Vollmer, a specialist in tool grinders, has launched the VGrind 340S. Complementing the existing VGrind series of machines, the latest VGrind 340S has been specially developed for producing and re-sharpening small carbide tools with diameters from 0.3 to 12.7 mm.

Drills and milling cutters in this size range are in high demand in the automotive, electronics, connector and medical engineering sectors, where assembly space and components are becoming smaller and smaller. Automation options on the VGrind 340S allow tool manufacturers to use the machine for unmanned production around the clock.
The VGrind 340S is not just suitable for producing rotationally symmetric tools, but for re-sharpening; relying on the company’s tried-and-tested VGrind technology to achieve this functionality. VGrind see two vertical spindles made available for different grinding wheel sets, which makes it possible to reduce non-production time. Five harmonised CNC axes achieve interpolation, with short travel distances for the linear and rotary axes. These machine kinematics reduce idle times and the subsequent time required to machine workpieces.
As well as the rotary axes, the linear axes are also designed as direct drives (linear drives) for the first time. Unlike ball screws, these axes are non-contact drives and are therefore not subject to wear, increasing the service life, precision and longevity of the machine. The VGrind 340S also features a steady rest to ensure optimum tool concentricity during grinding, while a back rest is available as an option for longer drilling tools.
NUMROTOplus software enables a 3D simulation of the tool production process and makes it possible to carry out collision monitoring in advance. The height-adjustable and pivoting touchscreen control desk, as well as the generously dimensioned view of the machining space, make for ergonomic machine operation.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

The MEBA3D 335 is said to be a fast and cost-effective solution for the removal of 3D-printed parts from their base plates. Well before 3D sawing became a trend, MEBA had developed a concept for separating 3D-printed parts from the base plate that offers fast process times and good cutting results, with low operating and cost expenditure. The MEBA3D 335 concept is based on the straight cut saws of the MEBAeco product family, which are designed to offer high efficiency and optimum cutting results.

This metal-cutting bandsaw is equipped with a special clamping device for mounting plates that can be precisely aligned in order to release the 3D printed workpieces exactly on the customer’s own mounting plate. MEBA’s saw can be fitted with a housing in the working area of the saw that protects against dust, and with an additional suction device, if required.
Compared with conventional production processes such as wire EDM, MEBA says that its 3D saw concept is extremely uncomplicated, with just a few operating steps: simply clamp and saw. Acquisition and maintenance costs are also said to be significantly lower, while the long service life of the saw blade is another factor that helps keep costs low.
Utilisation and amortisation of the saw are further enhanced by the fact that MEBA3D 335 saws can also be used for standard sawing operations with a minimum of changeover effort.
An additional advantage of the MEBA 3D system is that, in many cases, existing MEBA saws are compatible and can be upgraded easily and economically. The system was successfully demonstrated to visitors at the Formnext exhibition in Frankfurt during November.
For further information www.meba-saw.com

Based in Faridabad, near New Delhi, Basco Tool Industries manufactures carbide-tipped circular saw blades, and has relied on sharpening technology from Vollmer for more than 15 years. To date, Vollmer has supplied seven machines to the company, including models from the CP and CHP model series.

Vikas Tiwari, CEO of Basco Tool, says: “We currently manufacture around 3000 carbide-tipped circular saw blades a month for companies across the metalworking and woodworking industries. Our vision is to not only increase the quality of our products and services, but achieve further growth. We want to be producing at least 10,000 saw blades per month within a few years.”
With around 20 people, Basco Tool produces over 25 variants of carbide-tipped circular saw blades for Indian manufacturers.
Vollmer machines on site include a CHP 840 and two CP 200 sharpening machines. With the former, carbide-tipped circular saws can be sharpened in a single set-up. The CHP 840’s four CNC-controlled axes allow the complete machining of all common tooth geometries, even when sawing with an axial angle and group toothing.
CP 200 machines are equipped with multiprocessor technology and integrated software programs. As a result, whether it is tooth faces or tooth tops, grinding speed can be freely selected and there is no need to set tooth pitch or blade thickness.
Basco Tool customers are primarily based in the north and east of India. However, the aim is to establish additional regional distribution and service centres and, ultimately, become the leading manufacturer of carbide-tipped circular saws in India.
For further information www.vollmer-group.com

A new sole agent for the UK and Irish markets has been appointed by Taiwanese machine-tool manufacturer, Leadwell CNC Machines.

Newly formed WH-Lead Ltd is a sister company of Whitehouse Machine Tools. Seamless continuity of supply in Britain and Ireland is assured, as Mike Heapy and Brendan Parrott from the previous agent, Lead Precision Machine Tools, have joined the new organisation. A representative selection of Leadwell machines will be available for demonstration in the new Towcester facility from May this year.
For further information www.wh-lead.co.uk

Industrial gearbox manufacturer Radicon has supplied its largest-ever order. The Elland-based company sent eight gearboxes to Hongsa Power in Laos as part of a $1.5m deal.

Radicon was introduced to Hongsa Power Company, the largest power provider in Laos, by a long-standing customer in Thailand, who recommended the West Yorkshire company. Each drive package weighs over 25 tonnes and all have been mounted on baseplates with brakes and lubrication systems.
For further information https://radicon.com/