200 kg, while each C axis is available with a torque drive to provide the possibility of in-cycle turning operations at up to 700 rpm.

In some cases, it may be more expedient to add one or more A-axis rotary tables to enable five-axis operations on horizontally-mounted parts weighing up to 500 kg. It is equally feasible to mount a static column or tombstone on the table for work holding, swing the spindle head through 90° and use the DMF 300|11 as a horizontal machining centre with the added benefit of B-axis motion.
For further information www.dmgmori.com

Mouldmaker adopts automated five-axis machining

Established in the west of Ireland in 1984, Lawrence Engineering specialises in the manufacture of injection mould tools, extrusion tooling, jigs and fixtures for global suppliers in the medical device industry. At its factory in Loughill, County Sligo, the business also builds special-purpose equipment and provides contract manufacturing services, while at another facility in nearby Collooney, medical component manufacturing takes place in a Class 8 cleanroom.

Precision, quality and rapid turnaround times are hallmarks of the family-owned company’s success. Commitment to constant investment in cutting-edge machinery keeps it ahead of the competition. This philosophy is immediately evident when visiting the Loughill site. Purpose-built in 1995, the facility houses an impressive range of machine tools, including machining centres from Hurco and Roeders. Hurco Europe supplies both brands in the UK and Ireland.

In the Hurco cell are a three-axis VM10i vertical machining centre and a larger VM20i, with capacity for machining components up to 1 m long by 500 mm. Lawrence Engineering selected the machines as much for their reliability and ease of programming, as for their metal-cutting capabilities in tool steels.

Managing director James Lawrence says: “We try to keep everything in-house. When we consider the next investment, we’re looking to increase our capabilities, filling any gaps in capacity and aiming to achieve constant improvement.”

A prime example of this is one of two five-axis Roeders RXP500DS high-speed machining centres with linear motors driving all axes. The bridge-type design includes features necessary for ensuring component accuracy and high-speed dynamic motion. The 42,000 rpm spindle enables Lawrence Engineering to machine mould tools directly in hardened metals, often with cutters less than 1 mm in diameter. Moreover, it removes the need for time-consuming electrode manufacture, EDM and subsequent hardening.
For further information www.hurco.co.uk