Horn has expanded its DTM face-milling system to include inserts for the mirror-finish machining of non-ferrous metals and plastics. DTS inserts, which are tipped with monocrystalline diamond (MCD), are said to generate virtually perfect surface finishes with flatness of less than 1 µm.

The new DTS inserts are tailored to the DTM face-milling system and achieve high levels of efficiency and cost-effectiveness in conjunction with pre-machining inserts. Either polycrystalline diamond (PCD) or chemical vapour deposition diamond (CVD-D) is used for pre-machining, depending on the material being processed. All tools for mirror-finish machining are generally designed with single cutting edges, while the remaining insert seats contain roughing or balancing inserts.
The MCD-tipped cutting edge is set to an axial projection of 0.02 mm. Due to the structural design, the PCD-tipped inserts always pre-cut radially. As a result, it is virtually impossible for the MCD insert to be overloaded or damaged. The insert seats of the DTM milling body can be adjusted in the axial direction via an adjusting screw. Every 10° of rotation moves the insert seat by 0.01 mm, which means that the axial run-out of the individual cutting edges can be adjusted with micrometre precision.
An internal coolant supply ensures targeted cooling of the contact zone and efficient chip removal, while the low mass of the aluminium body protects the spindle and reduces energy consumption compared with steel bodies. Horn offers a fine-balancing option for the body to achieve high cutting speeds of up to 5000 m/min and ensure quiet running.
For further information www.phorn.co.uk

As the manufacturing sector begins its recovery from the downturn attributed to COVID-19, Ceratizit has stepped up to provide a helpful hand in controlling tooling costs.

The introduction of its Standard Line of ISO turning inserts is said to provide customers with significant cost benefits, while retaining quality and performance.
In order to achieve these cost savings for customers, Ceratizit has streamlined the Standard Line into just three grades, with a reduced number of seven insert shapes. These shapes include the popular CNMG, DNMG, CCMT and DCMT styles, in a range of insert sizes, giving over 100 inserts from which to select. As highlighted by the insert designations, both positive and negative inserts are available, with a choice of two chip-breaker styles to suit specific machining applications.
Standard Line inserts are manufactured to the company’s exacting standards at Ceratizit’s Reutte, Austria facility, and by limiting the range to the most popular styles and sizes, volume manufacturing is helping to drive down costs.
“The Standard Line of turning inserts will benefit many customers, particularly those in the subcontract sector, where batch sizes may be low and frequently changed, and where business is price-focused,” explains Tony Pennington, managing director of Ceratizit UK & Ireland. “For example, savings when compared with mainstream competitors can be as high as 75% per insert, giving customers the competitive edge they are looking for in these challenging times.”
Standard Line turning inserts are available ex-stock with the same delivery promise as with all of Ceratizit’s products; if ordered by 18:30, delivery is guaranteed the next morning before noon.
For further information www.ceratizit.com

On 1 August 2020 Emag took over Scherer Feinbau, a specialist in vertical CNC lathes and vertical shaft-turning machines.

Both partners benefit from the acquisition: on one hand, Scherer’s CNC vertical lathes will now be marketed worldwide by Emag, while on the other hand Emag will be able to expand its technological know-how. Scherer Feinbau was founded in 1978 and has been part of the Chiron Group since 2012. With effect from 1 August Scherer has been taken over completely by Emag, which is continuing its long-term growth strategy.
For further information www.emag.com

Schuler’s Chinese subsidiary Yadon has received a major order from a central Asian household appliance manufacturer.

The order placed by the customer from Uzbekistan comprises a total of 17 C-frame, monoblock, tie-rod and high-speed presses for the production of heat exchanger plates used in air conditioning systems, as well as parts for washing machines, refrigerators, gas cookers and gas counters.
Yadon delivered the first two 630 tonne presses in less than four months after receipt of the order.
“Presses from each of our three product groups are represented in the order,” reports Liang Cheng, chief strategy officer at Yadon. “We have established a very good business relationship with the customer over the past few years. Such was the positive experience that it prompted the company to place this major order. In addition, we offer a much wider range of products at Yadon than many competitors in China.”
As Uzbekistan is difficult to reach by sea from Yadon’s headquarters in Yangzhou, eastern China, the two machines were transported to the customer by heavy goods vehicles. The Schuler subsidiary also set a speed record in the commissioning of the presses and automation: after just four weeks, production could start.
For further information www.schulergroup.com

First shown last November at the Blechexpo 2019 exhibition in Stuttgart, a new Industry 4.0-ready system for automatically positioning and securing a tool on the ram of a power press and then feeding back production data has been launched in the UK and Ireland by Roemheld.

Flexline offers numerous configuration options for rapidly installing almost any tool on a variety of punching and forming presses. During operation, integrated sensors measure die or punch holding force and monitor it in real-time, allowing data to be transmitted continuously via an interface such as IO-Link to the press control.
Andreas Reich, head of quick die-clamping technology at Hilma-Roemheld in Germany says: “Many press operators like the fact that their systems can be digitalised and networked with little effort. Flexline is suitable for either factory installation or retrofitting. It is simple to operate and inexpensive to purchase, so is a practical, innovative solution that is readily accessible to manufacturers.”
Industry 4.0-ready clamps secure the upper punch or die on the ram of an automatic hydraulic press. The operator then has access to information concerning the actual holding force on the tool and is immediately able to detect unusual clamping and stripping forces during production, as well as tool overload, wear and breakage.
A continuous log of the retaining force simplifies error analysis and enables rapid problem-solving when servicing is required. This functionality facilitates predictive maintenance, helping to stabilise processes and avoid downtime.
Flexline is Industry 4.0-ready and has a modular design for mounting on the clamping edge or in the T-slot of the ram. With its double piston, a clamping stroke of 19 mm and travel speed of up to 150 mm/s, it is said to be suitable for many applications.
For further information www.roemheld.co.uk