INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Injection mould OEM enters UK market

IMM Projects has introduced Beston injection moulding machines into the UK market for the first time.

There are 13 models in the European SYS series, with clamping forces ranging from 600 to 13,500 kN, minimum mould heights from 120 to 1,350 mm, and k1000 or 2000 KEBA interfaces. The clamping system’s ‘V’ design decreases distortion of the mould platen and increases mould life by up to 30%, says the company. In addition, Beston’s linear guide rail has a more effective nozzle seal when compared with a guide post design, meaning it is safe under high pressure.
For further information www.immprojectsuk.com/products

Two subsidiaries in India consolidated

In order to enhance the presence of its products in the Indian market, Toshiba Machine has consolidated the management of its two local subsidiaries: Toshiba Machine (India) Pvt Ltd and Toshiba Machine (Chennai) Pvt Ltd.

Toshiba Machine (India) Pvt Ltd was established in New Delhi in 2006 and has been engaged in the sales and servicing of injection-moulding machines and die-casting machines. Toshiba Machine (Chennai) Pvt Ltd was founded as a Toshiba Machine subsidiary after acquiring all the shares of L&T Plastics Machinery Ltd in September 2012.
For further information www.toshiba-machine.co.jp/india

Machine tool museum set to open

Yamazaki Mazak is set to open its own historic machine tool museum on the 100th anniversary of its founding.

The museum, which will open in autumn 2019, is located in Minokamo, Japan, within the newly renovated underground factory of Yamazaki Mazak Optonics Corporation, currently home to the company’s laser manufacturing operations.
Mazak’s interactive museum will give visitors the opportunity to see, touch and learn about machine tools and their history, with the overall aim being to celebrate the history of machining and educate the next generation of engineers. The museum will exhibit traditional machine tools in operation, as well as showcase the many products they produce. In addition, the museum will be equipped with an FMS area, where the latest machine tools with integrated Industry 4.0 capability will be displayed.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Power chuck offers pendulum compensation

Schunk has expanded its product range with a sealed six-jaw pendulum compensation chuck for clamping deformation-sensitive workpieces.

The special seals located on the serrated jaw interface and pistons of the Schunk Rota NCR-A stop grease from being flushed out and prevent the clamping force from being gradually lost.
According to the company, precise chuck function is assured, even at low clamping forces. In addition, the seal prevents chips or dirt from ingress into the chuck body. This increases process reliability and lengthens maintenance intervals, translating into less frequent lubrication and cleaning of the lathe chuck, says Schunk.
The Rota NCR-A consists of a central chuck piston carrying three inner pendulums aligned at 120°. Each pendulum is connected to two base jaws. This configuration ensures workpiece centering between six contact points, which can be adjusted in pairs. As the clamping forces are directed towards the chuck centre, optimal centering is achieved without distortion of the workpiece.
The chuck adjusts to the workpiece with its oscillating jaws. In the case of ring-shaped workpieces, deformation is reduced by a factor of 10 compared with clamping using three-jaw chucks. Users can also clamp the pendulum of the Rota NCR-A in the centre position during the final processing stage or when clamping pre-turned surfaces so that all six jaws move concentrically. The clamping force between the first and second clamping can be adjusted by means of a pressure reduction at the hydraulic cylinder.
For further information www.gb.schunk.com

Vice holds cylindrical or prismatic parts

The PC80Z self-centring vice from Roemheld is available in a new, two-in-one version that accepts the manufacturer’s optional round inserts, enabling cylindrical components or billets from 44 to 95 mm in diameter to be clamped securely. There is now no need for a machinist to buy a bespoke workholding solution or machine sets of soft jaws to hold parts of different diameters.

The vice can be converted back within a couple of minutes to its conventional role of holding prismatic components; it simply requires the Allen bolts holding four round inserts to be unscrewed and the pair of straight, 80 mm wide jaws to be reinstated. Parts from 17 to 139 mm long can then be secured for metal cutting using the 62 mm clamping stroke.
Of 60 mm overall height, the low-profile unit ensures that not much Z-axis travel is lost on a vertical machining centre. Additionally, despite its all-steel construction, the light weight of only 6 kg avoids taking up undue allowance from a machine’s maximum pallet load, enabling heavier parts to be produced.
Well suited to use on five-axis machining centres and in automated production cells employing pallet magazines, the vice is fitted as standard with the Lang interface for added versatility. Clamping force is 20 kN at 60 Nm closing torque. The device is said to be easy to disassemble and clean, minimising loss of productivity during routine maintenance.
For further information www.roemheld.co.uk