In response to the challenges facing the machining sector due to the onset of COVID-19, Orderfox.com – a major online marketplace where CNC machine shops can secure contracts – is offering free access to its digital platform until 30 April. As such, machinists can keep operations and production activities running to safeguard their long-term future.

CNC machine shops can easily make their capacity available to the entire manufacturing sector via Orderfox.com, using filters to specify technical and lead-time capabilities. Users can now communicate, submit quotes and manage incoming RFQs digitally and free of charge. Orderfox.com says: “If we stick together, we will win this battle and come out of the crisis even stronger.”
For further information www.orderfox.com

Following the acquisition of US-based waterjet cutting solutions specialist, WardJet, AXYZ is now stocking and distributing a range of waterjet machines in the UK and throughout mainland Europe and Asia.

Among the offer is the latest small-format WardJet waterjet cutting machine. Part of the A series of machines, the A-0612 shares the same industrial design features and performance capabilities of the larger-format models, but in a more compact size.
The A-0612 has been developed to accommodate the requirements of engineering shops where floor space and the need for more cost-effective production equipment are major considerations. A key benefit of the machine is that, although similarly configured waterjet machines invariably operate at pressures ranging from 2068 to 3103 bar, the A-0612 will operate at 4137 bar. This enables machine owners to match the performance capabilities of much larger waterjet machines, but at a commensurately lower cost.
In common with all of the larger-format machines, the A-0162 is based on a heavy-duty tank construction embodying formed 6.35 mm thick steel for the side and floor, and a 125 mm box channel for added strength, supported by a 12.7 by 150 mm steel reinforcement bar. The A-0612 also incorporates multiple cutting-tool heads, an industrial-grade rack and pinion drive system, and an optional water level control system and cutting table enclosure. These attributes combine to reduce splashback (and thus conserve water) and subdue machine noise.
The machine is supported with proprietary MOVE motion control software and a comprehensive performance warranty.
For further information www.axyz.co.uk

Fabrication and CNC machining subcontractor Inishowen Engineering has increased the size of its production facility in County Donegal.

The move follows an €11m investment in a new 160,000 sq ft factory that opened on a 7-acre site in Drumfries, in early 2019. As part of the expansion programme, which started in April 2017, an extra €19m has been spent on machine tools, a pair of robotic welding stations, and finishing equipment, including shot blasting booths.
As well as the replacement of a CNC tube bender and a plasma cutting machine with more modern plant, and the purchase of another large machining centre, further machines introduced include a 12 x 2 m capacity, 6 kW flat-bed fibre laser cutter that arrived in 2018. This machine joined two 4 x 2 m capacity models of similar power installed in 2015 and 2017. All are BySprint Fiber models supplied by Bystronic UK.
The two smaller fibre laser cutting machines in Drumfries replaced models with 6 kW CO2 power sources, installed in 2007 and 2010. Michael McKinney, owner and managing director of Inishowen Engineering, reports that the former technology is five times as productive when processing 2 mm mild steel, cutting at 40 m/min. The advantage declines somewhat as sheet thickness increases – up to 12 mm is regularly cut – but the sheer speed of the fibre machines across all gauges only serves to underline the need for efficient, automated delivery of material to the point of cutting.
McKinney says: “The BySprint Fibers not only cut significantly faster, but cost less to service and run as there are no optics or need for assist gas, and electricity consumption is much lower. Moreover, greater reliability means we are confident in leaving the machines to run unattended overnight.”
For further information www.bystronic.co.uk

In response to feedback from users, Citizen’s M32 sliding-headstock lathe, a popular model in the Japanese manufacturer’s range, has undergone a fundamental makeover in its fifth design iteration to the extent that half of its constituent parts are new. The machine is also considerably more robust, with a bed 500 kg heavier than that of its predecessor, bringing the installed weight to 4.3 tonnes.

The 10-axis Cincom M32-VIII features a 10-station turret which runs on hardened box ways. Also included is a new tooling system employing a single, heavier duty, 2.2 kW drive to the live cutters. Only the selected tool rotates – a world first for Citizen. The effect is to suppress heat generation and vibration, enhancing machining accuracy and surface finish. Power consumption is reduced and there is less wear on gears and bearings. The latter have been strengthened, providing extra rigidity to withstand torques twice as high as on the previous model, leading to greater productivity.
The gang tool post has been equipped with 1.5 times faster live tools powered by a 2.2 kW motor, as well as a programmable, 50 rpm B axis to enable simultaneous machining in five CNC axes rather than four. In addition, the back tool post with Y axis now has adjustable-angle tooling. Both features enable production of more complex parts. Three tools may be in cut at the same time, supported by the Mitsubishi M850W control with 15” touchscreen.
The 8000 rpm main spindle has been upgraded to 5.5/7.5 kW, while the counter spindle is of the same power, representing a 2.5-fold increase. This specification improves the flexibility with which front-working and rear-working cycles can be shared between the two spindles.
For further information www.citizenmachinery.co.uk

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