INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Five-axis machining protection

CGTech (hall 17, stand 626) will showcase the latest version (V8.1) of its Vericut machine simulation, verification and optimisation software.

A key focus for the exhibition will be the time savings that can be achieved using Vericut, particularly regarding the prove-out of new components. Vericut not only simulates all common machine tool brands, including DMG Mori, Mazak, Makino, Matsuura, Hermle, Chiron, Starrag, WFL and Nakamura-Tome, but optimises the CAM program to modify feed rates, thus making the tool path faster and more efficient.
For further information www.cgtech.co.uk

Chester to launch Style range

Chester Machine Tools (hall 17, stand 564) is using MACH to announce its exclusive UK distributorship for Netherlands-based Style Machine Tools. Since 1991, Style has been making CNC machining centres, all of which feature the company’s proprietary control system, which although offering extensive functions for experienced operators, is also said to be accessible to apprentices.

Highlights of the control system, which features a 19” touch screen, include 3D simulation programs and contouring capabilities, along with the ability to import DXF files directly. The control can also read, process and implement ISO G codes. On the stand, Chester will be unveiling and demonstrating the Style 510 series CNC machining centre.
For further information www.chestermachinetools.com

20 years’ service and still going strong

In 1997, Rosario di Gerlando and José Freire had their very first Deco sliding-head lathe delivered by Tornos.

Still in use today at Lauener’s facility in Boudry, Switzerland, a factory that specialises in products for the watchmaking and medical sectors, the meter currently displays 76,301 hours of operational use. Today, the company has almost 150 machine tools. Indeed, within the workshop dedicated to medical products, only Tornos Deco and EvoDeco machines are in place.“The Deco/EvoDeco product is really accomplished and we are fully familiar with it,” says Freire.
Both the kinematic system and the programming of the first Deco machines from 1996 are similar to those of the more recent EvoDeco series. During that time, numerous attachments and tool holders have been provided with an interchangeable design.
“We decided to purchase the machines due to their flexibility, productivity and precision, and they did not disappoint,” says Freire. “The machines fully meet current requirements and will certainly meet the future needs of the business. Tornos machines are extremely versatile and we can produce virtually any part on them. For us, the kinematic system and PELD language are the really strong points of the Deco and EvoDeco models. When producing complex parts, the machines remain the best on the market; they can produce workpieces that no other machine can realise.”
Thanks to its optimum control characteristics, a new EvoDeco machine installed at Lauener will be fully operational in less than one week.
For further information www.tornos.com

Star set to expand factory in China

Sliding-head lathe specialist Star Micronics has announced details of its decision to construct a new factory building at its machine tools manufacturing subsidiary, Star Micronics Manufacturing Dalian Co Ltd (‘Dalian Plant’), in China. Established as an overseas manufacturing base in Dalian City, China in 1989, Dalian Plant engages in the manufacture of products for sale in East Asia (mainly China), Europe and the United States.

Currently, the Star Micronics group is experiencing a period of continuous strong growth in its machine tools segment operations, both in Japan and overseas. Orders in China are maintaining a particularly high level, substantially above the levels recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year. In fact, consolidated machine tools segment sales are projected to hit a record high for the current fiscal year. As a result, there is an urgent need to bolster the group’s manufacturing structure in order to meet this robust demand.
In expanding its existing manufacturing capacity in China, Star Micronics plans to construct a new three-story building. The first floor will be used as a machine tools option installation and testing area for products that are earmarked mainly for the China market. The second and third floors will house a storage area for components, as well as an area for the assembly of NC operation panels.
In expanding existing facilities with the construction of a new factory building, steps will be taken to consolidate plant operations, which to date have been spread over two locations. Further to improving productivity, this initiative will help bolster the group’s product shipment capabilities and continue to increase sales in China.
For further information www.star-m.jp

Record sales

Press manufacturer Schuler AG says it raised sales and earnings to record levels in 2017.

The company posted consolidated sales of €1.23bn (prior year € 1.17bn) with particularly strong growth in North America and China. Compared with the previous year (€123m), the operating result (EBITDA) rose to €141m. As a ratio of sales, this corresponds to a margin of 11.5% (10.4% in 2016). There were important contributions to the successful annual financial statements from the two strategic investments in Yadon and AWEBA (included in the full-year consolidated figures for the first time).
For further information www.schulergroup.com