A specialist in tooling systems and solutions for the metalworking industries, Big Kaiser, has introduced the latest version of its EWA fine-boring tool.

Available in the UK from Industrial Tooling Corporation (ITC), the intelligent and automatic tool received its global premiere at the EMO 2019 exhibition in Hanover last September. EWA achieves fast, accurate boring because the process does not need to be stopped to make measurements or manual adjustments. As well as saving time, this instils confidence in the operator and minimises costly scrap that can result from manual adjustment errors.
Notable, the EWA’s motor is sealed against dirt and water to IP69 rating. The clamping system provides additional stability and repeatability to deliver consistently high levels of reliability and precision at cutting speeds above 200 m/min.
To maximise flexibility, the tool offers an adjustment range of 22 mm, which ITC says is substantially larger than similar solutions available in the market. Furthermore, the system has an integrated accelerometer that measures vibration during the cutting process and, in the event of excessive vibration, alerts the machine to automatically adjust its cutting parameters.
“The EWA is far ahead of the rest in its level of automation and sophistication, and this gives our customers real benefits in terms of time and money saved,” says Jose Fenollosa, head of R&D at Big Kaiser. “It also makes it ideal for Industry 4.0 applications.
We are talking to potential customers now, including some leading machine-tool manufacturers.”
EWA is initially available in two versions. The EWA Peripheric covers diameters from 68 to 90 mm, while the EWA Centric incorporates a central boring bar with internal coolant for smaller diameters. Further models for different adjustment ranges are currently in the design phase.
For further information www.itc-ltd.co.uk

Universal Robots is strengthening its commitment to customers during these unpredictable times by introducing free online meetings with expert consultants.

Businesses can now request consultations with local experts from anywhere in the world. Universal Robots believes that even in the most difficult times, businesses should have access to the tools needed to secure improved output and maximised productivity. The company is also launching a series of on-demand webinars, encompassing topics such as machine tending and welding.
For further information www.universal-robots.com

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