The two-machine X series of two- and three-axis surface grinders from Taiwan-based Perfect has long been a part of RK International Machine Tools’ portfolio of precision grinding machines. Now, thanks to the addition of full CNC in the form of the Siemens 828D control, these machines have gained even greater versatility, with the three-axis versions now able to perform full contour grinding as standard.

The X25 with its 250 x 500 mm table – and the larger X36 with 300 x 600 table – feature 550 mm and 600 mm clearance between table and spindle centreline respectively. Both variants are based on a construction that was developed through FEA for added stiffness and support. Spindles are also high-performance P4 units with precision angular contact bearings delivering runout of <2 μm. The spindle itself features an inverter giving users a choice of spindle speed to suit specific materials. Craig Digweed, RK International’s product manager - grinding products, says: “With the addition of full CNC control from Siemens, the X series provides, as standard, cycles to cover surface, crisscross, plunge and pitch [same pitch and same depth] grinding. However, customers can now specify optional cycles such as stair, side, profile and contour grinding, giving them much greater control over their operations.” Table speed ranges from 1 to 25 m/min, dependant on machine specification, with a cross feed of 1100 mm/min on all machines. A table mounted, three-piece dressing diamond is standard and, to accommodate the variety of additional grinding cycles, rotary and roller dressing devices can be offered for wheel forming options. For further information www.rk-int.com

IMTS 2020, which is set to take place in Chicago on 14-19 September, has launched a dedicated educational resource on its website to help rebuild the manufacturing supply chain post-COVID.

The new mini site provides a repository of information to help manufacturers, OEMs and job shops increase resiliency when faced with future disruptions. Content includes stories, videos, webinars and podcasts that provides the manufacturing industrial base with guidance on how to rethink, re-engage and re-establish its supply chain.
For further information www.IMTS.com/supplychain

In Europe, Telsonic is adding vibration friction welders from Korean manufacturer Daeyoung to its portfolio of plastic bonding technologies.

The business relationship already enjoyed by the two companies in the North American market (US, Canada, Mexico) will now be extended to Europe, Russia and North Africa. To this end, the Telsonic GmbH centre of excellence in Germany has been expanded to assist users on-site with support and technical service, from design to tool manufacturing.
For further information www.telsonic.com

Heraeus Amloy and Trumpf have started working together on the 3D printing of amorphous metals.

Their goal is to establish the printing of amorphous parts as a standard production method on the shop floor by improving process and cost efficiencies. Amorphous metals are twice as strong as steel, yet significantly lighter and more elastic. These materials exhibit isotropic behaviour, which means their properties remain identical, regardless of the direction in which the 3D printer builds up the workpiece. Heraeus has optimised its amorphous alloys for 3D printing and tailored them for use with Trumpf’s TruPrint systems.
For further information www.heraeus.com

Changing what is the company’s most popular product can pose significant risk, but in the case of Ceratizit Group’s SilverLine solid-carbide milling cutters, taking that calculated gamble has paid significant dividends for users, who can now enjoy improved performance from the totally updated range.

While cautious not to make change for change’s sake, the development team was tasked with improving the three key elements that give a solid-carbide tool high performance, namely the carbide substrate, coating and geometry.
Demonstrating that SilverLine was a “good tool made even better”, extensive field trials were undertaken in Germany. The test results speak for themselves, as highlighted by the example at long-standing SilverLine user Heinz Knöpfle GmbH.
Says production director Christian Knöpfle: “As big fans of the original SilverLine tools, we had very high hopes, but the amazing results that we’ve achieved with the upgrade have far exceeded expectations.”
The results from the trials showed a tangible increase of between 20 and 40% in cutting speeds. At the same time, service life increased by 30 to 40%.
“I noticed straight away that the new SilverLine tools are quieter, thus reducing the burden on the machine,” says Knöpfle. “The values obtained over the months then confirmed this; we have a new favourite tool.”
In the tests, SilverLine was initially used for machining a stainless steel polygon shaft, which Knöpfle produces in various sizes for a water management company.
Says Knöpfle: “We use the tool at extremely high cutting speeds and therefore achieve excellent chip evacuation, with a service life and level of process security that other milling cutters never reach. This is ideal for users like us, who only wish to use a small selection of tools.”
For further information www.ceratizit.com