Medical sector specialist and recent university spin-out, Hooke Bio in Shannon, has purchased a German-built Hermle C250 five-axis VMC through sole UK, Ireland and Middle East agent Kingsbury.

Hooke Bio’s R&D engineer Shane Devitt explains: “We wanted a five-axis machine to produce components in one hit rather than two, as we need to hold tolerances down to ±5 µm and that is difficult if a part has to be re-clamped. Even with a drilled hole, where the accuracy of the diameter is defined by the cutter rather than the machine, it can have a slight offset if it has to be drilled from either side to meet in the middle, and that causes a dramatic alteration to fluid flow.
“Unlike when early prototypes were being made at the University of Limerick on a three-axis VMC of another make, work is now automatically repositioned in-cycle using the rotary axes of the Hermle,” he continues. “It allows us to hold the accuracies we need and there is no tolerance build-up.”
Engineering manager Daniel Murphy adds: “We moved into our new premises in April 2019 and the Hermle arrived soon after. We need to make around 40 different parts for an Enigma prototype platform, half of which are rotational and would normally be produced on a lathe.”
The Enigma platform aims to use 3D cell cultures to generate more-reliable data than current drug screening technologies, and at higher throughput.
“To avoid the expense of investing in a turning centre at this early stage in our business, we make all components on the VMC, despite it not having a torque table and integral turning capability, as that also would have cost more. Round components are produced by circular interpolation milling, and the rigidity of the Hermle ensures that all features are within tolerance.”
For further information www.kingsburyuk.com

Schuler Pressen GmbH has reached an agreement with a strategic investor group based in Munich regarding the takeover of its die manufacturing activities in Göppingen and Weingarten, Germany.

With effect from 28 February 2020, the investment companies Navigator Capital GmbH and Accursia Capital GmbH will take over Schuler’s former body panel business unit, including around 200 employees across both sites. The new owner will operate the business unit as Cartec Tooling GmbH under the umbrella of the planned company, Deutsche Werkzeugbau (DWB).
For further information www.schulergroup.com

A total of 17 German machine-tool manufacturers arrived in Mexico recently to establish and cultivate close contacts. The VDW (German Machine Tool Builders’ Association) organised two technology symposia in Querétaro and Monterrey in the first week of December. Around 300 high-calibre customers took part in the events, which proved a resounding success.

Mexican demand for German machine tools has quadrupled since 2010, reaching approximately €372m last year. Germany has thus established itself as the third largest supplier to Mexican manufacturers after the USA and Japan. In addition to organising presentations, B2B meetings and two factory visits, the German companies also spent time familiarising themselves with processes in Mexico’s traditionally strong automotive and aerospace industries.
For further information www.vdw.de

CECIMO has elected Dr Hans-Martin Schneeberger as president for a period of two years. His term will focus on the setting of global standards and the uptake of artificial intelligence (AI).

Succeeding Dr Roland Feichtl, Dr Hans-Martin Schneeberger has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the European association. Under his presidency, CECIMO will commit to being the voice of manufacturing in the definition of the digital single market.
The priorities of Schneeberger are in line with the goals of the next European Commission. Europe wants to set the right environment for digital networks and services to thrive, and strengthen itself as a responsible global leader. CECIMO will follow closely all the dossiers on the table, such as cyber security, trade agreements and IP, where valuable input can be provided. Schneeberger has been serving as chairman of Schneeberger Holding AG since 2003. He has also been a board member at Klingelnberg AG for the past 12 years.
For further information www.cecimo.eu

Over the past 45 years, NSK, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of linear motion and bearing technologies, has successfully served the Benelux market.

Supplying an extensive range of linear motion technologies – including linear guides, ball screws, monocarrier and support units – NSK has established an impressive client list in the medical, semiconductor and machining industries, among others. To enhance even further the level of support available to customers, NSK has decided to transfer the distributorship for its linear product portfolio to MCA linear motion robotics, which now becomes an NSK authorised distributor.
For further information www.mcabv.nl