Water Jet Sweden has launched Alphajet, the next generation of taper angle control (TAC) and perpendicular waterjet cutting.

Alphajet is mechatronics based on compact design with a fixed TCP point. According to the company, extraordinary cutting result are achieved with carefully selected machine elements and small precise movements at an angular accuracy within ±0.05 mm.
Alphajet features a compact design that means lower weight and less limitations on the work area. This factor is extra beneficial for those who want to arm their machine with more than one cutting tool. Users can fit up to four Alphajet systems on the same machine, thereby quadrupling the cutting capacity without compromising accuracy.
The less movement, the higher accuracy. This principle was one of the guidelines when designing Alphajet, which has a fixed TCP so that the machine’s X and Y axes do not need to move in order to handle TAC.
Alphajet also features a proprietary gearbox design. The 45-30-30° angles require very small movements in the A and B axes when cutting, while the choice to position the tool holder very low on the cutting head provides a low rotation point with small, more accurate movements. Alphajet has the ability to withstand a maximum angular compensation TAC up to ±13°, which the company says is the best on the market.
The mechatronic system is equipped with Fanuc absolute servomotors, thus no reference cycle needs to be run. These absolute motors are directly connected in a harmonic drivetrain to eliminate any mechanical sources of error, such as backlash and play.
No special CADCAM programs are required as IGEMS basic CAM waterjet modules already contain data for the most common materials.
For further information www.waterjetsweden.co.uk

BMW has officially opened its new Additive Manufacturing Campus in Munich.

The new centre brings together the production of prototype and series parts under one roof, along with research into new 3D-printing technologies and associate training for the global rollout of tool-less production. At an investment of €15m, the facility will allow the BMW Group to develop its position as a technology leader in AM. Last year, the BMW Group produced approximately 300,000 parts using this innovative technique. The Additive Manufacturing Campus currently employs up to 80 associates and operates about 50 industrial systems.
For further information www.bmwgroup.com

The launch of the Metav Web Sessions has been an all-round success.

Last month, over 80 Metav 2020 reloaded exhibitors gave 30-minute presentations, some in English, to their customers. The presentations covered major product topics from machine hardware and software, through to components and services. Each of the almost 1600 visitors from over 60 countries attended an average of just over three sessions. A total of around 5000 sessions were booked. There are now plans afoot for further such events in the run-up to ‘Metav 2020 reloaded’ in March.
For further information www.metav.com

‘Your Future Automation’ is the motto for Pepperl+Fuchs’ first online summit, which will take place on 20-24 July.

This free, fully digital event offers customers and other interested parties a way to get in touch with industrial sensor and electrical explosion protection experts, and learn about the latest solutions and trends in the fields of factory and process automation. On each day of the summit, participants will be able to access keynote presentations, live shows and panel discussions on a different automation technology topic.
For further information www.pepperl-fuchs.com/summit

MACH Machine Tools, part of the Vigilance Group, has supplied Aluminium Extrusion Tooling (AET) Co Ltd – a relatively new start-up company based in Gloucestershire – with a new MACH 710MM+ vertical machining centre. The machine was installed at the company’s production facility in Staunton in July 2019.

Since its arrival, the machine has been used to produce high-precision customised hollow, semi-hollow and solid extrusion dies for the company’s growing UK and international customer base, which serves the building/construction, transportation, automotive, consumer goods, electrical and energy sectors.
AET manufactures a range of different diameter dies from 105 to 550 mm diameter. The MACH 710MM+ is being used to machine the smaller to medium-sized diameter dies, with the average size being 260 mm diameter.
Lead times for delivery depend on the complexity of the die, and the customer. The typical lead time for less complex dies is seven days, with three weeks being the average for more complex dies.
Explains Lee Knight, director at AET: “We are in a competitive global industry. As a relatively new company making its way in the world it was important that we invest in advanced and proven machine-tool technologies to ensure that we’re able to meet customer quality requirements and delivery schedules, and to be within their cost parameters.
“The MACH 710MM+ is a technically excellent machine,” he adds. “It’s fast, accurate and reliable – all key performance attributes. We are particularly impressed with the machine’s smooth and responsive acceleration and deceleration, and its ergonomic design that provides great operator access to the machining area.”
In addition to its performance, another positive was that the machine was available immediately from stock and could be acquired on a three-year MACH hire lease contract.
For further information www.machmt.co.uk