Now available in the UK from Tornos is the MultiSwiss 8×26, one of a family of three ranging from 14 to 32 mm spindle size.

Equipped with eight spindles and eight slides for main operations, and accommodating up to three tools per slide, Tornos says that the MultiSwiss 8×26 takes the performance of the MultiSwiss range to another level, both in terms of component complexity and productivity. With eight synchronous motor spindles and fast barrel indexing, the MultiSwiss 8×26 can produce turned parts up to 26 mm diameter.
Offering independently operating 11 kW motor spindles that are equipped with a C axis and counter spindle, the MultiSwiss 8×26 can reach speeds of 8000 rpm in tenths of a second.
Availability comes in three configurations, including: the entry-level option of working without a Y axis; the option with three Y axes for intermediate applications; and the complete machine with six Y axes for the most complex parts. In each machining position, the operator can tailor the speed and machining conditions as required.
Regarding ergonomics, Tornos says the machine boasts the largest working area on the market, with its ‘walk-in’ accessibility offering real savings when changing over jobs. This concept makes the MultiSwiss as simple to set-up as a single-spindle turning machine; the only difference ultimately lies in the number of spindle collets to change. Each spindle is equipped with a C axis, and the machine’s hydrostatic spindle bearing technology offers dampening performance when machining. The MultiSwiss can improve surface finishes and extend tool life by an average of 30%, and up to 70% in some cases, minimising machine stoppages, reports Tornos.
The pre-adjustable quick-change tool-holder system developed for MultiSwiss machines makes full use of kinematics that focus upon keeping tools close to the workpiece. As a result, the machine can hold up to three tools in each position. Tornos offers a range of options to
meet user preferences and choices, and this includes a FANUC CNC unit.
For further information www.tornos.com

Aimed at those requiring small turned parts, Ward CNC has now made the Takisawa TT-1100G turning centre available to the UK market.

Based on Takisawa’s reputation for quality and productivity, the TT-1100G turning centre is a compact twin-spindle machine that has been designed for manufacturers demanding long-term precision and productivity.
The gantry loading and unloading turning cell featuring in-built component stocking system is intended as a partner for the lights-out machining of precision small parts. With a spindle mounted on a single-piece rigid bed casting, the machine incorporates precision hardened and ground box
slide-ways and a high-speed servo turret.
Offered with a familiar FANUC CNC interface, the TCC-1100G has a maximum turning diameter of 140 mm, with a turning length of 121 mm, which emphasises the small-part niche of the machine.
This compact machine provides a number of high-end capabilities, such as a spindle speed of 4500 rpm (6500 rpm optional) with a 5.5 or 7.5 kW motor, as well as 10 tool stations, two 6” chucks and stocking stations that can be configured to suit the particular end user.
For further information www.wardcnc.com

Over £150,000 has been invested by Blum Novotest in bringing its LC-Vision software to market. The software will help firms get the most out of their LC50 Digilog laser-measurement system, which visualises measurement results covering 3D tool control, spindle control and grinding control.

As a result, users from automotive, aerospace,
medical and renewables will know sooner about wear and defects on the tool’s cutting edges, will visualise spindle wear to improve preventative maintenance and see detailed representations of issues with the grinding wheel.
“By utilising a ‘best-fit’ feature, tools can be modified so parts are machined more accurately than before, so every component coming off should be good,” says David Mold, managing director. “Scrapping or reworking should be a thing of the past with this software.”
Blum Novotest’s plan is to include LC-Vision software on machines fitted with its Digilog LC50 laser-measurement system, free of charge. Every application will be shown on the software, but only those purchased will be active, with customers able to purchase additional features as part of a licensing agreement. The company’s engineers will be available to deliver full training.
Further development will eventually cover the rest of the Digilog range, including probe, roughness gauge probe and the bore gauge system.
Says Mold: “LC50 evaluates the analogue signal rather than the digital one, meaning we can take thousands of measuring values of all cutting edges per second, resulting in highly dynamic measurement of tool parameters. In essence, this technology is 60% quicker than conventional in-machine measuring.”
For further information www.blum-novotest.com

HANNOVER MESSE cannot take place this year due to the increasingly critical situation surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. The Hannover region has issued a decree that prohibits the staging of the world’s leading tradeshow for industrial technology. From now until the next HANNOVER MESSE in April 2021, a digital information and networking offer will provide exhibitors and visitors with the opportunity for economic policy orientation and technological exchange.

The world of industry will not be able to meet in Hannover this year. Comprehensive travel restrictions, bans on group gatherings and a prohibition decree in the Hannover region make it impossible to stage HANNOVER MESSE. At the same time, the corona crisis is affecting the economy, and the manufacturing industry – HANNOVER MESSE’s core clientele – is already struggling with serious consequences of the pandemic. Demand and sales in German industry are declining, resulting in supply bottlenecks, production stops and reduced working hours for employees.

“Given the dynamic development around Covid-19 and the extensive restrictions on public and economic life, HANNOVER MESSE cannot take place this year,” says Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairman of the Board of Management, Deutsche Messe AG. “Our exhibitors, partners and our entire team did everything they could to make it happen, but today we have to accept that in 2020 it will not be possible to host the world’s most important industrial event.”

It is the first time in HANNOVER MESSE’s 73-year history that the event will not take place. However, the organizers will not let the show completely vanish. “The need for orientation and exchange is particularly important in times of crisis,” says Köckler. “That is why we are currently working intensely on a digital information and networking plattform for HANNOVER MESSE that we will open to our customers shortly.”

Various web-based formats will enable HANNOVER MESSE exhibitors and visitors to exchange information about upcoming economic policy challenges and technological solutions. Live streams will transport interactive expert interviews, panel discussions and best-case presentations all over the world. The online exhibitor and product search is also being enhanced, for example with a function that enables visitors and exhibitors to contact each other directly.

“We firmly believe that nothing can replace direct, person-to-person contact and we are already looking forward to the time after Corona,” says Köckler. “But especially in times of crisis, we must be flexible and act pragmatically. As organizers of the world’s most important industrial trade fair, we want to offer orientation and sustain economic life during the crisis. We are doing that with our new digital offering.”

Thilo Brodtmann, executive director of Germany’s Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), said, “The cancellation of HANNOVER MESSE 2020 is an unfortunate decision, but it is the only correct one. The mechanical engineering industry must now concentrate on minimizing the consequences of the pandemic in its own operations so that it can start up again. In April 2021, the engineers will be back in Hannover in full force.”

Wolfgang Weber, Chairman of the ZVEI Management Board: “The fact that Hannover Messe 2020 cannot be hosted is a bitter loss, but it is the right decision. For the electrical industry, the fair is the showcase to the world, which unfortunately remains closed this year. So our companies will use the time until 2021 to manage the considerable consequences of Corona. Next year, they will then present themselves with the latest products and solutions for Industry 4.0 and the energy system of the future.”

HANNOVER MESSE 2021 will be held from 12 to 16 April 2021.

WAAM3D Ltd, a spin-out company from Cranfield University, has received major investment from Accuron Technologies, an international engineering and technology group headquartered in Singapore.

WAAM3D is commercialising wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology developed at Cranfield University by a team led by Professor Stewart Williams, and will be rolling it out into the aerospace, energy and other industries. WAAM can be used to produce large metal components with low cost and short production lead times.
For further information https://waam3d.com/